24 great places to eat breakfast in Michigan

Tanya Wildt | Detroit Free Press

Pancakes, waffles, eggs, bagels and more. Michigan is full of restaurants that take a creative twist on breakfast. But which ones really stand out?

Here's a list of some of the state's best breakfast spots based on Yelp, TripAdvisor and Google reviews and ratings.

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Diners at these restaurants loved not only the food, but the atmosphere and service as well.

Here are the favorites:

1049 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Famous for their house-made bread, Avalon also features many items that not only taste good, but are good for you. The avocado toast, vegan chocolate cake and sea salt chocolate chip cookie are just a few reasons customers visit Avalon Cafe & Bakery.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.0 , TripAdvisor: 4.0, Google: 4.3

301 Louvingney, Mackinaw City

Darrow's is most famous for their baked goods, including fresh bread and homemade pies in flavors like chocolate peanut butter and four berry. The delicious food, friendly staff and affordable prices are the reason many families make Darrow's a stop on their trip to the U.P.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.0 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.5

1236 Michigan Ave., Detroit

Detroit Institute of Bagels adds a fun twist to the classic bagel with cream cheese. Featuring many unique flavors, such as the fan-favorite Rosemary Olive Oil bagel, Detroit Institute of Bagels something for everyone, including vegans and customers with various dietary restrictions.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.7

719 Griswold St. Suite 180, Detroit

Featuring items, such as duck bop hash, pork rinds and an array of Bennys — house-made eggs Benedicts — Dime Store's unique menu does not disappoint. The house fries with truffle aioli are another staple that makes the Dime Store a popular brunch spot.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.6

137 W. Washington St., Marquette

Donckers takes guests back in time to the 1920s with an old fashioned soda fountain behind a counter with vintage high stools and a candy store downstairs. It is best known for its omelettes and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.7

104 E. Munising Ave., Munising

Unlike a typical breakfast spot, the Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore offers an atmosphere like no other. It welcomes local artists and readers to embrace their creativity and offers customers the chance to grab a book or a breakfast burrito.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.7

22950 Woodward Ave., Ferndale

The Fly Trap's creative twist on breakfast attracts many customers. Featuring items like green eggs and ham, crab cakes and pumpkin seed avocado toast, the Fly Trap guarantees to provide a unique breakfast experience.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.0 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.5

6828 Allen Road, Allen Park

The Glass Onion Griddle is a small diner famous for its potatoes, french toast, eggs Benedict and welcoming service. They are also well-known for their staple meal, the Glass Onion omelette.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.0, Google: 4.6

127 S. Union, Traverse City

Harvest's comfort street food is most popular at dinnertime, but features an exciting brunch menu, too. Bloody Mary cocktails, breakfast tacos and pork belly breakfast sandwiches are highlights of the menu. Catch Harvest on the go at the Roaming Harvest food truck.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.6

18480 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms

Best known for its waffles and crepes, the Jagged Fork adds a creative spin to many classic breakfast foods. The Voodoo Benedict is a popular take on the classic Benny, featuring guacamole, chorizo and salsa.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.6

3616 Fenton Road, Flint

A favorite local dive, Krystal Jo's Diner offers a variety of breakfast foods. Popular for their steak skillet, corned beef hash and loaded omelette, Krystal Jo's more than satisfies its customers.

Ratings: Yelp: 5.0 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.8

210 Water St., Benton Harbor

Serving drinks in — what else? — signature mason jars, the Mason Jar Cafe features breakfast in a rustic environment inside and out (on the patio). The stuffed french toast and asparagus goat cheese omelette are two of many highlights on the diverse menu.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.7

711 Washington Ave., Grand Haven

The Morning Star Cafe is a star-studded restaurant with excellent southwestern food. Huevos rancheros, chorizo hash and cinnamon rolls are among their most popular items.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.5

13316 Woodward Ave., Ferndale

New York Bagel has been a metro Detroit staple since 1921. It is most famous for its homemade crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside bagels and hot coffee that is a perfect to start to any day.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 5.0, Google: 4.6

1942 Grand River Ave., Detroit

Stop by the Parks & Rec Diner for a game of checkers, build-your-own hash or a mouth-watering cinnamon roll. The menu also features a mushroom and duck egg poutine and lemon ricotta pancakes.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.0 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.4

237 Lake Ave., Traverse City

French culture and cuisine is king at Patisserie Amie. Serving poached eggs, blueberry blintzes and crepes, this restaurant is perfect for a taste of France close to home. Bon appetite!

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.7

2419 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids

The Real Food Cafe gets real about breakfast food, and is known for it. Located just outside of downtown Grand Rapids, the menu features egg skillets, blueberry and strawberry multigrain pancakes and homemade buttermilk biscuits.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.6

3921 Second Ave., Detroit

A unique take on breakfast staples, visitors say it's a perfect spot for brunch. Reviewers enjoyed the pancakes and other flavorful dishes.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.7

8066 Kercheval St., Detroit

Sister Pie offers a sweet take on breakfast with an assortment of homemade treats and pies. Popular pie flavors include marshmallow, lemon meringue and chocolate coconut. Or try a delicious cookie.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 5.0, Google: 4.7

225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham

Perfect location to grab a trendy brunch and mimosa in downtown Birmingham.

Ratings: Yelp: 3.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.0, Google: 4.2

312 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo

The Studio Grill's quaint picnic-style tables welcome visitors to enjoy plates of hearty breakfast food. The menu features build-your-own omelettes and blueberry muffin pancakes, as well as with burgers for lunch.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5 , TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.7

203 Pierce St., Birmingham

Toast Birmingham offers a wide variety of breakfast foods, but is famous for its waffles, featuring everything from fruit-covered waffles to chicken and waffles. Toast is also kid-friendly, making it perfect for a family breakfast.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.0, TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.4

3462 Henry St., Norton Shores

The cozy, comforting feel of Toast 'N Jams welcomes residents of Norton Shores and visitors alike. Popular items include strawberry cheesecake pancakes and the Monterrey omelette.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5, TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.7

203 Cass St., Traverse City

Customers love the quaint urban environment of the Towne Plaza almost as much as they love the fluffy pancakes and omelettes. The inside and outside seating welcomes visitors to discover the restaurant's array of plates.

Ratings: Yelp: 4.5, TripAdvisor: 4.5, Google: 4.5

Have your own favorite breakfast joint? Share with us in the comments!

Special thanks to Free Press apprentices John Bellamy, Emma Tomsich, Samya Overall, Grace Reyes and Madelyn Dibley for helping put this list together.