Original Green Bay Cafe
The down comforter is swathed around my shoulders, the room is darkly quiet and a dreamy fog is cuddling my sleepy head. Suddenly, a creaky turn of the doorknob causes my eyes to bolt open in fear.
Wait--is this some kind of horror movie?
Is someone breaking into my house?!
Before I can properly rule out Freddie Krueger or an intruder, a toddler roundhouse-kicks through the air and lands on my face. OOF. How can he be so little but so compact? He may look like a cherub, but he feels like an anvil.
With a heavy groan, I sneak my arm out of the blanket to grab my iPhone. The screen illuminates cheerfully.
5:55 a.m.
Early? Yep. But it still feels like a victory because, you know, it's not 3 a.m.
In the past, I would have thrown the covers over my head and screamed. But these days, I have a plan. You see, I learned long ago that early morning wake-ups were only excruciating when you let them be. If they felt adventurous, then adventure could abound.
So, uh, what exactly is there to do at 6 a.m.?
Diners. Lots and lots of diners.
I'm talking classic Americana, local mom-and-pop breakfast spots. What's not to love about bottomless coffee, quick-and-snappy service, huge menus and hours that cater to sleep-deprived parents?
When the kid alarm clock strikes, here's where I go:
Original Green Bay Cafe
568 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka
Opens at 6 a.m.
I'm a pancakes kind-of-a-girl and the ones in this tiny, cozy spot are legendary. Opt for whatever their special pancake offering is and you won't be disappointed. Pay close attention to their dynamite Mexican dishes, including chilaquiles and breakfast quesadillas. If your kiddos are fussy, order up hot chocolate and watch them delight over the whipped cream and whimsical sprinkles served in a kitschy mug. Kid patrons are routinely given seasonal decor to color with their finest Crayolas and hang on the walls. Bring your cash; they don't take credit cards.
Once Upon A Bagel
1050 Gage St., Winnetka
Opens at 6 a.m.
Go here when you're craving a classic. The nova lox and bagel breakfast sandwich is hearty and delicious. Assorted bagels and spreads are mouthwatering. Don't be afraid to satisfy a sweet tooth with a smiley face sugar cookie or a chocolate milkshake. Bonus: plenty of frozen grab-and-go soups (perfect to have on in the freezer for when a kiddo gets a cold). Given this spot's small footprint, pass on bringing a stroller.
Northfield Restaurant
391 Central Ave., Northfield
Opens at 5:30 a.m.
This place makes me feel like I'm in a real-life Seinfeld episode. It's not flashy, but it's sweetly charming right down to the booths and constant coffee refills. Stick to the traditional breakfast basics: eggs and fresh hashbrowns are always a big hit with my son and their omelettes consistently deliver. Bonus: they actually open at 5:30 a.m. for parents of kiddos who wake extra, extra early (hugs to you, my friends).
Sarki's Cafe
2632 Gross Point Rd, Evanston
Opens at 6 a.m.
No fuss, no frills, no judgment. Sarki's is low-key in the most literal form, so show up in sweatpants and revel in being your most comfortable self. Their Bacon Loretta breakfast sandwich is out of this world and if you're feeling adventurous, head for disaster. No, literally, they have a menu item called the ‘Disaster Loretta.' Bonus: regular opening hour is 6 a.m. and that includes the majority of major holidays save for Christmas and New Year's Day.
Spunky Dunkers Donuts
3441 N. Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights
Opens at 5 a.m.
When all hell breaks loose and the kids are clearly winning at life, I implore you to seek the antidote: DOUGHNUTS. Okay, so it's not exactly a diner, but Spunky Dunkers gets an A+ because its name is clever, they have coffee, and it boasts a drive-thru. YES, a made-from-scratch bakery with modern retail convenience (swoon). Everyone can stay in rumpled pajamas, buckled safely in car seats. As for the sweets, snap up the unique Buttercrunch and the too-good-to-miss Double Chocolate. ALWAYS take some to go and spread the love, because what spouse/friend/neighbor wouldn't adore a drive-by doughnut drop-off?!
