Brunch Better at 45 North

If you ask me (and, for the purpose of this blog, I’ll pretend that you did), nothing shakes a case of the Sunday Scaries quite like brunch; after all, I’m a firm believer that breakfast foods are good for the soul. And anyway, haven’t you heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? That’s why, this weekend, you should start your day the Sugarloaf way by brunching at 45 North!

Located in the heart and soul of the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel, 45 North’s chef-curated menu offers a modern take on classic Maine farmhouse favorites while using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast is served from 7:00am to 10:00am Friday through Tuesday, and their menu can be broken down into three categories: savory, sweet, and scout, options for our little Loafers—well, maybe four, if you count “boozy,” because they also serve a selection of breakfast cocktails in addition to coffee, juice, and milk.

Last Sunday, my mother, who was visiting from our home state of Massachusetts, and I ventured up the Access Road, marveling at the mountain in bloom. I had been back in the Bay State for the month of May when spring at Sugarloaf truly took root, and am constantly amazed by the lush greenery and seasonal sights, from the beautiful butterflies and blooming buttercups to the area-specific signage about baby moose crossings.

We arrived just as 45 North’s friendly and fresh-faced host slid open the eatery’s barn-style door and the restaurant’s rustic interior began beckoning us inward—that, and the smell of coffee was calling my name; fortunately, as our waitress led us to a shady spot on the patio, she offered us both provisions, which we gladly accepted.

My mother opted for a savory option and ordered an omelet, which arrived alongside a heaping pile of home fries and two pieces of perfectly buttered toast—and course, for the purpose of this post, I sampled some (many) home fries and a bite (again, multiple—thanks mom!) of the omelet, which was full of cheesy goodness and cooked on the griddle to golden perfection.

Meanwhile, I selected my meal from the sweet side of the menu and dined on the downright divine Maine blueberry pancakes, served with real Sugar Shack maple syrup and whipped butter; they arrived in a heaping stack of three, each one fluffier than the last and decorated with a generous spattering of fresh berries. When in Maine, right? That’s how the expression goes?

I ordered a mimosa while working on my last pancake, which I can confidently confirm is a perfect pairing. Really, I can’t recommend this enough—just trust me and thank me later.

We ate, enjoying the ambiance of 45 North’s delightful outdoor deck dining, conversing over the babbling sounds of the brook and appreciating the gentle rustling of leafy green trees swaying in the early summer breeze; hotel guests and locals alike sat all around us, reveling in the refreshing mountain air.

Honestly, there’s no better way to greet the day than with friends and/or family gathering over good food and genuine hospitality: get together at 45 North and make the most of your morning.

Please note that reservations are encouraged on weekends, and face coverings are required inside for anyone who is not vaccinated against COVID-19.