After a long hike at Maroon Bells, past twin lakes and through an aspen grove to the base of twin 14,000 foot peaks, we needed refueling. Our first choice: Poppycock’s, a perennial Aspen breakfast favorite that dates to 1974. They’ve changed locations over the years, and they’ve changed owners, but Poppycock’s is more popular than ever thanks to the leadership of current proprietors Paul Poh and Bee Wong.

Who put the cock in Poppycock’s? Was it this bird with the jester’s outfit and drums?

It’s tough to find a spare seat for breakfast, especially on weekends. The prized perches are on the patio, but there aren’t many of them, so we were relegated inside.

Poppycock’s offers sandwiches, salads, and both sweet and savory crepes, but most people come for breakfast. There were several tempting items, particularly the cinnamon French toast breaded with pecans, then topped with bananas and Grand Marnier butter; corn griddle cakes served with Colorado wildflower honey; and blueberry granola pancakes.

I ordered a short-stack of Poppycock’s biggest seller: Old Fashioned Oatmeal Buttermilk Pancakes ($6.25). According to the menu, “These cakes are moist inside like hot oatmeal and are a ‘have to try’ item.” I’d agree that the molten oatmeal and tangy buttermilk were a terrific match. Poppycock’s ships 50 bags of oatmeal buttermilk batter per week, for home preparation. I grabbed a bag to go.

My cousin Adam ate at Poppycock’s on Saturday, and tipped me off to their house-made pistachio country sausage patties (2 for $3.50). The spicy patties were flecked with pistachio chunks. Very interesting.

Jane and my cousin Leonora split Health Drink #5: fresh berries, nuts, yogurt, raisins, honey and protein powder. According to the menu, a health drink is “like a smoothie, but fortified.” I didn’t get a sip, but they seemed happy with their selection. Allison and I shared a special Mango Smoothie ($5), which was simple but silky.

Allison ordered two eggs ($6.25) over easy with wheat toast and crusty country potatoes. She can’t resist a side of bacon. Happily, Poppycock’s knew what to do with thin-sliced hog belly, producing smoky, crisp strips.

Jane went light, ordering the Vegetarian Omelet ($9.95) – onion, green pepper, mushrooms and cheese, served with toast and sliced tomato. I worked clean-up duty on her omelet, and considering the lack of meat, I was impressed with the texture and the high quality of the vegetables.

Leonora ordered Lox ($10.75), which came with a toasted bagel, cream cheese, discs of Bermuda onion, tomatoes and capers.

Over the long weekend, I tried other breakfast spots, including Main Street Bakery & Cafe and Paradise Bakery & Cafe, and while they had their charms, Poppycock’s was the only breakfast that justified a review. Or a take-home purchase.