Kill that hangover at Miami’s best breakfast spots

The idea behind chef Michael Beltran’s ode to an American diner is to reinvent and recreate dishes we’ve known all our lives into something better. He does it by adding a bit of flavor from his Cuban heritage and Miami upbringing to mostly traditional diner dishes. That’s evident in the chicharrones-like hunks of steak-cut bacon on the wedge salad, a downright incredible burger inspired by a Big Mac and a decadent chocolate cake reminiscent of the ones that come in triangle boxes from Burger King. Like everything we ate, the vibe here too is spot-on, looking simultaneously hip and historic, lots of natural-colored wood and comfy booths and ‘50s rock just loud enough to get your day kicked into party mode.

Like all of David Grutman’s establishments, this flashy diner inside the former Firestone Garage in South Beach is visually striking and much too glamorous for a diner, but it’s South Beach, after all. Holding Winker’s up against its diner moniker renders it too refined and, frankly, too expensive. So think beyond the name. The all-day breakfast menu includes the expected avocado toast and egg sandwich but also the new and decadent, like the Cinnamon Toast Crunch french toast and cookies and cream pancakes with mascarpone and chocolate.

The phrase artisanal bakery gets thrown around quite a bit but there’s no better usage for it than to describe Madruga Bakery, where owner Naomi Harris mills organic whole grains into flour practically daily. Likewise, it’s the people, not the milling machines, who make this place special. Even during the morning rush, when its irresistible bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwiches on onion poppy rolls are flying off the counter, service is speedy and pleasant.

From food truck to carb phenom, El Bagel is the little upstart that’s taken Miami by storm. Bagels are the main—and, well, only—attraction here but these things are good. How good? Folks wake up quite early to order from the currently takeout-only spot in MiMo. First time? Might we suggest the perfect B.E.C.: bacon, a fried egg and American cheese smushed between a fresh, warm bagel of your choosing.

If it’s buttered, baked or toasted, you’ll find it at Henry Hané’s popular Brickell spot. Mornings start with flaky croissants in an assortment of flavors, from gooey Nutella to sweet red velvet and classic chocolate, plus beautiful tarts that serve as the perfect excuse to indulge in dessert for breakfast. B Bistro doubles down during brunch, when its superb baked goods become part of signature dishes like the Croque madame.

This is the nexus of Miami’s doughnut obsession, where hand-made confections are rolled fresh and baked daily. Pick from assorted flavors, vegan varieties and boozy holes, plus freshly brewed Intelligentsia coffee. Get Salty staples like the maple bacon brioche with Miami Smokers’ bacon crackling topping or the guava-and-cheese doughnut, which is basically Miami in dessert form. The bakery is known for secret releases and special collabs, so keep an eye on their Instagram page for deets.

Find this southern food pop-up inside Sip Coffee Roasters in Miami's Allapattah neighborhood. Owners Jamila Ross and Akino West flex their culinary muscles with gut-busting breakfast sandwiches and Southern classics, such as shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles. Rosie’s started as a takeout-only operation but has since evolved into a full-blown restaurant with plenty of seating and daily specials to keep you coming back over and over.

This New York-style deli is a refreshing alternative to the usual Miami Beach fare, with creative offerings such as Jewban sandwich—which piles pastrami, roast pork, pickles and Swiss cheese on Cuban bread—and the craveable krunchy spicy tuna latkes topped with fresh, sashimi-grade tuna. Purists will appreciate the slew of Jewish favorites, like matzo ball soup and hand-cut corned beef. Josh’s is small and crowds are a given here, even on weekdays. Good things are worth waiting for.

With locations in South Beach, Edgewater and the Design District, Pura Vida is ground zero for Miami’s health-obsessed set. You’ll see lots of people clad in designer workout gear parading through Pura Vida and so many adorable dogs accompanying their owners while they nosh on a variety of toasts (avo, nut butter, and others), delicious egg sandwiches and the requisite smoothie bowl. The best part? Pura Vida serves breakfast all day, making it just the place to visit on the days you’re sleeping in.

Enriqueta’s is hands down one of the best Cuban restaurants in Miami. And it wouldn’t be one of the best Cuban restaurants in Miami if it didn’t serve a classic Cuban breakfast. Here, chowing down on a tostada while dipping your freshly baked-and-buttered Cuban bread in café con leche creates a flavor that is pure Magic City.

There’s American breakfast and then there’s what other countries consider a suitable morning meal, which is seldom eggs, potatoes and the other heavy food we’re used to. At Buena Vista Deli, breakfast is done the French way with flaky croissants and toasted baguettes served alongside fresh jam. Throw in a cappuccino and you’re ready to hit the rue.

The always-bustling, charming spot serves classic and well-executed options like French toast, omelettes, pancakes and more. A meal here will fill you up without hurting the wallet. Be warned, though, the line for weekend brunch can be quite intimidating. Don’t be discouraged: Green Street’s placement on a bustling corner in Coconut Grove makes it ground zero for breakfast people-watching while you wait.

Toasted is Brickell’s tastiest bagel spot, where folks line up (especially on the weekend) for some truly delicious bagel sandwiches named after different Miami neighborhoods. For example, the Little Havana, a formidable bagel topped with eggs, steak, onions and American cheese. Iced coffee addicts will appreciate the frozen coffee ice cubes served with every cup.

The Daily is one of the rare places where you can throw a dart at the menu and always end up with something delicious (and quite filling). Hankering for a giant breakfast? Try the Me So Hungry: fried rice with cilantro and sriracha topped with sunny-side-up eggs. The challah French toast is always a winner, as is the decadent Elvis sandwich with peanut butter, banana and bacon. Service here is good and efficient, so you don’t have to spend your Saturday morning waiting for a hostess to call your name.

You might recognize this beloved neighborhood spot from that one scene in Moonlight. But even before its Hollywood moment, Jimmy’s was famous among the MiMo locals as one of the great greasy spoon experiences one can have in this city. It may not be your scene but give it a go for the sake of nostalgia. The clientele and decor have not changed much in 40 years.