Start Your Day with a Classic All-American Breakfast at These NoVA Restaurants
Pancakes, bacon, and southern biscuits: These local spots are serving up all the timeless favorites.
A runny yolk. A rasher of bacon that shatters at first bite. An old-fashioned American breakfast is all about simplicity. But that doesn’t mean it’s boring. These are some of the restaurants that will satisfy your taste for tradition.
By Olga Boikess, Dawn Klavon, Alyssa Langer, and Alice Levitt
Arlington
Opens 6 a.m.
If your diner breakfast doesn’t come on multiple plates, you’re doing it wrong. Do it right at this shiny-metal Arlington landmark, where starting the day big is a way of life.
Since 1995, NoVA residents have been treated to something mostly missing from our culinary landscape — a real New York–style diner, complete with outsize portions, a gorgeous bakery case stocked in-house, and a little bit of New Yawk attitude.
Breakfast staples are available on the menu with add-ons galore. We like the creamy, cinnamon-speckled French toast made from thick slabs of housemade challah. From there, we add on bacon (Canadian bacon is also an option), a pair of scrambled eggs, and onion-laden hash browns.
That’s on days when we’re craving something savory with our sugar, but it’s easy to lean into the sweet life here, too. Especially if you order the Belgian waffles. For $16, you can get your fresh, soft-centered pastry crowded with two scoops of ice cream. Want to at least pretend you’re getting your vitamins? Get it with strawberries and cream instead.
Knowing that you’re coming to the best diner in NoVA, it’s only natural to pull out all the stops. Yep, go for the steak, in this case an adipose slab of rib-eye. It’s served with two eggs however you want them, toast to sop them up, and a choice of home fries or french fries for a meal that straddles breakfast and dinner.
For something more refined, there are Benedicts, including a version featuring crabcakes beneath the eggs and tangy hollandaise. Whatever you get, chances are it won’t fit on just one plate. And that’s exactly how it should be. — Levitt
Fredericksburg
Opens 7 a.m.
This traditional diner attracts long lines on weekends and can feel cramped, but that’s been part of its charm since it debuted in the early 1950s. A neon sign with the words “Let’s Eat” calls to mind a simpler, more literal time, and what it advertises is present in spades.
The food may no longer retail for cents, but in many other ways, guests are transported back to the last century. The house special is a 10-ounce New York strip steak with all the fixings. But we prefer the salty Virginia ham. The griddle-blistered pork takes up almost a whole plate, meaning the eggs that come alongside are hidden under the ham. Applesauce or tomatoes, grits, and toast complete the platter. At $8.95, it’s one of the best deals in this issue. — Levitt
Amphora Diner Deluxe
Herndon
Opens 7 a.m.
Come hungry to the neon-clad Amphora Diner Deluxe, the site for all-day breakfast dining for folks with big appetites. The menu is an extensive book, with more than 350 items to satisfy your every desire.
Order the memorable omelet Lorraine, a mesmerizing mix of Swiss cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions. A heaping helping of hollandaise blesses eight eggs in Benedict varieties, and protein-packed morning steak-and-cheese handhelds unite juicy shaved roast beef with fried eggs, cheesy goodness, and caramelized onions.
Service is efficient, and booths are aplenty. We dare you not to order any of Amphora’s irresistible signature baked goods to take home. 1151 Elden St., Herndon — Klavon
Alexandria
Opens 7 a.m.
A red-roofed oasis, this cheerful café offers a warm welcome, hot coffee, and tasty breakfast classics. This diner serves breakfast anytime with all the regulars — pancakes, waffles, French toast, eggs.
We recommend the enormous Breakfast Sampler, which offers the best value and variety. But there are appealing options for every appetite. Don’t expect Champagne and caviar, but enjoy omelet dishes with hash browns or grits in various combinations and large portions. Fluffy pancakes prevail, and our party devoured them with zeal. Grab a spot at the long counter or a cozy booth in front. You’ll be well cared for here: Greetings, orders, refills, and checks are delivered with a smile. — Klavon
Multiple locations
Hours vary by location
It’s hard to beat the nostalgia of a classic, no-frills diner, and Bob & Edith’s fits the bill. With 24-hour locations, counter and booth seating, neon lighting, and all the classic diner fare you could imagine, it’s no wonder this family business has been around since 1969 and now has six locations.
If you’re craving breakfast food, this menu has everything you could imagine: There are waffles, pancakes, eggs and omelets, breakfast meats, biscuits and gravy, and French toast — plus plenty of sides to ensure you get a taste of anything you’re longing for.
