Fans of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil will enjoy this Downtown diner-style restaurant, which is featured prominently in the book and movie. Breakfast is served throughout the day and features standard dishes such as omelets, eggs Benedict, corned beef hash and hot griddle cakes, along with specialties such as French toast stuffed with peanut butter and bananas and homemade cheese blintzes topped with sour cream, applesauce, strawberries and cinnamon apples. A little trivia for Midnight aficionados: the actual Downtown location of Clary's was featured in the movie, though the eatery was transformed back into Clary's drugstore for filming. Midnight author John Berendt and star, the Lady Chablis, have been spotted dining at Clary's over the years.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Clary's large breakfast menu will appeal to just about everyone. The eatery is a must for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil aficionados.
Amy's expert tip: Save room for dessert and try Clary's famous homemade jumbo eclair.
This hip coffee house, which is adjacent to Forsyth Park, serves vegetarian and vegan breakfast fare seven mornings a week, along with an outstanding brunch on Sundays. Coffee aficionados will appreciate the Bean's great selection of coffee, which usually includes freshly brewed single origin roasts from Africa and South America, along with an array of made-to-order espresso drinks. The breakfast menu features a vegetarian breakfast burrito with eggs and a vegan breakfast burrito with scrambled tofu, along with quiche, egg and cheese sandwiches, omelets and frittatas. The brunch menu boasts a rotating selection of specialties, among them tofu scramble loaded with fresh, seasonal vegetables and an outstanding breakfast burrito with spicy, homemade vegan sausage.
Recommended for Breakfast because: The Sentient Bean's vegetarian and vegan breakfast items are made from fresh, organic ingredients. The house-made vegan sausage is surprisingly flavorful.
If you're longing for one of those unforgettable Sunday meals your grandma made, then head to Sisters, a family-owned eatery that specializes in traditional Southern fare. There's nothing fancy on Sisters' menu, just standard, hearty classics such as oxtails, fried chicken, smothered pork chops, barbeque ribs and fried shrimp, along with a panoply of side dishes including collard greens, candied yams, mac and cheese, and lima beans. Prices are reasonable, especially the weekday lunch special, which includes a meat and two sides. Sisters also serves a full breakfast seven days a week, including an all-you-can-eat pancake feast on weekends. In addition to the restaurant on Skidaway Road, Sisters also has locations on Mall Boulevard on Savannah's Southside and in nearby Pooler.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Sisters opens at 6 a.m., earlier than most Savannah breakfast spots, and offers a nice selection of Southern favorites.
Amy's expert tip: Turn your trip to Sisters into an excursion. The restaurant's Skidaway Road location is about a mile from famed Bonaventure Cemetery. So grab lunch and then go check out the historic gravesites, magnificent live oak trees and beautiful water views at the nearby cemetery.
Brunch is served every day at this New Orleans-style eatery, which occupies a prime waterfront spot on River Street. Creole-inspired dishes populate Huey's brunch menu, among them Pain Perdu, a Louisiana take on French toast with powdered sugar and pecan butter, and the Pontchartrain Omelette, a hearty egg dish with creamed spinach, artichoke hearts, Swiss cheese and hollandaise sauce. Huey's beignets--sweet donut-like pastries that are coated in powdered sugar--are one of the most popular items on the menu. The addictive beignets can be ordered three at a time or by the dozen. For those who want to skip brunch, Huey's also features a variety of lunch and dinner fare, including fried green tomatoes, shrimp po' boys, crab cakes and more.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Huey's tasty breakfasts feature Southern and Creole favorites. The River Street eatery's beignets are always fresh and delicious.
Amy's expert tip: Be sure to try a side order of Parmesan garlic grits.
Located in Midtown Savannah's popular Habersham Village, The 5 Spot has quickly garnered a loyal following thanks to good food, reasonable prices and a sleek, modern atmosphere. Breakfast is served daily and is one of the eatery's most popular meals. The menu features classics such as buttermilk pancakes and eggs Benedict, plus fancier fare like grilled salmon served with tomatoes, spinach, hollandaise and poached eggs. Lunch and dinner share the same menu, meaning patrons can keep it simple even at night or splurge during the day. The extensive menu includes a good selection of salads and sandwiches, plus entrees ranging from shrimp and grits to grilled bratwurst. Prices are reasonable.
Recommended for Breakfast because: The 5 Spot, a relative newcomer, has quickly become a favorite among Savannah breakfast-goers for its reasonable prices, good food and easily accessible Midtown location.
