Helen’s Restaurant

A local favorite in Concord Center.

A casual atmosphere that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t forget to get ice cream and bring quarters for the gum ball machine! Watch the video below to meet Helen’s granddaughters Sue and Nancy…

Contact Information

17 Main St. Concord, MA 01742

Phone: 978-369-9885

Reviews

Emalie Rose   March 22, 2024
Helens was an absolute beautiful breakfast. We stopped in only because it was close to a booked store and it shared my sister's name but it was a pleasant surprise. The coffee tasted good and the lunch was even better. Out waitress was so sweet to and very caring.
john christy   March 7, 2024
This place can get crowded. They have a really great breakfast menu.
Stephen Hartford   March 4, 2024
The food wasn’t out of this world but it’s a great greasy spoon sort of vibe. Would I go back? Yes, 100% will go back.
Kelly Yates   February 5, 2024
Had the squash soup, chicken, salad sandwich and the club all was very very good.
C C.   January 29, 2024
The BEST milkshake (frappe) I've ever had! Friendly staff. Lovely place! I can't recommend it enough.
Hassan Lastname   January 16, 2024
Came here with friends after a long hike. Cozy food that warms you up, in a cozy restaurant with very friendly staff. Our server was a great conversationalist, and it seems like there are a lot of locals she has been serving here regularly which is a good sign for a restaurant. I have 2 bits of feedback: maybe consider reducing the menu a bit as there are some dishes that feel very out of place. Also, the sides are just a bit too expensive compared to the main dishes. Some sides you can buy separately for over 50% of the value of a full entree that includes that side already, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me, but then again I'm not a restaurant owner so I can't say for sure. Still I think this is a great place!
Joseph Lust   December 27, 2023
Concord's homely little dinner. On a cold December night, nothing is quite as warming as a bowl of Helen's turkey soup (fresh made daily), and the kind and attentive staff. I enjoy any night I drop in for dinner with the crew here, and the location is very quaint and convenient in the middle of historic Concord.
Kevin Kennedy   December 20, 2023
My wife and I had breakfast. The place is clean and well kept. Booth seating which we like! The food is very good and came out fast. Service was great! Prices are a little higher than I'm used to in FL, but it is in Concord where everything is high....and then of course Creepy Joe's economy sucks!
Bill Wong   December 17, 2023
Excellent lunch had. Even though their menu doesn’t make mention of gluten free bread, they do have it. Had pastrami Ruben on gluten free bread which was excellent and very tender. Ordered with cole slaw which was also excellent, not too much vinegar and not too runny. Also had the Frontega Chicken which was very tasty. Wait wasn’t too bad for a Sunday at 1pm Waitress is a Cowboys fan so left her an extra tip!
Erica H.   November 29, 2023
I've gone there a lot and they are always amazing! The ladies are very nice and so is their food. (; The mood of the place is very home-y. I love the...
Tj M (TJM)   November 16, 2023
Helen's is a great place. Very good food reasonable prices, décor is bright and open. Looking forward to try lunch here one day. I had the Steak and Egg breakfast today. Good portions steak was tender well marinated delicious.
Mike Moessl   November 1, 2023
Delicious fried chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries. Service was very good. Cute little restaurant.
Beth Kruzlic   September 14, 2023
It wasn't like a slow, relaxed 2 hour Sunday brunch kinda place. But there's just something about a cute little diner where people will just wait in line for a table or stool to sit at. You know it's gonna be good!!! And our waitress got everything right. Which is impressive for a really busy spot with a pretty decent sized menu.
Mark B.   August 27, 2023
Absolute perfection! Ordered Chicken Fajita Omelette and Chicken & Waffles from the specials menu. Food came out fast, hit, and amazing! Potatoes were...
Lisa Alkova   August 4, 2023
Very cute town, nice spot to have breakfast or lunch. Menu has many options but they seemed to be out of a bunch of ingredients when I last visited:( nowadays not offering a substitute plant based milk is very rare, but they only had whole milk. Our waitress was a bit strange but whatever. Prices aren’t low but the atmosphere is appealing and food tasted well. Nice spot for a dining but I likely won’t be back
Dani E.   July 26, 2023
I absolutely love there cheese quesadillas and meatloaf! Staff are friendly and personable. Clean dinner. Sometime there can be a bit of a wait, since...
Mary V.   July 22, 2023
Great find in the center of town. Went for a late lunch on a Saturday, and it was packed, but we were seated very promptly and waited on almost...
