Whether you're a visitor to Asheville or an area resident, breakfast is still the most important meal of the day, as they say. Perhaps you have an early business meeting or you just want to treat yourself to some great grub. Either way, these establishments are convenient to the businesses and accommodations in Asheville. While this list doesn't cover all breakfast joints in town, it should give you some good options for the morning meal.

The Asheville Public (175 Clingman Avenue, 828.505.1720, theashevillepublic.com). Located just across from The Grey Eagle in the old Silver Dollar Restaurant building, this new Asheville restaurant has extensive breakfast options. Choose from standards such as pancakes, French toast, muffins, or bagels, or try original omelet creations such as The Alaskan, The Grant, or The Forager.

Clingman Café (242 Clingman Avenue, 828.253.2177, clingmancafe). Located in the heart of the River Arts District, Clingman Café starts serving breakfast at 7 a.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. Sunday. A number of specialty breakfast items joins traditional Southern favorites on the menu.

Cornerstone Café (102 Tunnel Road, 828.236.0201, cornerstonerest.com). Family owned and operated since 1997, Cornerstone treats guests like family, and serves award-winning breakfast any time of day. They are open seven days a week at 6:30 a.m.

The Early Girl Eatery (8 Wall Street, 828.259-9292, earlygirleatery.com). Owners John and Julie Stehling opened this downtown favorite in 2001, providing a farm-to-table experience. “Food straight from the field tastes better” is their motto, serving quality Southern comfort food. Breakfast is served all day.

The Green Sage Coffeehouse & Café (5 Broadway Street, 828.252.4450, greensage.net). The Green Sage prides itself on the philosophy that what is good for you is also good for the planet. Offering local organic ingredients, the Green Sage is indeed a green restaurant, down to building itself. Not that they've opened a second location at 1800 Hendersonville Road.

Mayfel’s (22 College Street, 828.252.8840, mayfels.org). Right across the street from downtown Asheville’s Pritchard Park, this diverse restaurant provides dog-friendly outdoor dining in the heart of downtown. Enjoy dishes such as the Hillbilly Breakfast or the Karma Benedict.

The Mediterranean Restaurant (57 College Street, 828.258.0476). Known to locals as “The Med” this cozy diner serves a variety of breakfast items, from omelets and pancakes to gyros and grits. The Mediterranean is downtown Asheville’s oldest restaurant.

Over Easy Café (32 Broadway, 828.236.3533, overeasyasheville.com). Over Easy supports local farmers and serves organic foods whenever possible, from the Basic Breakfast to Huevos Rancheros or a Tempeh Scramble. Enjoy specialty omelets such as The Matador, The Sunburst, and Zorba the Greek.

Sunny Point Café (626 Haywood Road, 828.252.0055, sunnypointcafe.com). Accompanied with a fresh garden outside, this West Asheville favorite is known for its hipster staff and great local food. Their MGB (Mighty Good Breakfast) is a good place to start, and breakfast is served all day.

Rise 'n Shine Café (640 Merrimon Avenue, 828.254.4122, risenshinecafe.com). Local and organic products go into a wide selection of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, fresh juices, and smoothies. For those who really do like to rise and shine, this café opens at 7:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday and at 9 a.m. on Sunday.

Tupelo Honey Café (12 College Street, 828.255.4863, tupelohoneycafe.com). Recognized across the country, Tupelo Honey has been an icon of downtown Asheville since 2000. Executive Chef Brian Sonoskus prepares Southern fare from Fried Chicken and Biscuits to Sweet Potato Pancakes.

West End Bakery (757 Haywood Road, 828.252.9378, westendbakery.com). Located in artsy West Asheville, this bakery is a local favorite. Everything is made from scratch, so you can choose from a variety of fresh breads for your breakfast sandwich or biscuit.