As your mom used to say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. 

That being said, we got to thinking what some of the best dive breakfast spots in Dunedin are, places a little off the beaten path, where you don't have to put on your Sunday best and use a linen napkin to wipe the egg yolk off your T-shirt.

Which breakfast dive spot do you think is best? Here's a rundown of some local favorites.

Brenda's on the Causeway. Perhaps the gold standard when it comes to simple yet filling breakfasts in the area, Brenda's has been serving its signature dishes like corned beef hash and blueberry pancakes at affordable prices to causeway visitors for almost 20 years.

Dunedin Bagels & Deli. A wise man once said breakfast was built on a bagel. Actually that's not true, but it could be, based on the number of people whose morning meal consists of a bagel and a coffee. This Main Street shop has all the building blocks of a great breakfast, not to mention a mean matzoh ball soup.

Iris' Grill. This is the type of diner you see in the movies: quaint, cozy and serving just the right amount of home-cooked food to satisfy the customer. Throw in terrific service and a location near the Blue Jays stadium, and you've got the makings of an ideal breakfast joint.

Serendipity Cafe. Breakfast isn't all about runny eggs and greasy sausage links; healthy eaters will want to check out this gluten-free zone, where the eggs are free range, the bread is homemade, and the food is both good for you and tastes great.

Marguerite's Cafe. Known for its Saturday morning quiches, this quaint cafe near the Dunedin Library is a great place to grab a good old-fashioned breakfast without breaking the bank. The menu is extensive but not expensive, and the atmosphere is charming and relaxed.

Benedict's. Dog-friendly and down-home-y, this Bayshore Boulevard landmark has been serving its signature eggs Benedict dishes for more than 25 years. 

Bonnie's Breakfast and Lunch. The quintessential "dive-y" diner, what Bonnie's lacks in looks it makes up for in taste. Specializing in Pennsylvania Dutch meats, as well as incredible sticky rolls, Bonnie's will fill your stomach without emptying your wallet.

Dunedin Breakfast and Lunch. Family-owned, pet friendly, featuring outdoor dining and a large, inexpensive menu, this longtime downtown Dunedin staple may have undergone an ownership change recently, but it is still a good choice for a hearty breakfast.

The Hren's Nest. If bagels are the basis of most simple breakfasts, doughnuts aren't too far behind. And this family-owned Patricia Avenue shop has you covered when it comes to the delicious, doughy treats. But don't worry if you don't love doughnuts — they also serve breakfast sandwiches, muffins and burritos. 

Mark Family Restaurant. Another place that looks funky on the outside but delivers the goods once you get inside. Converted into a diner from a former Pizza Hut, the Mark Family Restaurant boasts big portions for small prices, with friendly service to boot.

Cast your vote for Best Dive Breakfast below. Voting is open until noon on Friday, and we'll announce the winner right here at 3 p.m. and present the winner with a Best of Patch certificate. Happy eating!

Update Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, 9:25 p.m.:

Due to popular demand, the following restaurants were added to the poll:

• Country Boy Restaurant
• The Covered Bridge Restaurant

Update: The votes are in, and the Dunedin Patch readers' choice for Best Dunedin Breakfast 'Dive' 2012 is Brenda's on the Causeway, with 16% of the vote. Congratulations!