Having only made the jump from the designation of town to city in 2013, Sanford’s steady population rise has given cause for an uptick in meeting consumer needs and wants, such as lodging, attractions, and dining options.
Popular for its lakes and many varied outdoor pursuits, Sanford—which includes the village of Springvale—is uniquely suited to those looking to be close to city amenities without the accompanying urban hassles.
And for the many outdoorsy types that take advantage of all that Sanford has to offer, a hearty breakfast to fuel their adventures is surely at the top of their “to-do” checklist before setting out for that hike or kayak trip.
Map of Sanford Breakfast Restaurants
Here is a handy map of all the breakfast locations mentioned in this article, so you can navigate Sanford like a pro on your way to grab the most important meal of the day.
Mel’s Raspberry Patch
With a no-frills interior to match the menu, Mel’s is all about providing an affordable, plentiful, delicious breakfast experience without focusing on a hip vibe or trendy aesthetic—although the nature-themed murals lend a quirky brightness to the space. Served all day, the breakfast options aren’t overwhelming; there are just enough choices to please one and all, including an a la carte section—perfect for someone like me who needs a nibble of sweet with my savory.
The Patch Sampler takes care of all my breakfast requirements, though, without the need for an additional side order: Two eggs, two sausages, two strips of bacon, and two pancakes or French toast slices.
Location: 372 Alfred Rd, Sanford, ME 04073 and 372 Alfred Rd, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Mel’s Raspberry Patch
Sweet Memories Restaurant
Serving breakfast from 7–2 daily, Sweet Memories is a local favorite, having been nominated for top breakfast and waitstaff in the Best of Sanford and Springvale (BOSS) awards.
Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating for the expansive menu (lunch is served from 11–2)—as well as plentiful daily specials—Sweet Memories is always busy.
Southern-style biscuits and sausage gravy, pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelets, scrambles, sandwiches, and big or small combination platters are all on offer here.
I recommend getting the Western Scramble (with ham, onions, and green peppers) with a blueberry muffin on the side.
Location: 937 Main St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Sweet Memories Restaurant
Third Alarm Diner
This jack-of-all-trades eatery is open all day, every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even has a full bar—which means you can have a Bloody Mary or mimosa flight with your first meal of the day.
There’s a little of everything on the breakfast menu, including a flotilla of combination plates, Benedicts, omelets, and scrambles; you can even make a scramble into a wrap or create your own omelet.
For a real gut-buster (and I say that with the utmost admiration), try the Tanker Truck: Two eggs with your choice of meat and either a pancake or a slice of French toast.
Location: 47 Washington St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Third Alarm Diner
Pilot’s Cove Café
It’s not often you can enjoy a homemade, farm-to-table breakfast on the tarmac of an airport—and if that is a personal bucket list item of yours, the wait is over.
Featuring indoor and outdoor seating—the latter permits up-close-and-personal viewing of the airport’s take-off and landing activity—the Pilot’s Cove Café offers breakfast/brunch Thursdays through Sundays from 9-11:45 (there is also a lunch menu served from 12–4).
The fare includes a mouthwatering list of “House Favorites” like Huevos Rancheros, Avocado Toast, and a loaded Breakfast Quesadilla; there are also plenty of other options like omelets, scrambles, burritos, and Benedicts on offer.
I humbly recommend the Lobster Benedict…and a bite or two of someone’s Cinnamon Raisin French toast.
Location: 199 Airport Rd, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Pilot’s Cove Café
The Country Egg
The Country Egg is a homey, comfortable spot to settle in at a table or the counter for a real, home-cooked feast. With a case full of fresh-baked pastries and a menu full of pretty much anything you could ever want for breakfast, this friendly little café offers affordable, delicious fare served with a smile.
And speaking of fare—there are two full pages of it for you to choose from. Breakfast sandwiches, combination plates, omelets, and scrambles are just a portion of the yumminess you’ll find here—and if you need someone to point you in the right direction, I’m your girl.
Order the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (two pancakes with cinnamon swirl and icing) with a side of ham.
Location: 1299 Main St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: The Country Egg
Welcome Home Diner
Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a full bar, this family-owned and -run diner is a popular spot in Sanford. The name of this restaurant is indicative of its fare; homestyle and homemade goodness on a plate, just like a great, big culinary hug of welcome.
Omelets, griddle cakes of all ilk, breakfast sandwiches, Benedicts, and egg combination platters are all worthy of consideration, yes…but if you’d like to tick both sweet and savory boxes during your breakfast experience, order the Monte Cristo: One egg with ham and turkey on French toast with maple syrup on the side.
Location: 6 Lebanon St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Welcome Home Diner
Frannie’s Mini Donuts
Open Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Frannie’s is like a little pocket of colorful, delicious joy in the heart of Sanford.
Complete with teal bistro tables both inside and out—along with whimsical donut décor on the walls—it’s hard not to smile when walking in the door at Frannie’s.
The menu is mostly mini-donut centric, of course (I have no problem whatsoever with that), and includes both cake- and raised-style, with flavors like Blueberry Lemon, Cookies & Cream, Fruit Loops, and Boston Cream for the former, and Jelly-Filled and Maple Cream for the latter, to name just a few.
There is Carpe Diem coffee on offer to accompany your morning treat—and for those of you who need a bit more than a few mini-donuts to sustain you, there are also breakfast sandwiches and smoothie bowls.
Location: 913 Main St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Frannie’s Mini Donuts
Sunnyside Restaurant
Since 1973, Sunnyside has been dishing out fresh fare for fair prices—and, as they like to say, you can “have a burger for breakfast or eggs for dinner” if you so desire.
The interior is comfortable, family-friendly, and very country-kitchen-y, as is the menu, which is loaded with traditional breakfast favorites.
Choose from classics like Steak & Eggs, Eggs Benedicts, Three-Egg Omelets, and much more from Sunnyside’s abundant offerings—and expect to leave with leftovers.
For a sure winner, get the Hash Benny: A grilled English muffin topped with corned beef hash and two poached eggs, all drizzled with hollandaise…oh, and order a giant, homemade, grilled corn muffin on the side, of course.
Location: 489 Main St #400, Springvale, ME 04083
Website: Sunnyside Restaurant
If you find yourself in a bit of a time crunch but still need to fill that roaring void in your stomach and get your caffeine fix, there are plenty of fast-food-style options worthy of your consideration for grab-and-go morning mojo; some of these establishments even have multiple locations in Sanford: Harry’s Convenience Stores, Dunkin’, McDonald’s, Aroma Joe’s, Wendy’s, and Subway.
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