1. Shake Shack
Would be worth the trip for the California-roasted Graffeo coffee alone, but the herb-dappled egg sandwich happens to be delicious (served from 7:30 to 10:45 a.m.).
Madison Square Park; 212-889-6600

2. Café at Country
Breakfast expert Doug Psaltis got his start flipping flapjacks at his uncle’s Greek diner; now he’s sending out eggs in a jar with creamed spinach and little soldiers (7 to 10:30 a.m.).
90 Madison Ave., at 29th St.; 212-889-7100

3. Egg
Weekdays are best (and quietest) at this southern-style café, where the egg sandwich with Grafton cheddar, fig jam, and Col. Bill Newsom’s country ham on a buttermilk biscuit is unsurpassed (until noon).
135 N. 5th St., nr. Bedford St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-302-5151

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Articles by Rob Patronite | Robin Raisfeld
• Table of Contents: Dec 5, 2005 issue of New York | Subscribe!