slides: Worcester’s Ten Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

Worcester is home to some of the oldest breakfast diners in the country. The Kenmore, the Boulevard, and Miss Worcester are just a few places that paved the way for the city’s new breed of breakfast.

While places like the Broadway, Lou Roc’s and the Parkway have been in the city for years, they have stiff competition in every direction in Worcester.

What makes a good breakfast spot in Worcester? Location, price, service, portions, variety and consistency.

"An egg is an egg. The biggest element that makes a breakfast spot the best is the camaraderie. As a chef, I enjoy going to breakfast where everyone knows my name. Breakfast at a local corner spot, such as Dell'Ovo's on Shrewsbury Street, is where diners thrive on camaraderie," said Rose-Ellen Provenchar, chef at Rosalina's on Hamilton Street in Worcester.

Chef Alina Eisenhauer of Sweet Restaurant and Bar on Shrewsbury Street, said "As a chef I don't get to go out much, but for me the most important thing is always ingredient quality and scratch made food, especially with breakfast which is my favorite meal to eat and to cook. My biggest issue locally is the lack of real maple syrup offered in restaurants, no matter how good they are I will not order pancakes, French toast, or waffles if I can't have them with pure maple syrup."

"My favorite local places for breakfast are Uncle Jay's Twisted Fork, and EVO," said Eisenhauer. Sweet is open for brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Their menu can be seen here: Sweet Brunch Menu.

GoLocal has comprised a list of ten of the most popular breakfast joints in the city.

Let the debate begin.

Here are the top ten breakfast and brunch spots in Worcester:

Related Slideshow: 10 Best Breakfasts and Brunches in Worcester

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1. Ceres Bistro

Ceres Bistro, located in the Beechwood Hotel, is a very popular brunch spot in the city. It's described as "a relaxed yet elegant affair worth slowing down for."

Open for Breakfast: Mon-Fri: 6:30AM to 10:30AM

Sat-Sun: 7:30AM to 10:30AM

Address: 363 Plantation Street, Worcester

Menu: Ceres Bistro Brunch Menu

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2. Armsby Abbey

Armsby Abbey, in downtown Worcester, is a haven for beer lovers. On Saturdays and Sundays, it draws large crowds for its brunch.

Address: 144 North Main Street, Worcester

Open for Breakfast: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.

Menu: Armsby Abbey Brunch Menu

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3. Shaker's

A staple on Worcester's Grafton Hill, Shaker's serves heaping portions of its famous homefries and its huge stack of pancakes are a local hit.

Address: 296 Hamilton Street, Worcester

Open for Breakfast: Tue-Thurs 6:30 am - 1:30 pm

Fri 6:30 am - 8:00 pm

Sat 6:30 am - 1:00 pm

Sun 7:00 am - 1:00 pm

Menu: Shaker's Menu

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4. Annie's Clark Brunch

A favorite of Clark University students, Annie's Clark Brunch is serving up 'brain-food' on big plates.

Address: 934 Main Street, Worcester

Open for Breakfast: Tues-Fri 5:30 am - 2:00 pm

Sat 5:30 am - 1:00 pm

Menu: Annie's Clark Brunch Menu

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5. Lou Roc's

Highest-rated breakfast spot on Yelp.com, Lou Roc's serves huge portions of everything, but you can't go wrong with the pancakes.

Address: 1074 West Boylston Street, Worcester

Open for Breakfast: Mon-Fri 6:00 am-2:00 pm

Sat 6:00 am- 2:30 pm

Sun 7:00 am- 1:00 pm

Menu: Lou Roc's Menu

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6. Cafe Manzi's

It's famous stuffed french toast and Italian breakfast sandwich are just compliments to it's super friendly staff.

Address: 352 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester

Open for Breakfast: Mon-Fri 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sat-Sun: 7:00 am- 1:00 pm

Menu:Cafe Manzi's Menu

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7. Livia's Dish

Whatever you do with the rest of your life, don't miss Livia's Nutella French Toast. Afterwards, relax and have a cappuccino.

Address: 1394 Main Street, Worcester

Open for Breakfast: Mon - Sat 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sun 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Menu: Livia's Dish Menu

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8. The Parkway

Here's the Parkway Sunday Tradition: "Come for breakfast, stay for the Patriots game." Pre-game with Parkway's meatball, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich.

Address: 148 Shrewsbury Street

Open for Breakfast: Mon-Sun 7:00 am

Menu: Parkway Menu

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9. The Broadway

Famous for it's Challah bread french toast and Potato pancakes, the Broadway has been on Water Street for as long as anyone can remember. The corner restaurant also has a large kid's menu.

Address: 100 Water Street, Worcester

Open for Breakfast: Sun - Wed 6:00 am

Menu: The Broadway Menu