Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, the internet tells me. During the week it’s difficult to enjoy a leisurely breakfast out, but the weekends offer more possibilities. If you have a flexible schedule that allows for breakfast during the traditional workweek, there are plenty of choices for you, too.
I’ve selected five spots in Urbana that offer tasty morning meals, with both sweet and savory options. Unfortunately, these spots aren’t serving up pancakes and eggs 24/7, so you’ll have to get to most of these places before 11 a.m. Just think of all that you can accomplish by waking up early — and on a full stomach. (Napping comes to mind for me.) This is just a small sampling of selections; feel free to chime in with your Urbana breakfast favorites in the comments.
Courier Café
Courier’s breakfast deliciousness is well documented and well known, but it’s worth reiterating. If you can swing it, visit Courier for breakfast during the week. The wait for breakfast on the weekends can be excessive; since there isn’t a lobby in the restaurant you’re left waiting outside. The prices are reasonable, and the menu has a little something for everyone: eggs and toast, omlettes, pancakes (try the buckwheat), biscuits and gravy, French toast, and bran flakes. Breakfasts are under $10, so this one won’t break the bank. Do note that Courier only serves breakfast until 11 a.m. during the week and noon on the weekends.
Courier Café is located at 111 North Race Street, Urbana, and serves breakfast 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to noon, Saturday and Sunday.
Huaraches Moroleon
This Mexican restaurant might not look like a palace from the street, but the food inside is quite good. Breakfast is served Tuesday through Sunday, and you’ll find American and Mexican favorites on the menu. I’m partial to the chilaquiles, but there are also scrambled eggs, toast, and meat, burritos, pancakes, and omelettes. All breakfasts are under $8, making Huaraches one of the most delicious and affordable breakfasts around. Although Bloody Marys aren’t exactly a Huaraches specialty, you might enjoy their Michelada.
Huaraches Moroleon is located at 805 Philo Road, Urbana, and open for breakfast Monday at 10 a.m., and Tuesday through Sunday at 8 a.m. Breakfast is served until noon.
Mirabelle
If a full breakfast isn’t really your thing, and you’re more of a coffee and pastry type, swing by Mirabelle. For less than $5, you can get your caffeine fix and a sweet bite. There are generous squares of coffee cake, as well as almond horns and croissants. The chocolate brioche is a popular item, but I’m a huge fan of the cheese Danish. In nice weather, you can sit at one of the two tables outside, or on the bench in front of Cinema Gallery. If none of the baked goods look appetizing, you can always grab a loaf of bread and bring it home for some fancy toast.
Mirabelle is located at 124 W Main Street, Urbana, and is open Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m., and Saturday at 7:30 a.m.
Silvercreek Sunday brunch
Silvercreek’s Sunday brunch buffet is the brunch to end all brunches and the buffet to end all buffets. With selections like prime rib (!), pancakes, salads, and multiple desserts in addition to breakfast classics like eggs and bacon and sausage, you will certainly find something that you like. Cocktails are available, making this option a true brunch. This brunch is only on Sundays, and at $21 per person most definitely not the cheapest, but you’ll get your belly’s worth if you do it properly. Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended, especially on special days like Mother’s Day (which is coming up, people, so make your reservations!).
Silvercreek is located at 402 N Race Street, Urbana. Brunch is served on Sundays only, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Strawberry Fields
Strawberry Fields is new the breakfast scene; it only recently started offering breakfasts on Saturday mornings (starting at 8 a.m.). There are a few options, each with a Middle Eastern flavor profile, each at $9.99. All breakfasts come with a small tea or coffee, and the diner’s choice of apple, bread, or soup. On a recent Saturday morning, I gave the Middle Eastern platter a go: labna, hummus, and baba ghanjouj all drizzled with olive oil, served with falafel and bread. (This breakfast is also available in a vegan version.) The spreads were really great, but the falafel tasted a little stale. The café was relatively quiet, though, and the atmosphere would be perfect for a low-key breakfast by yourself, or for chatting and catching up with a friend, without the evil stares of hungry people waiting for a table.
Strawberry Fields is located at 306 W Springfield Ave, Urbana, and serves breakfast Saturdays only, from 8 to 11 a.m.
All photos by Jessica Hammie.