Patch Picks: Best Breakfasts

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet in the midst of our whirlwind weeks, a nice sit-down meal often gets replaced with a granola bar on the go. The next time you're jonesing for one of Mom's old-fashioned breakfasts, try one of these spots.

Latte Da Bagelry and Grill

21612 Plano Trabuco Rd., Suite 2H, Rancho Santa Margarita

It’s hard to find a non-chain restaurant with a decent breakfast around South Orange County, but Latte Da Bagelry and Grill does not disappoint when it comes to service, atmosphere and food. Local patrons describe this place as “cozy and friendly,” with an “old-fashioned, small-town restaurant feel.” The service is quick, the staff is cheerful and the food is even better. Customers can enjoy a wide variety of American comfort breakfast foods, from bagels to omelets to old-fashioned oatmeal. A few of the specialties include the blueberry pancakes topped with 100 percent maple syrup, French toast stuffed with strawberry preserves and cream cheese, and the Italian omelet, made of three eggs, mozzarella and tomato basil compote. Mouth watering yet? An added bonus is the Kean coffee that's served; try a hot mocha or a blended coffee on a warm day. The prices won’t drain your wallet, either; most entrees range from $7 to $9. Make it a breakfast date with your significant other, or bring the whole gang along; the casual atmosphere is definitely kid-friendly.

22361 Antonio Pkwy., E110, Rancho Santa Margarita

Most folks assume Bruegger's Bagel Bakery is just a bagel shop. But I recently discovered the magic that goes on behind the scenes at this popular breakfast spot. Bruegger's bagels are prepared New York-style; they’re baked on a stone hearth to perfection. The result is a crispy outside and a chewy inside, making these bagels stand out from the run-of-the-mill ones as the supermarket. But this place isn’t just about bagels. Bruegger's offers a wide selection of breakfast sandwiches, including the Rio Grande Wrap: two eggs, jalapeño cream cheese, roasted red peppers and bacon, ham or sausage rolled into a warm wrap. The smoked-salmon sandwich is another favorite. It includes plain cream cheese, salmon, tomato, red onions and capers. And for a limited time, customers can enjoy the Asiago Florentine sandwich, made with smoked red pepper cream cheese. If it’s coffee you want, you might want to try a Brueggaccino, not to be confused with another blended coffee drink at a popular coffee chain. And here’s a sweet deal for coffee lovers this year. Brueggers has partnered with Green Mountain Coffee to offer free coffee or tea when customers purchase one of the special mugs inside the store. This offer is good through the end of 2011.

22342 El Paseo No. 1, Rancho Santa Margarita

If you’ve stuck around Rancho Santa Margarita long enough, chances are you’ve stumbled into this cheery little cafe tucked into one of the city’s most popular shopping centers. You can smell the cinnamon even before you walk through the doors, making this place hard to resist if you’re just passing by. Its motto is “A place where good food, a warm atmosphere and friends come together,” and I’d have to agree. With plenty of seating in this cozy yet modern cafe, Cinnamon Productions is the perfect choice when meeting an old friend for an early morning coffee or treat. Enjoy a variety of foods, including warm quiches, real buttermilk pancakes and cinnamon French toast. The Café Scramble is a popular menu item; it includes three eggs with roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red and green peppers, and mushrooms topped with jack and cheddar cheeses. Danishes, muffins, and, of course, cinnamon rolls are just a few of the selections at the bakery. If it’s coffee you’re after, you won’t be disappointed with the variety of hot or cold drink choices at the counter. Cinnamon Productions offers a great kids' menu too, making it truly a place for everyone.