It's All About the Pancakes at Polly's

The newly renovated favorite is now open during the winter

The dream of moving to New Hampshire from Texas has now become a reality. While renovating our 1828 farmhouse in Warner, we escaped the mess to explore our new surroundings. As newcomers, we are enthusiastically sampling all things maple. Locals pointed us up north. They said Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill, known for their historic maple syrup drizzled over their pancakes made from freshly stone-ground flours, will be just the introduction to this state’s love of maple. “But you have to visit there before they close for winter,” the locals warned.

But, things have changed. Because of a recent expansion, Polly’s is now flipping pancakes during the winter months too. We took off up I-93 into the unfolding landscape of the stunning White Mountains. Polly’s Pancake Parlor, newly renovated, is nestled in a hollow overlooking the expansive Presidential Range. The location couldn’t be more perfect.

 After determining that the current structure, built in 1938 as a wood shed, could no longer support the 58,000 diners per year seeking their special pancakes, it was time to rebuild. It was a tough decision and the owners worked to balance the historic quaintness of the original structure, loved by so many, with the need for a restaurant that can support 500 diners each month. Kathie, the granddaughter of the original owners, Polly and Wilfred “Sugar Bill” Dexter, and her husband Dennis, salvaged everything possible from the structure. The entryway to the parlor is entirely made from reclaimed wood. Antique farm tools found in the old shed, ancestral portraits and Civil War relics are hanging from the high ceilings. The renovated building includes wall-to-wall windows that boast spectacular views of snowflakes falling on the Presidential, Franconia and Kinsman ranges.

Polly’s is open through winter from Thursday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.,  every day during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day and also during school vacation weeks in February. The bakery and gift shop is open until 4 p.m.

No reservations are taken on weekends, but call one hour ahead to get on the list.