Penny's Place

Penny’s Place is a cozy, bright breakfast-and-lunch spot known for generous portions and homemade baked goods.

The kitchen focuses on casserole-style breakfasts, crisp fried chicken paired with waffles, and stacked sandwiches—each dish described by reviewers as flavorful and filling.

Service is consistently friendly and prompt, and customers note an approachable vibe that makes the café feel like a neighborhood staple.

Coffee and an ever-changing selection of cakes and pastries round out the menu.

The menu leans heavily on casseroles — French toast, apple-bacon and savory meat-and-cheese variations like the Apple Sausage Gouda — plus breakfast sandwiches, pulled pork and turkey-avocado builds.

Chicken and waffles appear frequently in reviews, praised for crispy chicken and generous portions.

Sides such as waffle fries and house coleslaw show up alongside wraps and paninis.

Desserts are a highlight: pistachio, lemon ricotta, chocolate marshmallow poke cake and large cake slices get regular mention, as do rotating flavored coffees and daily pastries.

Connecticut’s breakfast landscape is a tapestry woven from various cultural influences. As immigrants settled in the state, they brought their culinary traditions with them. For instance, Italian immigrants introduced breakfast pastries like brioche and cannoli, while Irish settlers popularized hearty fare, including soda bread and stews. These diverse influences have enriched breakfast options, making Connecticut a melting pot of flavors and traditions. Today, residents enjoy a wide array of breakfast foods, celebrating the state’s rich cultural heritage one morning meal at a time.

Tucked on Main Street in Manchester, Penny’s Place has quietly built a reputation for hearty breakfasts, inventive casseroles and a bakery case full of oversized cake slices.

Diners repeatedly praise the casseroles — from sweet French toast versions to savory Apple Sausage Gouda — and say portions leave them pleasantly full.

Service is described as warm and attentive, and the dining room’s small, bright footprint adds to the intimate feel.

Chicken and waffles are a recurring recommendation: Anne Poon wrote that “the chicken and waffles were the best that my son ever had!” and several other reviewers noted the chicken stayed crisp and the portions were generous.

Desserts draw their own fans; reviewers mention pistachio, lemon ricotta and a chocolate marshmallow poke cake among favorites.

Coffee also gets frequent positive notes, with one guest calling it “very good” and another praising the rotating flavored brews.

For locals and visitors wanting a homey breakfast or a sweet slice, Penny’s Place offers a dependable, flavor-forward stop.

In many Connecticut households, breakfast is more than just a meal; it’s a time for family connection. Traditionally, families would gather around the table to start the day together, fostering a sense of togetherness. This practice has roots in the agricultural lifestyle, where morning meals were an essential part of daily routines. As people’s lives evolved, the importance of breakfast as a bonding experience remained, with families sharing stories and laughter over pancakes, cereal, or even homemade breakfast casseroles. These moments create lasting memories and strengthen familial bonds.