Oh man, this cafe is the epicenter for crappy Coach bags. Barf. Other than that, it is a solid place for breakfast, ideally if you are hungover. The restaurant is well staffed, so the waitresses turn over tables very efficiently. Ambiance is basically nil, it basically resembles a school cafeteria. The food isn't anything fancy, but it is dirt cheap. I paid $6.50 for eggs benedict, which I almost did not order because, I mean, how good could they be at that price? I think my last order of eggs benny cost at least twice that. But the temptation of hollandaise proved to override all logic, as it tends to do. Although not the best I've ever had, the dish was very good, exceeding my expectations. The cooks were generous with the sauce and in lieu of little ham disks, it came with a huge pan-fried ham steak. The home fries, however, needed a little something extra, like herbs or caramelized onions. Still, they were crisp enough for me. I am also a fan of the omelets here, especially the broccoli and cheese. The coffee is fine, nothing special, but the waitresses are quick to offer a refill. read more

Craving Blueberry pancakes....I stumbled across this diner when all my normal breakfast places were packed with a 45 minute wait. This place was packed as well, but we were able to snag seats at the bar right away. The blueberry pancakes were fluffy and light and just wonderful. The coffee was free flowing. Not too harsh, not too weak- just perfect. The food came out super fast. I noticed they also serve mimosas and bloody marys- a great find for a diner!!! The staff really bust their butts. Sitting at the bar you could see that these guys work hard. I was impressed, I have never see restaurant staff work so hard. Seriously. read more

How can I have not yet written a review for the Early Bird? This is my go-to breakfast place. Back when I was young and had plenty of disposable income (i.e. not a homeowner), I was here all the time. Now I get here a lot less frequently. Way back when, they were only open til 1:30. Now they have late night hours Wed through Friday til 7:30 PM. Which worked out great because a GF & I were on a shopping rampage and starving by 2PM. It was either the Early Bird or ice cream for lunch -- not that there's anything wrong with that! For breakfast I usually get one of their omelets. Two that stand out are the Dutch Omelet & the Italian Style Omelet. The Italian Saute is also a fave. The BF always gets French toast & thoroughly enjoys it. I brought a friend once who asked the waitress if they served fresh fruit and was told yes. Turns out it was the canned fruit that all tastes like pineapple. Lesson learned. The coffee is always great in the morning. Today, my friend needed some caffeine and the coffee was old & stale. It was so strong, I could smell it across the booth. The waitress did offer to make a fresh pot but my friend just went with a soda. Today, I got the pastrami on rye with fries. The pastrami was OK, but since I've now had amazing pastrami, none can compare. The french fries are house made and yummy. My friend got a mexican omelet with beans. She thought the beans were a little sweet but otherwise thought it was OK. and yep, as Christine H. says (and a double check of their website), they now accept Visa & MC. read more

Early Bird is dependably delicious and really cheap.. and the locals know it as it is always packed. we always try to go during off hours.. I typically get a cheese omelet with hash browns and the bf gets a #7 which is two pancakes and bacon. My cheese omelet is always delicious and a good size, hash browns are good as well. The bf is obsessed with the pancakes here, says they are the best he's ever had and I agree, they are really good... if you go you should definitely try them. Our two meals with drinks always come to well under $20, it's great. parking is ample, the staff is usually friendly although at some times they seem tired (understandably). we'd certainly recommend to a friend. NOTE: they are no longer cash only!! we were in on 6/28/11 and the waitress informed us they now have a credit card machine. read more

Early Bird Cafe - bf's #7 and my cheese omelet & hash browns - American Near Me - Plaistow, New Hampshire

I have to say the breakfast is not good at all, very greasy and the home fries are very dry. I also went into lunch and had the Ruben sandwich, which was falling apart and mushy. I had them take it back and give me a BLT. Which was ok. I do go here for breakfast quite a bit since its so close to my home, BUT I only go because of the wait staff, especially to see Dawn and Karen. They make the experience better than the food. Now that I found out Dawn is no longer there, after 13 years. I will have to go somewhere else because with the awful food and not having the best waitresses there this place will eventually go out of business. The waitstaff is one of the only reasons I believe why they are still afloat. It's time to wake up and get better food and keep your tenure employees happy. Signed, Rock Star Food Critic read more

Wow this place is amazing, more of a selection than many big chain restaurants. The service is phenomenal and the ambiance is perfect, well spaced seating and the food is absolutely delicious. I had the Yankee pot roast that was extremely tender and juicy, followed it up a few days later with an amazing breakfast that was fresh and inexpensive. Make it is a point to visit the Early Bird Cafe, you will not be disappointed. read more

Early Bird Cafe - American Near Me - Plaistow, New Hampshire

I have been here twice and was not disappointed those two times. This place is packed on the weekends, very loud and family oriented. The waitstaff is great, I think they are family owned, and they do a great job with large parties. The last time i was here we were sitting near a person with special needs, and the waitress was so good to that person, very hospitable and loving. As for the food I recommend their cornbeef hash and their apple pancakes. Our waitress said everything they make here is homemade. The apple pancakes had the perfect sized chunks of apple inside a large pancake. My favorite thing there. I have not tried their lunch menu, however. Pricing is average, their specials are usually $7-8 range. This is by far the best breakfast place in the Plaistow area. read more

