September is National Breakfast Month. What?  You haven’t heard? Research long ago proved that breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. A dietary cornerstone of any weight-loss regimen, eating a good breakfast has been linked to better test grades in school kids, better work performance in adults and more energy for hiking, biking, shopping and sightseeing in and around the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Okay. So maybe we made that last one up. But you get the picture. Whether you’re looking for something on the go or a more relaxed, sit-down affair, here’s a shortlist of Leelanau County’s great breakfast dining options.

CQ’s Cabin at The Homestead

Glen Arbor, Michigan

Buffet, Breakfast On-The-Go

 

[source: thehomesteadresort.com]

If you’re planning a full day of Sleeping Bear Dunes adventure and need to pre-order and pickup a hearty breakfast on the fly, give CQ's Cabin at The Homestead a call. While most diner to sit by the indoor fireplace while they enjoy the incredible breakfast buffet, CQ’s Cabin and Bakery also offers and an array of on-the-go items (hearty breakfast sandwiches, pastries and connoisseur-quality Madcap coffee, etc) all available to morning people looking to get back into nature as soon as possible.

Martha’s Leelanau Table

Suttons Bay, Michigan

Brunch

[source: marthasleelanautable.com]

A delightfully unique cafe and bistro in Suttons Bay, Martha’s Leelanau Table can be best described as a European-style cafe where every entree is made from scratch, including the exquisite pastries. Regional cuisine is the theme, and every entree is also made from the very finest ingredients available in Leelanau County and the surrounding region.

Martha’s serves cage-free eggs from Mostly Eggs, a local provider, and organic Stone House Bread and bagels from GT Bagels. Their handmade scones also get high-marks from breakfast diners. Popular items include the Happy Rooster (an open-faced bacon and egg sandwich, $10) and Jonesy’s Special (two eggs, sunny side up with greens and shitake mushrooms, layered on Stone House’s North Country sourdough with pesto, $10). Click here to take a peek at Martha’s breakfast menu.

Art’s Tavern

Glen Arbor, Michigan

Sit-Down Breakfast

 

[source: artsglenarbor.com]

Locally known for its burgers, beer and retro appeal, Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor also opens daily at 7 a.m. to serve the hungry breakfast crowd. House specialties include traditional fare such as steak and eggs, eggs Benedict, waffle, pancakes and French toast.  

Art’s three-egg omelets and house specials also get high marks for their taste and originality. We’re talking about the Fishtown ($13.49) — an omelet made with Leelanau County smoked trout, red peppers, onions, capers and white cheddar —and the Hangover Special (Hangover Optional, $11.59), a delicious mix of potatoes, mushrooms, onions and sausage, topped with cheddar jack cheese and two farm fresh eggs.

Keeping with the tavern theme, Art’s also offers their famous Bloody Mary made with their special Bloody Mary mix and Northern Latitudes Distillery Apollo Horseradish Vodka. Click here to check out Art’s full breakfast menu.

The Riverside Inn

Leland, MI

Brunch

 

[source: theriverside-inn.com]

Leland’s The Riverside Inn is a 107-year old historic inn and restaurant located on the Leeland River, just a block from downtown. This lovingly restored B&B offers casual dining, waterfront views and an incredible breakfast buffet served 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily (except on Tuesdays in September).

Offering fresh takes on many traditional favorites, the list of must-try breakfast menu items include the Tender Bender (beef tenderloin, poached eggs, English muffin, smoked Gouda cream sauce, herb roasted potatoes, field greens, $16) and Cherizo Benedict (house made chorizo sausage, poached eggs, English muffin, hollandaise, fresh fruit, field greens, $14).

The Riverside Inn also offers lighter fare for the most health conscious. Top choices include Vedge Omelet and Breakfast Quinoa (quinoa, coconut milk, vanilla, peanut butter, fig, apricot, date, cherry, golden raisin, almond, pistachio, toasted walnuts, $12). Click here to check out The Riverside Inn’s full breakfast menu.