Massachusetts’ Best Restaurant For Pancakes Has 23 Options

In anticipation of National Pancake Day on September 26, we will spotlight one of the most popular breakfast dishes in the country. The Food Network named the best restaurant for pancakes in each state, and in Massachusetts, this establishment has 23 different options.

"Really, there are no rules when it comes to flapjacks — Pancake Day can happen any time you're craving a short stack topped with butter and maple syrup," Travel and Leisure recently explained in a similar feature. In fact, pancakes are not just for breakfast anymore. All types of restaurants or diners serve them for any meal. Furthermore, if you really want to see your kids' faces light up with excitement, tell them you are making breakfast for dinner.

The Food Network and Travel and Leisure did not consider fast food chains. While McDonald's hotcakes are also delicious, and IHOP still serves perhaps the most distinctive-tasting plate pancakes in the world, the list focuses on more local establishments.

In Massachusetts, the restaurant recognized for having the best pancakes is a family-friendly establishment that has been open for 20 years. The owner even goes by the nickname of "Pancake Queen."

Located in Braintree, Kristin's Breakfast is open seven days per week. The standard pancake section of their menu includes regular items like blueberry, chocolate chip, or banana walnut. However, the specialty section is where you will see this plate reach another level of sweetness. This is where you will find specialty items like coffee cakes or birthday cake pancakes. Food Network recommends the Boston Cream Pie edition, stating, "For a quintessentially Massachusetts order, go for the Boston Cream Pancakes, featuring a river of sweet cream and flowing chocolate."

In addition to Massachusetts' best restaurant for pancakes, we have to give an honorable mention to Butler’s Pantry Breakfast in Stowe, Vermont. This New England neighbor was the number one choice in the aforementioned feature by Travel and Leisure. They specifically call out the cheddar jalapeño pancakes as a must-try.

As much as I love my south shore area of the Northeast, sometimes there is nothing better than a quick pause. We are fortunate in New England that there are so many great options that are a short drive away. It's not hard to embark on that perfect weekend getaway escape.

With summer coming to a close and the hustle and bustle of all the fall activities kicking into overdrive, here I will look at some of the best places for a weekend getaway in New England based upon all of those I have visited.

Many factors can be considered when nailing down that perfect two-day plan. We, of course, are graced with all four seasons of the year, so depending upon when you are traveling, different activities may be available to you. Then again, perhaps you don't want any activities at all.

Food options are important to me. However, I don't make trip plans based around what place has the best restaurants. I tend to lean towards exploring the local area in hopes of tripping across a local gem.

Driving distance is another thing I heavily weigh. Although I don't mind the occasional long road trip, my preference is to maximize my time on a weekend adventure. Therefore, time in the car is ideally under four hours. Cost is always a factor.

Lastly, I must preface this list by stating I am an outdoorsman. A good book or movie can certainly do the trick. I always opt for great ocean waves, a rope swing, or mountain over an extra hour of sleep.

In recent years, I have been to each of the places on this list over various months of the year. They each have their own unique characteristics. Their common bond is that they are all great destinations for a New England weekend getaway.

Cape Cod is an obvious location. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, there is perhaps no place that is more popular in Massachusetts. To me, it's about finding that specific corner of Cape Cod that is right for you. You can camp or find cottages along Cahoon Hallow Road that will enable amazing trips to the beach. Trekking those sand dunes, hitting the three-foot waves (yes, sometimes there are shark warnings), and then getting food at the Beachcomber while listening to the great live music, is my perfect day.

There is never a bad time to visit this charming town. You can ski Cranmore in the winter. Hike, hit the waterfalls, or visit Storyland in the summer. Either way, you will be graced with some amazing local restaurants. In fact, North Conway flies under the radar as one of the best pizza towns in New England. The hotels like Eastern Slope in accommodate any season, and are right in the middle of town where all the bars, restaurants and stores are. This weekend getaway is probably the least "quiet" but has the most amount of options at your fingertips.

The river that runs through Woodstock has a way of speaking to you. It's serene but can also provide a thrill of pushing you down stream. It's calming to provide that fresh water cleanse to rid yourself of all that comes with the lights on the city. Lastly, the various rope swings scattered around the town provide a liberating rush. From the climb up the rocks to the swing, to the plunge, you focus on nothing but the joy of that ride. Ramunto's Brick Oven and Brews is also an essential stop upon each visit.

Lake life just hits differently. Depending upon where you go around Lake Sebago you get the feeling that nowhere else on the planet exists while you there. Frye Island has the magic of no public cars, local watering holes, and the ability to bike incredible dirt roads. There's a history there to learn about and local taps to enjoy. It's common to see jet skiing or pontoon boating anywhere you look within the glistening waters. Furthermore, certain towns offer that one and only general store that has everything you can imagine, from household cleaning supplies to steaks to grill for dinner.