I'm from the south and Cracker Barrel is a thing. CB has NOTHING on Water Wheel though. Amazing and fast service. But the pancakes.....I can't even explain them. YOU HAVE TO HAVE THEM! read more

Water Wheel Breakfast & Gift House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Jefferson, New Hampshire

I am been coming up to this area for 36 years and somehow - wildly - I have never been to Water Wheel until yesterday! I can't say enough great things about this place and I sincerely regret not stumbling upon it sooner. It's adorable - has a gift shop with t shirts, children's toys, candles, fudge etc that is shockingly well priced for really cute stuff. Once seated, you will find Peg Solitaire placed on each table that kept our toddler occupied while we waited for our food. The server recommended "The Hooligan" which is photographed with my review and she absolutely nailed it with her rec. This is probably the most delicious breakfast food I've ever consumed. It was basically eggs Benedict on top of grilled cornbread with hash and it was SO good! It just had so much flavor and it all went together perfectly. Portions were huge and prices were genuinely great. I hate to make this place more popular but I need to give credit where credit is due. I highly recommend! Hope to go back to Water Wheel very soon! read more

Water Wheel Breakfast & Gift House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Jefferson, New Hampshire

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Amazing small town breakfast spot. Great service, excellent food, and most importantly great people. Hope to be back for another visit

The best pancakes and real maple syrup. I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place before as we have come here at least once every year for the past 25 years when visiting. Portions are more than generous; food is great, and service is friendly. Parking can be an issue, but we have always found a spot. Cute shop, as well. They are only open for breakfast and lunch, and we have always gotten breakfast, and it has always been fantastic. read more

Water Wheel Breakfast & Gift House - Mt Madison breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Jefferson, New Hampshire

Great prices Great customer service Delicious food Nice ambiance My wife and I enjoy every time we go read more

Water Wheel Breakfast & Gift House - Biscuits and gravy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Jefferson, New Hampshire

Charming atmosphere with warm log cabin vibes and a beatiful real pot belly stove in the center of the seating area that gives off a warm and inviting warmth. Thats just the beginning of one of the best breakfast we have ever had our omelettes were perfectly done and even though we asked for specific substitutions they came out with the rest of our parties order piping hot and exactly as requested. The pancakes are almost the size of the waterwheel that is outside if the entrance and they put Pollys Pancake Parlor to shame.. I dont think our coffee cups were ever empty. The Holligan is a must try,its unique and is a great option from the usual breakfast options. Check out the menu prices, i dont know how they can put on a meal like this at these prices , i dont think they have raised prices in a looong time. I just wish they were closer to home so I could go on a regular basis instead of just when on vacation. Youve got to grab some real maple syrup and fudge from the gift shop before you leave,you wont be sorry. read more

Arrived at 9am for breakfast. Had to wait a few minutes to be seated which was expected so we looked at menus while we waited. When we were seated, we let the server know we were ready to order, but she said she couldn't take our order yet because things had to be done a certain way. We put our drinks in then, 2 coffees and six waters, and she said she'd be back. After waiting 15 minutes, we asked if we could put our food order in now, but she said there were people ahead of us. She had perhaps two other medium sized tables, no reason she couldn't just take our order so the food was put in while she did everything else. So we just ended up leaving and paying for the 2 coffees. It was too bad because the food looked good and the place was recommended to us. If you go hopefully you don't get that waitress. read more

Such a cute restaurant and gift shop! As a single diner I was treated kindly and didn't feel rushed to vacate the table four.My waitress was friendly and attentive. The food was very good with generous portions. Definitely will visit again. The gift shop had a great assortment as well. read more

