Until Doc Taylor's opened , my favorite spot for breakfast was the Belvedere Coffee Shop, an old-fashioned diner at the Belvedere Motel, Oceanfront at 36th Street (tel. 757/425-1397). It's still the best for a beachside breakfast, especially the two-person booth whose one bench faces the ocean. Prices range from $3 to $10. It's open daily 7am to 3pm, to 2:30pm off season.
The relatively inexpensive Big Sam's Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar, 300 Winston-Salem Ave. (tel. 757/428-4858), overlooking the WaveRunner docks on Rudee Inlet, is another fine early-morning choice. It's open daily from 7am to 2am, making it a good place for a late-night snack, too.
For excellent picnic fare, head to the beach branch of Taste Unlimited, 213 36th St. (tel. 757/243-3011), at Pacific Avenue. Sandwiches and salads are served on the premises at lunch. It's open daily 9am to 7pm (to 6pm off season).
