I have been going to this restaurant off the beaten path in Mason, NH since I was a young child. This is another one of those places that I have no idea how my parents found out about it, as it was not close to home. This maple barn is about an hour and 15 minutes from Boston, and you would never find it unless you were looking for it. While I loved the food and seeing the unique restaurant itself, I always dreaded going because my parents would leave so early to get there. This is a very popular place and there can be quite a long wait, which my parents always tried to avoid by getting there when it opened. Obviously even pre-internet the word got around about this fantastic little spot.
I hadn’t been in quite a few years and decided on a breakfast date with my husband. Unlike my parents who could only go on weekends, we went during the week and did not have to wait very long for a table.
Outside you will find little covered bridges and other things to walk around and look at while you are waiting. They also have a sugar house open in March where you can see how they have been turning their maple sap into maple syrup for over 50 years.
When you enter the rustic barn restaurant you will be greeted by the smell and sound of wood stoves crackling, along with a barn full of antique farm pieces. My favorite are the tables made with antique cow stanchions that were once used when milking. Of course I love these since I love all things old, repurposed, and unique. If only I could figure out a way to sneak one out 😉
For this trip my husband and I both tried the Buckwheat Blueberry Pancakes to be a little healthier, which were really good. I was a little skeptical about buckwheat, but I have to say I really enjoyed them. In the past I have tried their other pancakes which were even better.
I hardly ever use maple syrup, and never on pancakes. I figured I would give it a try since they make their own, and after trying it I kept finding myself adding a little more onto my pancakes. Wow, it is really good, and I don’t think I have ever said that about maple syrup. The next time we go I might have to buy some. When ordering pancakes everyone gets their own little “nip” size bottle of syrup to use and take home. Let me tell you, those little bottles did not go to waste at my house.
Even though the pancakes were more than enough for breakfast, I wanted to try a side of something as well. I ordered the corned beef hash and while I like hash, I’m not usually one to eat much of it. This hash was so good that I admit I ate a little more than I probably should have. I really had to use willpower to stop myself from eating it it all.
I mean look at that, right? My husband also ordered an omelet that he really enjoyed.
As March is the busy time for them with tapping trees and making syrup, make sure to take a trip to this wonderful barn soon and experience a little taste of history, and REALLY good maple syrup.