We all make our New Year’s resolutions to get healthier at the beginning of every year. So why shouldn’t we resolve to stay healthier at the beginning of every day, too?
We’ve heard for years that breakfast may be the most important meal of all. With so many delicious — and occasionally even nutritious — options around the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen area of North Carolina, there’s no reason not to treat yourself to a healthy jump start to your day.
Here are a few of our area favorites:
Betsy’s Crepes
127 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines
Started in 2010 by Betsy Markey and has quickly become an icon of Southern Pines. Open for breakfast and lunch, patrons enjoy savory and sweet dessert crepes, plus tasty soups, Panini sandwiches and salads. One of the few restaurants in town specializing in gluten-free crepe batter and health choices. Recently went through an expansion to gain more seating. Restaurant is warm and home-y with a good atmosphere and memorable food, while the service is prompt and courteous. Crepes are fresh, flavorful, tasty and so filling. The huevos rancheros crepe, homemade breakfast burrito, waffles and French Toast are stand-outs, while the grits are scrumptious.
Broad Street Bakery & Café
130 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines
“The Sweetest Spot in the Sandhills,” this delightful café along the main drag in Southern Pines serves homemade breakfast and lunch inside or on a sidewalk café. Lovely, laid-back atmosphere where customers order at the counter and seat themselves for a casual dine. A tasty breakfast that won’t break the bank, the corned beef hash is homemade and fresh. Bakery provides fresh daily bagels, breads, Danish, muffins and sweet treats. The French toast, breakfast burrito, and ham and egg sandwich on a croissant are memorable; while the sticky, gooey hot cross buns may be the area’s finest.
Carolina Dining Room
80 Carolina Vista Drive, Pinehurst
The palatial breakfast buffet in the Carolina Hotel Dining Room at the Pinehurst Resort is a bucket-list culinary experience. Caters to hotel guests; however, is open to general public with reservations. A true step back in time, the Carolina Dining Room is part of the National Registry, with paintings and photos adorning the walls that eschew history and opulence, and a piano player adding to the unforgettable ambiance. Impressive selection of items includes classic foods like eggs benedict, specially made omelets, house-made pastries, smoked salmon, grits, oatmeal, bacon and sausages, corned beef hash, lox and bagels, biscuits and sausage gravy, while the cheese blintzes are particularly decadent. Plenty of lighter fare as well, along with specialty items and fresh fruit.
Famous Toastery
1303 W Morganton Road, Southern Pines
Ideal combination of breakfast or lunch options, with outdoor seating under umbrellas during nice weather. Attentive staff, attractive decor and consistently excellent food, with a wide variety on the menu and good-sized portions. Eggs, country ham, seasoned potatoes, English muffins with blackberry jam and sweet cornbread with apple butter? Don’t mind if we do.
Mac’s Breakfast Anytime
1904 N Sandhills Boulevard, Aberdeen
This family restaurant is a popular go-to for casual breakfast fare. Breakfast served all day as well as soups, salads and sandwiches, along with daily and senior specials, serving lunch until 3 PM. Reasonable prices and hearty portions. The omelets are massive and delicious. Try an egg and bacon sandwich on grilled sourdough bread; you may have to take the second half home. Grilled corn bread, biscuits and gravy, turkey sausage and bacon are all top shelf. Staff is courteous, efficient and prompt.
Pinehurst Harness Track
200 Beulah Hill Road N, Pinehurst
One of the area’s best-kept secrets is a pleasantly short walk from the Pinehurst Resort and provides an insider sense of not only the history of Pinehurst, but also the role that horses continue to play. An affordable and prompt breakfast at the Harness Track is tough to top. This cash-only spot dishes up all the southern favorites, including grits, cream chipped beef on toast, biscuit and gravy, eggs, hash bacon sausage and some of the tastiest blueberry pancakes anywhere. Go hungry, as servings are huge. Labor Day to Easter is training for trotters and pacers, while polo matches are played there and the harness races in the spring are a must-see event.
Sizzlin’ Steak or Eggs
1850 US Highway 1 S, Southern Pines
Looking for a retro breakfast experience? This is your spot. Local favorite with charming, ‘50s style interior. Extensive menu of breakfast fare with a taste of Southern hospitality. Deep-fried bacon has to be experienced to be believed. Wait staff is friendly and keeps your coffee cup full. Plenty of space in the back room for large groups. Come hungry because the portions as are plentiful and tasty. Seven days a week, closes at 2 PM.
The Villager Deli
6 Chinquapin Road, Pinehurst
Any visit to the Village of Pinehurst should include a trip to The Villager Deli. Reasonably priced and downhome breakfasts feature fresh daily quiches, breakfast casserole, avocado toast, eggs to order, huge pancakes, waffles, homemade biscuits and muffins, grits, and country ham. Pet friendly with comfortable outdoor seating in the center of the quaint Village. Courteous, attentive and prompt service. Breakfast and lunch only.
Learn more about these and other culinary options around the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen area at www.HomeofGolf.com/dining.
