Breakfast at the Borderline

Located on the west end of Detroit Avenue — across the street from Three Birds Restaurant and next door to Eclectic Home — is a hip breakfast joint that serves traditional and southwest breakfast specialties with an extensive menu that will suit your breakfast needs whether your appetite requires sweet or savory, light or more-substantial fare.

Want cozy? They've got that, too.

There are seats in the front window or more intimate alcoves toward the back; the walls are a coffee-with-cream color accented with tangerine-colored breakfast-themed song lyrics stenciled on the walls; their customers are mostly repeat-visitors.

We started with a plate of fresh fruit, which was ripe and sweet- even the pineapple. I had to try the Southwestern Omelette, which had the perfect amount of cheese and salsa to really hit the spot, but I saw my other choice- the Huevos Rancheros with black beans- go by and I will definitely try that when I go back. My companion had the short stack of chocolate chip pancakes, which made up for their vertical challenge in their width: huge.

The food is good, the coffee is hot, and the service is friendly. I hear the Stuffed French Toast is decadent (and totally worth it!). What a delicious little to nook to duck into on a winter morning.

Borderline is open Wednesday through Sunday, and has about 30 seats, but this hip spot on the Lakewood scene doesn't take American Express — or any other cards of credit or debit. Bring along some cash.

If you're craving a low-fat muffin with fruit, steak and egg sliders, or something in between, grab a paper and go plunk down at one of their tables for breakfast, you won't be disappointed.

Borderline may be on the edge of town, but there is nothing "borderline" about the quality.