Let’s get this out of the way first thing: There are no cereal cafes in Battle Creek. Yeah, we’re a little bummed, too.
But we still take eating breakfast seriously in Cereal City:
The sweetest
Continental Pastries & Delicatessen, 928 W. Columbia Ave.
While some people stop by Continental in the morning for the bear claws, there’s no shame in starting the day with a little cake.
Chocolate cream frosting and raspberry jam has dairy and fruit, right? After that, you might want to return to Continental in the afternoon for a salad, sandwich or quiche from the deli.
The most traditional
Cafetal, 451 W. Michigan Ave.
All the classics are served at Cafetal, from pancakes and waffles to omelets and breakfast bowls. We’re big fans of the berry French toast. If you can’t decide, then you can’t go wrong with a combo: two eggs, breakfast meat and a piece of French toast or two pancakes.
The quickest growing
Long Island Cafe, 256 N. Helmer Road
Long Island is growing the restaurant by expanding the original restaurant and then opening a new restaurant in Marshall. This cafe specializes in creative, filling breakfasts. They’ll add hot fudge to pancakes or cookies to French toast. On the savory side are dishes such as the tostada benny and the prime rib omelet.
The best coffee break
Barista Blues Cafe, 91 W. Michigan Ave.
While you can grab your coffee and food to go, the full Barista Blues experience is to slow down and enjoy the company. Chat over an order of the house blend or a cappuccino. The breakfast menu is simple, ranging from muffins to breakfast bagels. Dress up your toast with peanut butter and bananas. If you’re hungry, the quiche is very popular. Owner Maryann Angelo is known to be accommodating, so talk to her if you have any requests for the kitchen.
The best diner
Sunrise Cafe, 117 E. Coolidge Ave.
This small gem is buried in a neighborhood down the street from Kellogg Community College and Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. Make sure you don’t miss turning down Coolidge, and the restaurant will be on your left. Grab a booth and check out the specials on the chalkboard. You know the kitchen is cooking up homemade food when the menu features names that relate to the restaurant. The Sunrise Sampler gives you biscuits and gravy, one egg, two sausage links and potatoes.
The doughnutiest
Sweetwater’s Donut Mill, 2807 Capital Ave. SW
Yeah, we had to make up a word to describe the extreme doughnut factor at Sweetwater’s. It offers a wide selection. There’s no shame in appreciating the uncomplicated joys of a glazed doughnut or maple icing. There’s also the other end of the spectrum, though: doughnuts that are covered in candy or Oreos and stuffed with fillings.
