The Hot Five: Breakfast destinations

Not one but two waffle choices -- buttermilk with a fruit-sauce topping or a savory concoction -- as well as super-creamy scrambled eggs with roasted potatoes and toast, house-made granola, a tofu scramble and gigantic cinnamon rolls, are all served in a flash -- and with a smile. Take a seat on the flower-trimmed sidewalk.

3311 E. 25th St., Mpls., 612-722-4474, www.birchwoodcafe.com

A wide swath of the 763 wakes up here over a half-dozen Benedicts, a belt-busting plate of biscuits and gravy, three-egg omelets and a carb-watcher's dream: a pair of boneless pork chops served with a pair of eggs.

3540 Winnetka Av. N., New Hope, 763-540-0234

and 8587 Edinburgh Center Dr., Brooklyn Park,

763-425-0117

Breakfast standards are served with a welcome twist: Scrambled eggs with smoked trout, ham-mushroom strata, caramel- and apple-topped French toast, buttermilk pancakes finished with lingonberry butter and linebacker-sized burritos stuffed with scrambled eggs, black beans and chorizo.

The North Loop's super-friendly cafe/coffeehouse does breakfast basics (organic eggs, any style, with toast) along with weightier options (a killer huevos rancheros). Other choices include big bowls of steel-cut oats brimming with dried cranberries and walnuts, a fine quiche of the day and a case filled with an ever-changing array of lovingly made baked goods.

212 3rd Av. N., Mpls., 612-371-0464, www.mooseandsadies.com

The menu is short but memorable: Thick slices of oven-baked French toast, a well-made daily quiche and some of the best caramel rolls in town. The leafy patio's skyline views can't be beat. Closed Sundays.

725 E. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-776-8810, www.swedehollowcafe.com