Your mom was right: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. There’s just something about the perfect combination of early-morning staples (like pancakes, bacon, oatmeal and eggs) that makes for the ideal kickstart. And don’t forget the coffee and OJ! Take it from us — St. Augustine’s favorite breakfast spots are just that for good reason. Each offers a little something special, whether it’s a specialty dish, a spectacular view, or service that’s always sunny side up. Looking for the best breakfasts in St. Augustine? You’ve come to the right place. 

Maple Street Biscuit Company

It’s hard to beat a good biscuit. These flaky, buttery, indescribably delicious nuggets of joy can make or break a breakfast plate. Good thing Maple Street Biscuit Company only serves the kind that makes them. Each handmade biscuit is rolled and baked fresh every morning (and throughout the day), so you’ll never find yourself with a dry, stale disappointment. “The Squawking Goat” (featuring fresh fried chicken, goat cheese, and homemade pepper jelly on a flaky biscuit) and the “Five & Dime” (including chicken, smoked bacon, a fried egg, and spicy sausage gravy) will get you going with a hearty, delicious start.  

39 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

The Blue Hen Café

The homey feel at Blue Hen Café imparts the vibe of sitting down in a friend’s kitchen for a quick and delicious bite — if the friend in question was an absolute genius in the kitchen. Southern-style scratch cooking is the name of the game at Blue Hen, where crispy Corned Beef Hash shares menu space with Pumpkin Pancakes, Blue Crab Quiche, Pulled BBQ Pork and Grits, and a host of other comfort-food specialties you’ll be dreaming about long after you leave. 

117 MLK Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Metro Diner

Stepping into Metro Diner is truly like walking into a dearly-missed bygone era — one where the chrome counters were always full of stacks of pancakes, bottomless coffee, and happy customers. You’ll find all your favorites here: loaded omelets bursting with flavor, thick-cut French Toast dusted with confectioners’ sugar, and flaky waffles drowning in butter and real maple syrup. Just make sure not to skip the Chicken & Waffles. You won’t regret it.

1000 S. Ponce de Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084

The Kookaburra

The Kookaburra takes a decidedly down-under view on breakfast. Of course, if you’re in the mood for coffee in the morning (and — let’s face it — who isn’t?), Kookaburra makes one of the best cups in town. But the food menu is where this Aussie-style eatery really shines. If you’ve never had an Australian meat pie, you’re in for an experience. Half Cornish pasty, half pot pie and half empanada (and that’s three halves, but these things are HUGE), the satisfaction level is off the charts. Showing up early will let you try their “brekkie” pies like the egg-and-cheddar True Blue, or the Corker, with sausage, egg and pepper jack.   

24 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, FL 32084

The Manatee Café

While many see breakfast as the province of bacon, sausage and corned beef hash, the Manatee Café takes a different approach. Their predominantly vegan and vegetarian menu creates magic without meats. Starting with organically-grown fruits, vegetables, grain and beans, the team has crafted a menu of morning magic. Try the Veggie Burrito, with sweet potato, avocado, sprouts and hummus, or the Scrambled Tofu, served with a side of grits. 

525 State Road 16, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Beachside Diner

Look up any online review of Beachside Diner — locals and visitors alike often call this seaside bistro their favorite breakfast restaurant in the city. And it’s not hard to see why, given the neatly novel-length menu brimming with classics. Will you go for the Avocado Toast? The Hangover Fries, loaded with bacon, pulled pork and sausage gravy? A signature omelet? Maybe a Benedict, Chicken & Waffle Sliders, fruit-loaded oatmeal, or Belgian waffle so huge, it needs to be served on a platter? One thing’s for sure, no matter which you go with, everything is served with a side of ocean views — so it’s tough to go wrong. 

451 A1A Beach Blvd, Saint Augustine Beach, St. Augustine, FL 32080