Grab Breakfast or Brunch at Nixa’s Morning Day Cafe

For those who know me, it will come as no surprise to learn that I am far from being a morning person. If I agree to meet you before 8 a.m., you know I really love you. Such was the case when a close friend came to town, and we tried to squeeze a catch-up session into her packed schedule. We wound up getting breakfast at Morning Day Cafe in Nixa on the suggestion of several co-workers who had fallen in love with the quirky breakfast joint on Nixa’s main drag.

[MORE: Best Breakfasts in Springfield, MO and Beyond]

This colorful cafe is the perfect place for a quiet breakfast alone or for a whole group, and the menu is extensive enough that my sweet-toothed friend and my salt-loving self could each find something to enjoy. We started with coffee to get the blood and conversation flowing. The menu has the classics, plus a few out-of-the-box options, like the Jolt with lime, microfoam milk and cayenne honey. Smoothies also show up on this menu along with plenty of cocktails—great for those who like to start the party early.

While we took a few minutes to mull over the myriad menu options, we started out with a muffin sampler—also at the suggestion of a co-worker, who was obsessed with the super-dense and rich chocolate muffin. The trio comes with three massive muffins served with berries and jam, but I found the baked goods plenty sweet on their own. Eventually we landed on our entrees, each cleverly named. The #Bacon (pronounced “hashtag bacon,” and yes, you have to say it out loud to your server and pretend you’re not embarrassed) was four strips of bacon arranged in a pound sign atop a caramelized Gouda potato cake, served with eggs. The potato cake was a pleasant surprise with its blend of salty, cheesy and crispy elements—It was everything a potato should be.

We also opted for one of the lunch entrees, which are served all day, instead of a traditional breakfast. Lunch fare, I hoped, would trick my body into believing it was normal to be awake at this hour. The Chicken & Egg had everything I want in a cheat dish—potatoes, fried chicken, cheese, gravy, fried egg. It was insanely indulgent, and I loved the mixture of textures. There’s some witchcraft making those creamy potatoes so addictive, and the fried chicken’s breading was plenty crunchy.

The cafe is open until midafternoon and also has grain bowls, salads and soups on the menu, which makes it a cozy option for lunch if you hate your morning alarm as much as I do. If you’re craving more than a classic diner or you need to simply shake up your routine, pop into this art-filled gem on Nixa’s Main Street.