The Best Breakfast in Springfield, IL--Cafe Coco

I'm a go-out-for-breakfast guy. Sometimes I get up early and go before work, but more often I like the leisurly kind of breakfast that Saturday and Sunday mornings allow.

I like rolling out of bed, grabbing whatever is handy to wear (usually involves a hat), and heading out for some quality breakfast time with my coffee and whatever entre speaks to me that particular day.

I prefer a breakfast "joint," or "place;" you know, somewhere that's popular but not impossible to get a table at. Sometimes I go early, sometimes I ease into the day and go a little later. It all depends on my mood...like most things I do or don't do in my life.

Since this is one of my favorite things to do, going out for breakfast, I did what every other person does when they think they've got something to share, I started this blog. I'm going to share my observations, recommendations, and experieces in morning time dining rituals.

This isn't something I reservere for just around town ('cause let's face, it Springfield, IL isn't too big of a town and that would make this blog pretty short), but rather it's something I do when I travel or should I say, especially when I travel.

I think what inspired me to start writing about my go-out-for-breakfast adventures was a recent find locally combined with a leisure trip to Nashville, Tennessee not long ago.

So, let's begin. I love breakfast. I especially like going out for breakfast to a funky, off-the-beaten-path, or really delicious sort of spot. I've lived in Sprignfield for several years. During my time here I've looked high, low and everywhere in between for that "perfect" regular spot I can go for breakfast.

Here's what I've discoverd locally; just because you turn a quanset hut into a "diner" doesn't necessarily mean you are going to have me at "come on in." You'd think that would entice me, but there's something more important; the food! Yes, I like a tasty, homemade kind of plate of eggs and meats and assorted breakfast nibbly bits.

Not too long ago I tried a place that had been in the back of my mind for a while, Cafe Coco. I kept forgetting about it for some reason though it had been open for business for nearly a year.

Shame on me! This place, and the great ladies who own and operate it, serve up my favorite breakfast food in Springfield. You like biscuits and gravy? They got'em, and they're the best I've had in this town. You'd think eggs and breakfast meats would be pretty easy to purvey--au contraire! I don't know what they do to the ones they serve, but they know what they're doing way beyond any others I've had around Springfield.

Pancakes and French toast take a little more finesse perhaps, but these women do themselves proud when serving either of these delicious breakfast offerings.

It's always fun and enticing when a place has a signature item or something unique. Cafe Coco has their very own Apple Fritters available anytime. A small order of three fritters is the perfect accompaniment to their menu items. You can add on an oder for only a buck ninety-nine and when you go, make sure you do.

I'm also big on ambiance. A place doesn't have to be fancy or chic, but I like a little personality. Coco's has that. It's small enough to feel intimate but not cramped. There are regular tables, bar-height tables, and a counter to sit at. The suroundings have a definite country sort of feel. The ladies who own the place seem to have an affection for horses and cowboy-style. It's cozy and inviting, at least to this breakfast-loving guy.

And what's a great diner without great servers? Coco scores again in this area. Once you've been there a time or two, they call you by name, greet you as you come through the door and make sure to thank you for coming before you leave. You coffee cup is always full and it feels like you're being taken care of by friends. There are plenty of restaurants, and businesses in general that could take lessons from the Coco crew.

I always leave Cafe Coco full and feeling great. The food is top-notch, the service is friendly and sincere, and the value is unbeatable. Open seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. its nice to have a place you can count on.

If it's lunch you're looking for, Cafe Coco has a great selection there as well and is on par with their breakfast fare. Looking for homemade pie? YEP, they got'em...and those deserve their own post so keep your eyes open for that in the not-too-distant-future.

So, for my money, if you're looking for a great breakfast or lunch in Springfield, you can't beat Cafe Coco. Make the trip out to North Dirksen and support this great local spot.