Spring has sprung and the crisp yet warmer air is filled with the fragrance of fresh flowers and fried eggs. Indeed, the egg is not merely a symbol of nature’s perennial rebirth, it is also a delicious breakfast food. It can be scrambled, cooked over-easy, poached or hard-boiled. It holds together pancakes and waffles and forms the delicious outer shell of omelets, which, in turn, hold a treasure trove of gooey cheese, crispy bacon and tender veggies.

Join us in this April installment of our monthly Silicon Valley Dining Guide, as we dive into some of the best local restaurants to dig into eggs Bennie, chicken and waffles, home fries and daytime drinks.

Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations
billscafe.com
Saying nothing of their imminent takeover of the South Bay breakfast scene, Bill’s is still up there with some of the strongest breakfast game in town. Their fresh-squeezed OJ mimosas ($7.25) are still a staple for brunch-goers everywhere. The Mexicali Benedict ($14) with carnitas, avocado and house-made salsa is a fresh take on a classic breakfast favorite.

The Breakfast Club
1432 W San Carlos St
bcmidtown.com
Despite being on the scene for less than two years, The Breakfast Club (sans Molly and Judd) has stepped up as a favorite morning spot in San Jose’s Midtown neighborhood. Their selection of five bloody marys ($10) all start with their house bloody mix and are favorites here—and also available gluten-free, if desired. Their red velvet pancakes with cream cheese frosting ($9) are a carb-tastic way to start one’s morning.

Purple Onion Café
Multiple Locations
purpleonionca.com
Not feeling a heavy breakfast? Well, then Purple Onion is a good choice for a menu offering up light, tasty fare that’ll power diners up, but not weigh them down. The lox plate ($9.95) is a great choice for salmon lovers and comes served with a toasted pretzel bun. The spinach quiche ($9.95) is also a nearly perfect rendition, with its buttery eggs and pudding like consistency. Top either one of those off with one of their coffee espressos ($2-4), and the morning will be off on the right foot.

Southern Kitchen
27 E Main St, Los Gatos
southernkitchenlg.com
Not to be confused with the similarly named greasy spoon on Monterey Highway, this quaint downtown Los Gatos spot offers up down-home Southern fare. Their unique take on chicken and waffles ($14)—where the chicken is actually embedded in the waffle and then deep-fried golden brown—is not to be missed. Another “can’t miss” item is their signature shrimp and grits ($15), which won the People’s Choice award at the 2016 Bacon and Beer classic.

Scrambl’z
Multiple Locations
scramblz.com
This family-friendly restaurant is a favorite for parents and kids alike with the kitschy décor, wallet-friendly prices and dine-in VW buses that keep the entertainment coming. Their fresh-squeezed OJ, carrot and grapefruit juices ($5) will help quench the jalapeño-infused fire of their Angry Potatoes ($7). The bread pudding french toast ($7) is another favorite here, with its cinnamon egg batter, topped with the signature caramel raisin sauce.

Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
orchardcitykitchen.com
Jeffrey Stout’s Michelin Bib Gourmand small plates restaurant might be a bit under the radar when it comes to breakfast, but diners shouldn’t miss out. Their signature P.O.G. Mimosas ($10) and Triple B (Biscuits, Bacon & Honey Butter $7.50) are the staples on their brunch menu. Feeling like something daring? Get the lobster burrito ($24.50) that comes with a Fresno chili aioli, tater tots and scrambled eggs and everyone’s favorite marine crustacean for an unforgettable breakfast.

Social Policy
200 S First St, San Jose
sopocafe.com
This modern downtown eatery is known mostly for roasting their own coffee and serving up terrific pastries. However, they’ve expanded the menu recently to include breakfast items like the Avocado Smash ($10.50), which is served on an Acme sweet bâtard and is accompanied with a delightful miso-tahini spread. For those with a sweet tooth, their bread pudding ($10) with its whiskey sauce and chocolate drizzle will put one in a heavenly sugar-induced coma.

Hobee’s
Multiple locations
hobees.com
This local breakfast institution has been serving the South Bay since 1974 with a nice mix of healthy and traditional breakfast fare. Their original smoothie ($6) is a terrific way to get the day started off right, but don’t forget to get some of their aptly-named “World-Famous” Blueberry Coffee Cake ($3). Its crumbly, moist interior is packed so full of antioxidant-filled blueberries that it seems almost semi-healthy.

Village Grill
4075 Evergreen Village Sq, San Jose
villagegrillevergreen.com
This Evergreen gem serves breakfast all day and has a menu that offers classic and inventive breakfast fare. The crab cake Benedict ($13) is packed with lump crabmeat and topped with a terrific Hollandaise sauce. For those who want something special, order the Oreo pancakes ($11) filled with crumbly chunks of Oreos and chocolate chips, all topped with bananas and whipped cream. Diabetes never tasted so good.

