About Three Brothers II

Three Brothers II is a compact, casual diner that focuses on classic American breakfast and lunch.

The room feels homey and busy, where staff greet regulars and visitors alike and service is described repeatedly as friendly and attentive.

The kitchen turns out crowd-pleasing items — from hearty breakfast sandwiches to pancakes and corned beef hash — with particular praise for bacon and perfectly crisp home fries, making it a reliable spot for a satisfying morning meal.

Location & Contact

What to Expect

The menu leans into diner favorites: Andrea's Plate, Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwich, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich, Corned Beef Hash, and Chocolate Chip Pancakes sit alongside chicken and waffles, club sandwiches and a Side of Country Ham.

Reviewers single out the breakfast sandwich as a standout, thick-cut bacon that “practically melts in the mouth,” extra-crispy seasoned home fries, fresh fruit on french toast, and generous lunch sandwiches — comfort food done with clear pride.

Hashtag Breakfast Fact's

Breakfast: A Changing Tradition

Breakfast has undergone a fascinating transformation over the centuries, changing from simple sustenance to a cherished ritual. In colonial America, meals often began with basic staples like porridge or bread, reflecting the agricultural lifestyle of the time. By the 19th century, as Connecticut’s population grew, the morning meal started to include heartier options, influenced by European customs. The burgeoning middle class sought more diverse and elaborate breakfasts, signaling a shift toward greater indulgence. This evolution illustrates how breakfast adapted to reflect both the era's social norms and the changing needs of families.

History

From the Community

Three Brothers II in East Granby presents itself as a straightforward, comfort-focused diner where mornings rule.

The small room and friendly staff keep service moving, and the kitchen centers classic American breakfasts — everything from Chocolate Chip Pancakes and French Toast to Corned Beef Hash and a hearty Andrea's Plate.

Coffee and quick breakfast sandwiches are common orders, and many patrons mention the place as a reassuring morning stop after travel or early shifts.

Regulars praise packed portions and meat-forward plates.

As Elizabeth Jacobs (Lizzy) put it, the restaurant has the "best breakfast sandwich around hands down." K PL highlights the bacon, calling the "thick cut slices of bacon...to die for" for their ideal crisp and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Wanda Seldon singled out the potatoes as the best home fries she'd had in a long time.

The overall effect is familiar and dependable: a diner where cooks stick to what works and servers make you feel welcome.

Whether it’s a quick coffee and sandwich or a plate of pancakes with fresh fruit, consistent praise for flavor and hospitality keeps people coming back.

Why Locals Love It

Elizabeth Jacobs (Lizzy) ★★★★★

Many locals mention the breakfast sandwich as a reason to stop in; Elizabeth calls it the "best breakfast sandwich around hands down." That kind of vocal approval matters in a small town: it signals consistent execution and a quick, satisfying meal for commuters and neighbors who want a dependable start to the day.

K PL ★★★★★

K PL celebrates the bacon as a highlight, saying the "thick cut slices of bacon are to die for," which tells locals this is a place that cares about texture and portion. In a community that prizes hearty, honest breakfast food, that buttery, crispy bacon becomes part of the diner’s local identity and a reason families and regulars return.

Wanda Seldon ★★★★★

Wanda praised the potatoes as the "best home fries I had had in a long time," which resonates with folks who judge a diner by its sides. For East Granby residents looking for comfort and consistency, standout home fries and friendly staff create an every‑day gathering spot rather than a one-time novelty.

Customer Reviews

Elizabeth Jacobs (Lizzy)
★★★★★ a year ago

"Three Brothers has the best breakfast sandwich around hands down. This is definitely the hole-in-the-wall gem you want to stop by and try. Their lunch sandwiches are great too, and the owners/staff are beyond friendly. I have literally never had a bad meal here!"

Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Steve Powell
★★★★★ 8 years ago

"Great breakfast find in East Granby. Opens early with friendly greeting owner. Fast service. More meat than most places. The home fries were extra crispy. The everything bagel was a nice change from toast. The place is clean and has many loyal customers."

Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Lucy Blood
★★★★★ 3 weeks ago

"Our server Sandy was friendly and went above and beyond. The omelette, blueberry pancakes, seasoned homefries, and french toast were all delicious."

