If you’re a breakfast person, you know Berrien County is a sweet spot for restaurants serving the most important meal of the day. With Southwest Michigan farmers providing locally sourced ingredients, even the simplest dishes taste egg-stra special. And if you prefer your breakfast in caffeinated form with a little room for cream, we’ve got you covered. In this second installment of our five-part series celebrating Restaurant Month in Berrien County, we’re highlighting coffee joints and breakfast spots to start your day off right.
Caffe Tosi
Our Restaurant Month breakfast coverage is brought to you by Caffe Tosi in downtown St. Joseph – how fitting, since breakfast has been “brought to you by” this longtime favorite of locals and visitors for over 28 years! This quaint Italian eatery just steps from Lake Michigan is your go-to stop for freshly-made beverages like espresso, latte, and borgia; and authentic, freshly-made specialties like homemade granola, frittatas, breakfast croissants, and their oh-so-indulgent Bacon Stuffed Waffle. Or take a tip from owner Anne Reitz, who usually opts for the Cinnamon Golden Raisin Oatmeal with brown sugar and a drizzle of milk. “It’s just what the body needs before starting a long work week – it’s so satisfying and sustains you for hours!” she says.
Dino’s Restaurant and Pancake House
Serving Southwest Michigan since 1973, The Tripodis Family invites you to stop in and enjoy a plate of Banana Pecan Nut Crepes or Athena’s Greek Frittata. With a large menu of breakfast favorites, there’s something for everyone at this St. Joe mainstay known for their fast and friendly service. Open for indoor dining and carry-out, check out Dino’s Giant Breakfast Burrito or a full stack of Old Fashioned Pancakes.
The Mason Jar Café
Serving fresh food made from scratch, The Mason Jar Café in Benton Harbor is a regional superstar for farm-to-table dining. Accommodating vegans and omnivores alike, their ever-changing seasonal menu features locally sourced dairy, meats, fruits, and vegetables. Guests can enjoy a Jalapeno Sausage Scramble or Goat Cheese and Grit Cakes while sipping on a Madagascar Vanilla Bean Latte. Stop in for a Nutella Hot Chocolate on your way to work, or schedule a morning business meeting at one of the handmade tables in their dining room.
Simply Brewed
For some, coffee is a beverage. For fans of Simply Brewed, coffee is an essential component of a daily self-care routine. Using responsibly sourced, high-quality Arabica beans, Simply Brewed offers a wide range of unique coffee flavors like Blueberry Cinnamon Crumble or Chocolate Peanut Butter. Each variety is created by local Entrepreneur, Shenier Bledsoe, and shipped directly to your home to prepare and share as you’d like.
Small Town Grounds
It doesn’t get much better than baked goods and brewed coffee, and Small Town Grounds in Bridgman has you covered for both. This coffee roasting company offers seasonal specialty drinks filled with flavor and design along with Classic Catering muffins and Red Coach Donuts. They roast their own coffee beans right on site and customers can purchase by the bag, either in whole bean or grounds. As an added bonus, fresh flowers are always available for purchase by the counter.
Biggby Coffee
The best meetings involve coffee. At Biggby Coffee in St. Joe, you’ll find a great spot to discuss last month’s numbers or next month’s marketing plan while enjoying a Lucky Charm Latte. Or, if you’re racing from one conference call to the next, grab a classic cup of Red Eye and a Sausage and Egg Bragel to-go and keep the day moving. As a locally-owned franchise, Biggby of St. Joseph is a strong supporter of community events. And, keep an eye on their social media page for frequent BOGO deals!
Infusco Coffee
Home of Michigan’s “Left Coast Roast,” Infusco Coffee is a locally owned, single-source coffee roaster based in Sawyer. With varieties like Indian Monsooned Malabar and Mexican High Grown Altura, customers can get a smooth cup of coffee and corresponding geography lesson in regional growing practices. With their recent expansion to a second location at The Market in St. Joe, followers of Infusco Coffee can enjoy a Maple Latte or Nitro Cold Brew on both ends of Berrien County.
This list just scratches the surface of what’s available in our area for coffee and breakfast. Check out our full Chamber member directory of food and beverage locations at SMRChamber.com and map out your plan to eat local for Restaurant Month!
About the Writer: Stacey Martin is a local author and freelance writer with a passion for promoting Southwest Michigan. Find more of her writing at staceymartinwrites.com. She is the author of We Grow Kids Here and New Girl at Church, and the creator and host of “The Folks Back Home” podcast.
This article – and your next breakfast! – are “brought to you by” Caffe Tosi, in downtown St. Joseph. Caffe Tosi offers “The tastes of Italy in the heart of Michigan.” Serving delectable breakfasts plus lunch, dinner, and a host of beverages and treats. Stop in today!
