First Awakenings
171 Main St., Salinas
(831) 784-1125
125 Oceanview Blvd., Pacific Grove
(831) 372-1125
The blue germ pancakes (pancakes mixed with wheatgerm and blueberries) are crunchy, sweet, berry-studded, to-die-for gems. The skillets combining eggs with your choices of cheese, veggies and meats are swoonworthy. So it’s surprising when co-owner Chris Ulrich attributes the accolade of “best breakfast” in Monterey County to the people. “You can have bacon and eggs anywhere, but you can’t have bacon and eggs with our service anywhere,” Ulrich says. “The cooks put their heart and love into making the food, and the staff really works hard for the customers.” Over easy, baby.