Andrea M.   July 1, 2023
Average food, Friendly servers. Super loud, really very noisy. Local people love it at Helen's. I appreciate that they hire local teens.
Mike Smalley   May 24, 2023
We travel from Ohio twice a year to Concord, and Helen's is a must stop every time. So many great choices, good prices and super staff. Nancy is the best! Make sure to get a chocolate malt and some fresh pie!
Galen Raines   May 11, 2023
Looking for a kitchy Concordian experience for lunch? This is the place! We visited right at lunch time and although the place was packed, our order was promptly taken and in no time, we had our food. I had The Walden which is a chicken salad with diced apple, celery, raisins, lettuce, and tomato on country wheat and it was delicious!
Mary A.   April 28, 2023
Helen's has a long history in Concord MA and we stopped in for lunch today. I got the cheeseburger, fries, and milkshake special for $16. The milkshake was...
Susan Daniel   April 8, 2023
Helen’s is a lively diner style restaurant with a great location in downtown Concord, MA. Servers are somewhat older and playfully sassy. I found myself smiling from ear to ear. I arrived alone at dinner time and I asked my waitress to give me the best thing on the menu. Upon learning that I was from California she recommended the fish tacos. The tacos were yummy, but the surprise stars of my meal were the sweet potato fries served with a curry dipping sauce. After a while, the chef stopped by my table to get my opinion on my meal and, surprisingly, to chat at length about the time he visited my hometown. It was wonderful how engaging and friendly everyone was to me!
Grace S.   March 27, 2023
Lovely find after realizing the place we thought served breakfast didn't. (Verill Farms). A cute diner setting with quick service. Great food and friendly...
Justin P.   March 20, 2023
The food and service at Helen's was top notch! They were very attentive to my gluten-free diet and the turkey club on GF bread was exactly what I was...
Tyler O.   March 16, 2023
So happy I stumbled upon this amazing gem. Best Turkey club I've ever had!!! Great and inviting service!!!
Trigo B.   March 5, 2023
Great service. We had a very friendly, quick and attentive waitress. The food was good proportions and quite tasty. Will be going back.
Kimberly B.   February 7, 2023
We had to wait a little while for a table, but it was worth the wait. Our server was super pleasant and very knowledgeable of the extensive menu. I got a...
Kirasumy   February 2, 2023
This place provides great service, I felt very welcomed. I went on a Thursday and was able to pick my seat. The food was good and reasonably priced. The portion sizes were large. This place has off street parking. I imagine during busy time it would be hard to park.
Doron Bracha   December 22, 2022
Feels like a diner but priced like a restaurant. I had lunch on a Monday, the place was full and quite loud, as there's no carpet or acoustic ceiling to absorb noise. The staff was busy and service was somewhat slow. The food was no more than okay, and replacing the processed salty chips with fresh coleslaw would have cost extra. Clean restrooms, pleasant interiors, the bar offers comfortable seating with sports on the TV, that's convenient when dining solo. Pretty good experience overall, but not great value or amazing food.
kim delude   December 20, 2022
Cozy and inviting atmosphere. The staff ate quick and on point. Best damn chicken salad sandwich I've ever had, even the fries were perfect. My boyfriend is now obsessed with the burger.
David S.   December 17, 2022
This is a very popular local spit, so expect to wait for a table. The food is terrific and the portions are large. We've had several sandwiches and have...
David G.   December 2, 2022
Excellent fresh food in the beautiful downtown Concord area. Easy walkable area, plenty of parking and the food at this little diner is amazing. Very nice...
Khaliun A.   December 2, 2022
Great comfort diner food in a quaint little restaurant. The cheesesteak sandwich was a perfect amount of meaty and the mushrooms in it were good. The...
Laura J.   October 17, 2022
Visited Concord, MA and found Helen's Restaurant right downtown. Excellent food, great service and warm and welcoming atmosphere. I had the All American...
Hilary H.   October 16, 2022
It's not very great for groups larger than four, but the food is so delicious. I highly recommend!
Stephanie Williams Ruzycky   October 13, 2022
Awesome atmosphere and food. We had the most amazing waitress. It was a little bit of a wait to be seated, but totally worth it.
Deepti Gupta   September 26, 2022
What a beautiful morning started with sunrise in and then Best breakfast and French toast was just my fav. I highly recommend this place if you are in Concord MA !
