Helen’s Restaurant – no website, goes to Yelp! page.

I grew up in Concord, and still remember when this place was Brigham’s.  Alas, there is but one Brigham’s left – the original in Arlington, MA.  Helen’s replaced Brigham’s a while back, and makes some very tasty food.  I also can’t speak highly enough about their raspberry lime rickies, the very first carbonated beverage I actually liked.

Okay, enough fucking nostalgia.  On to the brunch!

The food was so good I forgot to take pictures before I started eating.

I was out with Talls and a friend, and if one of them hadn’t reminded me I wouldn’t have even snapped these photos.  The blueberry pancakes were lovely, as was my requisite real maple syrup.  I also enjoyed my bacon, which was thicker than other places and still wonderfully crunchy.

The home fries were gigantic and wonderful.

The plates were huge and so were the portions.  The coffee is very much diner coffee, which I more than enjoyed.  Talls, the non-coffee citrus connoisseur, reported that the orange juice was delicious.

Seriously forgot to snap pictures.

Key things to note:

• This place gets busy fast when the local churches let out, so basically after 11 it’s a mad house on Sundays.  If you’re willing to wait you’ll be well taken care of – the waitresses are all pros who know how to make a packed house run smooth.
• Many families with small children means it can get loud and kid-like.  I’ve never had a problem with this, but if kids around at all isn’t your thing this place may not work for you.
• This place is CASH ONLY.  There are plenty of ATMs walkably nearby in town.

If you’re in the area to Walden Pond or North Bridge it and it’s brunch time, hit this place up for some great down home dinner food.