The Friendly Toast

"Friendly Toast is coming!" "OMG! Friendly Toast!" Judging by the way local foodies were whipping themselves into a frenzy online, you'd think it was the second coming. But unless one finds salvation in pumpkin pancakes, pecan–caramelized banana waffles, and assorted scrambles, Benedicts, and omelets, the new outpost of this beloved Portsmouth, New Hampshire, institution is merely a really, really, really good place to have breakfast. The décor is retro and funky—all fifties dinette sets and Esso ads—and the food is a fresher, slightly fancier variation on diner classics, with homemade breads and sauces. The rapture? Maybe not. Divine? You bet. RUNNER-UP: Deluxe Town Diner LAST YEAR: Clio