Barbara O.   September 19, 2022
A must stop in Concord. Get the clam chowder, it's sooo good. Our party had the BLT, club sandwich and cheesesteak some with furies some with coleslaw....
Sandra T.   September 17, 2022
Such a lovely place. Many good lunch and breakfast items on the menu. Everything is fresh. No canned fruit here when you order a cup of fruit! The wait...
Jamel Nounna   August 20, 2022
This is an amazing restaurant. The staff is awesome, and the food is the best. I got the tuna melt, and it was the best I have ever had. Make sure you come by and enjoy the food.
Jay Amaral   August 18, 2022
Went here today after my first visit to Walden's Pond. it is located in a nice little town area and apparently has been open since the 1920s from what I heard. I can see why. Their staff was extremely friendly who we dealt with, the menu had LOTS to choose from which made it difficult to pick and I could see into the kitchen which looked like it was incredibly clean. Wish they were closer so I could try all of their menu but will definitely go back if I am in the area.
Em Avendano   July 24, 2022
DEFINED Fine dining. The service was incredible and efficient, our waitress was so kind and patient! We ordered the Nutella French toast and breakfast burrito, both super good, but the French toast really stood out. There are some great vegetarian options, and most menu items are pretty inexpensive. Less than a ten minute walk to Louisa May Alcott House, Sleepy Hollow, and many other attractions! It was our first time in Concord, and I must say Helen’s provided a warm, fulfilling, and lovely welcome.
erica hendrix   July 20, 2022
Always a great meal at Helen's. FAST friendly service with large portions. The menu is extensive. We had the haddock wrap and the fried egg BLT. They serve ice cream too and wicked good coffee.
Patrice Baker   June 28, 2022
We ate here several times during our recent visit. The waitresses Sue and her sister (didn't get her name) were delightful. Food was great! Fast service. My husband accidentally misread the invoice and didn't leave enough money. Sue chased us down the street to collect. We were a little embarrassed but we made it right. I highly recommend this restaurant.
Stan Shargors   June 26, 2022
How can one rate this place less than 5 stars?!? We enjoyed everything there, both the service and the food. Everything there is amazing. I wish I could go there every day.
Roxie Chambers   June 21, 2022
Great food and great service! My parents and I all loved what we ordered and were surprised at how quickly our food arrived.
Maggie MacLeod   June 20, 2022
This place is reserved for special times with my daughter and Granddaughter. We love to go have lunch at Helen's and walk around Downtown Concord. Food is incredible. Burgers are so tasty and juicy. We love the Salmon Wrap and their salads.
Christie M.   June 8, 2022
Great lunch spot! Everything was delicious, and the service was great even though they were busy. Fun diner atmosphere with excellent food-the onion rings...
Bob Gregor   May 28, 2022
Great variety of meal options! All of the food I’ve had here has been delicious, high quality, and enjoyable. Highly recommend Helen’s!
Hannah Hayes   May 21, 2022
Helen's is so satisfying! All day breakfast in addition to huge menu. So good I am not ashamed to say I have eaten here for lunch and dinner in the same day, recently.
Aly K.   May 15, 2022
WOW. I never had a grilled blueberry muffin before visiting this delicious Concord eatery. I'm forever a changed woman. Visit Helen's Restaurant if you're...
Michael F.   March 29, 2022
My wife and I visited for breakfast on a very busy Saturday morning and luckily, we didn't have to wait on line. Shortly afterwards, the line was out the...
Ashley Johns   March 6, 2022
Can I just say this is the warmest, cutest and well kept diner I have been in a long time. The staff were great, my husband and I were seated at the bar because of how busy it was and we were still really happy with that option! The tv is a nice touch (although the Fox News really wasn’t, probably the only and biggest negative), the counter is also reasonable in size so you can fit a few plates without feeling squashed. Ordered the onion rings which were fantastic and the burger which was beefy and also great. This place is a serious brunch spot with a really throwback, small town feel. The staff again, were fantastic and so warm and welcoming. Next time I’m definitely getting a milkshake!
Terri   February 23, 2022
Pastrami/corned beef Reubens was yummy. Had to wait a bit for a table but it was school vacation so it was understandable.
Colin Faulkner   February 6, 2022
We have become once a week regulars. This is pure comfort food and delicious. They are no longer a cash only business as well.
Jon Harris   January 16, 2022
Great breakfast with my 10 year old son after a hockey game. Food was fantastic, menu has a great variety of offerings, and the service was exceptional. Highly recommend and we’ll most definitely be back.
