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Rise and shine; I hope you’re hungry. 

Grab your Audrey Hepburn shades because we’re going to breakfast, but not at Tiffany’s, we’re going to heaven, Egg Heaven. 

Or maybe we’ll zip over to the kitschy Omelette Inn. Perhaps classic The Coffee Cup or Belmont Shore’s Let’s Yolk About it, unless you prefer the Starling Diner. Forget it, we’ll go to the Potholder — but which location? Oh, you’re vegan? Wild Chive. You want waffles? Bruxie. Crepes? Creme De La Crepe, of course. 

What do you want? 

Have you ever had this conversation with your partner, best friend, parent, frenemy, etc.? If you’re the Rachel McAdams of the pair, I’d like to come to your swift defense — it is, in fact, not that simple. Especially when it comes to the first meal of the day.

Say what you will, but breakfast is something that Long Beach just does right (A+). Today, we’re going to talk about the many (many, many) options in town. But before we do, understand that we’re talking about breakfast, not brunch today. There’s a difference: First off, you won’t be hungover by 5 p.m. (hopefully); second, we can start as early as 6 a.m. and we’ll be done well before 11 (hopefully); and third, there will not be a sea of oversized hats. But in all honesty, there’s overlap.

Let’s get into some of the best breakfast joints in town, in no particular order. 

(Note that I said “some.” Look for part 2 at a later date and another newsletter dedicated to your sacred practice of uppercase Brunch).

Egg Heaven – 4358 E. Fourth Street 

This iconic little Belmont Heights diner has served eggs and plates of massive proportions for five decades and some change. The business has certainly been through it this year, from surviving an egg shortage (God forbid) to another prolonged closure recently. But thank Heavens, the diner, and all of its charm, is back open every day at 8 a.m.

To get the full experience of this classic greasy spoon, grab a seat at the counter. If you arrive suffering from the previous evening’s indulgence, the Hangover Helper intends to be your antidote: Mushrooms, tomato, cheese and onion, scrambled with three eggs. 

Starling Diner – 4115 E. Third Street 

OK, where are my ~foodies~ at? This modern diner is the complete opposite of its heavenly predecessor, and that’s not a bad thing. Some days just call for different cravings (and price points).

I asked my coworkers about their favorite local breakfast spots this week, and our City Hall reporter, Jason Ruiz, was quick to chime in: “Starling Diner has the best eggs in the city. I will fight you if you think otherwise.”

Noted. 

Starling Diner has never shied away from the decadent, the over-the-top, and at times, experimental breakfast items like the breakfast bruschetta, the cheeseburger scramble, the smoked salmon and caramelized onion scramble, breakfast polenta, or blue crab cakes and eggs. And don’t get me started on the French toast — peaches in brandy butter, fresh banana and Nutella or the morello cherry toast — all of which are topped with real whipped cream, caramel balsamic and powdered sugar. 

Omelette Inn – 318 Pine Ave. 

Personally, about 72% of what goes into choosing a place to break my own fast is tied to its charm factor (or as the kids say, “vibe”). From its red leather booths and floral tablecloths to its weird little egg-dude mascot, Omelette Inn has so much charm that you can forgive some of its weird pricing. ($9.62 for biscuits and gravy, $15.60 for eggs benedict — why?) 

The old Inn has lots and lots of omelets, obviously. There are 18 total, including the Pacifico with Surimi crab, shrimp, pico de gallo, jack cheese, sour cream and green onions; or the Grecian Formula with veggie sausage, artichoke hearts, fresh basil, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese and green onions. Like Egg Heaven, they also offer a “Hang Over” omelet. 

But they’ve got so much more than omelets, with three full massive menu pages of breakfast fare. Plus, this month they’re serving pumpkin pancakes. 

Let’s Yolk About It – 4722 Second Street 

I’ll admit it, going out to breakfast is one of my favorite pastimes — it is after all the most important meal of the day. If I was a rich girl, I’d dine out every day. For now, I get to go maybe once a week, so I have to spend my breakfast budget wisely. 

That’s why I’m a huge fan of this deal at Let’s Yolk About It: $12 breakfast burrito (or burrito bowl) and coffee, Monday through Friday, 7 to 10 a.m. and all day Tuesday and Wednesday. 

If you’re looking for something ~fun~ try the veggie burrito bowl: Scrambled eggs, sweet potatoes, griddled onions, spinach, avocado and goat cheese. 

Pro-tip: Get a side of the Tasty Tots with the vegetarian jalapeño gravy (can also be made vegan). 

Also, can we take a moment to meditate on the breakfast quesadilla and the breakfast charcuterie board? 

Ubuntu – 335 Nieto Ave. 

This cafe is uniquely positioned across the street from the Colorado Lagoon — so you really have no excuse not to walk off your morning feast afterward. Also, I have a confession to make. I have not tried Ubuntu yet, but I have plans soon to do that with Hi-lo reporter Cheantay Jenson, who wrote this story about their reopening in 2021.

And from her photos of their take on the proverbial, millennial-coded avocado toast, I already know I’m going to have a Rachel McAdams moment when we go (sorry, Cheantay). 

Here’s what she recommends: The Lentil & Potato Bowl with green lentils, Weiser Farms fingerling potatoes, Fresno chilies, an 8-minute egg, and she says to add Portuguese sausage. Plus, their omelets are prepared in the French style, which makes them a lot fluffier. They offer “JUST” vegan eggs as well, so you veggie-heads can participate too. 

And pups are invited — they offer a frozen yogurt and peanut butter snack for the doggos. 

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I have to stop there because there are simply too many to list, but stay tuned for part two in the next few weeks. For you midday, big-hat-wearing egg boozers, we’ll also dedicate a section to boozy brunch options with additional itineraries to follow after you stumble out of your meal — so look out for that newsletter at some point too. 

Until then, I’ll be working on building my breakfast-brunch portfolio. Do you have recommendations for me? Email me.