HYDE PARK. This full service catering establishment has been serving luscious items from their full-line bakery since 1928 ­ pastries, cakes and pies, as well as some of the hottest and freshest donuts in the city. Busken Bakery is guaranteed to deliver the goods ­ fresh. Service is excellent, and food is superb.

This is the place where the Cincinnati business breakfast happens. Convenient to the I-71 corridor. Specialties include turkey dill "crepegg" and light, fluffy pancakes. Breakfast is served all day.

LEBANON. Housed in Ohio's oldest building (dating to 1803), the Golden Lamb is known for its folksy atmosphere and good, old-fashioned American food. Some say they have the best turkey and mashed potatoes in the United States! During holidays, the dining room is especially packed. Family-style dining is also available.

Hathaway's is reminiscent of a '40's-style diner, and counter seating is the order of the day. The menu features a delicious selection of early morning entrees for a light snack or a full meal. In fact, you can enjoy a great breakfast and be entertained by a staff who will know your first name by the time you pay the check.

COLUMBIA-TUSCULUM. Housed in an antiques market, this down-home breakfast joint displays old beer signs and posters on the wall and serves dressed-down eats with just the right amount of grease. Order at the counter (don't forget to eye the list of daily specials), and soon you'll be enjoying buttery pancakes, cheesy omelets, biscuits and gravy, French toast, breakfast burritos, and a plethora of egg and meat combinations. Hash browns are particularly celebrated for achieving the perfect textural mix of crispy and tender. Lunch is served as well, providing a hearty end to a hard morning of bargain-hunting.