My mother always said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but let's face it, most mornings I'm just pouring myself a bowl of cereal. But there are times, when Mom's words ring true, and I know I need a hearty breakfast to start the day.  This, however, does not mean that I want to put the time into actually making it myself.  There are a lot of great places for breakfast in the South Sound, but if I'm going to venture out of the house, I want something beyond the scrambled eggs and bacon offered at every diner across America, and I don't want to wait to get it.  If you're looking for the same, then give a few of these plates a try.

LITTLE JERRY'S

Little Jerry's, located in the Fern Hill neighborhood of Tacoma, is a small space with a large tribute to the Jerry Seinfeld show of the 1990's.  Though the theme might get you there, the food will definitely bring you back.  With every dish named after something from the TV series, the Kramerica is unique unto itself; crispy hashbrowns topped with eggs, biscuits, bacon, fresh tomatoes and spinach, and then smothered in the absolute best hollandaise sauce to ever cross your taste buds.  8233 S. Park Ave., Tacoma, 253.474.2435

MOONRISE CAFE

Known mostly for its pies and housemade jam, the Moonrise Café in Lakewood serves up some of the most creative breakfasts in the South Sound.  If your diet of choice is carnivorous or vegan, then you are sure to find what you are looking for on the menu.  Personally, I can never resist the salmon scramble.  This is not your average NW-themed scramble as it combines fresh smoked salmon with cream cheese, capers and fresh spinach; all partnered with hashbrowns, toast, and that wonderful Moonrise jam.  6020 Main St. SW, Suite L , Lakewood, 253.983.9999

TUGBOAT ANNIE'S

At Tugboat Annie's in Olympia, you can get more than breakfast for your dollar. On Saturdays and Sundays for just $48, you can rent Kayaks for two hours and return to two of your breakfast favorites.  Offering breakfast items from omelets to breakfast burritos, if you're Northwest enough to kayak before breakfast, then you are Northwest enough to take on the Crab Benedict.  An English muffin topped with basted eggs, red rock crab and hollandaise sauce is the perfect follow up to a morning on the water.  2100 Westbay Dr., Olympia, 360.943.1850

MARCIA'S SILVER SPOON

If your version of a good breakfast includes size, then Marcia's Silver Spoon is for you.  Known almost entirely for its huge breakfast plates, Marcia's has more than size to offer.  Even the menu items are hearty here, choosing between pork chops, country fried steak, or even hamburger to go with your eggs may be as big of a challenge as cleaning your plate.  There's no question you will find your breakfast craving satisfied here. Marcia's is one of the few places to offer hot links and eggs, which is a dish you need to come check out on your own.  2601 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.472.0157

The sourdough pancakes at Engine House No. 9 are truly authentic. Photo credit: Dutch Randall

ENGINE HOUSE NO. 9

A favorite hot spot in Tacoma for years, Engine House No. 9 now serves breakfast on the weekends. It takes the same care in the morning as it has for lunch, dinner and night life.  Additionally, E9 offers true sourdough pancakes just the way the 49ers did in the 1800's by maintaining a "mother batch" that gets added to each week.  The sourdoughs at E9 are served plate-sized with bacon, eggs, fresh fruit and a hot cup of Portland's Stumptown coffee.  611 North Pine St., Tacoma, 253.272.3435

THE RED HOT

Just around the corner from E9 is The Red Hot, which has specialized in beer and dogs since opening.  However, The Red Hot is quickly becoming a destination spot on Sunday mornings, too.  The breakfast menu is small and simple, but it is not lacking in creativity, so sit yourself down for French toast stuffed with Nutella and topped with banana whipped cream.  Add a red beer (tomato juice and beer) to your morning and you will walk away smiling and full.  2914 6th Ave., Tacoma,253.779.0229

DARBY'S CAFE

Recently featured on The Food Network's Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives for its creative vegan styled menu, Darby's Café offers a breakfast selection sure to satisfy any breakfast goer.  If you're going to go to Darby's, you should fully embrace (and trust in) its creativity when you go through the menu.  One example is the Apple of my Eye omelet filled with sliced Granny Smith apples, sharp white cheddar cheese, and just a touch of cinnamon.  The tart sweetness of the apples is a perfect pair for the sharpness of the cheddar, and when combined with hashbrowns and a fresh biscuit, you will see why Darby's is always full of repeat patrons.  211 5th Ave. SE, Olympia, 360.357.6229

The Harvester’s banana pecan pancakes are one reason they pack ‘em in for breakfast. Photo credit: Dutch Randall

THE HARVESTER

The Harvester in Tacoma's Stadium District was cool even before anyone knew the Stadium District was cool.  A large part of the popularity was due to the quality breakfasts they churn out day after day.  With different daily specials, everyday favorites and distinctive menu items, such as lingonberry topping as an option for both the French toast and pancakes, there are good reasons for a packed house during breakfast hours.  My favorite is the banana pecan pancakes.  You'll be served a hot plate stacked with three whole wheat pancakes that have bananas and pecans griddled right into the pancake, topped with fresh banana slices and more pecans.  Add in two slices of bacon or sausage and warm maple syrup, and it's almost like fresh banana bread for breakfast ... only better.  29 North Tacoma Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1193

THE BUTTERED BISCUIT

The Buttered Biscuit in Sumner is a bit farther off the beaten path, nonetheless, it is well worth the effort.  With a tradition of a homemade staple-driven menu, there is a great deal to choose from at The Buttered Biscuit.  However, the chicken fried steak breakfast is like no other. A huge portion of steak, fried just right all piled on top of potatoes, eggs, and of course, the namesake biscuit.  Don't forget the country gravy that tops it all off.  This may be more than one person can handle, but it simply begs to be ordered and enjoyed.  1014 North St., Sumner, 253.826.6099

SOUTHERN KITCHEN

Step into Southern Kitchen on 6th Ave., and you'll feel as if you stepped right off the streets of New Orleans.  From the cheerful Southern hospitality welcome, to the catfish, fried green tomatoes, and grits (all of which are available for breakfast), you will forget that you are still in Tacoma.  The singularly best item on the menu is the corncakes.  These babies are light and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness.  Served with eggs and your choice of bacon, ham or sausage, a pair of corncakes from the kitchen will more than please you this morning.  1716 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.4282

Start your day out the way your mother told you ... with a hearty breakfast.  And by all means, do not settle for a sub-par start to your day when there are so many choices right here in the South Sound that are worth getting out of bed for.