The best breakfasts in Erie, according to our readers

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, they say. Others, like fictional characters Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson, also say that breakfast food is the best food, and I fully agree. Erie, like the small Indiana town in Parks and Recreation, has some pretty special old-school diners that crank out incredible food in a no-frills atmosphere. 

Erie’s breakfast restaurants capture the essence of simpler times, providing hearty meals in an atmosphere that evokes a feeling of “back-in-the-day.” Unsurprisingly, after conducting a readers’ poll survey, these two simple, classic breakfast spots are recommended the most by locals.

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2. Gem City Dinor

Gem City Dinor opened when my mother, a grandmother of six, was still in diapers. The year was 1949, and not much has changed at this local favorite, save for the decor. This classic diner lives and breathes cozy cottage charm that’s hard to resist. But you can still get that retro countertop service — just on nicer barstools. 

On its menu, Gem City Dinor delivers on all fronts. Their omelets are legendary. Pair them with a side of crispy bacon and a hot cup of coffee, and you’re set for the day. The diner also boasts some pretty bangin’ lunch options to tempt customers to return throughout the day. 

Gem City Dinor opens as early as 5:30 a.m. so no matter what, you can squeeze in a healthy, filling breakfast before work. The diner also offers a special brunch menu each weekend, so you can kick back and enjoy a slow-paced meal with friends and family.

1. The Breakfast Place

The Breakfast Place is a little newer than Gem City Dinor. This hot spot for hot breakfast opened in 2006 as a staple on Peach Street. The Breakfast Place offers some big old breakfasts to fill you up before a day of shopping, fishing, hunting, or beachgoing. This casual spot focuses on quality and freshness over frills. 

The menu at The Breakfast Place sets it apart with its big plates and protein bombs: steak and eggs, the filet tip omelet, and the Big Breakfast will fill you up and keep you satiated for hours. Also, they have Greek sauce. I don’t know about you, but I’m not about to have breakfast or a burger or some fries in Erie without a good Greek sauce.

Like most breakfast places, this is a great place to bring the whole family. But unlike most, you can bring your hunting, fishing, no-nonsense 6’8” Uncle Bruce and he won’t complain that he hasn’t had enough to eat.