THE MORNING AFTER >>>

Huzzah! You've almost made it. You've almost survived another year. New Year's Day arrives Tuesday. You just have to get pass New Year's Eve with its night of kissing strangers, knocking over tables and next day hangover when you're feeling like a Mac truck full of manure has run you down. The only fer-sure hangover cure in the world is -drum roll, Maestro, for the kids watching TV - abstinence. Yup. Horrible, awful, abstinence. We here at the Weekly Volcano know better than to advocate such silliness. The only real cure is the infamous hangover breakfast.

Dedicated servers and bartenders will be open for business New Year's morning to fill your belly and get you back to normalcy.

Tacoma staple Shakabrah Java serves up the goods like home fries, flavorful scrambles such as tofu and self-service piping hot cups of Joe. It opens at 9 a.m. for your breakfast needs. 2618 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2787

Dirty Oscar's isn't usually open for breakfast on weekdays but is making an exception specifically to cure your New Year hangover. Nosh on breakfast staples with Chef Aaron's flair such as elk hash and Captain Crunch French toast perfectly paired with moonshine breakfast cocktails from noon to 4 p.m. 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.0588

Greasy spoon perfection can be found at Marcia's Silver Spoon Cafe. This little gem (literally it's a small place) is easily missed while zipping down South Tacoma Way, but not oft forgotten once you've dined. Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Marcia's will be providing relief for that raging headache with healthy portions of hotcakes and more. Cold hard cash is only accepted. 2601 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.472.0157

Old Milwaukee Cafe on Sixth Avenue is unassuming, tucked into a corner building just daring you to drive on by. But don't do it! Each pancake takes up an entire plate and is just as much huckleberry as it is pancake, which just about made me bow down to worship this breakfast concoction. 3102 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.761.2602

Auntee B's in Puyallup looks and feels like a small town diner with its comfortable atmosphere and grub. It will be open bright and early at 6 a.m. - wakey wakey eggs and bacey. 213 N. Meridian, Puyallup, 253.435.8833

Burs in Lakewood is popular with the "older folks." The seasoned partiers know gravy is a cure all for your hangover symptoms. The S.O.S. is the word. 6151 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, 253.588.4844

Carrs Restaurant & Bar is your best option if you seek monstrous-sized portions for your first meal of the year. The Lakewood joint serves Jolly Green Giant portions and damn tasty to boot. 11006 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, 253.584.4622

Happy New Year you crazy kids.