Des Moines' best breakfasts

Florene's Belgian waffle

Eat it: $5.50, Florene’s Sweet Baked Goods, 2128 Indianola Ave.
Info: 284-0077

It’s the age-old breakfast conundrum: How much is the perfect amount of syrup? Grab a seat in the cozy dining room of Florene’s south-side bakery cafe, and let the kitchen take the guesswork out of a perfectly poured Belgian waffle. The made-from-scratch buttermilk batter isn’t too sweet, but the plate-sized waffle arrives already buttered and syruped (with warm blueberries on top, if you have an extra dollar).

Take a moment to appreciate the sticky goodness pooling in each little crevice. Bite into it and you’ll taste a crispy outer edge with a moist, but not soggy, interior. The best part? The waffles are all-you-can-eat. That should definitely see you through lunch.

— Brianne Sanchez