Best Breakfast & Brunch in Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Poconos are a destination for outdoor recreation, and breakfast here fuels that. You’ll find hearty portions, mountain diner culture, and some upscale brunch spots in towns like Jim Thorpe and Stroudsburg. Most places are casual, family-friendly, and centered on comfort food that sticks with you through a day of hiking.

Best Overall

Jubilee Restaurant — Jim Thorpe
Casual upscale spot with menu items that feel polished but not pretentious. Breakfast includes creative omelets, Belgian waffles, and sides done right. The space is warm, service is attentive, and portions are solid. Popular on weekends, but worth arriving by 8:30 a.m. or calling ahead. $$

Terrapin — Jim Thorpe
Farm-to-table with a seasonal breakfast menu. Scrambles change based on what’s available locally. Pastries are fresh, coffee is excellent, and the space is bright and welcoming. A step up from typical mountain diner fare but still unpretentious. $$

The Gourmet — East Stroudsburg
Breakfast bistro with more attention to detail than typical. Benedicts are made with fresh eggs, potatoes are crispy, and toast is house-made. The coffee is strong and endless. Cozy space, genuine neighborhood vibe. $$ to $$$

Pocono Pub — Stroudsburg
Diner meets gastro-pub. Breakfast menu includes standard eggs and pancakes plus elevated options—chorizo scrambles, smoked salmon benedicts. The space has bar energy but family-friendly during breakfast hours. $$

Best Local Specialty

Scrapple (if you’re game)
This is Pennsylvania Dutch country. Scrapple—a cornmeal and pork loaf, sliced and fried—is a regional classic. Most diners have it, most tourists skip it. If you want authentic Poconos breakfast culture, order it once. It’s savory, crispy, and acquired taste territory. $ (a couple bucks as a side)

Fresh Local Eggs & Farm Products
Farmers markets in fall and spring feature fresh eggs, local honey, and seasonal produce. If you’re staying in a cabin with a kitchen, buy from a market and cook. Otherwise, order breakfast at spots featuring “local” or “farm” in their menus.

Best Weekend Brunch

Jubilee and Terrapin Lead

Both are sit-down brunch destinations. Arrive 8:30-9 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. Mimosas and bloody marys are available (usually $6-8). The experience is leisurely but not rushed. You’ll see families and couples, not a heavy party scene.

Peppe’s Bistro — East Stroudsburg
Italian bistro doing weekend brunch. Scrambles with Italian meats, pastries, fresh juices. Feels European without pretension. Small place, early reservation helps.

Diner Culture on Weekends
If you want high-volume breakfast without waiting, hit smaller diners in towns like Tannersville or Bartonsville. Quick service, full tables, but honest food and no frills.

Best Budget Breakfast

Pocono Pub ($8-14)
Eggs, pancakes, hash—solid portions for $9-13. Extras like bacon or sausage are $2-3 more. Value is strong here.

Diner Chains in Smaller Towns ($7-12)
Perkins, Denny’s, and family diners scattered around are cheap and predictable. Not special, but $10 gets you breakfast and coffee.

Breakfast at Your Lodging
If staying at a B&B or resort with breakfast included, take it and skip restaurants for at least one morning. Free is hard to beat.

Bagel Shop ($4-8)
Every town has one. Bagel with cream cheese or breakfast sandwich, coffee under $8. Quick, cheap, satisfying.

For best budget-to-quality ratio, hit a local diner outside the town centers (Tannersville, Bartonsville). You’ll find $10-12 breakfasts with real quality.

Tips for Poconos Breakfast

  • Arrive early on weekends. 8-9 a.m. is sweet spot. By 10 a.m., popular spots have waits.
  • Jim Thorpe restaurants are upscale. Jubilee and Terrapin are worth a splurge meal, but for budget, go to Stroudsburg or small-town diners.
  • Weekday breakfast is calm and quick. Monday-Thursday mornings, even popular spots move fast and feel peaceful.
  • Ask your lodging for recommendations. B&Bs and cabin owners know the real spots locals use.
  • Pack a cooler with market finds. Buy fresh eggs and local pastries from farmers markets or delis, cook in your cabin. Cheaper and more authentic than restaurants every meal.
  • Breakfast pairs with hiking. Eat early (7 a.m.), hit a trail by 9 a.m., and you’ve got a full day of daylight.

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