Al Roker is a true breakfast connoisseur. But when he's not busy whipping up French toast sticks or a delightful garlicky spin on avocado toast, he hits the road to let his favorite eateries treat him.
This week, Al is featured in People's annual food issue, which hits newsstands nationwide Friday. The issue highlights the best breakfast gems throughout America, which the editors discovered by combing through thousands of Yelp reviews.
In addition to rounding up Americans' go-to places to get their morning fix, People also asked TODAY's resident food specialist: Al. From his famous cold-brew coffee to homemade bacon waffles (yes, the bacon is cooked into the waffle batter) and even a healthy breakfast pizza with tomato and garlic, Al has the breakfast game down to a T.
"Pancakes, to me make breakfast," Al told TODAY Food.
Us too, Al. Us too.
So, on an intrepid quest for the nation's best pancakes, French toast, egg-filled skillets and more, Al shared his ultimate guide of where to eat in the a.m. and what to order.
California
The Griddle Café, Los Angeles
Favorite order: “Good Ol’ Fashioned” buttermilk pancakes with a side of bacon
Roscoe's House of Chicken Waffles, Los Angeles
Favorite order: The Carol B. Special with fried chicken and, of course, waffles and maple syrup
Massachusetts
Henrietta’s Table, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Favorite order: Cinnamon-cranberry French toast (Al says it's “in a league of its own.”)
No Six Depot Café, West Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Favorite order: Fried eggs with thick-cut smokehouse bacon and grilled Berkshire Mountain toast
New York
Bartlett House, Ghent, New York
Favorite order: Shakshuka with house-made lamb sausage, two farm eggs, heirloom tomatoes and feta
Bimi’s Cheese Shop, Chatham, New York
When to go: Breakfast with Gianni! on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Favorite order: Breakfast sandwich with egg, avocado, cheddar cheese and greens
Hungry for more? Check out the full list of People's tastiest breakfast joints across America.