We got up early and wanted a nice breakfast. Up For Breakfast was open at 7:00 AM and fit nicely into our hiking schedule. We decided to sit at the counter rather than a table. The staff was very friendly. Our orders arrived within a reasonable amount of time. Â The pure maple syrup was warm and the jam was delicious. There was a scent of cinnamon in the air and I soon found out why as someone brought out a half dozen cinnamon buns to the front of the restaurant. Â I couldn't resist and they were nice enough to wrap mine to go in plastic wrap so it would still be fresh when we finished our hike. Â The prices were a bit high for breakfast, but the fresh quality of the food was worth the extra cost.
Review Source:We decided to come here for breakfast after driving by the day before. Â The line of people waiting out front told us that we'd made a good choice. Â We walked up the stairs (its on the second story) and gave our info to the waitress/staff member that greeted us. Â We were only a table of 2 so we only had to wait about 10 minutes. Â We were graciously asked if we'd like some coffee while we waited! Â I don't know if that's standard procedure but it was nice. Â We were seated within the 10 minute time frame and given menu's and our drink order (Macadamia Nut Coffee) was taken. The menu was awesome, they had a make your own pancake combo section with 4 different types of batters and tons of different mix-ins. They also had a nice specials menu with interesting and tempting options. Â My boyfriend opted for the Blueberry Buckwheat pancakes with a side of Wild Turkey Hash and I got a Breakfast sandwich with their own homemade sausage, onions, peppers, grilled tomato, and a side of yukon gold potato homefries. Â I won't beat it to death, suffice to say that the food was Excellent. Â It was cooked to perfection, and brought to us within record time. It was delicious. Â
The only issue I have with this place was when it came time to pay our check, we were told that they don't accept credit or debit cards, only cash or check. Â So I had to leave the restaurant (my boyfriend stayed at the table) and walk down the street to a convenience store and use their ATM. Â A little embarrassing to say the least. Â I did check carefully on my way back to my seat to see if there was a sign posted noting this and there is not.
Bottom Line: The food is excellent (but pricey for breakfast-$35 dollars for 2 people) and they only accept cash or check, so stop at the ATM before you hit up this place.
Best breakfast in the Southeastern VT area. Fast service, creative breakfast specials, and a warm and friendly waitstaff. Even though it can be tough to get a table on weekend mornings, the staff allows you to drink tea or coffee while waiting for a table.
The sausage and biscuit breakfast special was incredible, and the eggs benedict was delicious as well. Â If you're feeling indulgent, try the homemade maple cinnamon rolls!
We've been here many times and enjoy the cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Simple egg dishes with hash brown potatoes are very good, and the bacon has a nice smoky flavor. However, if you like huge, dry pancakes with no taste that look like small pillows, then this is the place for you. Â The sight of these behemoths is enough to take your appetite away! The only taste you can identify is the butter and maple syrup. The blueberry pancakes are slightly better with fresh blueberries. I'm sure the chef can come up with a better pancake that is more appetizing and homemade instead of the institutional type product that is served here.
Review Source:I wish I could eat here every weekend. I could NOT decide what to eat because everything looked amazing! My boyfriend and I eventually split the Eggs Scandinavian (a smoked salmon twist on eggs benedict) and one of the weekly specials which was Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Bread French Toast topped with Warm Pears and Walnuts. YUM. The service was very friendly and the decor was delightful. If I am ever within a 50 mile radius I plan to stop here again.
Review Source:Up for Breakfast serves the best buttermilk blueberry pancakes. The home-made butter on top of the stack delicately dripps off into the mote of Bob's Maple Syrup surrounding this breakfast delight. Â Eat slowly, savor and enjoy the splendor of a true VT breakfast. Â But then you better hustle on over to the Equinox Hotel for their outstanding cider donuts - they stop serving those round treats around noon.
Review Source:This restaurant just screams Vermont and I love it. From the hearty portions to the maple syrup bottles used for decoration, this is exactly what I expect from a southern VT breakfast spot.