Save some room for dessert. There are a variety of pies you don’t want to miss, and the milkshakes are rich, thick, and exactly what you want to be drinking in this old-fashioned diner. (Pro tip: Ask for one to go.) — Langer
Photo courtesy Buford’s Biscuits
Leesburg
Opens 8 a.m. Thursday–Saturday, 9 a.m. Sunday
Sometimes NoVA residents need a reminder that Virginia is indeed part of the South. For those moments, there is the porch at Buford’s Biscuits. Thursday through Sunday, diners can get a taste of the region with sweet tea and cathead biscuits.
Those buoyant pastries are available on their own, with flights of gravy (including mushroom, chipped beef, and sausage), or with a selection of housemade seasonal jams. But the best way to enjoy the fluffy biscuits is as part of a sandwich.
The Buford’s Biscuit, which is named for co-owner Lauren Barrett’s father, features a fried chicken thigh that’s been brined in sweet tea. It’s piled with collards and drenched with a creamy whole-grain mustard velouté. Seeking heat? The Nashville takes that chicken and flavors it with a peppered hot sauce, red cabbage slaw, and house pickles. There are few better ways to put the South in your mouth. — Levitt
Vienna
Opens 8 a.m. Friday–Sunday
Tucked away in an industrial park just off the W&OD Trail, Caboose lures bikers, hikers, and dog walkers to its outdoor tables. Inside the soaring mod space that’s part brewery and part tavern, there’s seating on two levels. Colorful pop art murals and handsome accents establish an engaging vibe.
One standout on the breakfast menu is a handheld that features a savory venison sausage patty, eggs, and a choice of farmstead cheese — enlivened by a subtly spiced sauce and served on a notably flaky biscuit. Eating it is a knife-and-fork operation. Other breakfast sandwiches nestle ham or bacon, egg, and cheese in a croissant or English muffin. The accompanying sprightly green salad is a welcome touch.
Additional hefty choices include shrimp and grits, a breakfast burger, and a breakfast bowl with a housemade vegetable hash that you can accessorize with eggs and bacon, sausage, or chorizo. Buttermilk pancakes, muffins, and pastries round out the menu, along with coffee, tea, and specialty drinks. And, of course, there’s lots of beer — spotted on more than one morning table. — Boikess
Falls Church
Opens 7 a.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. weekends
We can’t resist the cheap thrills of the breakfast poutine at this cozy bar and restaurant. Indulge in the pile of crispy, skin-on fries bathed in sausage gravy. Melted mozzarella (not the traditional cheddar curds) stretches amiably as you grab a fry from beneath the gooey-centered poached egg. Though it’s firmly in the camp of foods not to enjoy every day, we would love to do just that.
Head to the counter for croissants, scones, and other breakfast pastries just waiting to help you finish your meal on a sweet note. If you want a healthier option, there’s the Greek yogurt parfait with housemade granola and fresh blueberry compote — but it’s even better with a fry or two. — Levitt
Falls Church
Opens 8 a.m.
Whether you’re dining on cheese blintzes or the corned beef hash–centered Hobo Banquet, your surroundings at this longtime staple will remind you of a time gone by. While the stereo is tuned to hits of the ’50s and ’60s, the TVs show everything from vintage game shows to the 1985 Super Bowl.
It doesn’t get much more varied than the all-day breakfast served here. Offerings might at first conjure a New York–style diner: Guests can get their Benedict blanketed with lox. But wait — there’s also fried catfish with two eggs, biscuits and sausage gravy, and even country-fried steak drenched in peppery sausage gravy. Diners from all over the world will find representation among the breakfast meats, which include scrapple, gyro meat, and kielbasa.
Those who are being mindful of their health can stick to fresh melon with cottage cheese. Those who aren’t? Make us proud and get the egg cream. — Levitt
Falls Church
Opens 7 a.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. weekends
Harvey’s has something for everyone, from savory options to sweet ones. Breakfast sandwiches are taken seriously here; they have their own section of the menu, and you can even build your own, if you’re feeling creative. We love the Sweet Fire, which consists of scrambled egg, fried chicken breast, housemade pimiento cheese, and hot honey — the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy in one bite.
If you want a sweet dish, the banana bread French toast is not to be missed; housemade banana bread, crisped to perfection and topped with caramelized bananas, is hard to beat. You can also order lunch fare, and we’d be remiss not to mention the fried green tomatoes (crusted in Fritos) or the Seven Hills burger.
