Here on Marco Island, we take breakfast very seriously. It is, after all, the most important meal of the day. Whether you’re looking for a traditional American breakfast, or something a little more modern and exciting, there’s something for everyone! Below is our list of the top 6 breakfast spots to dine at while on your Marco Island Beach Getaway.
Doreen’s Cup of Joe
267 N Collier Blvd
239-394-2600
Doreen’s Cup of Joe, simply referred to as Doreen’s, is Marco Island’s premiere breakfast joint. The restaurant opened a few years ago and has quickly soared in popularity among visitors and locals. Doreen’s is unique, modern, and unlike anything else you’ll find on Marco Island! Their menu combines tradition and creativity, putting a fun spin on your traditional breakfast fare. Of course they have your quintessential savory American breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast but they also offer a delectably sweet Pumpkin Cheesecake Pancake and a Cannoli Stuffed French Toast that’s to die for. Besides food, Doreen’s has a wide variety of specialty coffee drinks, fresh squeezed orange juice, and of course mimosas and bloody marys. What’s not to love?
Insider-In-The-Know: Doreen’s Cup of Joe is almost always busy so be prepared for a wait. To avoid the brunch rush, I suggest stopping by before 11a.m. or after 12:30p.m.
NeNe’s Kitchen
297 N Collier Blvd
239-394-3854
NeNe’s Kitchen has been serving Marco Island breakfast since 2005. The family owned restaurant is a staple among islanders for its quality food and low prices. NeNe’s menu is large, offering guests your standard breakfast fare with some Mexican and Italian inspired additions. For breakfast they have customizable skillets, omelets, sandwiches, pancakes, and of course, their famous Crunchy French Toast!
If you’re having trouble deciding between savoring and sweet, why not get both? NeNe’s offers a ton of side options (such as NeNe’s Special Potatoes, which are seriously mouthwatering) to fulfill any craving. Looking for a traditional, home-style country breakfast, NeNe’s Kitchen is the place for you!
Insider-In-The-Know: NeNe’s Kitchen also serves dinner Monday-Saturday starting at 5p.m.
Red Rooster
1821 San Marco Rd
239-394-3100
Inspired by the roosters and chickens that roam the streets of Key West, Red Rooster is a popular breakfast spot like no other. The eclectic restaurant is situated conveniently in the Shops of Marco plaza and offers guests a wide variety of breakfast foods and lunch dishes.
Though not a traditional breakfast item, I suggest ordering the Black Bean Cakes on their “On The Healthy Side Menu.” Two black bean cakes piled high with avocado and fresh salsa, so tasty (and healthy)! In terms of breakfast Red Rooster also offers scrambles, skillets, omelets and more!
Insider-In-The-Know: Local artist Tara O’Neill hand painted roosters on the walls of the restaurant. There’s even a dish named after her. Visitors can order The Tara, which is comprised of “a parfait of grits layered with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and topped with a poached egg.”
Breakfast Plus
1035 N. Collier Blvd #302
239-642-6900
In 2014 Breakfast Plus was listed as one of USA Today’s top ten restaurants in Marco Island and Naples. If that isn’t a testament to its excellence, than I don’t know what is! Breakfast Plus is a cash-only diner specializing in American breakfast food, with a touch of New Orleans influence. The diner has been a part of Marco Island culture for years. Breakfast Plus has a diverse menu and is incredibly affordable. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Egg Hussarde, a traditional New Orleans breakfast dish. Egg Hussarde is comprised of a “toasted English muffin topped with Marchand de Vin sauce, grilled tomato and ham, two poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce.” Absolutely scrumptious!
Empire Bagel Factory
277 N Collier Blvd # 1
239-642-4141
You can’t beat a New York City bagel, but Empire Bagel Factory on Marco Island comes pretty close. Empire Bagel Factory has been producing mouth-watering bagels since 1992. The small shop offers 17 different flavors of bagels along with breakfast sandwiches, lox, and pastries. They also offer an array of different cream cheese flavors such as cinnamon honey-walnut and sun-dried tomato. Empire Bagel Factory is the perfect place to stop for a quick bagel and a cup of coffee.
Insider-In-The-Know: Have you ever had a flagel? A flagel is a flat, thinned out bagel and it’s delicious! They’re crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Try one today at Empire Bagel Factory!
Wake Up Marco
912 N Collier Blvd
239-248-9398
Wake Up Marco is a coffee lovers dream. The small café offers visitors delicious coffee from all over the world, brewed exactly the way you like it. Whether you like your coffee black, iced, cold brewed, or sweet, Wake Up Marco has something for you. While you’re there you can also pick up some small breakfast snacks such as muffins, pastries, bagels, and even chia seed pudding. It’s the perfect place to stop for the coffee connoisseur. And it’s a local favorite!
Insider-In-The-Know: Owner Oscar Galvez is almost always behind the counter serving up quality caffeinated beverages. Oscar is awesome! He’s friendly and extremely knowledgeable about all things coffee. If you go, make sure to say hi and feel free to ask him any questions you may have on coffee or even the island.
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Love Marco Island in February!
Me too, although anytime of year is good for me too:)!