Me and my s/o actually ended up at UFB b/c we passed through Manchester on Easter Sunday and it was the only place open. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we ended up at the cozy restaurant. I was famished, so I ordered the Hungry Hiker - - eggs, home fries, sausage, bacon, toast and pancakes. I was thrilled that the HH came with pancakes, but unfortunately looks were deceiving. Although the pancakes appeared fluffy, they were a little on the dry side, even with loads of syrup.
Overall, still very happy with UFB. If you're ever visiting Manchester, swing by, but bring cash. No credit cards accepted.
Great name. You do indeed go upstairs for breakfast.
This is a quaint and "cozy" little breakfast spot directly in the heart of the Manchester, Vermont shopping district. I say "cozy" because it is bordering on cramped. It is in no way uncomfortable, but there is truly just enough room to move. If you sit on an outer table don't be surprised if the server reaches across your table to serve the guests at the table next to you. Really a minor inconvenience.
The servers are overly friendly. They almost seem like they are all vying for the lead role in a play called, "Small Town Charm and Hospitality." The service is also extremely prompt which is great. They get you seated quickly, get your order in, and get the food out without making you feel rushed. I love that. They have it down to a science.
The food itself was very good. The Hungry Hiker is a good option if you are absolutely starving, or just can't make up your mind about what you want. Pancakes, eggs, home fries, sausage, bacon and toast. Not much missing here. The bacon was absolutely delicious, but he pancakes were a tad bit disappointing. They looked very fluffy and light when they came out, but we dug in it was clear they were a bit dense. They still tasted pretty good, and my criticism may just be a matter of preference not poor execution. I had a pork roll that would make any New Jersey native proud. It was on the menu as a special, so don't be surprised if they don't offer it when you go there. The omelette selection looked fabulous, and they definitely know how to cook an egg.
They also seemed to offer a variety of coffee, lattes, etc. which included a daily special. I wouldn't say this place is cheap for a breakfast spot. There is definitely a location premium, but the eats are good so I'm not going to complain too much.
My husband and I decided to go here during our honeymoon in Vermont because of the great reviews the place got and because we were looking for a place that would be open early enough for us to get a hearty breakfast because we were planning on spending a full day at Stratton Mountain.
We weren't disappointed.
Our server recommended the maple coffee, and lucky for us, we gave it a try. The maple flavor wasn't overbearing and they had soy milk - always a bonus for us!
We ordered a side of fruit salad, which to our surprise wasn't the predictable varieties of melon mixed with grapes and pineapple - it actually had fresh banana and strawberry slices. We also got a side of the turkey hash which was perfectly seasoned and extremely filling. My husband ordered the blueberry banana bread french toast with caramelized apples and pecans (can you say mouth orgasm?) and I got the morning glory pancakes, which were packed full of good-for-you stuff like carrots, walnuts and cinnamon. We ate around 7:30 a.m. and I swear I was full until 2:30 p.m., even after falling and getting back up a few dozen times on my way down the mountain on my board.
The staff here were super friendly, the food was delicious, the decor was cute and comfy and the service was fast and attentive. I just wish this place was in my hometown so I could come here more often!
I'm writing this simply because Lisa R. said "avoid the pancakes". Unless this is a nutritionally based recommendation I would suggest perhaps she is unclear about what a pancake is, and how it should taste. After all, George Washington came here for the pancakes as did Kurt Cobain and Socrates. These be sweet cakes. Enjoy.
Review Source:The poached eggs came out hard as rocks the first time, and after suffering our waitresses attitude we were brought another set "see if you like these". They were raw, with water from the pot floating on the plate. They used the same bread and sauce from the first failed attempt. This place either has its 'b' players today, or they've gotten way too comfortable with the good reviews they've received.
Review Source:very nice place for breakfast and brunch. It opens at 7am, great for travelers like me to start a morning with quick and delicious breakfast.
I had a omellette with salmon and cream cheese. First time having omellette with seafood. It was very good! The food was a lot!! Very full
I will recommend this place to my friends who are travelling to Vermont
This is a quirky little place that serves a very good breakfast. Â When we ask locals where to go for breakfast they always suggest Up for breakfast. That was true ten years ago when we first stayed in Manchester and true this past weekend.
