The five best places for breakfast

October 28, 3:00 PMSouth St. Paul ExaminerRob Shirk

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  Not Justa Cafe 177 3rd St. North in Bayport, MN

The notion that breakfast is the most important meal of the day has been driven into us since time began. With that in mind, I offer these places to go to with the understanding that what is being discussed won't fly at your workout session without serious concern. Paul Bunyan would go to these places.

Keys Cafe 767 Raymond Ave. St. Paul (651) 731-5387

They've been serving breakfasts since 1973 and I have never heard a discouraging word. Over the top friendly service served with a variety of basic breakfasts with the idea that no one goes hungry at Keys. Over the years they have expanded to a few more locations and they are equally as good as the first but the original has the ambiance of a family gathering. It's not unusual to wait a little bit during prime time for a seat and that should be testament to goodness right there.

T & T Galley 901 Southview Blvd.  South St Paul (651) 451-0146

Welcome back to Mel's Diner. I can almost hear Flo comin' out the back telling me to "kiss my grits!" and as popular a show as Alice was, The Galley is just as popular here. Generous portions, nicely done, and served in a place that still has horseshoe counters. It has been the morning hang out for anybody who has lived in South St. Paul.

Not Justa Cafe 177 3rd St. N.  Bayport (651) 275-8900

I'm not sure what more it could be other than a cafe and I'm not sure they would want to be anything more than what they are. The small restaurant (did I say small?) features a few booths, a counter that can seat up to a dozen, maybe, and attitude that makes breakfast all that more enjoyable. It can be like home, getting yelled at to pick up after yourself or something, but here you get to walk away guilt free. Enormous pancakes, large portions of everything else, as well. It's always a surprise what coffee cup you get as none of them match and you may be drinking a cup o' Joe out of a cup from Vegas while your companions might be drinking from a cup from Phoenix. Or Brainerd. You get the idea. It's always been one of my very favorite breakfast places.

Starks Saloon 3125 Dodd Rd.  St. Paul   (651) 454-8251

I realize it is a saloon but in the morning tables are laid out across the dance floor or you can have a seat in one of their booths. Starks is a classic roadhouse and if you wanted to stay all day, you certainly could. The breakfasts are what you'd expect out of a roadhouse; all good, nothing fancy, but lots of it. There are not too many places where breakfast can be served as I gaze over the bar to the line up of booze, but you sure can if you want to at Starks. Although they don't advertise, it's the only place I've listed where you can get a whiskey with a raw egg dropped in the shot glass for breakfast. I'll order the coffee instead, I think.

Denny's 255 No. Century Ave. Maplewood

Denny's has been around since the Caveman and they are as predictable as the sun coming up in the morning which is pretty good if you know what you want every time. Sometimes a good old fashioned chain restaurant is good enough for me. They're open all the time and I can get breakfast anytime, as well. I think a person might find a Denny's on the moon. They are everywhere.