Atlantic City is known for casinos, boardwalks, and ocean views. But the Jersey Shore destination is also a breakfast town—so much so, in fact, that local food lovers will debate the merits of pancake stacks versus breakfast sandwiches with near-religious fervor. “For a morning treat, I’m very much a creature of habit,” says one regular. “So for me, for like a special breakfast out, I would do…
Mike B’s Cafe
$ | (609) 350-7480 | WEBSITE
I was in Atlantic City and I stumbled upon a surprisingly authentic, truly satisfying breakfast at Mike B’s Cafe, tucked away off the main strip. For those of you who appreciate classic diner culture, I’m fully on board. I thought, ‘It’s early morning, I shouldn’t indulge like this.’ But I was blown away by the fluffiness of the pancakes, the perfect crisp of the home fries, and that French toast egg sandwich with turkey ham and provolone on top.
Cup & Saucer
$ | (609) 350-7369 | WEBSITE
I go to Cup & Saucer a lot for breakfast. They have the best pancakes and bacon in Atlantic City, I would argue. And they’ve got great lunch specials. They have a crazy Spanish breakfast there that apparently you can only get on weekends.
Gilchrist Restaurant
$ | (609) 345-8278 | WEBSITE
I’ve been having really amazing breakfasts at Gilchrist Restaurant in Atlantic City. Apparently on weekend mornings, they have like a crab omelette situation that I have yet to experience and I really want to experience that because the food is really good.
Harper’s
$$ | (609) 783-8000 | WEBSITE
I’ve been really wanting to go back to Harper’s, which is a classic breakfast spot that I haven’t been to since last summer. That would be a really fun kind of Atlantic City brunch situation.
Hot Bagels & More
$ | (609) 541-3488 | WEBSITE
There’s a specific LOX Sandwich served at Hot Bagels & More. That’s the only place where I order a lox sandwich. I usually would get a plain bagel there with cream cheese, and then I saw the lox, I go, ‘I trust this place. They have a LOX Sandwich, I’m curious enough that it’s going to be at a high level.’ And I was floored, I couldn’t believe it. It’s so fresh, it’s not overly salty, it’s perfect. But that’s the only place I get them.
Platters Seafood & Soul Food
$$ | (609) 300-5974 | WEBSITE
I typically want savory breakfast. I’m not a big sweet breakfast person. Pancakes after two bites, I’m done, typically. But I have to say, if I’m in a place where I’m wanting a seafood for breakfast situation, Platters Seafood & Soul Food…their fried shrimp is truly miraculous. It is unbelievable. I have to say, it’ll bring you to your knees.
Brittany’s Cafe
$ | (609) 348-8741 | WEBSITE
Brittany’s Cafe, they do an exquisite—and I will have it from time to time, might even get it today—western omelet. But it’s very delicious and they stuff it full of goodies, or on top of the home fries, and it’s good. It is a breakfast-adjacent item.
Perry’s Cafe & Deli
$ | (609) 340-8882 | WEBSITE
Perry’s Cafe & Deli: best breakfast spot in Atlantic City, in New Jersey. You heard it here first. It’s emotional. I think the biscuits and gravy are really exceptional. It’s really shocking. However, I’ll say that I had the best French toast with fresh strawberries I’ve ever had there. And what they do too, is the bruschetta omelet is…it’s like home cooking. It tastes like comfort, but it’s not just comfort.
It’s a cozy, homey place that feels quaint despite its small size, with generous servings and great value, especially on weekends when it’s packed but worth it.