I was pretty excited to try out the waterwheel while staying in gorham...i can't say the food was at all disappointing but the service was just terrible, to the point where i wouldn't come back. We waited about 20 minutes for a table ( when we tried to go on Saturday, the wait was supposed to be 45 minutes at least so we left); and we made it in good time because the line only grew after we arrived. The host was nice and cheerful...probably the best service of the experience. We had two different waitresses after who both seemed to not want to be there and were extremely rude to us during the entire meal. For food we ordered the biscuits biscuits and sausage gravy and the Mt. Jefferson with honey nut pancakes, soft scrambled eggs with cheese and cornbread. Ill start by saying my eggs were cooked to perfection, which doesn't happen often. That alone gives the food 5 stars lol. The cornbread was also amazing. I get why they sell it in the shop, it was a buttery, moist but slightly crumbly log of cornbread. The pancakes, which i think they are kind of known for were alright. The reason they are the size of a plate is because they are really flat. They tasted good and wasn't extremely filling which was good but without the fluffiness, it didn't really satisfy the pancake feel. The biscuits and gravy were delicious too! So soft and easy to eat. Food definitely deserves at least 4 stars. We did get our coffee refilled maybe twice for the table but our waters never got refilled. When it was time to check out, the waitress dropped off the check and told us to pay at the register. I don't normally mind that but there was a gift shop, one register and the lady behind the register reading out each item on the check before ringing them out. It felt like it took forever. Overall, while the food was good i don't think i would come back...the wait on the weekend is extreme and i can't even imagine how long out would take to check out. If you do go, a weekday, earlier in the morning would be the best. read more

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You got to pay to play here, but the juice is worth the squeeze. Me and three high class "friends" from the block pulled up and had a real good sit-down breakfast here the other day. Breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and egg platters were on the map and we didn't stop for gas. The service was real, the coffee was passable and the gift shop was full of temptation. Solid Cadillac on the g ride scale. A 4.5 if I had to hit it with the digits. read more

Oh my word! That is the sentiment both my husband and I uttered upon the presentation of the pancakes. First, the pancakes were served so fast. We placed our orders for a Mt. Madison, Mt. Jefferson, and French Toast Texas Style with blueberries on the side. Less than 5 minutes later, the server brought out the most sizable pancakes we have ever seen. These bigger than my husband's head-size pancakes were scrumptious. It is what we envision if a pancake and a crepe had a baby; this would be that "baby." Though thinner than what we were accustomed to in Southern California, the buttery pancakes were a delight and had a hint of sweetness on its own. We naturally doused it with the local pure maple syrup to enhance the flavors. I will use this as the bar to compare all other pancakes in the future. Yes, it was that good and the speed of service was outstandingly remarkable. read more

We haven't been here in a bit and since the last visit I believe they were sold. This visit was not very pleasant. We ordered Belgium waffle and an order of scrabbled eggs with bacon, toast and home fries. Thought it looked appealing it was far from that. The scrambled egged were over cooked and dry. The home fried tasted as if they were cooked in bacon fat. The bacon left a strangle oil film in your mouth. The home bread for the toast was the best part of the meal. Now as for the Belgium waffle...not much can be done to mess these up. They came out looking and smelling delicious but cutting into them I found the waffle to be uncooked. Sent it back and they remade me a new waffle. I was advised that they cooked it a minute longer (yes it looked over cooked). Cut into that and this too was uncooked. The owner/cook came out and said she had not had any complaints and that she just made this batch of batter 2 DAYS AGO. She said I guess I'll have to make a new batch. We left there feeling hungry after paying for our meals. I left my waffle and my husband left all his eggs behind. Sadly we don't think we'll be coming back again anytime soon. Sad for business as they are the only restaurant between Lancaster and Gorham. read more

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Mixed reviews here. We got here at 1pm (website says they close at 2pm) and KELLY told us that they were no longer seating customers because THEY RAN OUT OF FOOD. I accepted that and walked out. My husband wasn't putting up with that as we had just driven 2 hours. Kelly was rude to him but agreed to seat us. We then saw signs that this was their last day before closing for 3 weeks. Obviously, they just wanted everyone gone to close up early. Anyway, food was very good. My husband would definitely return but I don't think I could stand that puke Kelly again. read more

Stopped in while on a trip. Delicious food, large portions, great prices, and fastest service I've ever received at a restaurant.

