Business Details
18 Years
experience
Gourmet Breakfast & Lunch in Newmarket & Exeter, NH
The Big Bean Cafe has been redefining breakfast and lunch experiences since 2008, combining culinary craftsmanship with environmental stewardship. Our commitment to quality ingredients manifests in every dish, from scratch-prepared meals to house-baked breads and seasonal produce sourced from local farms. We pioneered a zero-waste kitchen model, composting or recycling nearly all waste while maintaining rigorous hygiene standards. Our vibrant cafe spaces feature curated local artwork, self-serve coffee stations with 12+ brew options, and herb gardens integrated into dining areas.With two New Hampshire locations offering distinct service hours and menus, we accommodate both quick bites and leisurely meals. Our team of seasoned chefs brings decades of combined experience in farm-to-table cuisine, ensuring consistent execution of complex recipes like our signature stuffed French toast and house-braised pork specialties. This operational expertise has earned us consistent recognition as Seacoast NH's top breakfast destination across multiple review platforms.
Services
Breakfast
Lunch
Catering
Coffee & Tea
Takeout
Gluten-Free Options
Kids Menu
Baked Goods
Beverage Service
Event Catering
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We prepare all meals from scratch using locally sourced ingredients
- Our zero-waste kitchen composts 95% of restaurant waste
- House-baked breads and desserts made daily from original recipes
- Award-winning breakfast service recognized by multiple review platforms
- Two convenient New Hampshire locations with extended service hours
What people say
Best breakfast ever
Delicious farm to table
Vibrant cafe atmosphere
Exceptional service
Creative menu items
Services
Breakfast Service
Our breakfast menu features 15+ signature dishes including house-baked breads and scratch-made preparations. Specialties include stuffed French toast, multiple Benedict variations, and build-your-own omelets using 10+ premium ingredients. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available across all menu categories.
Lunch Service
Lunch offerings include gourmet sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads with customizable protein options. Signature items feature house-marinated grilled chicken, pulled pork, and vegetarian proteins. All menu items use locally sourced produce during seasonal availability.
Catering Service
We provide full-service catering for corporate events and private functions with customized menus. Options include breakfast buffets, plated luncheons, and themed catering packages. Both pickup and delivery services available across the Seacoast region.
Coffee Service
Our self-serve coffee station offers 12+ premium roast selections with complimentary brewing options. Specialty drinks include espresso-based beverages, chai lattes, and seasonal signature drinks. Soy milk and alternative sweeteners available upon request.
Baked Goods
Daily baked goods include six house-made bread varieties, cream cheese spreads, and specialty muffins. Seasonal offerings feature fresh fruit tarts and daily specials. All baked items use organic flour and locally sourced dairy products.
Questions
What makes The Big Bean Cafe's breakfast unique?
We prepare all menu items from scratch using house-baked breads and locally sourced ingredients. Our signature dishes feature creative combinations like stuffed French toast and pesto goat cheese Benedicts.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide full-service catering with customizable menus for corporate events and private functions across the Seacoast region.
Are there gluten-free options available?
Yes, we offer gluten-free bread, pancakes, and multiple menu modifications to accommodate dietary restrictions.
What are your service hours?
Newmarket location serves 8am-2pm daily. Exeter location operates 8am-2pm Sunday-Wednesday and 8am-9pm Thursday-Saturday.
Do you have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, we offer multiple vegetarian proteins, vegan cheese alternatives, and plant-based meal preparations across all menu categories.
Reviews (6)
Nicole B.
Jan 30, 2022
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Welcoming atmosphere, great cocktails, great food ~~ especially the homemade nacho chips. I had the best nachos I have ever had!! Staff friendly and owner hands on. Great place for affordable comfort food and casual fun atmosphere
Stu Cornell
Jan 28, 2022
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I'm going to have to say, probably the best breakfast I've had. The wait for a table was about twice what the hostess had estimated but completely worth it! Highly recommend.
Linda G.
Dec 13, 2021
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Super surprise to find this such a tasty, friendly and great value place.
3 of us went, 3 berry muffin was amazing.
Bagel lox and cream cheese was great, even though it was eaten a few hours later. The ridge mount quesadilla was really tasty with goat cheese in it. Extensive menu so everyone can find something there. Would have liked it if they had more coffees to choose from. No lattes was a big disappointment. A must try out.
3 of us went, 3 berry muffin was amazing.
Bagel lox and cream cheese was great, even though it was eaten a few hours later. The ridge mount quesadilla was really tasty with goat cheese in it. Extensive menu so everyone can find something there. Would have liked it if they had more coffees to choose from. No lattes was a big disappointment. A must try out.
Melissa Pacini
Oct 10, 2021
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Great live music on a Saturday night. Amazing to see such talented young musicians play locally, even better to see other young people enjoy the talent.
Sayed Mousawi
Sep 28, 2021
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Their eggs Benedict is amazing. Stopped by for a quick bite while in the area and wasn't disappointed. Quick friendly service, great food, cozy ambiance and reasonably priced. Would definitely eat here again.
Alyssa A.
Aug 30, 2021
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Everything was excellent! I'm always skeptical of touch French toast because the middle is never as eggy as I would hope but the Franconia French toast was truly divine. The perfect amount of eggy goodness & crispy edges. My only gripe would be that the enormous white chocolate blackberry muffins I bought were so soft & buttery that I crushed them in the car but they were no less delicious