Coffee is good, juice is fresh squeezed, options from omelets to turkey hash to a french toast my wife could not stop talking about.
They can get busy and you may have to wait - its worth it and every server is friendly, efficient and attentive.
The best diner in the world, no - but worth climbing the stairs - for sure!!
PS - Cash only.
This place is awesome. The thought of walking up the narrow stairs to the entrance makes me want to hi-five someone.
UFB has an extensive permanent menu of omelets, pancakes, french toast, etc. The Hungry Man, an omelet with peppers, onions, cheese and corned beef, is my personal favorite. Also, check out the game-meat sausages. Â
A caveat to first timers - UFB isn't inexpensive and only takes cash. However, there's an ATM across the street just in case. Also, late breakfasts are not an option here as they close before 1.
Accordingly, make sure you get Up For Breakfast!
Fresh, good coffee. Fast, attentive service.
Had the wild turkey hash with sourdough toast (excellent) and the Scandinavian eggs (poached eggs over smoked salmon and greens with sourdough as well (also excellent).
For the amount of food the pricing was a bit on the high side, but the ingredients are of a much higher quality than those at a diner so don't expect diner prices.
Cash-only, which was a pain when I had to cross the street to Berkshire Bank, which charged me an insulting $3.50 to use the ATM. Wonder if the bank gives this place a kickback on that little arrangement...
All told I'd come back for sure (with cash next time). I'd be confident in getting a good meal again. What else is there?
Ugh, GROSS. What an overrated spot. I was craving blueberry pancakes with Vermont maple syrup- and got dry, sad pancakes instead. My maple latte was inedible- way too sweet, even after asking for additional steamed milk to dilute it with. The OJ was supposed to be fresh squeezed, but was Minute Maid or something similar. Maybe they are trying to manage their inventory during off-peak days? The service was awful, even though we were practically the only diners in the place on a Wednesday. The 1 star is for the Purist egg white omelet- it came with a good amount of veggies and was not greasy.
I need to go back to NYC and have me some Clinton Street Bakery to satisfy my pancake craving.
The food was average - standard breakfast fare, but quite overpriced for what you get. Â A side of hash was $6. Â A small oatmeal for one of the kids? That'll be $5, oh and the raisins are extra.
At least if it is going to be expensive the food needs to be of exceptional quality (it isn't), or the portions need to be huge (they are typical). Â And, they need to accept credit cards (they don't). Â I had to leave and go get more cash, as it was more than I expected...
As Johnny Cash sang, "I hurt myself today."
Yeah, there was nothing on this plate that was good for me. The three scrambled eggs and home fries weren't so bad. But for a guy used to an egg white omelet on a flax, oat-bran and whole wheat tortilla, it's a departure. It's the spicy sausage and bacon in white gravy over a biscuit that will no doubt kill me. Seriously. Not just fresh spicy crumbled sausage. Not just crumbled apple smoked hand cut bacon. Not just some thick and creamy gravy. Not just a giant biscuit. This was a gastronomic speedball! I don't know the lethal dose, but I'm told by my internist that it's kind of a cumulative thing.
This was a breakfast to be remembered. Seriously delicious.
This was coffee to be remembered. Seriously bad, but with food this good, I can deal.
This was a waitress to be remembered. Seriously (needlessly) brusque. In fact, she's the one star off what ought to be a five star review.
I might not have thought much about her rudeness if it had been only to me. My offense was not being ready to order right when she wanted. But, after leaving the place, almost every one of my companions had some kind of beef about her attitude. When leaving a breakfast joint with food this good, ALL conversation ought to be about just how good it was. That it wasn't, is telling.
I wish I'd had the time or space to try some of the other stuff on the menu. In particular, the venison and blueberry, or smoked quail sausage. On the way out, fresh hot cinnamon buns were coming out of the oven.
I didn't eat another meal until late in the evening, when soup sufficed.
There's a big flight of stairs, hence the name. Therefore, not handicapped accessible. We arrived at 7:30 on a Sunday morning and they seated about 10 of us at two tables, immediately. But, the place was full when we left by 8:10 or so... be prepared to wait if you arrive any later.
