On the Brink: Hit or Miss?

Story and photos by Myasia Butler

I was strolling aimlessly throughout Downtown Plattsburgh when an aroma of breakfast drew me to this storefront. I stopped in front and contemplated going in. The outside was unkempt and the inside was deserted. The steps looked like they were splattered with dirt.

I wasn’t even sure if they were open, but a man yelled at me from the inside to come in. I walked in and looked around before finding a seat at the counter. I didn't know if it was"On the Brink" of closing shop or on the brink of being one of the hottest breakfast spots in Plattsburgh. The walls were adorned with deco art that looked like they belonged in a gallery. Pretty neat I thought as I sat down.  It didn’t match most of the furniture, which was “mix and match” as if it came from a thrift store. 

I didn’t know if it was “On the Brink” of closing shop or on the brink of being one of the hottest breakfast spots in Plattsburgh.

Im used to choices so when i asked if they had turkey bacon and he replied no, i was surprised. "How about beef bacon," I asked. "No," he replied with a dead stare plastered across his pale skin. "How about beef sausage?" I think he was annoyed at this point and he replied "we only have pork." So I decided I wouldn’t get any meat and I would get blueberry pancakes. My hopes were shot down when he told me they only had regular pancakes.  In my head I was like what do they have? I ordered two pancakes and home fries with American cheese on top. The pancakes were dry but I doused them with tons of syrup so they tasted a little bit better. But if you are searching for IHOP buttery, fluffy pancakes then don’t go to “On the Brink”. The home fries were good, which I didn’t expect. They were crispy on the edges and soft when I bit into them. They were flavorful and I had to only add a dash of salt and pepper.

I‘m used to choices so when I asked if they had turkey bacon and he replied "no", I was surprised.

If you are tired of going to Bono’s for cold cheese pizza after one too many jager bombs, then stumble into “On the Brink,” which is open 24 hours Friday thru Saturday. They don’t have much of a variety but the food is good enough, the prices are reasonable even though for the quality and lack of choice it should be free.

Question: What is your favorite breakfast dish?