Long wait Terrible service very short staffed the servers that were on never looked at the table when they walked by. I would never come back the only reason I didn't leave is because I had a hungry 9 year old and we already committed so much time waiting I came in with high expectations sadly it wasn't the case read more

The best breakfast I've ever had. Everything was good. Portions are large and prices affordable. Friendly employees. Cute gift shop. Highly recommend! read more

As far as I'm concerned, the best place to get breakfast in New Hampshire. Food is great. Service is wonderful and the owners are great if you ever get a chance you need to go. read more

My husband and I visited the Water Wheel on our way home from staying at the Mountainview Grand Resort in Whitefield, NH. The restaurant was smaller than what we expected based on what we saw online, but we were so pleased we ate here! The staff was friendly and quick to fill your coffee cup. The food was delicious, portions were huge, and a great deal given the prices. Get the grilled English muffin or cornbread as your side instead of toast! read more

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Amazing food, excellent service and awesome atmosphere! What more can you ask for from a brunch spot? The price for the quality & quantity combined is pure perfection. I ordered a meal made of side, eggs, hashbrowns, cornbread and a side of french toast with fruit. It was way too much food but the price was unbeatable, close to $10 for all that food and coffee. My favorite thing to order on the menu was the cornbread, it was the best corn bread i have tried in a long time. I even bought some to go at the giftshop. I highly recommend this place if you are in the area. You definitely wont be disappointed! read more

Water Wheel Breakfast & Gift House - Breakfast made of sides :) eggs, home fries, cornbread and French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Jefferson, New Hampshire

Waterwheel in Jefferson, NH provides a perfect spot for a friendly, tasty breakfast stop. Open at 6:00 AM on Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. When we arrived shortly after 7:00 there was plenty of room. Baby the tonne we finished, the dining room was nearly filled, andI imagine that any hour later there world have been a line. The service was friendly and quick, the coffee got and always refilled. Irene had Fruity Greek Yogurt with a large pancake wrapped around it. She retorted it was tasty and tender. I had a Belgian waffle, which was crispy along worry a side of tasty corn beef hash, which im I ordered well- browned. Birth were perfect. The syrup was maple unless otherwise requested. Prices are reasonable. Fine place to stop. read more

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Great food, from the heart. I only wish it was a little bigger to process the summer crowds....

Great place, and they open at 6 am - beat the crowds! I usually get one blueberry pancake with a side of link sausage. The two sausages are butterflied and grilled pretty well. I'm guessing it's local sausage and it's real good. The pancakes are thin, like a crepe, and very good. And at 9-10 inches wide, one is just right. The pancake with sausage and tip comes to a few pennies over $7 - very fair deal. The real maple syrup is wonderful and the perfect compliment to the great food. They have some wierd policies - the waitress won't take your order when she first comes to ask about a drink, which slows things down immensely when they are busy and people are waiting for tables. Makes no sense to me. Overall, a terrific place and a must visit if you are in the area. With Berlin becoming the "new North Conway" because of the booming ATV scene and all the great outdoors activities - this is only about a 15 minute drive from there and crushes anything around. read more

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Great breakfast place with nice New England Shop. Service was good. We had the plate size pancakes and they were very tasty. I would definitely recommend this place. read more

The best breakfast place in Jefferson which gave us a great start to the day. The host welcoming us with all her heart and a huge smile, which makes a great difference to me. Ordered the following things: Pancakes with fresh fruits (Strawberry and blueberries) Pancakes with Chocolate chip Belgian waffles with fresh fruits South western omelette Veggie omelette All American Parfait And my friends, who are not easy to please in terms of food, really loved. The prices are highly reasonable and they have a great variety menu. Coffee is good with obvious free refills. Do try the ORIGINAL MAPLE syrup! read more

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Good and friendly service, good food (definitely try a pancake) and fun little gift shop!!

Discovered this restaurant while on our honeymoon and couldn't be happier. The food was amazing - the Pig Pen was hands down one of the best egg scrambles I've ever had. The atmosphere was very sweet and we felt very at home. The staff was very friendly and same with guests who you could tell were regulars. read more

Excellent service, big portions, real syrup, busy morning (Saturday mid morning of presidents weekend). Such fun! Bring cash for the fudge read more

Water Wheel Breakfast & Gift House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Jefferson, New Hampshire

Probably the best breakfast ever. You can't go wrong with the one hr wait to get the best breakfast you will ever eat. The French toast is to die for. If you haven't been here go here. read more

Wonderful food as always. Poorly managed. There were 4 empty tables when we arrived yet it took more than 20 minutes to be seated. One waitress for this busy restaurant. She waited and bussed tables as well as hostessing. She was amazing. Someone from the kitchen came out occasionally to bus a table but he worked in slow motion, didn't like helping I guess. The entire time we were there, there were a minimum of 3 empty tables yet customers waited at least 15 minutes to be seated. Owner wanders around but helps out only a little. read more

