BREAKFAST
The Golden Egg
Patrons have been flocking to The Golden Egg for a hearty, homemade breakfast since 1983. Fully loaded omelets and benedicts (seven options, including traditional, sauteed shrimp, and spinach-mushroom) go for under $12 and a full stack of pancakes is less than $8. The granola is homemade, as is the delectable Cardamom Coffee Cake. 960 Sagamore Avenue, Portsmouth, N.H., 603-436-0519, goldeneggrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP
Colby’s Breakfast & Lunch, Portsmouth, N.H., loc8nearme.com/new-hampshire/portsmouth/colby-s-breakfast-and-lunch
Betty’s Kitchen, North Hampton, N.H., bettyskitchen.com
The Country View Restaurant, Greenland, N.H., thecountryview.com
LUNCH
The 401 Tavern
Although forever changing its menu to stay with the times, The 401 Tavern keeps its prices fair. “What we do well here is we adjust to the moment and we’re adjusting to whatever is going on in the Seacoast,” says owner Desi Lanio. “Right now, we’re doing comfort foods.” Lunchtime offerings include Petite Baked Haddock served with a cup of seafood chowder and a demi salad and Twin Buffalo Chicken Sliders served with chips, both less than $14. 401 Lafayette Road, Hampton, N.H., 603-926-8800, the401tavern.com
RUNNERS-UP
Lexie’s Joint, multiple locations, peaceloveburgers.com
Beach Pea Baking Co., Kittery, Maine, beachpeabaking.com
Popovers on the Square, Epping and Portsmouth, N.H., popoversonthesquare.com
DINNER
STREET
When STREET co-owners Josh Lanahan and Michelle Lozuaway first opened their restaurant in 2010, they did so with the consumer in mind, and they’ve won for best inexpensive dinner for four years running. “We thought it was really important to offer consistent quality food at a reasonable price,” Lanahan says. “I think people are seeing that we do that.” STREET has a variety of tasty salads and bowls, along with a great selection of sandwiches, many for $10 and under. 801 Islington Street, Portsmouth, N.H., 603-436-0860, streetfood360.com
RUNNERS-UP
Lexie’s Joint, multiple locations, peaceloveburgers.com
The Maine Diner, Wells, Maine, mainediner.com
Roundabout Diner, Portsmouth, N.H., roundaboutdiner.com
