Rumored to be the most important meal of the day,  breakfast kick-starts our stomachs into action first thing in the morning and gets us ready to go. Getting up early can be a hardsell for late sleepers or those in love with their snooze button, but what better excuse is there to get out from under the covers than towering pancakes or waffles laden with fresh whipped cream and berries? It’s almost better than a dream. For those of us who needed a little extra oomph to say “rise and shine,” Lakewood Ranch has a hit-list of spots to start your day, ranging from authentic Parisian crepes and breakfast burgers to hand-kneaded, house-cultured artisan breads.  

Libby’s Lakewood Ranch 

 is a seasonal New American cuisine served in a stylish space with a copper bar & outdoor dining. Serving up brunch on the weekends, stop by for some creative twists on classic favorites such as their S’Mores or Bananas Foster French Toast. Their Brunch Burger features everything from apple-wood smoked bacon to gruyere cheese and cayenne spiced vermont maple syrup. The perfect weekend treat.

Libby’s is open for weekend brunch Saturday and Sunday 11 am-3 pm. 8445 Lorraine Rd, Sarasota, 941-357-1570, libbysneighborhoodbrasserie.com.

Another Broken Egg Cafe  

has a menu loaded with fresh ingredients and creative recipes across a wide variety of breakfast classics, memorable brunch dishes and lunchtime favorites. The location was designed to feel like a casual getaway, serving up a generous side of family, friends and friendly service.  Another Broken Egg Cafe is open daily from 7 am to 2 pm. 

6115 Exchange Way, Lakewood Ranch,  941-388-6898, anotherbrokenegg.com.

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe  

is dedicated to providing an outstanding breakfast—a meal where everything is handmade, using the best ingredients available, with fresh fruits and vegetables that are delivered daily, and the highest-quality bread and dairy products. An outstanding breakfast experience is not measured by food alone. Staff and a friendly atmosphere make a guest’s overall experience even that much better. Satisfaction is the goal—to give guests an exceptional experience from the moment they walk in the doors until the moment they leave. 

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is open daily from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm. 11633 State Road 70 E, Bradenton, 941-739-6555, kekes.com.

GROVE Restaurant, Patio and Ballroom  

A fine yet casual dining restaurant, GROVE specializes in a wide-ranging selection of house-made meals served in several distinct dining areas giving guests a choice of cuisine and scene. The restaurant draws its name from the acres of great evergreen that have long provided an idyllic existence for those living and visiting the Lakewood Ranch area. The pine found in their logo embodies elements of our values including heart, balance and spirit. 

GROVE is open Monday to Thursday 11:30am - 10pm, Friday 11:30am - 10:30pm, Saturday 8am - 10:30pm and Sunday 8am - 10pm. 10670 Boardwalk Loop Lakewood Ranch, 941-893-4321, grovelwr.com. 

Station 400  

A local family-owned and -operated breakfast and lunch restaurant offering chef-driven menu options with the best local ingredients, and always above-and-beyond service from a dedicated team. The Lakewood Ranch location is inspired by the quaint railroad depot building of the downtown flagship location, with a modern feel and the same chef-inspired cuisine. 

Station 400 is open daily 7:30 am to 2:30 pm 8215 Lakewood Main Street Suite P103, Lakewood Ranch, 941-907-0648, station400.com.

Paris Bistrot 

French bakery offering crêpes at breakfast, this cozy bistro serves classic. Their ‘Breakfast Corner’ menu is dishing out Parisian classics like buckwheat crepes and croissants with strawberry jam. Savory choices are also offered, but all come with the requisite French crepe. With over 30 fillings to choose from there’s something for everyone at Paris Bistrot in the mornings.

8131 Lakewood Main St, Ste 103, Lakewood Ranch, 941-388-0564, parisbistrotlwr.com. 

The Granary

Takes its name from an old mill that would traditionally store grain. Guests are able to order breakfast and lunch all day with the menu offering traditional favorites with a modern twist. Continuing “The Granary ‘’ theme, the menu offers a wide variety of breads from thick country white to marble rye, multigrain baguettes to gluten free buns. A feature they feel gives customers the choice to have a sandwich made the way they want on the bread they crave that day. 

The Granary is open Tuesday to Saturday 7:30am - 2:45pm and Sunday 8am - 2:45pm. 2547 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, 941-746-2000, thegranarylwr.com.

ATRIA Cafe 

A local cafe of artisan sourdough bread made with whole grains milled in-house with seasonal ingredients in addition to specialty coffee, beverages, breakfast and lunch. The bread is transformed by the people who bake it with passion and integrity. Transformed over time by a balanced community of living culture it’s a simple recipe for enduring quality.  

Atria is open Tuesday - Sunday 8am - 3pm. 4120 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, 941-751-1016, atria.cafe.