So this morning I wake up starving, right? Pancake craving hits me hard. Check my fridge – nada. Guess I’m hunting breakfast spots with outdoor seats today.
First Step: Hunting Options
Grabbed my phone and just typed “breakfast near me outdoor seating”. Maps blew up with pins everywhere. Too many choices! Scrolled past that fancy avocado toast place – $18 for eggs? Hell nah.
My basic rules:
- Must have real tables & chairs (no standing counters)
- Walkable distance (my car’s low on gas)
- Actual breakfast menu (not just coffee & pastries)
The Scouting Trip
Threw on sweatpants and walked to Elm Street. First spot looked perfect from outside… until I saw their “patio” was just two wobbly plastic chairs beside a dumpster. Noped outta there.
Crossed the street to Sunny Side Cafe. Hostess said “oh our patio opens when the manager comes in at 10”. Its 8:17AM! My stomach’s growling like a bear.
Finally Hit Gold
Almost gave up when I saw Daisy’s Diner. Their patio had:
- 5 proper tables with umbrellas
- Heater lamps (morning was chilly)
- And get this – a pancake special board!
Grabbed the corner table under the maple tree. Ordered coffee immediately – my hands were shaking from hunger. Pro tip: Their mugs are HUGE. Saved me two refills.
The Breakfast Test
Went big with the Farmer’s Platter:
- Fluffy scrambled eggs (perfectly salty)
- Crispy bacon strips (no floppy nonsense)
- Hash browns with crunchy edges
- Buttermilk pancakes – free syrup pitcher!
Wind kicked up while eating. Almost lost a pancake to gravity! Had to hold my plate down like guarding treasure. Waitress laughed and brought me rocks as paperweights. Genius.
Lessons Learned
Three things I’ll do different next time:
- Check patio hours BEFORE leaving (called three places while eating)
- Bring sunglasses – forgot mine, squinted whole meal
- Order extra bacon immediately – they ran out right after my plate came
Overall win though. That maple syrup soaking into hot pancakes while birds chirped? Chef’s kiss. Even the squirrels looked jealous. Left feeling like I won breakfast.
