Each year I hope to find new dining options at home and on the road. Call it my inner-concierge. Some of my friends marvel at my ability to dine out alone and to do so with frequency. I love the company, but as I’ve explained (here), I’m not going to ruin someone else’s day, but I’m also not going to stop eating out because our schedules don’t sync up.

Luckily, friends of mine are more available and willing to get together for breakfast. It might be less risky and option. While I haven’t hit upon any terribly unique dishes this past year, I’ve added two really nice options to my breakfast rotation.

Friend David alerted me to Chipy’s Cafe (pronounced Chippy) in Lincolnshire. It’s in a nondescript strip located in a lifestyle center of Milwaukee. It’s a small, 1.5 man-operation with an excellent menu. Everything I’ve had has been excellent and the owner is a great guy.

The Yellow Rose Cafe is a cafe in name only. It is a neighborhood, Greek-owned diner of the highest quality. Located on the city’s northwest side, everyone is a regular regardless of where they come from. Unfortunately, like most current diners, they keep shorter hours. The waitress calls out orders before the folks come in. Whether you’re seated at the 13 stool counter or one of the tables, you’re in the action.

I happen to prefer breakfast-anytime joints, but Yellow Rose is different. On my most recent visit (8 a.m), a customer indulged in the daily special; pot roast. More often than not, the circus has equaled the bread. Be forewarned, they only accept cash and are closed on Sunday.

Chipy’s and Yellow Rose offer great value, a wide selection of quality food, and great hospitality. I expect to enjoy the morning paper while breakfasting at either place this Saturday.