Finding great breakfast in Highland, NY is a personal quest. Whether you’re rolling out of bed ravenous or just in need of a smooth cup of coffee, the choices here can turn an average morning into something you’ll remember. From the first bite of a perfectly toasted bagel to the last sip of freshly brewed coffee, Highland’s breakfast options hit that sweet spot between classic comfort and local flavor.
I’ve sampled pancakes under soft morning light at neighborhood diners and stood in line at hidden delis buzzing with regulars. The result? A handy guide to spots where you won’t leave disappointed—or hungry. If you ever wondered where locals really go, or which plate of eggs is worth setting your alarm for, you’ll find the answer here. This list takes you beyond the obvious, straight to the most satisfying breakfast in Highland, NY.
Where to find the best breakfast in Highland, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best breakfast in Highland, NY:
- Gateway Diner
- Hard Roll Deli
- Luigi’s Deli And Italian Specialties
- Underground Coffee & Ales
- On A Roll Deli
- McDonald’s
- Wagon Wheels Deli and Catering
- Crossroads Restaurant
- The Restaurant at Apple Greens
- Burger King
1. Gateway Diner
Gateway Diner feels like a dependable friend in Highland. It’s the sort of place where coffee is poured hot and strong, and the staff remembers your name after a couple visits. The retro charm isn’t just for show—the menu backs it up with hearty classics and a few surprises.
Pancakes are a local favorite here. They arrive fluffy, golden, and big enough to share—though you probably won’t want to. Another strong move is the vegetable omelet, loaded and never greasy, which speaks to the kitchen’s attention to freshness.
If you’re seeking a reliable spot for a leisurely breakfast or a quick bite, Gateway Diner stands out for its blend of comfort and consistency. Gluten-free options let everyone join the table.
2. Hard Roll Deli
Hard Roll Deli is a counter-service legend in Highland, especially if you crave a no-nonsense breakfast. It’s the kind of spot where locals swing by before sunrise, and the steady chatter never quite fades. The rustic, unpretentious setting keeps the focus on fast, well-made food.
Their namesake hard roll sandwiches are unbeatable—pillowy inside, perfectly crisp outside, filled with eggs and your choice of cheese or fresh vegetables. If you’re in a rush, a bagel with cream cheese or their hash browns will set you right for the day.
Hard Roll Deli isn’t about glitz. It’s about quality and speed, making it ideal for anyone racing to work or just hoping to catch a quiet morning moment.
3. Luigi’s Deli And Italian Specialties
Luigi’s Deli And Italian Specialties brings a slice of Italy to Highland mornings. It’s a favorite for those who like their breakfast with a side of old-world charm. Walking in, the aroma of fresh bread and brewed coffee is impossible to ignore.
The breakfast focaccia is memorable—pillowy dough topped with eggs and garden vegetables, subtly seasoned, and never heavy. Their made-to-order egg sandwiches come layered in crusty Italian bread, warming up even the chilliest mornings.
Luigi’s stands out by blending classic Italian flavors with New York deli spirit. If you value the taste of real ingredients and a laid-back vibe, this place is worth a slow start to your day.
4. Underground Coffee & Ales
Underground Coffee & Ales brings a relaxed, artistic energy to Highland’s breakfast scene. The exposed brick and local art give it a cozy, creative vibe that encourages lingering over a second cup. It’s where I found myself on a rainy morning, tucked in with a book and a saucer of house-roasted coffee.
The avocado toast here isn’t an afterthought: multigrain bread, smashed avocado, a sprinkle of spices, and a zesty finish. Vegetarian-friendly options shine, especially the veggie breakfast burrito—packed but never soggy.
Underground stands out for more than its style. The sense of community, unfussy service, and care in each dish make it easy to see why it’s a neighborhood favorite for breakfast in Highland, NY.
5. On A Roll Deli
On A Roll Deli is the place in Highland where you grab your breakfast and instantly feel like a regular. The staff is quick, the orders are hot, and there’s always friendly banter while you wait. On mornings when I needed to get moving, this spot saved the day more than once.
The standout here is their egg and cheese on a roll—classic, filling, never overdone. If you want something heartier, the veggie omelet breakfast wrap does the job, loaded with fresh vegetables and just the right hint of spice.
