On the early side: Search for Best Breakfast Place in Central Mass. down to 8. Vote now

The value of pumpkin spice in your morning drink is best discussed elsewhere. Our readers seek breakfast banter that is much more wholesome.

More than 30,000 votes were cast during the past week in our search for the Best Breakfast Place in Central Massachusetts. Readers weighed in on restaurants that feature old-school offerings, from omelets to home fries to an endless cup of joe. (Sure, top me off.)

Our search for the region's top breakfast spot is entering the second of four rounds. During the past week, the original field of 16 was cut in half. The second round of voting, with eight restaurants in the running, is underway.

We've shaped the poll after our earlier Best Pizza and Best Ice Cream Stand contests. We're narrowing the field in a bracket format. Based on voting by readers, the field is cut to eight, then four, then two and, finally, to the Best Breakfast Place in Central Massachusetts. There were 30,069 reader votes in the first round.

Each round of voting will last a week. We'll keep you posted every step of the way until a winner is declared. The original field of 16 was based on nominations submitted by readers.

Scroll down to vote in the Round of 8.

Emerging from the Round of 16, with original ranking:

Altea's Eatery (16): Captured 63% of vote in defeating Lou Roc's (1).

122 Diner (9): Captured 52% of vote in defeating Over Easy (8)

City Line (4): Captured 55% of vote in defeating Schultzy's (13)

Carl's (5): Captured 75% of vote in defeating Michael's Bridge (12)

Kosta's (15): Captured 60% of vote in defeating Parkway (2)

Tiny Tim's (10): Captured 63% of vote in defeating Family Table (7)

Elm Cafe (14): Captured 56% of vote in defeating Livia's (3)

Brody's (11): Captured 60% of vote in defeating Miss Worcester (6)

Remember, this is an unscientific process, intended as fun, a departure from the sometimes edgy tone of the internet.

OK, there are four head-to-head matchup in the latest round. Have your say:

(Earlier listings have been corrected.)

ROUND OF 8

Altea's vs. 122 Diner

Altea's Eatery, 259 Park Ave., Worcester

122 Diner, 1392 Main St., Holden

City Line vs. Carl's

City Line Diner, 1420 Main St., Worcester

Carl's Oxford Diner, 291 Main St., Oxford

Kosta's vs. Tiny Tim's

Kosta's Cafe, 31 Pleasant St., Spencer

Tiny Tim's Cafe, 500 Washington St., Auburn

Elm Cafe vs. Brody's

Elm Centre Cafe, 39 Elm St., Southbridge

Brody's, 308 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Search for Best Breakfast Place in Central Mass. down to 8. Vote now