featured photo by @thesassyhikerNH on Instagram
Lincoln, NH. If you’ve already been here, you know it’s a true White Mountain gem. If you haven’t been, or are planning a trip, you’re in for a real treat.
Just north of the lakes region of New Hampshire and right by Franconia Notch State Park lies the cutest little town in all of the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
What I love the most about Lincoln is its quintessential country town feel.
It lacks the hustle and bustle of a commercialized mountain town (no offense, North Conway. I love you anyway) but is still filled to the brim with loads of things to do.
If you’re traveling to Lincoln, I’d be willing to bet that you’re A) getting some runs in at Loon Mountain or B) enjoying the beautiful hikes and scenery that the White Mountain National Forest has to offer.
While there are many tame, laid-back adventures to complete, Lincoln is also home to some grueling hikes.
And what better way to spend the day after an outdoor challenge than with a calorie filled breakfast extravaganza.
Since Lincoln is a lot smaller than most other mountain towns, a common misconception is that there are not a lot of places to enjoy the most important meal of the day.
But, I’m here to tell you that anyone who says this is just plain wrong.
Lincoln and its surrounding areas are home to some of the best breakfast places in New Hampshire, and whether you’re visiting during the summer months or the dead of winter, you can always be sure that you’ll be able to enjoy a great meal whenever you want.
So, do yourself a favor and hold off on ending your trip early and driving down to southern NH to go to the Friendly Toast. All you need is right there next to you, and here are the best restaurants you need to try out.
Flapjack’s Pancake House
When it comes to hearty, traditional country breakfasts, Flapjack’s Pancake House is where it’s at.
This restaurant is a longtime favorite of skiers and hikers alike, eager to revolve their entire excursion around rewarding themselves with a delicious pancake (I do not blame them one bit).
Flapjack’s Pancake House actually started off as the award winning “White Mountain Chowder House,” until one day in 2004 when Jack Comeau was hungry for some hearty breakfast and used the family cookbook to cook up some special homemade pancakes.
Their homemade, buttermilk pancakes and french toast have been a crowd favorite ever since, wowing customers over their signature crazy creations.
One of my favorite menu items of theirs is the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Flapjacks, which is just like a regular chocolate chip pancake only with Reese’s cups embedded in the batter. The first time I tried these last year, I was wowed by the good flavor that was present in every bite.
So the next time you’ve woken up the day after a long hike (or a long chairlift ride to the top of Loon to see the mountains), do as the natives do and reward yourself with some delicious homemade Flapjacks and real maple syrup.
My favorite Google review: “We always look forward to breakfast at Flapjack’s whenever we’re visiting the area. I got the “hungry as a bear” breakfast and everything was delicious. Best pancakes I’ve ever had, topped with their delicious homemade maple butter. The potatoes used for their home fries are so flavorful and cooked to crispy perfection. Can’t wait to come back for another meal at Flapjack’s.” -Allison
White Mountain Bagel Company
Would it really be small town New England if you couldn’t get your hands on a massive bagel?
Nope!
White Mountain Bagel Company took one for the team when they opened their bagel cabin (how northern New Hampshire of them) and started selling massive bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
Locals and tourists can enjoy one of their gigantic bagels on their beautiful back deck, overlooking all of the beauty that the area has to offer.
Aside from bagels, they also offer tons of creative lunch sandwiches. Meatball pesto and buffalo chicken dip are just two of the unique options that keep customers craving more.
In the summer, they even sell giant New England lobster rolls!
Enjoy a bagel or sandwich with a fresh-baked cookie, or freshly roasted cup of coffee — whatever you choose, it’s all done in store. They make sure to only use the best of the best local ingredients and local flavors.
Whether you’re grabbing a sammy for your hike, bringing a dozen bagels back for the family, or stopping for a quick bite to eat on the way home, you better make White Mountain Bagel Company a priority.
My favorite Google review: “Love this place! I make it a rule that we have to stop here at least once whenever we are in the white mountains. I love me a good bagel and this place has GOOD BAGELS. They also make a mean iced latte. This time I tried the Pemi and I had it on an everything bagel. Cream cheese, lox, capers, red onion, tomato. It was delicious! I have also had just a bagel toasted with cream cheese. All the flavors of bagels they have are excellent. If you’re really hungry I suggest one of the bagel melts. I suggest the Italian or the spinach and tomato. Both amazing! They used to have donuts here too but I didn’t see them when we went up there. It could be because of the season though (mid season not a lot going on). If they have them grab a couple especially the maple glazed!” -Cory
Woodstock Inn Brewery
Okay, so this one isn’t technically in Lincoln, but I’m including it anyway since it’s about 2 minutes down the road.
Not a lot of people know that this great place also serves breakfast; and it is a shame because this is honestly one of my favorite places and the best breakfast spots in the area.
The Woodstock Inn Brewery uses the freshest ingredients to give everyone who walks through their doors a great breakfast.
For the fanatics of sweet treats, their gigantic waffles are insanely delicious, and are comparable to an ice cream sundae. They even have “Womlettes,” omelets baked on top of a malted waffle. Genius!
For the savory breakfast lovers out there, they serve a wide variety of creative omelets (Philly Cheesesteak omelet, anyone?) and egg-based breakfasts.
I can never resist their Short Rib Benedict.
Or their breakfast tacos (forget breakfast burritos!).
Or honestly, anything that they make here. This is a Lincoln area staple, and they know how to do it right, for a great price.
So, make the two-minute trek down the road to see what all the hype is about. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
My favorite Google review: “This is such a cute little spot! We got breakfast here and we’re pleased with the various options on their menu. They have numerous options if you are gluten-free or have other allergies. When we asked if they had gluten-free bread the server brought us free Gf buns! Talk about awesome service! The inside of this inn will take you back in history and creates such a homey feeling. Totally recommend stopping here if you are in North Woodstock.” -Ashley
