Essex-Middle River's Best Breakfast: Shea's

If the way to the heart is through the stomach, then our Patch readers have found the best place to take your Valentine.

In our initial Best of series, 1

And the winner is: Shea's.

The family-style restaurant actually finished second in votes cast on our poll with 30 votes to ' 36 votes. But, taking into accounts comments placed on Facebook and other reader feedback, Shea's gets the nod in the end.

Readers really can't go wrong with either restaurant. Shea's, located on 1520 Country Ridge Lane, offers large portions at reasonable prices and is excited about a huge addition to the restaurant set to open in March.

Lighthouse Pizza & Subs, located on 3 Margaret Ave., also serves breakfast all days long and even offers delivery. Owner Paul Rufe's service is also top quality.

Other top vote-getters included: Silver Moon Diner (16 votes), Coffman's Snack Bar (14) and Uncle Eddie's (9).

Next week, Patch is looking for the "Best Gyms." The voting begins at 5 a.m. on Monday.