About Top O' the Mornin'

Top O' the Mornin' pairs unfussy, comfort-forward breakfasts with consistent, friendly service.

The dining room is described as cozy and slightly old-school, the kind of place where staff keep coffee coming and plates arrive quickly.

Menu highlights are rooted in house-made items — corned beef hash, muffins and breads — plus traditional pancakes, Belgian waffles and breakfast sandwiches.

Locals value the portion sizes, the homestyle flavors and the steady, welcoming pace of service that suits families and solo diners alike.

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What to Expect

The kitchen leans into hearty, homemade breakfast fare.

Reviews repeatedly point to the "Homemade Corned Beef Hash," farm-fresh eggs in omelets, and house-baked muffins and breads.

Pancakes and Belgian waffles with creative toppings also appear often.

Coffee is a frequent compliment — steady, hot and refillable — and several reviewers note house-cured meats like brisket and Irish bacon that elevate classic plates.

Hashtag Breakfast Fact's

Connecticut's Coffee Culture

Coffee has stood as a breakfast staple across America, and Connecticut is no exception. The state's coffee culture has flourished over the years, evolving from the traditional mug of black coffee to more elaborate coffee creations. By the mid-20th century, coffee became a social ritual, often enjoyed alongside morning pastries or bagels at home or in cafes. This shift reflects not just a change in taste but also the growing importance of coffee as a centerpiece in morning routines. Today, countless Connecticut residents begin their days with a strong brew, savoring both the flavor and the moment of pause it provides.

Culture

From the Community

Top O' the Mornin' is a Waterbury breakfast staple where house-made comforts and speedy, attentive service take center stage.

Diners find familiar morning plates executed with care: short stacks, omelets, BLTs and inventive takes like Irish Benedict with corned beef hash.

The dining room leans cozy and lived-in, and staff pride themselves on steady coffee and warm table service.

Frequent visitors point to signature dishes as reasons to return.

Dan Herrick declared, "The homemade corned beef hash is the best around," a sentiment echoed by others who note the use of real corned brisket.

Angelina Capozzi sums up the routine appeal: "everything is always fresh and delicious," while madalykat remembers how "the coffee cup never empty," highlighting both food and service.

Regulars also mention homemade muffins, house-cured meats and specials that draw locals back for decades, making this a reliable neighborhood choice for morning and midday comfort.

Why Locals Love It

Angelina Capozzi ★★★★★

Angelina praises the place for dependable freshness and friendly staff, saying "everything is always fresh and delicious." That daily reliability matters to locals who want a familiar breakfast—perfect for weekly runs for omelets, French toast, and bacon-egg sandwiches where quality and warmth meet.

Dan Herrick ★★★★★

Dan highlights the house-made corned beef hash and its value: "The homemade corned beef hash is the best around." For Waterbury diners who grew up on honest, filling breakfasts, that kind of made-from-scratch flavor and generous plating cements the spot as a neighborhood favorite.

madalykat ★★★★★

madalykat remembers attentive service and steady coffee—"the coffee cup never empty"—alongside farm-fresh eggs and house-made hash. That combination of hot drinks, home-cooked plates and staff who check on your table creates a comfortable ritual that locals depend on for weekend visits or quick weekday bites.

Customer Reviews

Margaret Honan
★★★★★ 2 years ago

"7.1.23 our 1st time and we loved the entire experience. We love divey places and this was great. The staff was most welcoming and friendly. Our coffees came out hot and fast. We heard the corned beef was homemade so tried that and it was delicious. Overall it was a wonderful breakfast that was both filling, flavorful, and quick. Thank you for the great service."

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Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Angelina Capozzi
★★★★★ 4 months ago

"This has been one of my favorite breakfast spots for years!!! Everything is always fresh and delicious, staff is always friendly and it’s the cutest atmosphere! My favorites are their omelets, cinnamon raisin French toast, bacon egg and cheese on an English muffin(when you ask for over medium, they do it right!!) and the hash their way! Coffee, lunch and dinner is good too! 10/10 every time, dine in or take out, I order from here at least once a week!"

Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
madalykat
★★★★★ 4 months ago

"Amazing breakfast! Farm fresh eggs, delicious homemade hash and authentic bangers and Irish bacon. Our waitress was terrific and the coffee cup never empty. BONUS: Met the owner and learned the history of the restaurant. Looking forward to going back, and introducing my friends to a few of my favorite things!"