Amy's expert tip: Check out The 5 Spot's Facebook page for daily specials. Past specials have included creations such as an insanely decadent burger on a Krispy Kreme bun with candied bacon, red pepper aioli and an egg.
This Tybee Island institution has been serving up homemade breakfast fare for more than three decades, drawing a steady stream of devoted local patrons. The always-packed eatery features traditional breakfast items, including eggs made to order, homemade sausage, waffles, omelets, grits and more. But it's the Breakfast Club's innovative dishes that get the most buzz, among them the Blackhawk Breakfast Burrito, a Tex-Mex bonanza with house-made chorizo sausage, onions, jalapenos, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and black beans wrapped in a chipotle tortilla. The PMS Omelette--a self-described "emotionally satisfying" dish with eggs, parmesan cheese, mushrooms, spinach and garlic--is also popular. Breakfast is served throughout the day, and a lunch menu is also available.
Recommended for Breakfast because: The Breakfast Club is a Tybee Island favorite thanks to good food, huge portions and a creative take on traditional breakfast fare.
Amy's expert tip: If you're in the mood for something sweet, try the pecan waffle.
This regional chain, which began in the Atlanta area, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Housed in a converted garage in the heart of the Historic District, J. Christopher's offers a wide range of breakfast fare, which is served throughout the day. Favorites include Blueberry Crunchcakes--fluffy blueberry pancakes made with crunchy granola--and Signature Breakfast Skillets, a tasty concoction of oven-roasted potatoes mixed with your choice of ingredients and topped with two sunny-side-up eggs. The restaurant also offers traditional breakfast items, including omelets, eggs Benedict, lox and bagel, French toast, crepes and more. Those craving a sandwich, burger, soup or salad have the option of choosing an item from the lunch menu.
Recommended for Breakfast because: J. Christopher's has a huge breakfast menu that will please everyone in your group. The lively atmosphere makes it the perfect place to bring kids.
Amy's expert tip: Watching your waistline? J. Christopher's is the perfect choice for dieters, offering a variety of healthy fare, including a low-carb platter and South Beach Diet breakfast platter.
Freshly made food, good service and reasonable prices all contribute to Henry's reputation as one the best places for breakfast in the city. This relative newcomer has wowed patrons with its all-day breakfast fare that includes traditional items such as eggs, grits, hash browns, biscuits, French toast, waffles pancakes, omelets and more. Fancier breakfast options include pork chops with eggs, shrimp and grits, and fried or grilled catfish served with two eggs, grits and toast. Henry's also offers a lunch menu that's available all day, for those who are craving a burger before they start their morning. On the weekends, the restaurant offers an affordable buffet with a terrific selection of breakfast favorites.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Henry's is close to all the Historic District's best attractions and service is quick and courteous. The grits and bacon can't be beat.
Amy's expert tip: Henry's bacon is perfectly cooked and crispy. Don't pass it up.
Whether you want a hearty breakfast before a day of sightseeing or have a hankering for eggs and grits at 2 p.m., B. Matthew's Eatery has you covered. The popular restaurant's breakfast menu is served in the mornings and afternoons and boasts standards such as eggs cooked to order, omelets, French toast, breakfast wraps, waffles and more. Looking for something with a Southern influence? The eatery's biscuits smothered in gravy and shrimp and grits are both outstanding. On weekends, B. Matthew's offers an amped up brunch menu that boasts innovate items, including a salmon BLT and a decadent apple, walnut and bourbon chutney waffle. The restaurant's lunch and dinner menu are also worth trying.
Recommended for Breakfast because: B. Matthew's has a great atmosphere and features several Southern-inspired menu items, along with more traditional breakfast fare. The homemade biscuits are a must.
Amy's expert tip: If you're impressed with B. Matthew's, check out the restaurant group's other eateries, Blowin' Smoke BBQ, The 5 Spot, the Blue Turtle Bistro and Abe's on Lincoln.
Just a few steps away from Ellis Square in the heart of the Historic District, Goose Feathers has been a favorite among locals for more than a quarter of a century. The restaurant serves breakfast all day, boasting a great selection of traditional dishes such as Belgian waffles, fruit-topped oatmeal, eggs, quiche and bagels. The casual eatery, in which orders are placed at the counter and delivered to patrons at their tables, also features an array of inexpensive, quick bites, such as stuffed croissants, sticky buns and muffins. In addition, Goose Feathers has an extensive lunch menu for those craving soup or a sandwich.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Goose Feathers boasts a great location near City Market and offers a straightforward menu loaded with traditional breakfast favorites. Prices are very reasonable.
Amy's expert tip: Grab breakfast to go and have a picnic in nearby Ellis Square.