Month: April 2020

Quick answer: My five favorite breakfast spots in Hunterdon County are Gronsky’s Milk House in High Bridge, the Spinning Wheel Diner in Lebanon, Sky Café at Sky Manor Airport in Pittstown, Sweet Melissa Patisserie in Lebanon and the Ma-De-Chat Shop in Milford. Each one is a little slice of what living here actually feels like.

People ask me all the time where to eat when they come out to look at houses. My answer is always breakfast. A Saturday morning at a local spot tells you more about a town than any listing photo: who’s there, how friendly it is, whether people linger. Here are the five I keep going back to.

Hunterdon County breakfast spots at a glance

1. Gronsky’s Milk House, High Bridge

Best for: hearty breakfasts and families. 125 W Main St, High Bridge.

This is my oldest favorite. It’s the place we rode our bikes to when we first moved to Hunterdon County. Gronsky’s makes the best egg sandwich around, and the pancakes are enormous. The first time we went, we had to move to a bigger table when the food came out. Friendly staff, great service, and it doubles as an ice cream stop on the way home. Get there early on weekends; there’s often a wait, and it’s worth it.

If you’re house hunting nearby: High Bridge is one of the county’s best-value towns, with a train station and the Columbia Trail right in town.

2. Spinning Wheel Diner, Lebanon

Best for: when nobody can agree. Route 22 East, Lebanon.

When you can’t make up your mind, the Spinning Wheel is the answer. The menu is huge, the food is good and the staff is friendly. Nothing finer than a Jersey diner. The omelettes are my go-to, and you can’t go wrong with the pancakes.

If you’re house hunting nearby: It’s an easy stop between Clinton, Lebanon and Whitehouse Station, all quick to Route 22 and I-78.

3. Sky Café at Sky Manor Airport, Pittstown

Best for: a nice-weather morning out. 48 Sky Manor Rd, Pittstown.

Who doesn’t like watching small planes and helicopters take off and land while eating a hearty breakfast? There’s seasonal outdoor seating and always a new special to try. Weekends get busy. You may get a buzzer so you can wander closer to the runway while you wait.

If you’re house hunting nearby: This is open, rolling Alexandria Township and Franklin Township country, with farmhouses and land.

4. Sweet Melissa Patisserie, Lebanon

Best for: croissants and a real French pastry fix. 56 Payne Rd, Lebanon.

Having lived in Paris, I’m very particular about French pastry, and Sweet Melissa is the one that comes closest. There’s a window where kids, big and small, can watch the flaky croissants being made. If you want a lighter breakfast with a great coffee, this is it.

5. Ma-De-Chat Shop, Milford

Best for: something different. 8 Railroad Ave, Milford.

Ma-De-Chat feels like you’re walking into someone’s home for breakfast. Our first time there, the hostess said there was a wait unless we wanted to share a table with another couple. We did, had breakfast with a lovely couple who lived in town, and couldn’t wait to go back.

If you’re house hunting nearby: Milford is a small Delaware River town with a strong sense of community and quick access to Frenchtown and Pennsylvania.

Hours change seasonally, so check each spot’s website or Google listing before you go.

Touring homes in Hunterdon County?

I love pairing a showing day with a great breakfast. It’s the best way to get a feel for a town before you commit to it. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Hunterdon County, call or text me at 732-735-0535. I’ll help you find the town, and the breakfast spot, that fits. You can also read my guide to the best towns to live in Hunterdon County.