TIE! Panama / Heather’s Place

In tallying the votes, M! staffers noticed an interesting phenomenon: there were more votes for Best Breakfast than almost any other category, meaning either that most of you go out to eat your morning meal and/or that you just hate to cook in the a.m. Whatever the case may be (and who am I to judge, yogurt-and-granola eater that I am?!) here we have our first tie, with two venerable long-timers neck-and-neck as your favorite place to go for desayunando.

Tied for this year’s Best Breakfast is Heather’s Place in the GZ, a beloved mainstay since 2004. Known for her big helpings of home-style comfort food - American, Canadian and Mexican – Heather also makes her own sausage, breakfast salsa and absolutely fabulous pancakes. Weekend mornings (or any morning, really) can be crowded here, with folks relaxing in the big covered patio out front or inside, and there are always specials to choose from besides the many regular menu offerings. Evenings, Heather’s is equally or even more crowded, with live entertainment that often includes the likes of Garth Brooks, Cher and Elvis impersonators in the big stage area on the side. If you haven’t tried one of Heather’s legendary breakfasts (or shows!) you owe it to yourself to go – and soon!

Our other winner is Panama; is there anyone out there who hasn’t been to Panama? Yes? Well, stop what you’re doing (but bring your copy of M! along to read) and head on over to any of the several in town (there are big ones in the Gold Zone and Centro near the mercado). You’ll find an ultra-efficient, sparkling clean, happy restaurant with a giant menu of breakfast (and lunch and dinner) items - Mexican, American, and lots in-between. Service is fast, the food is consistently good, and there are fabulous pastries to nibble on while you’re waiting, too. Oh, and did you know breakfast is served till 1p.m.? No pressure here for you late-risers. - JB