As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
But with the hype of brunch, I don’t think breakfast gets enough attention. I am all for the delightfully sweet and salty combo of chicken and waffles or savoury huevos rancheros. But what about a classic meal of bacon, eggs and toast or a good ol’ western sandwich?
A satisfying meal, free of the frills and easy on the budget. That’s what I’m talking about. I’ve rounded up five of my favourite classic breakfasts under $10 (before tax) in town. The tricky mix of tasty and affordable is always hard to nail down – so look no further than this list for a satisfying classic breakfast out that won’t break the bank!
Morrison’s Restaurant
318 King Street East
If you’re looking for a classic greasy-spoon diner, Morrison’s Restaurant is your place. My go-to is their two pancakes with syrup and butter for $9.00. The service is quick and the breakfast is always delicious (especially their perfectly soft and seasoned home fries). If you’re planning to go on the weekend, ask for a booth by the window. It’s a great spot to watch the hustle and bustle of vendors at Springer Market Square.
Three other classic meal items under $10: Three eggs with meat (bacon, ham, sausage, or peameal bacon), and toast $9.50; Two pieces of french toast with syrup and butter $7.50; Three eggs with toast, $8.00.
Golden Rooster
111 Princess Street
Spencer Sandwich, $9.50: bacon, lettuce, tomato, fried egg, mayo on toast. This Princess Street gem has been around for years and years; I remember coming here for lunch breaks from my summer job as a teenager. It still has its same old charm and affordable dishes. Order at the counter and they’ll whip up your order in plain sight and bring it to you. I ask which menu item under $10 is the most popular and the Spencer Sandwich is recommended with high praise. After my first bite – no wonder! Such simple ingredients but oh so tasty and super cheap!
Two other classic meal items under $10: Western Sandwich, $8.50; Two Eggs with Toast, $6.25.
Carmelinda’s
2799 Princess Street
Carmelinda’s is another west end breakfast spot that you can rely on for good quality breakfast on a budget. I splurge for the home fries with my western sandwich (Western Sandwich, $7.99, add home fries for $3.99) but it is so substantial that I am stuffed before I can put a dent in them! Though I am too full to finish the potatoes, they are golden, round and crispy discs of deliciousness that I wish I saved space for.
Three other classic meal items under $10: Morning Club, $9.99: eggs, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato; Two-piece French Toast (plain or cinnamon), $9.99; 1 Egg with Bacon or Ham or Sausage, $9.99.
Peter’s Place
34 Princess Street
One egg with 3 pieces of bacon, ham, or sausage, toast, and home fries, $9.45.
A downtown staple, located at the bottom of Princess street, Peter’s Place is a townie favourite — always packed and for a good reason. The toast is generously buttered and the bacon is plentiful. This diner serves up classic meals at reasonable prices and their homestyle cooking never disappoints.
Three other classic meals under $10: Plain omelette with home fries and toast, $9.95; Grilled cheese with ham or bacon, $9.00; Western Sandwich, $8.50
If you’re the kind of person who appreciates a good brunch over breakfast, be sure to visit this guide for Where to Go in Kingston if You’re a Brunch Addict.
