About Just Breakfast & Things
Just Breakfast & Things is a cozy breakfast and lunch spot in Lisbon, CT that leans into old‑fashioned diner comforts with consistently praised, well‑cooked eggs and hearty sides.
Regulars and first‑timers note the homemade corn‑beef hash, distinctive home fries and reliably hot coffee, while staff are described as friendly and efficient.
The atmosphere reads like a neighborhood diner — bright, casual and welcoming, with a broad menu of pancakes, crepes, omelettes, biscuits and gravy and a handful of lunch options.
Location & Contact
- Address13 River Rd, Lisbon, CT 06351
- Phone(860) 376-4040
- Links Get directions
What to Expect
The menu focuses on classic breakfast favorites executed with care: homemade corn‑beef hash and home fries earn frequent praise, and stuffed French toast, fruit‑filled crepes and chocolate chip pancakes are popular sweet choices.
Savory options include the Farmer’s Omelette, Eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos and biscuits and gravy, plus a grilled English muffin that a reviewer singled out.
Coffee is mentioned repeatedly as a standout companion to the plates.
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
Brunch: The Modern Evolution
Brunch, a delightful blend of breakfast and lunch, has become a popular social occasion in Connecticut and beyond. This trend took off in the late 20th century, influenced by changing lifestyles that allowed for more leisurely weekend mornings. Brunch gatherings often include a mix of sweet and savory dishes, catering to diverse palates. This shift reflects a broader change in how people view meals—not just as nourishment, but as opportunities to connect with friends and family. The rise of brunch shows how breakfast has adapted to modern rhythms, emphasizing enjoyment and relaxation in our busy lives.
Menu Highlights
From the Community
Just Breakfast & Things has quietly become a go‑to morning stop in Lisbon, CT for diners who want familiar flavors done well.
With a 4.6 Google rating across nearly 600 reviews, the small restaurant draws comments about hot, properly cooked eggs and attentive service.
Homemade corn‑beef hash and distinctive home fries come up in review after review as reasons folks return.
Regulars praise the diner atmosphere and fast, friendly staff.
One reviewer noted, "My over easy eggs were perfect, homemade cornbeef hash was a surprise," (Carol Battista) after a first visit.
Another customer called the meal "so delicious," and highlighted French toast with banana filling as a memorable dish (Donna Ruggs).
A different patron summed up the strong first impression: "You never get a second chance to make a first impression and you made a great one!" (Mike Endy).
Between stuffed French toast, buttermilk pancakes and savory omelettes like the Farmer’s Omelette, the kitchen balances sweet and savory well.
Coffee gets repeated shout‑outs for being reliably good, and servers are frequently described as warm and attentive.
For diners passing through or locals wanting a dependable breakfast, the menu offers plenty of comforting choices and consistently positive plates.
Why Locals Love It
Customer Reviews
"Two New Yorkers lost in CT find this cute breakfast/lunch spot. Busy at 10am on a Monday. Seated right away and the server was super friendly starting us off right away with coffee. My over easy eggs were perfect, homemade cornbeef hash was a surprise. And I was asked if I want onions in my potatoes. That's was a first. Only complaint was hubby's omelet was a little small. But we'll be back if we are lost again"
"My daughter and I ate breakfast here this morning and it was so delicious. She had French Toast with banana filling and a side order of home made corn-beef hash. I had 2 eggs, kielbasa, hash browns, and cinnamon raisin toast. The food was amazing! And the service was equally amazing. The staff are so nice and attentive and seem to have a great rapport with their customers. I noticed that they have all mostly regular returning customers there which speaks volumes on the quality of the restaurant. What I loved most about it was the old fashioned diner type atmosphere it was a great experience that both my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend this restaurant it’s awesome!"
"Oh my gosh! Tried this wonderful establishment and was so pleased! I love pancakes but I'm particular on them. They made them with buttermilk and they actually had a nice flavor. My friend enjoyed his food as well. The waited Carol was so sweet, served food hot and just lovely. It's clean and an excellent place to try !!"
"First time. We were very pleased. It was fairly busy for 9:15 on a Thursday morning but we got right in. Eggs were great and piping hot. Hash browns were excellent and unique. I've never had a grilled English muffin before but now I want another one! You never get a second chance to make a first impression and you made a great one!"