Up for Breakfast is one of the highlights of our little weekend get-away to Manchester. My husband had a special benedict that had jalapeno bacon. Their hollandaise was silky and rich without being too heavy. I had The Standard: two eggs, home fries, toast and a choice of meat. On other Yelpers' recommendation, I chose the venison sausage. It was delicious - lean and flavorful, not too gamey.
Our experience was so good, and the pancakes other guests were having looked so delicious, we came back the next morning. We shared the blackberry and walnut pancakes with sides of turkey hash and jalapeno bacon. I was expecting standard pancakes with little bits of berry and chopped walnuts. We got huge berries and walnut halves. There were so many berries and nuts, it was as if they used the pancake batter to bind the filling. Easily the best pancakes I've ever had, and with the warm Vermont maple syrup, it was downright heavenly! The bacon was so good, hubby wanted more. We're not sure how, but they made the bacon so spicy and delicious. The turkey hash was flavorful.
This little gem is kind of tucked away, but it's worth seeking out, and definitely worth the wait. Portions are large and service was friendly both days. If we had a third morning to spend in Manchester, we would have gone back a third time. We'll just have to come back up to keep exploring their extensive menu.
Well, the fact that I'm writing this review close to 1 AM will verify that I'm not really much of an early morning wakey person. To tell you the truth, breakfast is a meal that I most despise above all others, along with the daylight part of the AM in general. The one major exception to this rule I make though is an early morning trip to "Up For Breakfast" whenever I happen to find myself in Manchester, VT (which is often and is also where I find myself right now).
The name is a double entendre because not only are they open just for the first meal of the day when you wake "up", but you'll also have to trudge up a very steep set of stairs to sample the delicacies this second story eatery has to offer. The climb, not to mention the early rise is more than worth it though. This locally run restaurant will have even the most die-hard night owl, morning hating, breakfast despising curmudgeon of your group singing "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!" due to the food they serve here. They've certainly converted me!
My favorite is the "Wild Turkey Hash": A dark turkey meat hash with two poached eggs on top, doused in a lemon Hollandaise sauce served in a ramekin that was put under the broiler. Sorry guys, but I can't begin to describe how good this stuff is to get your blood flowing in the A.M. Comes with thickly sliced, perfectly toasted sour dough (P.S. - I also hate[!] sour dough! Love this stuff, though) bread.
Even after a very hard night of partying a few seasons back, just the thought of that stuff from UFB made me bound out of my bed at 7:30 the next morning to drive down there in the freezing cold for some of their delicious grub.
The coffee ain't all that strong by NYCer standards but it does the job. It's hot and the all too able servers keep it flowing generously. The juices are fresh squeezed and tasty for your sugar rush, and the exotic pancake concoctions they come up with here are all winners.
Needless to say, the honest-to-God *REAL* VT maple syrup adds to the experience. Also their Eggs Benedict and Salmon Benedict are about the best I've ever had in my life. I've not sampled their muffins, but due to the popular nature of them, they must be great. They sound great.
Some of the stuff on their specials menu sounds more suitable for lunch than brekkie (see the "Lamb Hash" on the "Specials" pic I posted: <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/g6eBciaJ63sQCSCWTlzQGA?select=zCtGu4N2FxcHkATHYrPahQ">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>. That's why I'm glad they're now open until around 2PM. I've never been there past 10AM, it seems the earlier you go, the less time you'll have to wait (especially in "leaf peeper" and "ski bum" seasons), but that Lamb Hash sounds great at about 1PM. Next time, definitely! Maybe even tomorrow morning/afternoon?  ;-)
The pancakes are amazing
The turkey hash is divine
The expertly cooked bacon is a perfect piece of swine
I love this place so much it makes me want to rhyme.
Seriously though. I was in the area for a long weekend and wound up going there three days in a row because I couldn't bear the thought of going somewhere else. If the commute from Brooklyn wasn't so far i'd go there everyday. If you are in the Manchester area or even Vermont, you MUST go here.
