The skinny on Hanover's new creperie
Find far more than breakfast at the Hanover creperie
This May, Vermont-based eatery The Skinny Pancake opened its first outpost in the Granite State. The restaurant is one of 25 mentioned in a list of notable openings in our forthcoming "Best New Restaurants" feature. To preview the story — which you can find in full when our November issue hits newsstands — we paid the Hanover eatery a visit to get the scoop.
Located just off Main Street, The Skinny Pancake is a formidable new addition to the college town's already lively dining scene. The name alludes not so much to the calorie counts on the restaurant's menu as to its primary dish: crepes — or, as the uninitiated may be inclined to describe them, skinny pancakes. While the creperie does offer an impressive roster of its namesake food, it's equally notable as a community space. The seating area allows studiers at secluded tables and social groups in the rustic/industrial-styled dining room to coexist, and 8 a.m.-to-late night hours provide a versatility that few other restaurants can match.
One of the spot's most appealing elements, though, is also perhaps the most surprising in a space that proudly boasts all-day breakfast: its nightlife. A large bar sits in the center of the restaurant, offering nearly two dozen regional craft beers on tap, and a nearby chalkboard advertises almost daily live entertainment. That's right: in one little restaurant, you can order a chocolate-filled breakfast crepe at any hour, wash it down with local beer, and listen to live music and comedy.
The Apples and Brie crepe |
While the setup certainly appeals to a college-kid clientele, the quality food and lively atmosphere make The Skinny Pancake worth a visit for Upper Valley residents and visitors of all ages.
If a restaurant is going to center itself around crepes, it had better be sure its crepes are top-notch — and these are. The menu offers nearly two dozen varieties, both savory and sweet, meaning you're unlikely to get tired of the dish. The wackier options range from a cornmeal crepe stuffed with local pulled pork, caramelized onions, and Cabot cheddar to an over-the-top dessert offering featuring a crepe stuffed with a brownie and served with ice cream. On my visit, I opt for the more subdued Apples and Brie and find it just right. The apples (sourced locally) retain a satisfying crunch, and, to my delight, the snacky-sounding dish is savory and hefty enough to keep me full all afternoon.
If you do want something more substantial than a crepe, though, the restaurant offers plenty of other options, as well. Groups can chow down on appetizers including fried cheese curds and potato skins. Paninis and burgers are available, and vegetarians are well accommodated with a list of hearty salads and a tempting bean burger in addition to the many vegetarian and vegan crepe and breakfast offerings.
The next time you're in downtown Hanover, you should certainly give this new kid on the block a try.
The Skinny Pancake, 3 Lebanon St., Hanover. (603) 227-9115; skinnypancake.com. Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