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
Culturally Diverse Breakfasts
As Connecticut's population has grown more diverse, so too have breakfast traditions. Immigrant communities have brought their culinary practices, enriching the local breakfast scene. From hearty bagels and lox to spicy chilaquiles, these dishes highlight the fusion of flavors that characterize modern breakfasts. This cultural exchange not only broadens our taste buds but also fosters a sense of community and understanding. Celebrating this diversity allows us to appreciate the many ways people start their day, creating a vibrant tapestry of morning meals that reflect the rich heritage of Connecticut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the corn‑beef hash homemade and how does it taste?
Yes. Reviewers repeatedly call the corn‑beef hash "homemade." It tastes hearty and savory, with a homey, well‑seasoned flavor that many guests say is a standout on the menu.
Are the pancakes light or dense and what kind are they?
Some pancakes are made with buttermilk, which reviewers say gives them nice flavor. Buttermilk pancakes are typically tender, slightly tangy and fluffy rather than dense.
Is the French toast sweet or stuffed with fillings?
There are both regular and stuffed options. Reviewers enjoyed stuffed French toast and a banana‑filled French toast, which adds sweet fruit inside for extra richness.
Are the crepes fruity or dessert‑style?
Crepes come both fruit‑filled and dessert‑style; customers mentioned fruit‑filled crepes and an Oreo‑filled crepe. Expect thin, soft crepes with sweet fillings.
How are the hash browns or home fries prepared?
Home fries and hash browns are praised for being flavorful and sometimes served with onions if requested. They’re described as a standout, well‑seasoned side that pairs with eggs and meat.
Do they serve any egg dishes like Eggs Benedict or omelettes?
Yes. The menu lists Eggs Benedict and several omelettes including the Farmer’s Omelette, bacon and sausage varieties. Reviewers specifically recommend the Farmer’s Omelette.
Is there a good breakfast burrito or similar handheld option?
Yes. The menu includes a Breakfast Burrito and named burritos like Andy’s Burrito; reviewers also praised a homemade hash burrito, indicating handheld options are flavorful and filling.
Do they do biscuits and gravy and is it rich?
Biscuits and gravy are on the menu and have positive mentions. A reviewer said the biscuits and gravy were better than what they make at home, suggesting a rich, comforting dish.
Is the coffee any good and how do locals describe it?
Many reviewers call the coffee tasty and a favorite; one longtime customer said the coffee has been her favorite for years. Expect a reliably hot, well‑liked cup to go with your meal.
Does this place feature any Lisbon, CT‑specific flavors or local specialties?
Not listed; call to confirm.
The Origins of Breakfast Rituals
Breakfast, which literally means 'breaking the fast,' has deep historical roots in Connecticut. In colonial times, morning meals were simple and often started with porridge or leftover bread, reflecting the agricultural lifestyle of early settlers. These humble breakfasts were vital for hard-working families, providing the energy needed for a day of labor. As the years rolled on, this meal evolved, influenced by changing food availability and cultural practices. By the 19th century, a more elaborate breakfast emerged, with families enjoying dishes that would appeal to the growing affluent class, such as eggs, bacon, and even pastries. This shift marked the beginning of breakfast as an important social ritual, symbolizing not just nourishment but also status and community.
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Just Breakfast & Things
Connecticut's Colonial Breakfast
Breakfast in colonial Connecticut was a straightforward affair, driven by the need for sustenance. Many families began their day with a steaming bowl of porridge, using grains like cornmeal or oats. Cider, a common drink, often accompanied these meals, cleverly repurposing local apple harvests. As families settled into the routine of farm life, these morning rituals became essential. They not only filled bellies but also fostered community bonds as families gathered around the table before heading out to the fields. This emphasis on communal meals laid the groundwork for breakfast traditions that would evolve significantly over time, mixing comfort with shared experience.
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The Rise of Lavish Breakfasts
By the 19th century, breakfast transformed dramatically in Connecticut as wealthier households aspired to replicate lavish English-style breakfasts. This meant more than just a bowl of oatmeal; it included a hearty spread of bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, and even tomatoes. Health reformers at the time, however, pushed back against these rich meals, advocating for lighter, more health-conscious options. This tension between indulgence and health sparked a new era of breakfast, where households began to negotiate between comfort and wellbeing. The desire for a substantial morning meal mirrored the growing complexity of American life as people sought both nourishment and pleasure in their daily routines.
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