The casual indoor space boasts an open kitchen and colorful murals by local artists. (Outdoor patio seating is available.) Before you leave, check out the cases selling to-go items from other local businesses. — Langer
Sterling
Opens 7 a.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. weekends
Located just off Route 28 in a small plaza, Joe’s Café caters to locals who gather for dependable food and a friendly welcome. The staff carries on animated conversations with chatty guests, and loyal regulars arrive in Joe’s Breakfast Club sweatshirts.
Expect simple eggs, crispy bacon, and strong coffee, with a side of today’s gossip. Warm stacks of French toast and pancakes cascade out of the kitchen while pleasant servers fill mugs as fast as you can throw back a cup of joe.
True to the joint’s local roots, the walls are decorated with police patches and military challenge coins. Order Joe’s Breakfast Platter for a little bit of everything. — Klavon
Fredericksburg
Opens 9 a.m.
Built in 1964 as a Hardee’s burger joint, the Mason Dixon Café attracts long lines, but guests don’t seem to mind the wait.
The café serves the scratch-made breakfast menu all day, with keto-friendly options like steak and eggs, Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy, and locals’ picks like peanut-butter-and-jelly-stuffed French toast.
Stacks of pancakes the size of dinner plates appear with sides of cardamom honey butter, daring you to finish even one. Try the Southern breakfast sandwich for a splurge — it’s a tempting smash of pimiento cheese, crispy bacon, and scrambled egg on a fresh-baked biscuit. Just one bite and you’ll see what all the talk is about. — Klavon
McLean
Opens 7 a.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. weekends
Locals have been digging into hearty breakfasts in this welcoming diner for decades. It’s family-run, and its comfortable booths and tables fill with multi-generational groups, meetups, and retirees.
Eggs cooked any style come with a choice of bacon, ham, or sausage; toast; and tasty home fries. Among other tempting options on the extensive breakfast menu, served until 3 p.m., is a lengthy list of omelets. Several reflect the owners’ Greek heritage.
Made with Canadian bacon, sausage, or spinach and topped with a flavorful hollandaise, eggs Benedict is an indulgence offered daily here. Waffles — smothered with whipped cream or ice cream and berries, or accompanied by sausage and eggs — present an indulgent possibility. Yet another specialty: blintzes with sour cream.
Hearty appetites meet their match in skillet dishes. These sizzling “kitchen sinks” combine the likes of ham (or vegetables, or chopped gyro meat) with green peppers, cheese, home fries, and two eggs cooked any style. Coffee pours are frequent, and the menu offers a full complement of breakfast breads and Danish pastries. — Boikess
Vienna
Opens 8 a.m.
Opened in December, Nozzo Pazzo is just two doors down from its parent Italian restaurant, Pazzo Pomodoro, in the Danor Plaza shopping center. The deli offers a casual menu with exceptional attention to detail.
Surrounded by Italian pastries, wine, pasta, and meats, deli diners can order various omelets, finding formidable flavor and an array of add-ons for a custom-tailored meal. Try the outstanding croissant breakfast sandwich for a dreamy blend of cheesy egg goodness.
The deli offers standards like pancakes and French toast, but every element of the menu is curated to deliver impressive results. While you’re there, splurge and order a stunning tiramisu and some housemade pasta by the pound to take home for dinner. — Klavon
Falls Church
Opens 7 a.m.
Dutch baby, anyone? The puffy pancakes are essentially giant popovers, as appealing as they are hard to find. They can also be difficult to wait for. The delicacy, served with slices of lemon, a ball of whipped butter, and more than enough powdered sugar for a thick dusting, can take half an hour to prepare. But the rewards of the eggy treat are worth the wait.
This national chain, which has locations in Rockville and Bethesda, was founded in 1953, and the cuisine is appropriately homespun. The menu includes soft crêpes, regular pancakes filled with an assortment of candy bars, and a behemoth known as the Apple Pancake. The plate-filling mound of dough and fruit is baked, not griddled, resulting in something more like a fluffy tarte Tatin than a typical pancake. You won’t find anything like it elsewhere in NoVA. — Levitt
Photo courtesy Ruthie’s All-Day
Arlington
Opens 7 a.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. weekends
It should come as no surprise that big, fluffy biscuits rule the breakfast served at Ruthie’s All-Day. Chef-owner Matt Hill designed this much-applauded American bistro as a tribute to his North Carolina grandmother, who baked these hot breads daily.
The weekday morning meal is a laid-back, help-yourself deal in the spacious, sunlight-flooded dining room. Diners order at the counter, settle into a table or booth, and collect their food at a kitchen service station in the back of the room. Table service begins at 11 a.m., when the lunch menu kicks in.
