If you’re a pancake and bacon aficionado, you might be familiar with many of our region’s breakfast-centered restaurants. And as cozy and welcoming as most of them are, their menus, after time, can start looking pretty similar. If you like to stick to the breakfast basics, that’s fine, but, if you’re an adventurous type, head to Folsom’s Lake Forest Café, a well-loved community institution housed in a darling little slate-blue house that, we were told, is more than 100 years old. In addition to Lake Forest’s popular French toast (made with raisin egg bread or bran-honey bread), oatmeal pancakes (topped with warm blueberries!) and savory omelets, the restaurant has quite a few out-of-the-ordinary menu items. Try, for example, Howard’s Special Potato Latkes, lightly grilled potato pancakes served up with warm sautéed apples and sour cream. Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, these nourishing pancakes are the perfect lazy-Sunday repast. The brisk-selling blintzes are another house specialty. They arrive three to a plate, fat little squares stuffed with a delectable, slightly sweet cheesy filling. Slather them with strawberry preserves and—yes—sour cream, and you’ll have a blissful breakfast. Other intriguing menu items include the fruit omelets (the spiced apple, raisin and walnut omelet is a customer favorite), pan-fried Matzo flatbread and eggs, and a bowl of crunchy, wholesome cashew-raisin granola. And if you’re in the mood for lunch, check out Lake Forest’s extensive offering of sandwiches (from the knockwurst on sourdough rye bread to a crab salad and avocado sandwich) and burgers. You’ll enjoy Lake Forest’s casual, homey environment and enthusiastic waitstaff. — Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Parents, the restaurant has kindly provided a toy area for your kids, stocked with coloring books and lots of amusing playthings.

Reservations: Recommended for parties of 5 or more

Payment methods: MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Wine and beer

Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 7 a.m.–1:45 p.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesday