READERS' PICK: Walking into Frank's is a ticket to a down-home breakfast with down-home service with a smile. This greasy spoon gets a unanimous thumbs up for its reliable comfort food: omelets, hotcakes, home fries and the strongest coffee mere glass can hold (ask for the special "Double Blend"). You might have to wait for a table, as the dining area is so cozy every table feels like it's right in the kitchen. The sizzle of the grill has been known to interrupt many a glazed-eye morning conversation. Dining at Frank's is one of life's simple pleasures: good food, good company, cash only.
READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Millie's Pancake Haus, 7053 N Oracle Road; 6530 E. Tanque Verde Road. If you guessed that a restaurant with "haus" in the name would have cute patterned wallpaper, natural wood finishes and, er, adorable stuffed sheep, perhaps you've been to Millie's. If so, you have also dined on pancake recipes from around the globe: potato pancakes, Russian blintzes, Swedish pancakes, and of course, old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes, all lovingly prepared and served in tandem with a traditional contingent of eggs, bacon and sausages. Enjoy a pancake of distinct national origin every day of the week. Millie is in the haus!
MORE MANIA: Marlene's Hungry Fox, 4637 E. Broadway Blvd. If you believe in the beauty, even magic, of a true country breakfast, live out your gluttonous fantasies at the family-owned Marlene's. In this land of tiny foxes, where biscuits float in white gravy and French toast glitters in maple syrup, all your dreams of double-yolked eggs and frosted cinnamon buns will come true. These platters are so laden down with good things, they're delivered to your booth on a rolling cart.
MORE MANIA: The Garland Restaurant, 119 E. Speedway Blvd. Like any breakfast place, The Garland features a good selection of the standard egg-toast-bacon breakfast fare. What sets them apart, however, are their ethnic-influenced and vegetarian breakfast creations. Many feature eggs, vegetables, cheeses and sauces in tantalizing combinations and hearty portions. One of our personal favorites is the fresh-fruit crepe, served with orange yogurt sauce and the Garland's homemade whipped cream.
