Amphora

Oh Amphora... such an odd mixture of Greek and well, everything else. One of the only 24 hour sit down restaurants in the area (that is not a chain), Amphora captures much of the diner spirit in an eclectic and somewhat international style. Can you call it style? Well, go there and you decide. It suffers a bit from schizophrenia, as seen in the split dinning areas (one side diner, one side restaurant), the 42 page menu (ok maybe not 42 pages, but really... it goes on and on), or the choice between Mexican, Greek, Italian, and American fare (oh wait, do they have egg rolls?). Regardless, if you have a hankering for a cheap breakfast at any time of day or night, roll on over to Amphora and you can have it.

The food will definitely be prompt and hot. Fresh? Not so sure ... But shoot, who really needs fresh when you are eating fried eggs, fried bacon, fried potatoes and the like?! My server called me "honey" and my coffee cup and water glass were never empty. If you suffer from indecision like I do, prepare yourself here. Go decadent with the Banana's Foster French Toast, satisfy your picky eaters with "create your own omelet", Hollandaise lovers will be delighted with the entire section of the menu dedicated to the sauce, or go international with the Greek Pocket, Breakfast pizza, or Huevos Rancheros.

It is not McDonalds fast food, so don't expect to find a $1 menu but the prices are pretty reasonable ($5.50 - $10 for most; steak and crab obviously jack up the prices).

I've heard there is a weekend breakfast/brunch but haven't experienced it myself so I don't know if it is much different than the usual. Have you had it? They also have an entire bakery affiliated with the restaurant that has gotten good reviews.

I went to the location in Vienna. There is a cooler looking diner version in Herndon.

-- S. Coffin

Smith and Clarkson's

When traveling through middle-of-nowhere America, dining along your way usually produces restaurants in a particular mold: American staples (usually fried) on the menu and not so modern decor. Some of these places are real gems of *ahem* unhealthy, really tasty treats! Smith and Clarkson's fits the mold perfectly ... except that it is in Northern Virginia, right near an entrance to 495.

The inside is an awkward little 'L' shape, the ceiling seems too high, the lighting is industrial, the interior "design" is drab, and the people are ... well, I'll just say that I don't think they discuss cheerfulness and hospitality at their shift meetings. Our fellow diners were mostly men, many in jumpsuits. While you won't go there for the ambiance, it is a classic if you want really good diner food.

The ordering concept threw me off a little so let me prepare you. They have it set up for herding people through the restaurant. You are directed by half walls to the counter where menus, cashiers, and guests that entered behind you are all staring at you, waiting for your order. I stepped aside and let someone go ahead of me while I chose. They give you a number with your receipt which is called out either by the short order cooks or the cashier when ready.
The food was awesome, as evidenced by the fact that it was gone before I remembered to take a picture. They have quite the variety, from burritos to eggs Benedict to omelets. I ordered a Breakfast sandwich with egg, sausage, and cheese. Each was cooked to perfection, pipping hot, and obviously real (ie. not carton liquid 'egg').

My Breakfast mate ordered "Plate #5": Corned beef hash with 2 eggs and toast. While it was far too much food to eat in one sitting, the homemade corned beef hash (something I would not have ordered) was actually quite tasty and, to the connoisseur who ordered it, it was perfect! She got her eggs scrambled and they got another thumbs up there.
We saw some homemade muffins, shoved in a glass case up front (still in the pan ... I don't think presentation is much of a concern), and decided to test their baking skills as well. The muffin was very moist but way too sweet for my Breakfast mate.

At a neighboring table we watched as one gentleman consumed one of the "Plates" as well as the French Toast Combo, quite the feat considering the size of both of those things. At other tables the pancakes and omelets were hits with the kids. I am definitely coming back here to try the french toast, waffles, and pancakes. Their waffle is a made-from-scratch malted Belgian waffle cooked to a golden perfection. Their french toast looked thick, perfectly golden, and crispy. Their pancakes took up the entire plate and again, the golden color made my mouth water. They've got that griddle in the back in good hands!
And for you coffee shop die hards, they serve "Seattle's Best" and have local art for sale on the walls.

No frills, just enough grease .. a real winner in my book. Call me if you are going.

Mon. - Fri. 6am - 4pm
Sat. 7am - 4pm
Sun. 8am - 3pm
(They also deliver/carry out. Check out online ordering for quick service!)

--S.Coffin

The OPH

My favorite breakfast spot will come as no surprise to most people: The Original Pancake House. This gem of a restaurant opens at 7:00 a.m. and serves the best variety of pancakes anywhere. If you're looking for homestyle breakfast, this is the place to go.

Everything from pecan pancakes to spinach and mushroom crepes, to eggs hollandaise, to the infamous Dutch baby is available within 15 minutes. The best time to go is around 8:45 on Sunday morning before the church crowd gets there. Brimming with families and cute older couples, this restaurant reminds me of why I like breakfast in the first place - hearty food for everyday folks. For a special treat, try the shredded hash browns - mmmmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking about them.

The only downside is the more expensive (but still fresh-squeezed) orange juice, and the refusal to seat any incomplete party. The OPH won't split checks on weekends, but the waitresses are friendly and often will help you around that by printing multiple checks. They are also very kind to those of us who aren't ''cooperative'' in the mornings.

I also love that this place takes an interest in its community - every year, the OPH opens on Christmas morning in order to feed the homeless folks in Falls Church. What a great way to celebrate the season. I give 5 out of 5 stars to this comfortable breakfast spot - hope you get the chance to enjoy it!

- A. Griffith