Chris Reed   November 24, 2021
Nice folk, great location, like Disney version of Ye Olde New England. Right next to sleepy hollow cemetery. Food was good, not West Coast foodie good but close enough.
Tony Zilinsky   November 16, 2021
Pleasant discovery after a walk viewing Concord's historic sites on a crisp Autumn morning. Good service, reasonable prices, and great menu...loved the avocado tomato melt. We were there on the early side it was obvious that it gets busy since it seemed to be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
Sunil Narang   October 21, 2021
We really loved the food at this restaurant, especially vegetarian burgers really delicious. Black been burger with potato fries and organic burger with coleslaw. Loved it so much. Thanks Ms helen for your assistance. I really appreciate it.
Bilbo Baggins   October 20, 2021
Haven’t found a better spot. 10/10 in every way, quality of food, portions, price, friendliness. Lifetime customer earned on the first visit. Would give 6 stars if I could. Cannot recommend more.
Tonya Nounna   October 16, 2021
This is our go to place. They have the best service and food. Everything I have had here is top notch. Still family owned and operated with such a great history. Everyone must try Sue's blueberry pie, it's the best around!!!
David Gwynn   September 28, 2021
Very friendly staff.. Nice little Cafe style restaurant with good breakfast choices. The best part was my visit with my Auntie Pam whom I hadn't seen in like a decade... Check em out when you are in the neighborhood.
violet ray   September 26, 2021
Pulled off the highway for gas, hungry, we stumbled upon Helens. Once we parked you could smell breakfast around the corner. The chicken and waffles was the best way to end our mini vacation in Northern Mass. The women working in this restaurant are phenomenal. Food came faster than expected for a busy Sunday morning meal. My husband woofed down the steak and eggs like it was his last meal. Located in a beautiful and historical area. We hope to find ourselves here again someday.
Ally S.   September 10, 2021
Been coming here for 12 years. Nothing has changed- it is simply perfect. Great local breakfast place that makes you feel right at home. You can not go...
David Cahoy   September 1, 2021
Visiting town and with grandson. Wanted great cheeseburger. It was and there were many options. Busy. Wanted a diner experience and it was a good one.
Andres D.   August 24, 2021
Homey place with lots of sandwiches and other classic diner foods and great desserts. Service is very friendly. Reasonably priced. Clearly a local favorite....
Mark G.   August 10, 2021
We stopped in for dinner on a tuesday night - uncrowded, and the waitress came right over. There were lots of good sounding menu items but we settled on...
Michael B.   August 5, 2021
I really like this place. It doesn't try to take your food and turn it into a foodie disaster it just makes it great without the garbage. I had a burger and...
Kathy L.   June 9, 2021
Helen's was our go to after waiting to be acknowledged inside Main Streets Cafe for 5 minutes. Helens should be your first pick if you're debating between...
Erin -Marie Shaffer   June 7, 2021
Amazing food, historic place. Old school feels and staff was amazing. Sorry if this sound like profanity but foodgasm deliciousness in every bite of my meal. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting.
Mollie Mollie   June 7, 2021
Amazing food, historic place. Old school feels and staff was amazing. Sorry if this sound like profanity but foodgasm deliciousness in every bite of my meal. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting.
Lawson Frazier   May 20, 2021
Great food and wonderful staff. Marvelous spot to stop after a long kayak leaves you starving. Nice that there is plenty of room for ice cream on those days. Warm, friendly and helpful. And did I mention the awesome food and ice cream. The orange creamscicle frappe (milk shake for those of us from other regions) is a very strong recommend.
Shireen Flowers   May 8, 2021
Son took me there for mother's day treat ☺️. First time there and everything was excellent the servers and chefs were top notch. There was a line but we waited no more than 5 minutes for a seat. Good menu selection and breakfast served all day long if I could give more stars I would, also the owner gave us free dessert because we were raving about how good everything was. Nice comfortable atmosphere.
Brendon Harris   May 6, 2021
A nice spot for a meal in the center of Concord. Lots of sandwich options, also some entrees, and best of all breakfast all day! Very friendly service! The inside was clearly redone recently and looked very nice. The side of Mac and cheese might have been Kraft
Jack White   May 3, 2021
I frequent this superb restaurant often since I love the ambiance that is characterizes this restaurant. The staff is very loyal and professional. The service is remarkablywonderfully rapid. Most important, the food they cook is magnificent. I have been there many times and I was always happy. The payment is fair. I highly suggest this restaurant to all my friends.
