Winter in Northern Michigan is made for hearty breakfasts, sure to keep you fueled as you hit the slopes or the trails. Fortunately, this region is filled with some terrific breakfast spots. Here’s some suggestions for great breakfasts to kick-start your winter weekends.
Brutus Camp Deli
4086 Us Highway 31, Brutus, 231-529-2222
Platters of absurdly thick Cinnamon Swirl French Toast and smoky local bacon are served beneath a menagerie of antlers and old shotguns at the Brutus Camp Deli, a Northwoods breakfast nirvana just of south of Pellston. Chef/owner Forrest Friend and his camouflaged kitchen militia hustle to feed the hungry ice fishermen, skiers and families filling every seat on cold January mornings. The Brutus Camp Deli, opened in 2003 under the simple motto ‘it’s all good,’ is all North: a glowing woodstove and walls full of hunting trophies are context for a hearty menu of housemade breads and jams, fresh eggsand artisan breakfast meats from Plath’s of Rogers City.
H.O. Rose Room, Stafford’s Perry Hotel
Petoskey, 231-347-4000
Rich breakfasts of Smoked Duck Hash or berry be-decked Belgian waffles are accented by a setting of polished wood andheavy upholstery in this elegant Petoskey landmark. Sip a mimosa or steamy cup of coffee, and watch the snow skitter across Little Traverse Bay. staffords.com.
Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen
617 Ames St., Elk Rapids, 231-264-0530
Catch a Sunday buzz with signature French Quarter Coffee or Voodoo Champagne then settle into breakfast ‘Big Easy’ style. Hungry brunchers wiggle to zydeco grooves while savoring house specialties like Crawfish Benedict or Plantation Quiche. magnumhospitality.com/pearls
Crescent Bakery
404 Main St., Frankfort, 231-352-4611
Wrapped in the vapor of freshly baked bread, this cozy Frankfort eatery serves comfort and joy in the form of Irish oatmealwith stewed apples, unspeakably good granola and myriad bakehouse confections. crescent-bakery.com.