You’re driving through downtown Exeter, past the red brick of Phillips Exeter Academy and those quintessential New England storefronts, and you see it. It’s a literal giant bean. Well, a sign with one. The Big Bean Exeter isn't just another place to grab a caffeine fix before hitting the road; it’s a local institution that has survived the fickle nature of the restaurant industry by being unapologetically itself.
Honestly? It's crowded. Most Saturday mornings, you'll see a line snaking toward the door, people huddled in North Face jackets waiting for a table. But there is a reason for the madness.
Why The Big Bean Exeter Still Matters
Most towns have that one "spot." You know the one. It’s where the locals go to complain about the local government and where the students try to look busy over textbooks. In Exeter, that's the Bean. It opened its doors back in 1997, which, in "restaurant years," makes it an ancient landmark.
The vibe is basically "cozy chaos."
It’s small. The walls are covered in local art, and the air smells like a mix of roasting espresso and maple syrup. If you’re looking for a quiet, sterile corporate environment to take a Zoom call, this ain't it. It’s loud. It’s bustling. It feels like a living room where someone forgot to turn down the volume. That authenticity is exactly why it ranks so high on every Seacoast "best of" list year after year.
The Food is Actually the Star
People come for the coffee, sure, but they stay—and wait—for the breakfast. We need to talk about the Big Bean Burrito. It’s massive. Usually, when a place names a dish after itself, it's a letdown. Not here. It’s stuffed with black beans, salsa, eggs, and cheese, and it’s become the gold standard for hangover cures in Rockingham County.
Then there are the pancakes.
🔗 Read more: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
They aren't those perfectly circular, frozen-looking discs you get at diners. They’re irregular. They’re fluffy. They have crisp edges because they’ve actually seen a griddle. Whether you go for the blueberry or the chocolate chip, you’re basically eating a cake for breakfast, and nobody is judging you.
Not Just a Breakfast Joint
While the morning rush is legendary, the lunch menu is the sleeper hit. They do these sandwiches that feel like someone's mom made them—if your mom was a professional chef with a penchant for high-quality ingredients. The "California Club" and various wraps are surprisingly fresh.
They also lean into the "Big Bean" name with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options that don't taste like cardboard. In a part of New Hampshire that can sometimes be a bit "meat and potatoes," having a place that understands a good black bean burger or a fresh sprout-heavy wrap is a godsend.
The Geography of the Bean
Location is everything. Situated at 118 Water Street, it’s right in the heart of the action. You’ve got the Squamscott River right behind the buildings on the other side of the street, and the town's historic bandstand just a short walk away.
- Parking is a nightmare. Let's be real.
- You’ll likely have to circle the block three times or park way down by the library.
- It’s worth the walk.
- The pedestrian traffic on Water Street makes for some of the best people-watching in the state.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Wait
I hear people complain about the wait times at The Big Bean Exeter all the time. "It's forty minutes for a table!" yeah, because it’s good. But here’s the pro tip: use the "To-Go" window if you’re in a rush. You can grab your latte—they use Carpe Diem Coffee Roasters out of North Berwick, Maine—and a breakfast sandwich and head down to the Swasey Parkway to eat by the water.
The coffee itself deserves a shout-out. It’s bold. It’s not that watery stuff you get at the gas station down the road. They treat their espresso with a level of respect you usually only see in big-city craft shops, but without the pretension.
💡 You might also like: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
The Community Connection
The staff at the Bean are often locals who have been there for years. This isn't a high-turnover fast-food joint. You’ll see the same faces behind the counter, which adds to that "Cheers" vibe where everybody knows your name—or at least your order.
They support local artists. They host community events. They’ve navigated the ups and downs of the economy and the pandemic by leaning into their identity as a community hub. When you spend money here, you aren't padding a corporate CEO's bonus; you're keeping a piece of Exeter’s soul alive.
Navigating the Menu Like a Local
If it’s your first time, don't get overwhelmed by the chalkboard. It’s a lot.
- Check the specials first. They usually involve whatever is in season, like pumpkin-spiced something-or-other in the fall or fresh berry crepes in the summer.
- If you like heat, ask for the hot sauce selection. They usually have some interesting stuff tucked away.
- Don't skip the home fries. They’re seasoned properly—salty, peppery, and just enough onion.
There's a certain nuance to the menu that rewards repeat visits. You start to realize that the "Kitchen Sink" omelet isn't just a gimmick; it’s a well-balanced meal. You find out that their chai lattes are some of the best in the Seacoast area because they aren't cloyingly sweet.
The Atmosphere Factor
The decor is... eclectic. It’s a bit of a mish-mash of styles, but it works. It’s the kind of place where you can wear your muddy hiking boots after a walk in the Henderson-Swasey Forest or show up in a suit for a quick business breakfast.
The seating is tight. You might end up elbow-to-elbow with a stranger, but in a town like Exeter, that stranger is probably just a neighbor you haven't met yet. There’s a warmth to the place that you can’t manufacture with a corporate interior designer. It’s earned over decades of spilled coffee and shared stories.
📖 Related: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
Things to Keep in Mind
If you’re planning a trip to The Big Bean Exeter, timing is key. Weekdays are much more manageable. If you show up at 10:00 AM on a Sunday, prepare to wait.
The pricing is fair. It’s not "cheap," but you get what you pay for. The portions are large enough that most people end up taking a box home, or at least feeling full until dinner.
- They have outdoor seating when the weather is nice.
- The patio is great for bringing the dog along.
- The interior is wheelchair accessible, though it can be a bit tight to navigate when it’s packed.
Is it Overrated?
In a word: No.
In a world where everything is becoming a chain and every coffee shop looks like a minimalist Apple store, the Big Bean Exeter is a reminder of what local business should look like. It’s messy, it’s loud, it’s delicious, and it’s authentic.
It’s easy to be cynical about "local favorites," but the Bean earns its reputation every morning when they crack the first eggs. It’s a staple of the New Hampshire Seacoast for a reason.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your experience at The Big Bean Exeter, follow this blueprint for a perfect morning:
- Arrive early or late: Aim for before 8:00 AM or after 1:00 PM if you want to avoid the heaviest crowds.
- Park strategically: Skip the hunt for a spot directly on Water Street. Head to the municipal lot behind the shops or the street parking near the library and enjoy the five-minute walk through town.
- Order the special: The regular menu is great, but the kitchen team gets creative with the daily specials. That’s usually where the best flavor combinations are.
- Take it to go: If the wait for a table is over 30 minutes, place a to-go order and walk over to Swasey Parkway. It’s a scenic three-minute walk and offers plenty of benches with a view of the river.
- Bring cash: While they take cards, having cash for a tip for the hardworking staff is always appreciated in these busy local spots.
- Check their social media: They often post holiday hours or sudden closures on Instagram or Facebook, so check before you make a long drive.
Go for the burrito, stay for the atmosphere, and make sure you grab a bag of their beans on the way out so you can pretend your home kitchen is as cool as the Bean.