If you are new to Mercyhurst College and simply unsure of what to do in this small, soon-to-be-cold city, I will be your guide to all the hot diners, restaurants and shops Erie, Pa. has to offer.

Over the course of this year, I will be asking veteran members of the Mercyhurst community their favorite places to dine as well as shop in Erie and then personally critiquing each place on the basis of price, quality and service.

Since breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, I was recommended by Head softball coach and Associate Athletic Director Sara Headley to The Breakfast Place at 2340 E. 38th St.

“I love their pancakes and their home fries,” Headley said. “Their hash is pretty delicious as well – although I try not to eat it!”

Just over two miles from Mercyhurst, The Breakfast Place is an easy, five-minute drive down 38th Street.

Arriving at 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning, the parking lot to The Breakfast Place was almost completely full. A line of hungry customers waiting to be seated streamed outside the door.

After about a 15-minute wait, my friend and I were directed to sit in a big booth.

Locally owned and operated, The Breakfast Place has a small-town atmosphere. Pictures of local professional and college sport stadiums, teams and players cover the interior walls. A Mercyhurst College softball jersey is framed above our booth.

Starting off, we order coffee and then glance over the menu.

Eggs, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and more were all priced below seven dollars. I decided to take Headley’s advice and order a half stack of pancakes while my friend ordered the Frittata omelette: a scramble of three eggs, sausage, pepper, onion, potato, and mushroom topped with mozzarella cheese and banana peppers.

My friend and I were very impressed with the service because the waitresses were friendly and frequently asked if we wanted refills. Additionally, our food took less than 10 minutes to arrive.

Both of our meals were extremely large, so make sure to come with an appetite or order small portions.

My pancakes were thick, fluffy and well worth their price of $2.35. Equally tasty was the Frittata. Flavorful and filling, the Frittata was priced at $6.99 because of its large portion size.

Despite the somewhat long wait to be seated, our trip to The Breakfast Place was very pleasurable. We were extremely satisfied with the food quality, price and service. Even more enticing is The Breakfast Place’s weekend hours of 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.- perfect for college students with late night hunger pains.

Breakfast Place's Frittata omelette: The omelette consists of a scramble of three eggs, sausage, pepper, onion, potato, and mushroom topped with mozzarella cheese and banana peppers. This large sized portion is only $6.99.

Breakfast Place's popular pancakes