9 More Best Breakfasts (Staff Picks)

Ever wonder where we get our first-meal-of-the-day fix? We asked our colleagues at Hudson Valley where they go when a big bowl of Cheerios just doesn’t cut it: 

Crafted Kup, Poughkeepsie

Early on Saturday mornings, I meet a group of six or seven female friends in Poughkeepsie for a six-mile run. Afterwards, we head straight to the Crafted Kup, a laid-back coffeehouse near Vassar College. The java is always hot; the muffins, scones, and bagels are “imported” from Ulster County’s Bread Alone; and — if we’re feeling especially extravagant — we can even indulge in a cupcake from Moxie’s in New Paltz. The seating area includes couches and overstuffed chairs, which are perfect for sinking into on a cold winter’s morning. It’s a great place to enjoy a quiet cuppa — except on Saturdays. You’ll want to bring your headphones to drown out our group’s chatter! — Polly Sparling, Senior Editor

Cabaret Café at Marist College, Poughkeepsie

One certain breakfast food still continues to hold my attention: the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich at Marist’s Cabaret. Nothing beats the scrumptiousness of two eggs with melted cheese and crispy bacon on a toasted roll. This is my go-to sandwich during finals, after a late night out, and after dinner (because being “full” isn’t even in my vocabulary). It has the power to transform into an any-time-of-day food. And in my eyes, this only adds to its perfection. — Brittany Oxley, Web Intern

Duo Bistro, Kingston

I’m the resident sweettooth at Hudson Valley, and my current obsession is Duo’s Bread Pudding French Toast. I swear to the eight-pound, six-ounce, newborn baby Jesus that it’s the best brunch I’ve ever experienced: fluffy Challah bread; sweet, sticky maple syrup; fat, juicy strawberries plopped all around; and, of course, a mountain of whipped cream on top. The first time I ordered it, I actually licked the plate when I was finished. I’m not even embarrassed to put that on the record. (And yes, I’d do it again.) — Jessica Friedlander, Web Editor

Strawberry Place, Nyack
Crossroads Café, Harriman

THE place for breakfast in Nyack is Strawberry Place, which is pretty famous for their yummy pancakes and waffles. Always a line on weekend mornings, especially in the summer. I always go for the chocolate-chip pancakes. [When we’re in] Orange County, we usually head to Crossroads Café in Harriman. The main [question to ask] about a great breakfast place is: do they make their eggs right? This place does. My order consists of two eggs sunny-side-up, hash browns, and toast. — Arlene So, Contributing Designer

Hudson House River Inn, Cold Spring

The Sunday brunch at Hudson House River Inn in Cold Spring is really good. They have these delicious pop-overs with strawberry butter that are super yummy. (Granted, they serve the pop-overs with every meal, but I think it’s still worth mentioning!) Side note: when I was in college there was this retro-interiored diner that offered a blue ribbon special: for $2.99, you got two eggs, two sausages, two pancakes, two pieces of toast, juice, and coffee. Too bad it’s in Pennsylvania! — Rebecca Coppola, Sales Support Manager

Suzy’s Bagels, Fishkill

One of my all-time favorite breakfast foods are bagels. My mom always bought them fresh from Suzy’s Bagels, which also makes flavored cream cheese, muffins, and other pastries on the premises. My favorite sandwich is an everything bagel with bacon, eggs, and cheese, scooped out and toasted with butter and hot sauce. Now that I’m thinking about it, I’m not going to be able to help myself from stopping by and getting a sandwich tomorrow morning… — Lauren Emory, Art Intern

Bagel Boys, Airmont

This spot might possibly be the thing I miss most about living in Rockland County. I still dream about the bagels. My favorite was the Power Bagel with egg whites, turkey, and hot sauce. — Shanna Kangas, Marketing Director

Croton Diner, Croton-on-Hudson

On those weeknights when both my wife and I are too tired after a day of work to cook dinner, we head over to the Croton Diner in Croton-on-Hudson. The breakfast menu is always available, so I usually have a nice dinner of eggs Benedict. — Bob Supina, Creative Director

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