While service is relaxed, the menu choices and quality food preparation make for serious a.m. eats. Delicious, thoughtfully composed biscuit or milk bread sandwiches include a sausage, egg, and cheese combo; a mushroom-and-spinach scramble with garlic aioli; and a PSB featuring housemade pimiento cheese, scrambled eggs, bacon, and pickled onion.
A succulent fried chicken breast with a notably crispy skin is anchored to its hefty biscuit base by goat or cheddar cheese and Aleppo honey. An old-fashioned cake stand filled with housemade muffins by the checkout counter offers a final indulgence. — Boikess
Vienna
Opens 7 a.m.
Since 1965, this cozy, tchotchke-filled dining room has packed in breakfast lovers for dishes like country-fried steak and chipped beef gravy over toast. Breakfast is served all day, alongside a Greek-tinged lunch.
The Hellenic influences bleed into the most important meal of the day, too. Want your eggs with a tangy bite? Get them with juicy morsels of chicken souvlaki. Paired with well-browned home fries and toast, there’s no arguing that they’re a healthier take on breakfast meat. Egg lovers will find omelets filled with feta for a sharp bite that will wake up their palates. Want to make it even more Greek? For an additional $1.25, you can add gyro meat to any omelet.
Real trenchermen can order a rib-eye steak with two eggs, but for our money, the Greek proteins are the best way to expertly enjoy this neighborhood staple. — Levitt
Manassas
Opens 7 a.m.
Suzanne Vega’s 1987 hit song “Tom’s Diner” may not refer to the popular Manassas restaurant, but you might find yourself humming the tune anyway as you arrive for breakfast. It’s not a flashy spot, but rest assured, Tom’s will fill you up and not let you down.
Yearning for comfort food? Order popular dishes like creamed chipped beef gravy served over biscuits, or two eggs with scrapple. We recommend the country omelet with crumbled bacon, diced potatoes, grilled onions, peppers, and melted cheese. The enormous egg creation is fresh, flavorful, and big enough for leftovers.
Service is as warm as the coffee, and tables turn quickly. You’ll depart full and happy, humming Vega’s song as you pull out of the crowded parking lot. — Klavon
Vienna
Opens 8 a.m. Monday–Saturday
This 1960s-era dive bar’s homey vibes — its worn wooden booths and bar, sports memorabilia, and children’s art on the walls — hark back to Vienna’s small-town past. Customers fill their own (and often strangers’) coffee cups from seemingly bottomless brew pots warming on a shelf.
The breakfast menu sticks to the classics — eggs and hash browns with bacon, ham, chipped beef, sausage, or steak; pancakes; French toast; and omelets filled with cheese, vegetables, and meat. A Tex-Mex omelet is the most adventuresome of the old-school options. Old-fashioned sides like scrapple and grits fill out the plates.
Plump, sweetly tangy hotcakes are especially pleasing. Thick-cut French toast is made from soft baguettes. And, yes, there is creamed chipped beef on toast. But you cannot order the house specialty — zingy chili dogs — at breakfast: Come back after 11 a.m. — Boikess
Herndon
Opens 8 a.m.
This comfy restaurant calls itself “Herndon’s hometown diner.” It’s earned the name since 1977, and many of its Sunday customers are regulars. And despite 16 combos from which to choose, chances are good that those devotees are ordering The Country Boy.
Too often, platters of biscuits and gravy are just that, with no or few sides. Not so here. The pillowy biscuit is blanketed — as it should be — in sausage gravy, but there’s also a sausage patty and a sausage link.
Want more? Two eggs are prepared any style you want, including a finely layered scramble. Home fries are crisp, well-spiced, and accompanied with onions and peppers. Still not satisfied? When the meringue-crowned chocolate pie is this creamy, there’s no excuse to resist a bite. — Levitt
Manassas
Opens 7 a.m.
Not many local restaurants can boast that they’ve been in business since 1950. Here, even the prices, many of which are comfortably below the $10 mark, are a taste of history.
Breakfasts here will satisfy any appetite. The Poor Boy’s Special, which pairs a single hotcake and egg with scrapple, might not be enough if you’re truly hungry. But the country-fried steak platter with biscuits or toast, two eggs, and home fries, most certainly will. Just make sure to use those biscuits to sop up the sausage gravy that’s poured atop the steak or chicken-fried chicken.
Owners Matt and Elias Natour have been fixtures at the restaurant since 1979. The brothers and their staff are paragons of the smiling service typical of a Southern diner. Don’t be surprised if someone calls you “hon.” — Levitt
Feature photo courtesy Metro 29 Diner
This story originally ran in Northern Virginia Magazine’s April issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