Hashtag Breakfast Fact's

Brunch: A Social Gathering

Brunch, that delightful combination of breakfast and lunch, has become a cultural phenomenon in Connecticut. Starting in the late 20th century, this leisurely meal transformed into more than just a way to enjoy food; it became a social event. Families and friends gather for brunch on weekends, indulging in everything from sweet pancakes to savory quiches. It embodies a relaxed atmosphere where time is spent enjoying each other's company rather than rushing to start the day. Brunch reflects Connecticut's evolving breakfast culture, showcasing how meals have become opportunities for connection and celebration.

Culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What's special about the corned beef hash?

They make the corned beef hash from real corned brisket, not mystery meat. People say it tastes homemade and rich, so you get chunks of tender beef with potatoes and seasoning that make it a meaty, savory breakfast choice.

Are the eggs fresh and how are they served?

Reviews mention farm-fresh eggs used in omelets and breakfasts. Eggs come as you order and are part of dishes like omelets, benedicts and breakfast combos, giving a bright, home-cooked flavor.

What are the pancake and waffle options like?

Pancakes appear as short stacks and specialty versions like apple crumb pancakes. Belgian waffles are served with toppings such as banana, dark chocolate and caramel drizzle, so they can be simple or dessert-like depending on your choice.

Is there any house-cured or special meat on the menu?

Yes. Reviews note house-cured meats and items like pastrami, brisket on sandwiches and Irish bacon. Those cured flavors add a deeper, savory note to breakfast plates.

How are the hash browns cooked?

The restaurant serves shredded-style hash browns that are crisped on the griddle. Some diners prefer a greasier, paprika-coated style, but many praise the hash browns as a reliable, well-made side.

Do they make their own muffins or breads?

Yes. Several reviews mention homemade muffins, breads and rolls, so baked goods are prepared in-house and often complimented for being fresh and tasty.

How is the coffee here?

Coffee gets consistent praise: hot, strong and often refilled. One reviewer liked it so much they bought a pound, and staff can sell coffee ground or as beans for home brewing.

What makes the Irish Benedict stand out?

The Irish Benedict often features corned beef hash or Irish bacon alongside eggs and hollandaise, creating a savory, salty-sweet stack that reviewers described as especially delicious and memorable.

Are there kid-friendly food choices?

Yes. The menu includes simple favorites like pancakes, waffles, muffins and eggs that kids usually enjoy. Portion sizes are described as generous, so kids and adults often leave satisfied.

Does Top O' the Mornin' serve anything uniquely Waterbury?

The menu and reviews focus on homemade, comforting breakfasts that locals in Waterbury return to, with standout items like corned beef hash and house-baked goods that reflect the town's taste for hearty morning meals.

Pancakes Through the Years

Pancakes hold a special place in the hearts of breakfast lovers, and Connecticut has embraced this classic dish over the years. Originally made simply with flour, water, and a pinch of salt, pancakes have evolved into a beloved breakfast favorite enriched with flavors and toppings. By the early 1900s, variations like blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes became popular, reflecting local ingredients and culinary creativity. Families often gather around the kitchen table on weekends, flipping pancakes and sharing stories, making it not just a meal but a cherished tradition that passes through generations.

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Top O' the Mornin'

2740 S Main St, Waterbury, CT 06706
4.4
(359 reviews)

The Influence of Immigration

Connecticut's breakfast scene has been shaped by waves of immigration, bringing diverse culinary influences to morning meals. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrants from various backgrounds enriched the breakfast table with their traditional foods. For instance, Italian bagels or Polish pastries became popular morning treats, adding variety to the breakfast landscape. These cultural exchanges have woven a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions, allowing residents to experience the world through breakfast. The blending of these customs highlights how food can connect communities and celebrate heritage in everyday rituals.

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Breads and Breakfast Rituals

Breads have long been a fundamental part of breakfast in Connecticut, serving as the base for countless morning meals. From simple slices of toast to more elaborate offerings like biscuits and bagels, bread in its many forms has played a crucial role in breakfast rituals. In the 18th century, hearty loaves often accompanied porridge or fruit, providing nourishment for the day ahead. As baking technology improved, lighter and airier options became available, influencing how families enjoyed breakfast. Today, fresh-baked breads still evoke comforting memories, connecting people to their past while fueling their mornings.

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