Weekend Guide

Put your belt to the test at these boffo breakfast joints

A quick caveat before we start our breakfast bonanza: This Sunday is the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Roadblock, er, Marathon. We’re not much for jogging—the ice keeps falling out of our glasses—but if you happen to live within this 26.2-mile loop encircling the Valley, be prepared for some serious delays.

That said, just because we’re not running a marathon doesn’t mean we can’t carbo-load like a marathoner. And why fight the crowds at the usual suspects (Matt’s Big Breakfast, The Breakfast Club, Over Easy), when you can discover a new fav such as Scramble? This sleek breakfast and lunch spot in north-central Phoenix puts the sunny-side-up in Sunnyslope with a local-centric menu featuring Hickman’s Eggs, Schreiner’s Sausage and more. Dig into a Brizza (breakfast pizza), Pigs in a Blanket or a piquant Santa Fe Eggs Benedict (blackened ham and poached egg on jalapeno cornbread, topped with chipotle hollandaise)—all served with a side of free WiFi and charging stations.

Also in Phoenix, Jerry’s (2323 E. Thomas Rd., 602-956-2870) is a non-descript looking diner that cranks out surprisingly great breakfast fare in crisp, clean environment. Family-owned since 1966, Jerry’s is open 24/7, but we’re drawn to the hearty morning fare such as the Hungry Traveler (eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, choice of bacon/ham/sausage and biscuits & gravy all for $8). Now that’s good eats!