I can't help but love it... I grew up in the area and have known most of the people that worked here, even seen a marriage come out of this place! But beyond the memories and small town connections the food is good, the turn over is quick, and everything is reasonably priced! Its always packed and closes before dinner. If you're planning on coming on the weekends prepare for a lot close quarters and elbow rubbing! And if you're coming with a lot of people its probably not the best place to be, its a lot of booth seating and little tables that the waitresses will gladly figure out a place for you but it could take a few! The staff (as stated before) I am a little biased on, but honestly friendly great people that will get to know you each time you come and quite possibly will remember your order from last time! The better you tip the better they remember you ;) read more

This is the best place for breakfast- hands down! I get the egg-white omelet with fat free cheddar and spinach with organic sprout toast and home fries.. there's something for everyone, even the health conscious. Their weekend dinner menu is delish too.. They make everything fresh and when its out, its out. Brandy is the best server. The only thing that realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly stinks is they don't take credit cards. how stupid!!! read more

Had dinner here tonight. Only one waitress for the entire place. Had the Corn chowder first, which was delish, but while I was waiting for my chowder, I noticed she put a plate in the microwave and asked the kitchen for my soup. Ate the soup and then notice her starting the microwave. About two minutes later out came the plate of food and it was my dinner - reheated twice. When I went to eat this, the roast beef gravy put on the meat and potatoes was so salty I left half of the potatoes and half of the meat. I also feel I should mention that you do not want to look up at the ceiling fans and the vents in the ceiling. They both need a serious cleaning. You can see the dirt built up on the ceiling fan and vents. After seeing those two things, in addition to the overly salted food I definitely will not go back. read more

My favorite NH breakfast place. Food's great, service is usually quick and courteous. Been going here since they first opened years ago, never had a bad meal! read more

The early bird for breakfast is fine. Nothing phenomenal. I ate here when it was convenient a few times. I like Casey's a little better down the street. Maybe a little more than Eggies. All 3 are total crap-holes for decor and ambience. Casey's and Early Bird both feel like repurposed storage areas The bathrooms are scary. Clean enough - just scary with exposed pipes and stacks of stuff piled around. Since I rarely find myself in the area in the mornings, Early Bird is off my radar. pass read more

Great family style cafe restaurant. Burgers, specials, soups, breakfasts etc are all delicious. Occasionally get a cranky waitress but they are always busy so i can understand why they might be flustered read more

As always, timing is crucial coming to Early Bird. If you don't get out of the house on the weekends past 9am, best to stay home or go to McDonalds for breakfast. My last visit was super perfect, no wait... just a tad before 9am... the earlier the better of course... even with the entire Girl Team of Timberlane taking up half the place... the wait was not there yet... YET... and our waitress was pretty efficient... Remember get there early and you won't be disappointed... read more

I'm by no means a regular here, but have lived in the Plaistow area for most of my life. I've been to the EBC many, many times and each time they get a little bit more lackluster than the last. They claim they are handicapped accessible but you can't fit a wheelchair through their narrow aisles. The food while ok, takes a while to get to your table. The service leaves more to be desired. The last waitress I had wasn't very attentive. For the EBC to compete with other eateries they need to step up their product. read more

Probably the best breakfast place in the area. Food is good, prices are great, service is exceptional. read more

A friend and I come here as often as possible! Staff are always smiling and very nice! The prices are really good for the amount of food and the food is always tasty! read more

I went to the early bird cafe with my husband this morning for breakfast. I haven't been here in years. I ordered French toast with sausage patties. The French toast came out lukewarm and mushy. The sausages had no flavor at all. The syrup was poured into a syrup bottle with the label torn off, So I don't know what brand of syrup it was. We will not return. Prices were high. I will not comment on my husband's breakfast. But he didn't like it. read more

Food was ok, I got an egg sandwich on a bagel and the bagel was completely burnt and the egg was very cold. Service wasent so good. Our waitress was Nicole. We were rushed and it was like as if we had things thrown, she didn't even care about anything. Had an attitude with me and my other friends. Wouldn't recommend coming here if wanna deal with a terrible waitress! read more

I love the home made chowders! Amazing!!! My father and grandfather go almost everyday..the food is very good and the customer service is also very good! Definitely try it out read more

Early Bird Cafe - Haddock chowder - American Near Me - Plaistow, New Hampshire

Great breakfast, good portions, corn beef hash served piping hot to the table. Four of us all had different types of meals and we liked them all. Interior decor pretty basic but food and service excellent. We will be back. read more

This place is pretty good. The pancakes were so good that I couldn't stop eating them, I ate way too much and almost puked in the bathroom.

Love this place. Food is awesome both great quality and quantity. Staff is always friendly and efficient. Try it you will love it

Despite the filthy silverware burnt toast, burnt home fries and being charged for something I didn't get, the omelet was awesome!

