When people tell me they don’t like breakfast, I get filled with this inexplicable rage that is entirely not appropriate for such an innocent statement, but also completely justifiable because it is a well-known fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. There is no other meal as versatile or satisfying as breakfast. You can even have breakfast for dinner. Dinner for breakfast is considered by most to be the lowest of lows. Eggs on toast at 6 p.m.? Heck yes. Cold pizza for breakfast? You had a rough time the night before, I suppose. Breakfast, though—it is the king of all meals.

McDonald’s introducing 24-hour breakfast was arguably the best thing that ever happened to me. For less than a gallon of gas, I can quell my hunger with a sausage biscuit at any time of the day. That’s incredible to me. Honestly, I don’t frequent McDonald’s much because, much to my chagrin, my parents told me that fast food “can’t be a part of your budget.” Whatever. Fast food might not be able to be a part of my budget, but top-notch breakfast and brunch sure can.

Brunch, which comes approximately two to three hours later than breakfast and usually entails somewhat more complex meals, is a social endeavor in college. You gather all your best pals and hit up the trendiest locale in your city and town that offers brunch. Grab a few Insta-worthy snaps of your meal before you start and then dig in to the best possible way to start your day. You can go with your girls, go on a date, or go for business. Whatever way you twist it, brunch is the answer.

But whether you choose breakfast or bunch, the second you open your menu, you’re overwhelmed by all the options. Your heart says eggs benedict, but your head says French toast, and your stomach says bacon, bacon, bacon. Which do you listen to? Breakfast/brunch is always delicious, no matter what you choose. But being the aficionado that I am, I’ve narrowed down what I consider to be the best options on the menu anywhere you go:

Eggs Benedict

The mac daddy of all breakfasts, this dish combines elegance and simplicity with Hollandaise sauce, a poached egg and an English muffin. You can spice things up with a Southwestern kick or keep it classic, but however you take it, it’s delectable.

Pancakes

Looking back to childhood, pancakes are the classic sweet breakfast we couldn’t live without. You can dress them up with fruit, but tale-as-old-as-time butter and syrup never fails to satisfy.

BEC

The bacon, egg, and cheese: the most unbelievable flavor combination to ever grace this planet. No matter what your vehicle (croissant, bagel, toast), the combination of melt-y cheese, a perfectly runny egg, and crisp bacon will send your taste buds into a tailspin.

French toast

I’m not sure who, back in the day, decided that eggs, cinnamon, and bread would be a good mix, but my God, am I glad they did. French toast is an unlikely union of flavors that creates the most beautiful marriage. Top it off with whipped cream and berries for the ultimate experience.

Waffles

Waffles pack flavor like no other breakfast. Those little divots in the waffle trap whatever toppings you choose to throw on your waffle. Take the classic route with an Eggo and some butter, or show off your sophisticated side with some chicken and waffles.

Bagels

More like bae-goals. Bagels are equivalent to six slices of bread in one, but whatever the carb count, I don’t care. There are few things more satisfying to me than an everything bagel with whipped cream cheese alongside a grande almond milk vanilla latte. Bring me a bagel and coffee and I’m yours.

Tea and scone

Sometimes, you feel like going light for breakfast and that’s where the scone comes into play. Thank God for the Brits and their culinary inclusion of the tea and scone combo. Throw some jam onto a scone alongside your breakfast tea and you have truly set yourself up to feel fancy and sophisticated for the rest of the day.

Donuts

I feel bad limiting donuts to breakfast in this article because they are unbelievably delicious anytime of day, but wow, donuts serve a sugary kick with which no other breakfast can compete. Bear claws, old fashioned, jelly—donuts are the only thing sweeter than a baby’s laugh.

Avocado toast

Avocado toast is simplicity and perfection. You can switch things up when it comes to bread and toss whatever you want on top of the avocado to make it yours. I’m a huge proponent of sourdough with avo, salt, and cayenne pepper. There’s no better way to come back to life after a night out.

Salmon lox

Always best on a bagel, lox is arguably the most grownup breakfast you can have. It definitely takes a developed palette to enjoy raw salmon and capers, but once you reach that point, there’s no coming back. The salty combination of flavors will get your blood pressure pumping and make you feel so much mature than you actually are.

Açaí bowls

Açaí bowls are all the rage right now, and not just because they make an Instagram worthy of two hundred likes. They’re tangy and sweet and everything in between and even can be considered healthy. Top it with coconut flakes, fresh berries, and some agave nectar and not only have you reached peak basic (which is what I strive for), but also, peak happiness.