Hashtag Breakfast Fact's

From Cider to Coffee

In the early days of Connecticut, breakfast beverages differed greatly from today’s coffee and orange juice. Many farmers began their days with a hearty glass of cider, a common drink in the 1700s due to its ease of production and refreshing taste. As time marched on, the introduction of coffee in the 19th century began to change morning rituals. By the 20th century, coffeehouses became popular, shifting not only what was consumed but also the social context of breakfast, transforming it from a solitary act into a communal experience among friends and neighbors.

Culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the breakfast sandwich like?

They sell a Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwich and an Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich. Reviewers call the breakfast sandwich the "best breakfast sandwich around hands down," so expect a generous, classic diner-style sandwich with egg and cheese—often with hearty meat.

How is the bacon prepared?

The bacon is thick-cut and gets a lot of praise. One reviewer says the "thick cut slices of bacon are to die for," noting a crisp exterior and very tender interior, so you’ll likely get satisfying texture and rich flavor.

Are the home fries any good?

Yes. Several customers highlight the home fries as a stand-out side. Descriptions include 'extra crispy' and 'seasoned homefries,' so expect a crunchy outside with a tender inside and clear seasoning on the potatoes.

What pancakes or French toast should I try?

Chocolate Chip Pancakes and blueberry pancakes are on people’s lists, and French Toast often comes with fresh fruit. One review mentioned the freshest strawberries on French Toast, so fruit-topped versions are popular for extra sweetness.

Do they serve grits or Southern-style breakfasts?

Yes—one guest ordered grits along with eggs and corned beef hash and praised the meal. That suggests grits are available and prepared in a comforting, diner-style way.

Is there a lighter or healthier choice on the menu?

Yes. Reviews mention a Greek salad with fresh vegetables and a homemade dressing, and the business notes it serves healthy options, so there are lighter plates alongside the classic diner fare.

Are there lunch sandwiches worth trying?

Yes. The menu lists a Club Sandwich and reviewers mention lunch sandwiches being great. Expect generous, classic deli-style sandwiches for midday appetites.

Do they serve country ham and how does it taste?

A Side of Country Ham is on the menu. While individual flavor notes aren't detailed beyond the listing, it’s presented as a traditional, savory breakfast side consistent with the diner’s hearty offerings.

Do people from East Granby go here for breakfast?

Yes. Reviewers call it 'the best breakfast in town' and praise familiar staff and comfort food. Locals and visitors choose it for dependable flavors—bacon, home fries, pancakes—and friendly service that feels like a neighborhood spot.

What pizzas are most popular at Three Brothers II?

From the menu, people often pick Andrea's Plate, Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwich, Corned Beef Hash, Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Chicken and Waffles, Club Sandwich. Reviews highlight consistency more than novelty, so these are safe, crowd-pleasing choices.

Breakfast and Class Divides

Breakfast in Connecticut has often mirrored social hierarchies, especially during the 19th century. Wealthier families aspired to a full English-style breakfast, featuring eggs, bacon, and perhaps even sausages. Meanwhile, the working class typically opted for simpler fare, such as bread and coffee, which was more affordable and easier to prepare. The disparity in breakfast options highlights broader societal divides and the way food can reflect one’s social status, while also showcasing the evolving tastes of Americans as they embraced new culinary influences from around the world.

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Three Brothers II

58 Rainbow Rd, East Granby, CT 06026
4.5
(222 reviews)

The Rise of Breakfast Cereal

The late 19th century saw a significant shift in breakfast trends with the advent of breakfast cereals. Innovations in food processing led to the creation of packaged cereals, which became a staple for many families in Connecticut and beyond. By the early 1900s, brands began marketing their cereals as healthful options, appealing to health-conscious consumers. This trend not only revolutionized breakfast but also changed how families approached morning meals, making it quicker and more convenient, a significant departure from the longer preparations of earlier times.

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Influence of Immigrants

Connecticut’s breakfast scene has been richly influenced by waves of immigration, bringing diverse flavors and customs that have blended into the local culture. Early 20th-century immigrants introduced dishes like bagels, pastries, and pancakes, which gradually found their way into the breakfast repertoire. These foods not only enriched morning meals but also fostered a sense of community as people shared their culinary traditions. Over time, these influences have helped shape what many consider a quintessential Connecticut breakfast, demonstrating how food can unite various cultural backgrounds.

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