Paperback Cafe

Paperback Cafe pairs comforting breakfast and lunch fare with attentive, friendly service in a small-town setting.

Reviewers praise the consistently good coffee, homemade baked goods and breakfast staples like omelets and pancakes.

With indoor and outdoor seating and a family-friendly atmosphere, the cafe leans casual and cozy; staff attention and menu variety—vegetarian and gluten-free options included—keep regulars coming back for both quick bites and lingered conversations.

The menu highlights classic breakfast builds: several omelets (Italian, Latin and Florentine), avocado toast and fresh-baked coffee cake.

Pancakes—regular, banana and gluten-free—get frequent praise, as do signature dishes like the Ragin Cajun hash bowl and the Reuben that diners call memorable.

Beverages run from iced coffee to inventive lattes (a noted blueberry vanilla matcha) and house-baked pastries, while sides such as fresh fruit and carrot sticks with homemade ranch appear in reviews as welcomed, lighter choices.

Connecticut’s breakfast scene is enriched by its local ingredients, adding a unique flavor to the morning meal. The state's agricultural heritage means that fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are often at the forefront of breakfast dishes. Seasonal berries make their way into pancakes, while locally sourced eggs find their place in omelets. This emphasis on farm-to-table dining not only supports local farmers but also allows for a deliciously fresh start to the day. By embracing local flavors, breakfast in Connecticut becomes a celebration of the region's bounty.

Paperback Cafe in downtown Old Saybrook has settled into local rotation by serving steady, well-made breakfast and lunch in a sunny, small‑town space.

The menu mixes bakery goods, coffee-forward drinks and savory plates—pancakes, omelets and a Ragin Cajun hash bowl that earned particular praise.

Dining options include indoor tables and shaded outdoor seating where dogs are welcome outside, and the cafe offers gluten-free pancakes and vegetarian choices to widen its appeal.

Service is a repeated highlight: staff are described as friendly and attentive, which helps a casual meal feel curated.

As Ray Sweeney put it, "Our new 'go to' for brunch." Repeat customers point to standout items: Lisa Rathe celebrated "The highlight was a fruit cup that had 6 different fruits," and Dave Palmieri called his special "my favorite breakfast dish I have ever had out." Those endorsements underline a menu that leans comforting but thoughtful, supported by baked goods and dependable coffee that locals and visitors alike return for.

Connecticut’s breakfast landscape has been shaped by the rich tapestry of immigrant cultures that have made the state their home. Each group has introduced its own breakfast traditions, from Italian frittatas to Puerto Rican huevos rancheros. These diverse influences have created a vibrant breakfast scene where classics coexist with exciting new flavors. The blending of different culinary practices reflects Connecticut's multicultural identity and demonstrates how breakfast serves not only as a meal but also as a way to connect with heritage and community.