Suchhh a cute spot! It was packed but we only waited about 10-15 minutes for a seat. Everything was really good and the portions are HUGE. The pancakes took up more than my whole plate and the omelet was about double the size of my hand. Everything is also really good prices, would go back again and again but I was on vacation! read more

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Great meal, real maple syrup with NO up charge, cool cabin decor and great service. The pancakes are massive 9-10" plate size. They're thin so it's really not as overwhelming as it looks. One son got it plain and the other for it with strawberries and whipped cream and it tasted like a delicious strawberry shortcake. My husband ordered the homemade hash with 2 eggs and cornbread. He loved every bite and hash is a big deal to him (he'll only order if homemade) and he raved about it. I had 2 eggs, marble rye and sausage patties. It was fantastic. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Only complaint is the wait. We waited about an hour even though we were told it'd be "25 minutes maybe more". The place is cute and quaint but there's a gift store equal in size to the dining side and it was only filled with people waiting, no one bought anything. At some point I think they need to evaluate the wait lines and consider shrinking the massive gift store by at least 1/3. Also there were only 2 waitresses for the whole restaurant so this certainly slows things down. Overall great and I'd return, but much earlier than 8:45 to avoid the long wait. read more

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Good ol' diner feel breakfast place. Friendly atmosphere, affordable. French toast and omelette could be better.

We've been driving by the Water Wheel for years on our way to our campsite, and it's always PACKED. Since we vacated our campsite early to beat the rain this year, we stopped. It was about 8 AM and the parking lot was already full! Party of 6, so we had to wait for a table a few minutes. This place is CUTE. The dining area is smaller than I anticipated, it shares space with a gift shop that sold some standard kitschy stuff, fudge, and local wares. The decor reminds me of Cracker Barrel - but this is clearly carefully curated vintage items. This place is packed for a reason - the food is awesome. You get a LOT for the money, even though it's not the cheapest breakfast spot I've ever been to. I got the biscuits and gravy that came with home fries. The home fries are crisp and plain, not greasy and no peppers or onions. The sausage gravy was phenomenal and the biscuit was tender. They have pancakes the size of a dinner plate - 12 inch! The corned beef hash appears to be canned, but that's not the end of the world. The staff was nice and attentive, despite being so busy, and they even split our check without complaint or hassle. We'll probably be stopping again, if we can find a spot to park!! read more

I really loved it here my first visit last October. However, with the new restrictions in place with COVID, I felt like they had a little work to do. The food is delicious though and I would get take out if I end up back up North again. read more

Our favorite local place for breakfast or lunch. Best cornbread around! Great NH souvenir shop too

Awesome food, not the greatest service. The pancakes are huge and really good. The gift shop is pretty cool too. Good place to come get breakfast if you plan on being there for an hour or two. read more

Water Wheel Breakfast & Gift House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Jefferson, New Hampshire

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We were told a 20 min wait by the most sour puss hostess while others came in after us eventually telling them the wait was an hour. We ended up waiting 45 minutes and watched the busboy clear tables at an extremely slow pace. We watched empty tables not get seated. Then we finally get seated and the waitress goes to the table of the people after us. I've never seen anything so slow and disorganized. read more

Long wait during peak hours , not due to lack of tables but short staff. The adjoining gift shop has lovely collection of local items such as soaps, maple syrup products (syrup, candies, cream, etc), and kids souvenirs. Load up on calories before a hike. Cornbread is very good. 10 inch plate sized pancakes. The owners are attentive and the staff is working very hard to keep the flow going. (Local folks, they are hiring kitchen staff, fyi!) read more

Water Wheel Breakfast & Gift House - Southwestern omelet. Size choices are 3 eggs vs 6 eggs. This picture is 3 eggs size. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Jefferson, New Hampshire

Great food but the service is seriously AWFUL. The waitresses were zombies and it took them forever to even bring menus. To be fair it was crowded but the slowness was really off putting. For food we got an omelette and (I forget the name) this thing that was hash on cornbread, and they were really good read more

Our last visit was horrible. The wait was horrendous to get seated even though we were only 2nd in line. Then an hour more to place our order. read more