kitchenette

Tired of Ferris but too lazy to leave Morningside Heights for food? We've got you covered. Here's our approval matrix for neighborhood eateries.

Hazy NSOP mornings call for hearty, fuel-me-up breakfasts—especially for those who actually plan on attending all the cheery NSOP activities. Be sure to get familiar with the best hangover-banishing meals Morningside has to offer, because John Jay eggs can only do so much. 1. Nussbaum & Wu's bacon, egg, and cheese: On an everything bagel, this classic is everything a breakfast should be in one tight little package. Served at the always-buzzing deli on the corner of 113th and Broadway, it puts McDonald's fake egg version to shame. The upside—it's cheap ($4.50), ready in a hurry, and, for those who already slept through every morning activity, served until 3 p.m. The downside—it's not exactly low-fat, but let's face it, the NSOP carb and calorie watch was blown with that first slice of Koronet pizza. Add fresh-squeezed orange juice for electrolyte replenishment and some vitamin C to make mom proud. 2. TIE: Kitchenette and Tom's breakfast menus: The Kitchenette Special at Kitchenette ($7) is all-American breakfast at its best, with two eggs, crispy bacon, and melty cheese served up on a flaky, homemade biscuit. As an added bonus, free coffee that would've been worth paying for is thrown in for free until 11 a.m. For a $12 premium, the Lumberjane is also worth a shot: French toast, eggs, and turkey sausage. This cozy space, located on Amsterdam between 122nd and 123rd streets, has a cutesy décor and friendly service that aren't bad to wake up to, though guys might find the pink and black color scheme a bit much to stomach. The alternative: Tom's Restaurant (Broadway at 112th) serves up a cheap egg, bacon, and home fry breakfast with coffee Jerry Seinfeld-style on the side. The food is more basic all-American, but the spot is iconic Columbia. 3. Taqueria y Fonda carne asada burrito: Taqueria's burrito is for those who wake up hungry. It's meaty, it's cheesy, it's deliciously rice-y and black bean-y. It makes Chipotle's steak burrito look like doll food. Located on Amsterdam between 107th and 108th streets, the eatery's plain brown tables and dingy white walls leave something to be desired, but this burrito really is too big to carry elsewhere. Pile on the salsa verde and wash it down with cinnamon and rice milk horchata. Then roll back to Carman and into bed—there's little chance of being up for NSOP gaiety after so much Mexican goodness. 4. Artopolis's cinnamon waffles: The cinnamon waffles at Artopolis will satisfy any morning sweet tooth. At $12.95, it's also a more expensive option, but the price includes a choice of coffee or tea and orange juice or mimosa. For those already hunkering after more alcohol, the champagne and OJ option is delicious, although orange tang is not the best complement to cinnamon. Three doughy waffles are piled high and draped with apple-cinnamon gooeyness. This is topped with a scoop of vanilla gelato for good calorie measure. Artopolis also has a selection of savory, egg-filled crepes for a more protein-minded breakfast. Plus, the eatery's location at Amsterdam between 113th and 114th streets means not having to drag those morning-weary feet too far. 5. Community Food & Juice's house granola: Served with Greek yogurt, lavender honey, and fresh fruit, this breakfast treat ($8.50) is a health nut's perfect morning pick-me-up. If that's a little too healthy, add a side of North Country Canadian bacon ($4.50) or chorizo sausage ($4). Located on Broadway between 112th and 113th streets, Community is especially tempting for breakfast after the toughest night. It's not the most wallet-friendly breakfast, but it will keep you feeling fresh and energized until the next meal—preferably on NSOP's dime.