Avocado toast with eggs from Wells, Maine
Sandwiched between matronly, sedate Kennebunk and lively, diverse Ogunquit, Wells is oft-overlooked as a mere stretch along busy Route One (Post Road) lined with franchise fast food, gas stations, and hotels.

But Wells is also home to beautiful beaches, peaceful preserves, and plenty of independently-owned shops and restaurants—which means there is an abundance of non-chain-style fare options for you to choose from when you want to enjoy a homemade breakfast before you venture forth on a day of oceanfront exploring or vacationing.

Map of Wells Breakfast Spots

Whether you’re craving breakfast for dinner or scouting for seconds, these Wells restaurants serve up the finest first meal of the day for miles around.

The Maine Diner

A local icon, the classic Maine Diner first opened its doors in the late 1940s—but only in the winter, because the original owner was staunchly anti-tourist.

These days, the Maine Diner is open year-round and has been lauded by many, including The Phantom Diner and New Hampshire Public Television’s “Twice as Nice.”

The menus here are formidable—and I say that with only the utmost admiration.

With loaded breakfast platters, omelets, pancakes, French toast, Benedicts, and many other specialties on offer, you’ll probably take a while making your choice.

Perhaps give the El Tiante Benedict (a favorite of Hall of Fame pitcher, Luis Tiant) a shot: Toast topped with corned beef hash and 2 poached eggs.

Location: 2265 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: The Maine Diner

Horizons Family Restaurant

Located at the Blue Horizon Motel, Horizons is open to the public all year long and features breakfast and brunch, with both indoor and outdoor seating.

The portions are hearty, the food is delicious, and the prices are low at Horizons—and you won’t be disappointed if you prefer to choose from a wide variety of breakfast fare.

Combination platters, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, Benedicts…there’s truly something for everyone.

There’s even a “Dieter’s Delight” section with low-carb and low-cholesterol options.

To tick all of my breakfast requirement boxes, I’d probably order the King Combination Platter: 3 eggs, choice of meat, home fries, and 2 slices of French toast.

Location: 35 Mile Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Horizons Family Restaurant

For the Love of Food and Drink

This adorable eatery quickly became popular enough to warrant 2 locations along Route One.

Open from 7–⁠2, breakfast is served all day here (there is a lunch menu, as well), and all of the fare is ethically and locally sourced.

Crêpes, frittatas, omelets, and Benedicts are just the tip of the pancake at For the Love of Food and Drink—and all options can be prepared gluten-free or vegetarian.

Try kicking off your day with a Good Morning Burrito, loaded with chorizo, corn, black beans, red peppers, scallions, cheddar, and scrambled eggs with “homies”…and don’t forget to order a muffin or pancake on the side to balance out all those spectacular savories with a punch of sweetness.

Location: 411 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090 and 2073 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: For the Love of Food and Drink

Congdon’s Doughnuts

I remember when Congdon’s primary focus was donuts—which made sense, because, boy…can they DO donuts.

After the stand-alone takeout stand burned down in 1979 and the rebuild included a new dining room, many folks figured it would be the beginning of the end, that Congdon’s was going out of their depth.

But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The little family business thrived and is still expanding and thriving today, thanks be. The menu is still built around the donuts, of course, but you can also choose from a hearty list of savory options like bowls, burritos, and sandwiches.

How about an Irish Benny Burrito (egg, potato, corned beef hash, cheese, and hollandaise wrapped in a flour tortilla) alongside a Maple Crème donut?

Location: 1090 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Congdon’s Doughnuts

Merriland Farm Café

Unlike most of the establishments on this list, Merriland Farm is tucked away from the hubbub of Route One.

“Venture over the river and through the woods” and enjoy your morning meal in an altogether different way—sit outside on the delightful patio and take in the sights and sounds of the farm’s beautifully landscaped grounds as you sip your coffee and enjoy your homemade fare (indoor seating is also available).

The brunch-style menu is available from 8-2 (and they have a fabulous “Southern Mary,” a creative take on a Bloody), and reservations are advised for weekend dining.

For a real taste of Maine, order the Lobster Cake Benedict: House-made lobster cakes topped with poached eggs and Béarnaise sauce—with a Maine Blueberry muffin on the side, of course.

Location: 557 Coles Hill Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Merriland Farm Café

A Café & Bakery

Open daily from 7-3, every aspect of this bright, cheery bistro is Instagram-worthy—the aesthetic, the food, the beverages. All of the baked goods are made in-house every morning, and breakfast is served all day.

Choose from a creative bevy of sandwiches, wraps, and toasts to assuage your morning hunger; there’s Carpe Diem coffee for java folks and plenty of tea and latte for the others.

Why not order a Maine Maple latte alongside The Gilly sandwich: Chorizo, fried egg, pepperjack cheese, sriracha mayo, and arugula on a homemade biscuit.

Location: 2178 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: A Café & Bakery

Bread & Roses Bakery

With a delightful little menu of Carpe Diem coffee, takeout breakfast items, and baked-fresh-daily fare, Bread & Roses is one of those places that just feels like home.

With family recipes like Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Cinnamon Butter Puffs, and a wonderful whirlwind of other delicious fare like breakfast sandwiches, burritos, croissants, muffins, and pastries, Bread & Roses is bound to become one of your favorite morning haunts.

The quiche alone is enough to make me a fan: Fresh veggies, organic eggs, and cheddar. Oh, yeah—and a few of those Cinnamon Butter Puffs on the side.

Location: 614 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Bread & Roses Bakery

Brewed Awakenings

Now we are entering the seasonal portion of the write-up.

Tourists and locals alike eagerly await Brewed Awakenings’ opening every year, with its unique combination of hipster aesthetic and old-school fare.

Featuring breakfast, lunch, and local, craft-roasted coffee from Java Tree, the Bagel Creations at Brewed Awakenings are particularly popular—and there are eight different sandwiches, as well.

I’m partial to the Burning Down the House sando: Fried egg, cheddar, guacamole, tomato, and sriracha aioli.

Location: 1846 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Brewed Awakenings

Chef Jacques Crêpe Wagon

This adorable little seasonal food truck is a foodie’s dream come true: Upscale fare provided in an affordable, travel-friendly manner.

With both a sweet and savory section (YAY), all areas of your palate can be pleased, especially if you go with someone willing to do a “divide and conquer” type of order: One of you gets the Warm Spiced Maine Apple crêpe (with salted caramel sauce and whipped cream), and the other orders the Breakfast Crêpe (eggs, cheddar, choice of meat, and maple syrup).

Location: 1324 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Chef Jacques Crêpe Wagon

Rollover Café

Morning treats for you AND doggie nosh for your furry bestie? This seasonal takeout spot does just that.

You and Fido are welcome to enjoy your breakfast in the outdoor seating area at Rollover; you with your hot, made-to-order wrap or sandwich, and he with his homemade doggie treat.

Order the Tailwagger for yourself—and if you had a tail, you’d be doing just that at the first taste: Fried eggs, onion, roasted red peppers, cheddar, and sweet Italian sausage in a garlic herb wrap (and get one of Rollover’s famous cinnamon twists on the side—you know why).

Location: 358 Mile Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Rollover Café

Out of space, out of time…but if you’re on the hunt for a quick grab-and-go breakfast on Route One, stop into Borealis Breads for a made-to-order meal in a travel-friendly sandwich form—of course on Borealis’ achingly fresh bread.