Visits to Blue Willow are never complete without a trip to the bathroom. Something about that diminutive bathtub filled with soil and thriving houseplants sums up the homey charm and loving care of the tiny cottage from which this Tucson institution grew. Its patio satisfies a Tucsonan's sense of entitlement about eating breakfast outdoors, safely sheltered from the rising sun, surrounded by vine-covered walls. Choose the Blue Willow special for the full experience; it has a bit of everything and is big enough to feed four. Bonus: Lingering in the gift shop yields many birthday, anniversary and Christmas solutions with great handbags, unique toys and personal care products, and the best selection of cool greeting cards in town.
Runners up:
2. Frank's Restaurant, 3843 E. Pima St., 881-2710, www.franksrestaurant.com
3. The Good Egg, 4775 E. Grant Road, 795-7879; 7189 E. Speedway Blvd., 885-4838; 5350 E. Broadway Blvd., 512-0280
Sign of the impending apocalypse: Denny's, three votes
