RIVER OAKS. It's all casual at this appealing diner, which sits adjacent to a local drug store. Red-and-black checkered floors, vinyl-covered booths, counter seating, ceiling fans, and warm-hearted servers give it charm, and regulars can't get enough of the delicious food. Farm-fresh breakfasts and hot plate lunches have kept Avalon humming along since 1938, and there's no signs of its stopping. Cheeseburgers, milkshakes, and homemade lemonade are sublime, as are crisp-edged waffles, omelets, French toast, migas, huevos rancheros, and chicken-fried steak and eggs. Expect a crowd.

THE HEIGHTS. An uncomplicated neighborhood place, this cafe is a top choice for eating simply and without fuss. Lots of locals make their way here for omelets, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and all the tried-and-true morning dishes. At lunch, burgers and sandwiches are popular, and their pizzas (available after 5pm) also have loyal fans. On weekends, the people-watching is almost as good as the breakfasts. Good, downhome cooking.

TANGLEWOOD. Need something hearty and filling when the sun rises? Fountain View stands poised to help out, thanks to breakfast plates that are available from open till close. If you crave fruit pancakes, cheese grits, omelets, or even a classic ham and eggs dish, you'll find it here. The parking lot reveals folks from all walks of life inside, and as mid-day rolls around, you can sample deli-style sandwiches and juicy, old-fashioned burgers, with a milkshake, of course!

RIVER OAKS. For decades now, this diner has been bringing together young and old, traditional and alternative, uniting them all with the allure of homemade pies and short-order fare. Don't come if you're on a diet, but do show up if you're in the mood to indulge your sweet tooth. Chocolate cream, Dutch apple, coconut cream, and strawberry rhubarb pies are all delicious, but regulars especially adore the Bayou Goo, which features cream cheese, vanilla custard, chocolate chunks, and whipped cream on a pecan crust ­ oh, yeah! Other sugar fixes are available, and delicious breakfast dishes are served all hours of the day. Burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads also satisfy.