Hash House
851 W Hamilton Ave, Campbell
From the owners of Bill’s Cafe comes a more inventive menu and a modern, chic décor. Their strawberry mimosas ($9) are made with Skyy strawberry-infused vodka and tons of fresh berries. Get the churro waffle ($10) for a Mexi-inspired take on a classic breakfast item that comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Mo’s Breakfast + Burger Joint
Multiple locations
grubatmos.com
Mo’s has become a popular neighborhood gathering spot at their locations in The Den and downtown Campbell. The menu is full of delicious breakfast goodies like fried chicken Benedict ($14) that comes with house-made buttermilk biscuits. For a decadent treat, get the Nutella + Bacon-stuffed french toast ($12) for sweet and savory treat. And what’s not to love about a place that offers Bottomless Mo’mosas ($14) all day, every day?

The Mini Gourmet
599 S Bascom Ave, San Jose
minigourmetrestaurant.com
This iconic greasy spoon—and I say that with the utmost love—has been serving up classic breakfast fare since 1971. They don’t do anything fancy, just serve up good eats at reasonable prices. They used to be open 24/7, but have since revised this to just Thursday through Saturday. Get the certified Angus steak and eggs ($15) for a terrific all-American start to the day.

Bajis Cafe
2423 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View
bajis.com
Bajis may not be down the street for most, but this grub destination has been serving up homestyle breakfast and lunch entrees for over three decades. The menu includes a multitude of breakfast and lunch options that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Some of their specials include items such as fried chicken and waffles, cafe country scramble with gravy and a breakfast burrito.

Palo Alto Creamery
566 Emerson St, Palo Alto
paloaltocreamery.com
Most places have phased out making a good ol’ fashion breakfast, like mama used to make from scratch, but not Palo Alto Creamery. Since 1923, they have undergone a few changes but have kept the same wholesome promise of using the simplest ingredients and producing the most well done breakfast. This place has some sweet treats, like their Caribbean french toast, which is topped with coconut, maple syrup and caramelized bananas. Now that’s one dish that will have mama wishing she did it first.

Alice’s Restaurant
17288 Skyline Blvd, Woodside
Alicesrestaurant.com
Family-owned and -operated since the ’70s, the logging era general store-turned restaurant uses locally-sourced ingredients. You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant but try Alice’s Omelet ($13.40) featuring avocado, applewood smoked bacon, swiss cheese and tomato. Or indulge in homemade biscuits smothered in country gravy ($7.95) knowing that a hearty breakfast is balanced out by the restaurant’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Local Union 271
271 University Ave, Palo Alto
localunion271.com
Start the day right with the bloody mary bar or adventurous fresh fruit mimosas like pineapple-jalapeno or blackberry elderflower. Order breakfast classics, including the smoked salmon Benedict ($13) with house Hollandaise, or the special lemon-curry stir-fry with local seasonal vegetables ($20). The family-owned, locally-sourced restaurant also offers catering and large group custom quotes.

The Village Pantry
184 Second St, Los Altos
thevillagepantry.com
This place lives up to its name with a variety of breakfast options that could feed a village. One look inside and this old-school diner can accommodate families or single patrons. They have a beautiful outdoor patio on which to enjoy one of their many omelet options, such as the crab omelette, or choose to build your own.  Any of their Village-named entrees will satisfy your biggest cravings with their Village Benedict, Florentine or scramble.

Jason’s Cafe
1246 El Camino Real, Menlo Park
Sit down with the family for a low-key breakfast served all day. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the cinnamon swirl french toast ($6.95), or feast on the harbor crepe ($12.50) with crabmeat, chives and avocado topped with Hollandaise sauce. Side orders range from bowls of fruit or oatmeal to a country steak or biscuits with gravy, so even the pickiest of little ones can find something.

Ann’s Coffee Shop
772 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park
With its old-school diner vibe, the shop with long counters and quaint booths is a perfect place to drink a cup of coffee with a no-fuss breakfast while reading a newspaper. Try the blueberry and cream waffles ($7.45) or the linguica and eggs ($9.45). Why go to a Denny’s or an IHOP when you can check out this family-owned space?

Deluxe Eatery and Drinkery
71 E San Fernando St, San Jose
For those looking for a stylish and boozy breakfast in the heart of downtown San Jose, there’s no place quite like Deluxe. With the vintage decor and knick knacks, comfy couches and a variety of other seating options—including communal, indoor and a cozy patio—it’s a great place to chow down and grab a few morning cocktails. The Archer-inspired Eggs Woodhouse ($22) is a pricy Metro favorite.

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