Cameo Café
8111 NE Sandy, 284-0401
A cute/weird little breakfast joint on the corner of Sandy and 82nd–which I’m pretty sure is run by a former beauty queen, reason being that there are beauty pageant photos everywhere. The Cameo offers HUGE plates of food, unfortunately for larger than normal breakfast prices. The Eggs Benedict was $8.50 (I know, not that expensive, but breakfast prices go beyond $10) and came with thick slices of pleasantly tough ham on a biscuit instead of English muffin, and was ladled with a good, if not quite lemony enough hollandaise. No complaints about the biscuits and gravy, they were great tasting and plentiful; a visit to the starchy wonderland you always hoped for. And there are three things the Cameo absolutely does right: 1) your coffee cup is always full, 2) your hashbrowns are perfect, and 3) the food is served hot enough to burn your mouth. KS
Marathon Taverna
1735 W Burnside, 224-1341
Not only is the Marathon one of your favorite places to drink, it should also become one of your favorite places to eat. While you might be wary, the food is not skanky at all. The falafel, gyros, burgers, and gardenburgers are all great, come with fresh lettuce and tomato, and run from $2.50 to not much more than $5, even with fries. Plus, a hearty dinner is a good way to stay on top of your game for the long night of drinking ahead. KS
Mr. Moto
413 NW 21st, 221-3045
Tiny Mr. Moto offers healthy little boxes of tofu, veggies, and white or brown rice. You can also get chicken, yakisoba, etc., but it’s all pretty damn healthy and yet still delectable, doused with soy, and given some zing with strips of pickled ginger. Lunch runs you under $5 and the intimate dining room offers a good place to have a heart to heart, or hey, fire someone. Save your heart and your conscience from another filet-o-fish and fries. KS