This deli makes breakfast simple but never boring. For a grab-and-go meal that tastes like home, On A Roll Deli is tough to top.
6. McDonald’s
Sometimes you just need breakfast that’s fast, reliable, and familiar. McDonald’s in Highland delivers with clockwork efficiency, making it a favorite for travelers and locals alike. On early road trips, I’ve pulled in for a hot meal that’s ready before I’ve finished tuning the radio.
The classics here—Egg McMuffin and hotcakes—shine for their consistency. They’re exactly what you expect: warm, comforting, and ready to be eaten in the car or at a busy table.
McDonald’s stands out for convenience and speed. For anyone who craves a hassle-free breakfast or needs to fuel up before a day of errands, this Highland location is always ready to serve up a quick bite.
7. Wagon Wheels Deli and Catering
Wagon Wheels Deli and Catering adds a homestyle feel to breakfast in Highland. It’s the kind of place where regulars catch up over coffee, and the kitchen’s always hustling to serve something fresh. My first visit started with a friendly hello and ended with a promise to come back for more.
The egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches here hit just the right note—generous on the eggs and tucked into a soft roll. Their hash browns are golden and crisp, an ideal sidekick for any plate.
What sets Wagon Wheels apart is its homemade approach, friendly service, and range of options. If you like your breakfast hearty and straight from a local kitchen, this deli delivers.
8. Crossroads Restaurant
Crossroads Restaurant feels like a classic small-town gathering place, perfect for lingering over breakfast. There’s a lived-in comfort to the booths, and the staff always seem to know just when to offer a coffee refill. My go-to is grabbing a window seat for quiet morning people-watching.
The standout dish is their vegetable omelet, light but filling, with a medley of fresh peppers and onions. If you want simplicity, their toast and home fries will remind you how good the basics can be.
Crossroads stands out with friendly service and reliably satisfying meals. If you prefer breakfast served with warmth and no fuss, this spot is worth a stop in Highland.
9. The Restaurant at Apple Greens
The Restaurant at Apple Greens pairs breakfast with fresh country views. If you love eating while looking out over open greens and rolling hills, this is the spot in Highland that feels like a little getaway. Early mornings here start with sunlight over the fairway and plates arriving hot from the kitchen.
The blueberry pancakes are a must—fluffy, tangy, and stacked high, with local maple syrup on the side. Their veggie omelets also deserve attention, full of garden-fresh flavors without being too heavy.
This place stands out for more than its views; the food is fresh, and the pace never feels rushed. If you want breakfast with a peaceful backdrop, you won’t go wrong here.
10. Burger King
Burger King in Highland is a reliable spot when you want breakfast handled quickly and just how you like it. The early hours mean you can grab a hearty sandwich on your way to work or after an early workout. I’ve stopped here countless times when I needed a fast meal without sacrificing flavor.
Their egg and cheese croissan’wich stands out—soft, buttery, and customized with fresh veggies if you like. For something lighter, the French toast sticks offer a sweet option that doesn’t get soggy on the drive.
Burger King blends convenience with consistency. It’s an easy pick for anyone wanting a no-fuss breakfast in Highland, NY that doesn’t slow you down.
More Things to Try in Highland, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best breakfast spots in Highland, NY?
Popular picks include Gateway Diner for classic comfort, Hard Roll Deli for on-the-go sandwiches, and The Restaurant at Apple Greens if you want a view with your meal.
Are there any vegetarian breakfast options in Highland?
Yes, several places, including Underground Coffee & Ales and Luigi’s Deli, offer veggie omelets, avocado toast, and other meat-free breakfast choices.
Where can I get a quick breakfast to go?
Hard Roll Deli, On A Roll Deli, McDonald’s, and Burger King all offer speedy takeout options perfect for busy mornings.
Are there gluten-free breakfast options available?
Gateway Diner and Underground Coffee & Ales both offer gluten-free options, so you won’t feel left out at breakfast.
Which places in Highland are family-friendly for breakfast?
Gateway Diner, Wagon Wheels Deli, and Crossroads Restaurant are all welcoming to families, with roomy seating and kid-friendly menus.