Best Breakfasts & Brunches: White Tablecloth Breakfasts

Downtowner Woodfire Grill (Beth's Pick)
253 W. 7th. St., St. Paul, 651-228-9500
Set near downtown St. Paul, this polished, contemporary space is lush with Oriental rugs, gray stone walls, and a double-sided fireplace. A scent of wood smoke hints of crisp bacon, ham, and andouille sausage. All figure in big platters of eggs. Try the “Cajun” breakfast (hash browns with veggies, meats, eggs, and cheese) or strawberry French toast stuffed with cream cheese.

Nicollet Island Inn
95 Merriam St., Mpls., 612-331-8100
Elegant, if a bit worn, this turn-of-the-century inn hearkens to gentler days on the river. Serving classic American fare with contemporary sensibilities, the menu features Fischer Farms bacon and sausage, a lovely basket of freshly baked scones, muffins, and pastries, and beautiful omelets. All include the best view in town. Brunch on Sundays.

Porter & Frye
1115 2nd Ave. S., Mpls., 612-353-3500
In this sleek, Euro-chic spot, model-svelte servers pour exemplary coffee while the kitchen’s rosti (Swiss hash browns) and housemade brisket hash seem to be on every table. Sit at the small, intimate bar and dig into gently poached eggs set on crisp pucks of griddled mortadella, or try the tender blintzes stuffed with seasonal berries and whipped mascarpone.