I took my two sons last Sunday for breakfast. Yes, it was extremely busy but we didn't have to wait too long. It is definitely not "cozy". It is like eating in a LARGE cafeteria with white stone walls. I enjoyed my omelet. My sons, however did not really like their breakfasts. The "home fries" were just sliced potatoes fried. I also felt it was a little more expensive than most. read more

More like 2.5... but 3 would be too much. I live close by so I have been here several times. I have started to notice that the kitchen staff don't really seem to care how you want something cooked... they do it the way they want and send it out. I like my home fries well done and my bacon crisp. The first few times we went I did get items the way I like them, but lately they do not seem to care. I go to a place in Lawrence (in my reviews) and I always get exactly what I want and cooked the way I like (thank you Sam). I probably wont go to Early Bird again. read more

I wouldn't recommend the food here but the staff is prompt. The smell of old grease slaps you in the face when you walk in and it lingers on you for a couple of hours. The ceiling fans are in desperate need of a wipe down. No the fans weren't on but it's not too appetizing to think about what else isn't cleaned in this restaurant. The black caked on grime on the fans is warning sign #2. This place suffers from the same thing most breakfast places in NH suffer from --great ratings on Yelp for subpar food. My spouse ordered an omelette and hash browns. I had an egg, hash browns and an English muffin. The omelette had the wet egg look in the middle and the hash browns were extra greasy and tasted like the old grease I smelled upon entering. My egg was cooked to order. read more

Yuk, the coffee tasted like they use the cheapest blend and 1/3 the quantity of coffee that you are supposed to. The bacon was the worst I have tasted. They forgot my toast, I asked the waitress for it and she never brought it. Nuff said..... read more

Breakfasts are good here, but there's are a few issues. On a weekend, you're going to wait. If you want breakfast to go, it won't be very good when you get it wherever you're going. You've got to eat it there. Lunches are generally disappointing. To sum it up, go for a big breakfast during the week and you won't be disappointed. At other times, you might not be so lucky. read more

For a "hometown" diner, I don't think you can do better than the EBC. Wait Staff is energetic, welcoming and professional. (Although they can get overwhelmed for Sunday brunch). Hubby and I usually order breakfast, no matter what the time of day. They pay attention to special requests (CRISPY bacon), hold the fries, etc. Their side dish fruit is fresh and seasonal rather than canned. The coffee cups are bottomless and kept full. It is priced in the mid range for the items and style: and less expensive than the local diner we frequented back in Dallas. I think everyone in town eats here. read more

I used to love going here back in the day when it was cheap and fun. It does look like a large cafetria, but the food wasn't that bad. it used to be cheap and of course its one of the few breakfast places in plaistow so youre going to wait. read more

We decided to try the Early Bird in Plaistow NH, on a weekday in the early afternoon, because the Yelp reviews were, for the most part, positive. The restaurant was buzzingly busy, and the service was fast and friendly initially. Pros: bottomless cup of drinkable coffee. Fast service. The chili that topped my husband's omelette was actually good! I was impressed, usually diner chili is canned and bland, but you could tell this was homemade and spiced very well. Cons: The greek omelette was so salty from the kalamata olives and feta cheese it was inedible! I even had my husband try it and he concurred. In my restaurant experience, the cheaper feta comes in a very salty brine and needs to be rinsed before added to a dish. When the waitress stopped by to check-in, I told her about the inedible omelette and she was not concerned in the least. I should have asked her to take it off the check, but I was not assertive enough. This is not a restaurant we would return to. read more

We've been coming here for years, and they never ever disappoint. Good, wholesome food; competent, friendly waitstaff; simple, down to earth atmosphere. Always a winner. read more

Typical diner food, but with a friendly staff that makes the experience even better. Will be my go-to diner when I'm in the area. Be there before 9 am because it gets busy later. Organic eggs available, and I enjoyed the grilled English muffin. read more

The place is fast, friendly and yes, the food is good. We're not talking fancy but simple, tasty, and plenty of it for a good price. The staff is friendly and there is plenty of seating so even the wait on a weekend morning is typically less than 15 minutes. The atmosphere is somewhat commercial but based on the building, that's understandable and the open dining room allows for the vast seating. Kid friendly too! read more

The food is all pretty bland ..nothing well seasoned ... Fries are soooo soggy it's disgusting ..they supposedly hand cut their own fries ... But They are just gross ..like inedible gross ... Same thing on home fries *yuck* I've tried them a few times...nothing was good ...it barely was even okay ... Won't waste any money there again ... read more

The only hindrance to a stellar 5 star rating is the hollandaise....not very good nor attractive. That, having been said, if you are nearby and looking for breakfast, check out this cavernous room where the young staff resembles the Keystone Cops-they're everywhere at once, constantly refilling, double checking, making suggestions. The corned beef hash is freshly made,not too salty (no mean feat), eggs are prepared perfectly, the coffee is impeccably fresh AND it's a great value. Try it..you'll like it ! read more

One of our favorite places. Great food, breakfasts and wonderful friendly staff. Clean and reliable

Amazing food great service it's my favorite diner/restaurant! I recommend the fish and chips!

Service was great. It is diner type food so no surprises. Sandwiches were very good. It does a brisk business