There's no better way to start your day than with breakfast. Pour a stream of maple syrup over a mountain of pancakes. Spread homemade jam over a crunchy piece of toast. It's not just the most important meal of the day, it can also be the best.

With so many options available, you may be asking — "Where do I go for the best breakfast in The Bend?" Here's our guide to some of The Bend's best diners and breakfast-focused restaurants.

Chico's Restaurant

Serving an authentic Mexican and American breakfast on South Bend's Westside since 1996, Chico's is famous for its Mexican-style breakfasts like burritos and tacos filled with eggs, chorizo sausage and Mexican-style potatoes.

"This is like breakfast at my mom's," says Chico's owner Federico Rodriguez Jr.

Curve Café

"Welcome Friends." These two words are above the door as you enter this Mishawaka restaurant and they mean it. The stuffed cinnamon roll topped with strawberries and blueberries is the owner's favorite.

Hilltop Restaurant

Hilltop Restaurant has been a hub in Lakeville for 40-plus years. Inside you'll see a sign that reads, "Real Food Served in Real Time." This couldn't be more true — everything is made from scratch. Fuel up for the day with a High-Octane Pancake that has oatmeal and flax seeds. Orange sauce is layered on top of the stuffed French toast, which brings out even more flavor.

Jeannie's House

This family-owned and operated diner has served up mouthwatering comfort food in South Bend for nearly a decade. You won't leave here hungry after you try their popular corned beef hash, jalapeño sausage and their homemade jam atop a golden-brown piece of toast.

Macadoo's Family Restaurant

Crowned as Breakfast Wars champion by local voting in 2018, Macadoo's in Mishawaka has all sorts of homespun feel. Stuffed French toast is a top choice for many customers. The Farmers Omelet is an owner's favorite. Regulars have also said Macadoo's makes the best loaded biscuits and gravy in The Bend. Who are we to doubt them?

Nick's Patio

Known for being a late-night spot by Notre Dame, Nick's Patio is an institution near campus. Bite into the French toast, topped with your choice of strawberries or blueberries. Order a Greek skillet and you'll enjoy two eggs atop American fries, gyro meat, onions, tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.

The Original Pancake House

This South Bend pancake house is most well known for its apple pancakes cooked with fresh apples and cinnamon. They also feature German pancakes made with fresh lemon juice, but there is a lot more to offer here than just pancakes, like the strawberry waffle and corned beef hash.

PEGGS

Peg Dalton has been serving up breakfast in downtown South Bend since 2001. Essentials at Peggs include Peggs Eggs and Birds in the Nest, where two eggs are dropped in the hole of Texas toast with ham, cream cheese and chives. 

South Bend Farmers Market Café

You can find this breakfast spot tucked inside the Farmers Market, one of The Bend's landmarks. It utilizes produce, meat and other ingredients available right in the market. Dive into the country fried steak, butternut squash hash and the flavorful blueberry pancakes.

RELATED CONTENT: The Bend's Farmers Markets

More Breakfast Ideas 

Looking for more options? Keep browsing. 

Allie's Café | South Bend
American Pancake House | South Bend
Diner on 12th | Mishawaka
The Early Bird Eatery | South Bend
Kristin's Café | Mishawaka
Mel's Diner | New Carlisle 
Metro Diner | Mishawaka
Sunrise Café | South Bend
Uptown Kitchen | Granger 
Yellow Cat Café | South Bend