Please note: cash only
Hour wait on a sunday morning, yikes! very crowded but they do a good job of managing it and keeping people's names.
Cute atmosphere and large menu.
Pancakes were amazing, don't bother getting anything else!
(we all got egg dishes which were good, but nothing exceptional) mother got corned beef and hash which was a no.
Was not too bad a drive into Manchester from stratton which had no brunch places!
Went here on a Friday morning of a long weekend in VT, with every intention of going elsewhere for each of the next few days. However, the fluffiness of the pancakes, the awesomeness of the different coffees each morning, and the great daily specials brought us back to this place every morning of our weekend in VT.
Fluffy pancakes, unbelievable sourdough french toast, cinnabuns to go, and buffalo sausage!
Sourdough french toast! Yes, I said it twice, but that's because you really should try it. Have the sourdough toast, then you'll imagine it as french toast and it'll blow your mind.
The Hungry Hiker is a challenge...and you may not eat for the rest of the day as a result.
The space isn't big, but they do a great job rotating people in and out of it. Â I will undoubtedly return here, because it was awesome each time I was there!
1 note: Bring cash. They don't do cards.
Breakfast is everything you could ever want it to be in this tiny kitchen located right in the heart of Manchester Center. This is one of the few places in Vermont that you are likely to see AMEX wielding, Prada touting New Yorkers on vacation happily rubbing elbows with a table of local farmers just in from the hunt, and you can throw in a few hippies for good measure to round out the experience.
The ladies in charge emanate just the right amount of diner attitude while still maintaining that small town friendliness that you would hope for. They are quick and attentive even at peak times, which are basically from open to close. They keep your coffee cup filled and get you in an out without seeming rude.
The food is truly an experience in itself. Blackberry walnut pancakes, Lemon poppy seed waffles, and Banana maple pecan French toast are just a few examples of the inventive specials that you can order. There are options for everyone on the menu. 300 pound linebacker cousin?: "The Hungry Hiker". Girlfriend on a diet?: "The Purist". Vegan?: Try the veggie sausage. Yes, you can eat healthy here even though to do so would be cruel. If you happen to be in the area and are in the mood for an artery clogging breakfast do yourself a favor and stop at Up For Breakfast.
Absolutely adorable. Â This cute little second story breakfast nook could easily be the set of a hit sitcom (hitcom?) and the breakfast itself was everything you hope to find in a tiny little vermont village. Â Fresh eggs, picture perfect oatmeal with fresh cream and brown sugar, venison sausage, and everything just feels healthy. Â The only disappointment was the fresh fruit which was just diner fruit, but overall, this is a great place to start off a beautiful drive through the vermont countryside. Â
One tip-- if you know you might not be stopping for lunch, skip the healthy eggwhites breakfast and load up on geat bacon, real eggs and fresh squeezed orange juice. Â Its worth it.
Yum-O.
My very unopinionated (or mute) boyfriend who is the best companion for a foodie like myself, aka, listens to my endless yapping about the good and bad of food... finally broke the slience and said "This is the best pancake I have ever eaten in my life... my god".
It really was oh so good. Â The fluffliness. Â The Vermont syrup. Â The fresh fresh smells everywhere. Â I wish I can eat this stuff every Saturday/Sunday morning... but sadly I can't be driving at 3AM just so I can make it for breakfast.
Very home-y place, as if you're eating inside a neighbors kitchen. Â I am craving for those pancakes right now.... mmmmmmm
Up for Breakfast is a great way to start the day. The food is all fresh and yummy. Especially good are the blueberry buttermilk pancakes with real maple syrup, the red flannel omelet (corned beef hash and cheddar) and the wild thing omelet (can't even really describe it, but starts with wild turkey meat and includes spices, pine nuts, mushrooms etc.). Specials always look interesting and fantastic. Coffee is OK.
I'd give Up for Breakfast 5 stars except for a few things. 1. Be prepared to wait, longer than they tell you. 2. This is about the most you'd pay for breakfast at a non-gourmet restaurant, and they don't take credit cards. The food is totally 5 star though.