Despite arguably being the most important meal of the day, breakfast is often overlooked, regarded as the most simple meal. Wanting to shed some more light on the true wonders of breakfast, we decided to try out three breakfast spots in the Mclean area.

Preservation Biscuit Company

Nestled in a corner by a Dunkin Donuts and past the State Theatre lies a hidden gem: Preservation Biscuit Company. The first thing we noticed was the friendly and open environment of the restaurant. It was bright, and the breakfast decals on the wall created an amusing view. Their menu encompasses a wide array of biscuit flavors, both sweet and savory, with a variety of side and salad options.

We tried the Brekkie Biscuit, which is a large buscuit sandwich stuffed with tomato, egg, cheese and pickled onions. The wait time for the biscuits was around 10 minutes, but it was certainly worth it. The large biscuit sandwich was filled with a gooey egg and melted cheese, which added a soft texture. The onions and tomatoes added an extra savory taste, which was delightful. Our only criticism would be its texture, since the biscuit was quite crumbly. Overall, we’d rate the Preservation Biscuit Company an 8/10 for its fabulous flavor and menu options.

Silver Diner

Silver Diner is tucked into a corner of Downtown Arlington, making it an accessible location for an all-day breakfast or brunch. With several locations, including one in Tysons, it is a convenient spot for an easy and nutritious meal. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and accommodating.

One of the most notable aspects on the menu is the inclusion of health conscious options. It was lovely to see several options for vegetarians and vegans, which is typically a rare feature for diner-style restauraunts. Additionally, the ingredients are locally sourced, enhancing the nutritional value.

I ordered the oat milk protein pancakes and found them to be a pleasant surprise. The almond coconut whipped cream that was served on the side was wonderful: light, creamy and subtly sweet. The pancakes themselves had pleasant consistency, as they were not chalky and dry, unlike other protein pancakes I’ve had in the past. The blueberries and pistachios nestled in the pancakes added a tart and nutty contrast, making each bite interesting and full of texture and flavor.

The only downside was that the inside of the pancakes were slightly undercooked, containing an inside that was too gooey for my taste. However, the flavor compensated for this, and I would definitely return to enjoy this plant-based breakfast option.

First Watch

Sitting in an open mall on Leesburg Pike, this First Watch location offers a cozy and modern restaurant with wood accents, excellent lighting and exceptional service. The service was immaculate, with a great ambiance and helpful waiters. As a breakfast and brunch restaurant, First Watch stood out with its main dishes, such as its Belgian Waffle, French Toast and Avocado Toast.

The Belgian Waffle presented a tastefully cooked waffle with rich flavor, topped with whipped butter and warm syrup for a delightful sweetness. In contrast, the French Toast consisted of two generously sized slices of soft bread, accompanied by a berry sauce that felt somewhat homemade, thanks to its fresh berries and sweetness. This restaurant didn’t lack in their non-sweet department, with the Avocado Toast offering fabulously creamy and perfectly cooked eggs, with toast and spices that give subtle notes of richness and flavour.

First Watch provides freshly-brewed medium roast coffee, only improving the excellent experience of the restaurant. The waiters offered a whole coffee pot to each table free of expense. This certainly added a good note to my impression of the place. The freshly squeezed orange juice with pulp added a refreshing taste in addition to the meal.

First Watch is an amazing restaurant where families can enjoy quality breakfast and brunch items for a reasonable price. Not only was the food rich in flavor with the right touch of sweet and savory, but the kind service provided for a warm and comfortable environment.