There is no better way to start your day than with a West Asheville breakfast.

This funky neighborhood, only a few minutes from downtown Asheville, on the other side off the French Broad River, has become the epicenter for new restaurants, bars, and breweries in Asheville. Old storefronts along the main streets are being restored and renovated, injecting new life to the neighborhood. One highlight, the River Arts District, now houses 180 artists spread throughout 25 buildings, helping ensure that Asheville doesn’t lose its creative flair.

While there is a lot to do during the day (and late into the night) in West Asheville, breakfast is one of the highlights. With so many options, where should you go for the finest Asheville breakfast?

For a first-rate breakfast in Asheville, it’s best to head west!

King Daddy’s

Fried chicken and waffles might not be the lightest way to begin your day, but if you are in the mood to indulge, King Daddy’s does this dish right. This new restaurant is full of character, with a menu that is just as good at night as it is in the morning. For us, though, it’s all about snagging a seat in one of the aqua-blue booths and settling in with a mug of hot coffee.

King Daddy’s fried chicken is super crunchy and delicious (available gluten-free, a unique feature for fried chicken) and they offer not one, but five varieties of waffles. From the traditional Belgian waffle to the ‘Crackling Waffle’ studded with pork cracklin’ in the batter, the waffles certainly aren’t boring.

Of course, King Daddy’s serves more than just fried chicken and waffles, with veggie omelets, freshly baked biscuits, and even shrimp and grits gracing the morning menu. No matter what you pick, you will be eating well.

Hole Doughnuts

If you want a quick bite for breakfast in Asheville, Hole Doughnuts fits the bill. The small building has been carefully restored, with a reclaimed wood walls and long, communal tables in the middle of the open space.

What makes Hole unique is that the doughnuts are made to order, fried and glazed when you place your order. You can watch the staff in the open kitchen cut and shape the dough, followed by an unceremonious dunk in the large fryer. You’ll need to wait a few minutes for your order, but eating a piping hot, fresh doughnut is always worth the wait!

There are three core flavors of doughnuts, with a seasonal option that changes weekly. The standard vanilla glazed is perfection, and for something different, the toasted almond sesame cinnamon is unique and delicious. Have yours with a cuppa from PennyCup Coffee Company.

Sunny Point Café

Sunny Point Café may take the crown for busiest Asheville breakfast. Know in advance that no matter what day or time you visit, there will be a queue. And while we are not usually fans of waiting in line, the breakfast at Sunny Point Café justifies the wait.

The bright yellow building along Haywood Road is hard to miss. The cafe is small, but thankfully they have a large covered patio open year round, making it a fantastic option on a beautiful sunny day. And even while you wait, a carafe of free coffee helps pass the time!

The menu is full of the breakfast classics, and unique dishes like carrot hot cakes with cardamon cream cheese and sweet potato waffles with maple pecan butter. The staff is friendly, and the restaurant even welcomes dogs, making the Sunny Point Café feel like the quintessential neighborhood breakfast destination.

Taco Billy

Breakfast tacos are a staple food in Austin, Texas, but Taco Billy gives those Texas tacos a run for their money. Like so many other buildings in West Asheville, Taco Billy is in in an older building, but you can’t miss the bright orange billy goat logo gracing one side.

This taco joint is open all day, but the breakfast tacos are where they really shine. The tacos can be constructed on flour, corn, and even plantain tortillas, and all contain a base of perfectly scrambled eggs. Our favorite is ‘Mama’s Favorite,’ which comes on a plantain tortilla with egg, sausage, spinach, sweet potato, and goat cheese. The tortilla adds a little sweetness, and the locally sourced sausage is packed with flavor.

If you prefer something simple, the ‘Billie Holiday’ with egg, sausage, and jack cheese, is basic yet delicious, prompting Julie to call it the best taco she’s ever eaten. And we don’t use those kind of words lightly.