They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Perhaps, this is why Americans love breakfast restaurants.
There are numerous chains in the U.S. that dedicate their menus exclusively or partially to the first meal of the day. And while we all have our preferences, it's undeniable that some of these chains are simply better than others.
Start the day on the right foot at one of the most popular breakfast restaurant chains in the U.S.
Year founded: 1964
First location: Folsom, Pennsylvania
Number of locations: 950
Whenever someone says East Coast people are too fancy and elitist, remind them of Wawa. Dotting the Atlantic Coast, from New Jersey to Florida, these convenient gas station stores are hugely popular.
And while we wouldn't trade the experience of a sit-down Sunday brunch for a Wawa breakfast, it's true that within the realm of gas station food, it's some of the more palatable. Though, admittedly, that's not saying a lot.
If you're in the mood for a snack rather than a full meal, get the buffalo chicken bites. These deep-friend chicken balls combine sweet and tangy flavors and will chase off hunger.
Year founded: 1993
First location: Candler Park, Georgia
Number of locations: 29
The Flying Biscuit has always strived to have "a quintessential neighborhood spirit and focused on our Southern-inspired menu of comfort food made with fresh ingredients." Its specialties are grits and biscuits, claiming that each location makes as many as 5,000 biscuits per week
Growing throughout the Southeast, the chain has a small cult following. And the biscuits are actually worth stopping for. But if you're not too into biscuits, there are better places out there to get a nice breakfast.
Should we state the obvious? The grits and biscuit are what's made the Flying Biscuit Cafe. You can never go wrong with the house specialty.
Year founded: 1982
First location: Houston, Texas
Number of locations: 60
The Kolache Factory is for people who know what they want - as long as what they want is a kolache. These traditional Czech treats have sweetened fruit in the middle of a doughy pastry. The chain has brought over the concept to nine states, spreading from Texas to Virginia.
Selling itself as a quick, delicious breakfast on the go, we definitely think it's hard to have a bad day when you start it with a kolache. Other items available include sausages, croissants and sweets.
The chain has good quality food, but its limited menu makes too niche to rank higher.
We honestly don't think there's a bad kolache to have in this chain. Some flavors are also seasonal or depend on your location. But if you have the chance, go with the simple yet delicious sausage and cheese kolache.
Year founded: 1953
First location: Portland, Oregon
Number of locations: 150
Did the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) completely rip off the Original Pancake House? Probably. But the food here is of such low quality that it makes IHOP look like a high-end breakfast restaurant.
To begin with, it looks like the restaurant hasn't changed its logo since it opened in 1953, which wouldn't be a bad thing if the logo weren't so bad. The real problem, though, is that it doesn't deliver on the promise of its name. This is not a house where you go to get delicious pancakes. In fact, you might be better off making pancakes at home than coming here to spend money.
Why this chain has hundreds of locations in almost half of all U.S. states is beyond us.
Though the pancake choices at the Original Pancake House are seemingly endless, we can't help but favor the simple and classic strawberry ones. They come with sliced strawberries, whose tanginess complements the sweetness of the powdered sugar.