They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Your days at Lake Martin are sure to be full of adventures, but you will definitely want to fuel up before heading out for a day of exploring. Lucky for you, we have some great local breakfast spots in the Lake Martin area for you to try! Here are 5 locally owned spots where you can stop in, sit down, and fill up your belly before heading out for a day of fun.
Alana’s Place in The Square
Alexander City, Alabama
This breakfast spot is located inside “The Square” in Downtown Alexander City, which is such a unique venue to begin with. The Square Downtown is a shopping center with a New Orleans-inspired flare to it, including an old-time clock, Bourbon Street signage, and iron-wrought balconies overlooking the walking path throughout.
Alana’s Place in The Square embraces this beautiful and unique ambiance, making it one of the most charming breakfast places in the Lake Martin area. And of course, they are serving up all your Southern breakfast favorites too! From grits and breakfast bowls to biscuits and gravy, Alana’s Place has it all.
My recommendation is to top off your breakfast with a Hazelnut or Salted Caramel Cappuccino and a side of donut holes. You’re welcome.
View the breakfast menu and food photos here: Alana’s Place in The Square Facebook Page
Who’s Diner
Alexander City, Alabama
All the locals know, Who’s Diner is where you go for a great, All-American breakfast! Just off of Highway 280 in Alexander City, this breakfast stop is a classic in the area. It has all the traditional decor, like checkered floors and vintage signage… and who could forget “Mr. Who”, the hotdog man! Kids and adults both love to see Mr. Who and, to be honest, it’s hard to leave the diner without snapping a few photos with him first. We have to say, he is quite the icon!
My recommendation for Who’s Diner is to get one of their “Old Fashioned Omelets”. They are cooked on the flat grill, the old-fashioned way, and come with your choice of grits or hashbrowns and toast. And here’s the secret to the ultimate breakfast upgrade – they offer loaded hashbrowns too. Top it off with a stack of their flapjacks and this will be one breakfast that will keep you coming back again and again.
So slide into one of their booths and bring your appetite… you’re going to need it!
Daylight Donuts
Alexander City, Alabama
This list wouldn’t be complete without the perfect donut spot! Daylight Donuts has been around the block for almost a decade now, offering up all your favorites like donut holes, cinnamon rolls, and even glazed donuts with Fruity Pebbles. Visitors love to drop in and window shop the glass case, filled with rows of colorful donuts and mixed pastries. Since opening in it’s new location on Broad Street, they now offer Asian Cuisine as well. How cool is that! Donuts and eggrolls for breakfast? I call that a win-win. They also offer alfresco seating, so you can enjoy a sit down breakfast outside.
Whether you drop by for one donut or a box full, Daylight Donuts is the perfect place to brighten your morning routine. See photos of all their mouthwatering donut options here: Daylight Donut Facebook Page
Nirvana Latte
Dadeville, Alabama
Nirvana Latte is one of the hottest coffee shops in the area, located right off of Hwy 49. It is also one of the best places to grab your breakfast bagels and pastries – seriously. They pride themselves on their pastries! Danishes, muffins, cinnamon rolls… you name it. Not only that, but they have great breakfast biscuit options too, including biscuits made with chicken and Conecuh sausage.
And of course, the plus side of having your breakfast at Nirvana Latte is the opportunity to delve into their extensive list of coffees and unique cold drinks. You can always get a classic hot tea or cold brew coffee… but then again, have you ever tried a “Gummy Bear” with an Energy Whip?
My recommendation is to grab a “Fiesta Panini”, loaded with egg, tomatoes, lettuce, Mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses, and topped off with Avacado spread. And of course, you have to finish your breakfast off with a “Dirty Chai” latte for an extra boost of energy… YUM.
If your morning visit extends into the afternoon, Nirvana Latte also has a “Friends” inspired lunch menu too. Did anyone order the “Rachel”?
See the full menu here: Nirvana Latte Menu
BRU 63
Russell Crossroads, Alexander City
What really makes BRU 63 so unique is that it is a full-service coffee shop, located inside Catherine’s Market at Russell Crossroads. Not only do they offer all the classic favorites, such as iced coffees, cold brews, and cappuccinos, BRU 63 also is serving up several exclusive drink items as well. “Revivers,” for instance, are BRU 63’s plant-based energy drink – which is sure to wake your mornings up!
The perk of being located inside Catherine’s Market too is that there are so many grab-and-go snacks and homemade pastries, all of which are made the “old world” way. Catherine’s makes all of their bread and pastries using their small, in-house bakery and only the finest, natural ingredients.
After breakfast, you can also take a stroll around the beautiful grounds of Russell Crossroads, making this one of the most relaxing and scenic breakfast spots on this list. We say come for the breakfast, stay for the atmosphere.
Wherever you go, you will be welcomed with open arms at any of our local breakfast eateries, and invited in as if you were an old friend. Check out our dining page for even more options.
