Five great breakfast joints in Salt Lake City

Blue Plate Diner. The essential corner breakfast joint, complete with Formica, stainless steel, and interesting locals. The smoked salmon Benedict delights, but don’t overlook the fruit-topped Belgian waffles, breakfast burritos, and omelets. $. 2041 South 2100 East; 801/463-1151.

Eggs in the City. The latest addition to the scene bills itself as the place where the “local yolkels” eat. The menu includes the Mr. Big (eggs and all the sides), a delectable breakfast brûlée (caramelized whole-grain oatmeal), and cheese blintzes. $. 1675 East 1300 South; 801/581-0809.

Little America Hotel. The restaurant boasts a breakfast buffet daily ($14), but the real attraction is the lavish Sunday brunch ($25), where you can indulge any breakfast whim; one long table is devoted just to fruit. 500 S. Main St.; 801/596-5700.

Market Street Grill. White napkins and uniformed waiters don’t mean high prices here. The most expensive item is the crab omelet at $9.95; daily specials are $4.99. The orange juice is fresh-squeezed, the ambience is intimate yet social, and Sunday brunch is excellent. $. 48 W. Market St.; 801/322-4668.

Ruth’s Diner. Easily the most colorful restaurant in Utah, Ruth’s celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Choose from banana-walnut French toast, the Rutherino omelet, huevos rancheros, or Ruth’s mile-high biscuit. $. 2100 Emigration Canyon Rd.; 801/582-5807.