Shayna A.   March 22, 2021
I don't write reviews for restaurants, ever. However, the tuna melt I had from Helen's was so life altering I felt compelled. It could have been the...
Susannah C.   March 21, 2021
Takeout order was conveniently ready by the time I picked it up. The place is very close to Walden pond. I got The fancy breakfast sandwich which was a...
Jaylen Michael   March 18, 2021
Last week was the first time in this good restaurant. But It is no doubt not the last time. We enjoyed the evening a lot with the generous service, with the fine meal and booze and with the decent payment. We will absolutely come back in a short time.
Seamus Wheeler   February 18, 2021
Awesome spot to have food when in a hurry. The customer service is prompt, pricing is reasonable, excellent vibes. I highly recommend this place
S Bobby Gerjarusak   February 10, 2021
What's not to love about all day breakfast? I had frappe with cheeseburger and fries. It was a set for $15. It came with not one but two glasses of frappe (which to me was milkshake). It was value! Fried chicken and waffle was average. Well I didn't like it. Staffs were wonderful and toilet was very clean!
Tiaranad Gerjarusak   February 8, 2021
A nice little cafe with good comfort food and good service. It s always popular with every age group. Sandwiches, burgers, and salads always good. I had chicken waffle the last time I was there it was too dry and hard but the supersize milkshake was delicious. I love going to Concord and Helen’s.
Kevin Flannery   January 25, 2021
Great Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich with coleslaw not sauerkraut. Very good Burger and breakfast selection. Awesome Clam Chowder and house made sooups daily. Friendly and attentive staff. Affordable! Not cash only anymore. Credit cards accepted
Sallie D.   January 16, 2021
Prompt, clean, lovely bay window and black and white classic color scheme. And food! Solid pub choices, healthy veggies, perfect sweet potato fries w honey...
John Morgan   January 10, 2021
last night was our first time we went to this excellent restaurant. But It is definitely not the last time. We had a good time with the excellent service, with the exceptional cooking and wine and with the friendly price. We will absolutely go back there again.
Tony Pino   January 3, 2021
Meatloaf sandwich on flatbread with fries was great. Exactly what you’d expect. I suspect everything else is pretty good here. I get the feeling the management doesn’t tolerate lackluster staff, which I can appreciate.
Laura A.   January 2, 2021
Great spot for quick and tasty take out (or eat in dining which is limited during covid)! Love the green machine smoothie and the kids loved the chicken...
Merrick Christian   December 22, 2020
This place is absolutely one of the tastiest place in the area. Every time I visit this place I am absolutely pleased. They hold their very high level service and the highest level of meals they give. You are always happy with this restaurant. Very recommended.
Wayne Livermore   November 17, 2020
Since 1936, this family owned and operated restaurant has served Concord, MA breakfast (all day), lunch and dinner. A decent meal at a slightly higher than average price. It's bright, clean, and fresh flowers are on the table. they have a fairly extensive menu and are willing to customize meals. for example the meatloaf comes with garlic mashed, but they will substitute rice if you prefer as an example. Homemade soups and chowders are also usually available (until they run out.) Generous portions, pleasant waitstaff, and good hearty fare. You won't find gourmet food, but what you get it well cooked and seasoned. You won't go wrong checking out this local landmark.
Kartik Bharadwaj   November 9, 2020
Fantastic food and wonderful service. Their veggie burger and coleslaw were a delight to eat. I also got a slice of the blueberry pie which was decadent. Don’t think you could go wrong if you choose to dine at Helen’s.
Charles S.   November 6, 2020
Absolutely fantastic! We stopped here as we were visiting historic Concord, MA for a late lunch. My wife and I split a bowl of Clam Chowder, onion rings,...
mary lou zelsdorf   October 28, 2020
Very nice. Great menu. Very large portions. Excellent service
Danielle Rybak Mashiah   October 13, 2020
Really great spot! Friendly staff and great food! Try the cinnamon bun waffle for sure! Everything you order is delish!
Janine Rizzo   October 12, 2020
We were in the area and decided to try some place that we hadn't been to before. The atmosphere is very quant. The service is good and the meatloaf is very good. This is a wonderful place for comfort food.
James Gerace   October 12, 2020
They serve large portions and for fair pricing. nice staff members. Will visit again.
J P   October 12, 2020
Always eating out here on a holiday. They have repainted and gotten new lighting and menu. Friendly staff. Food is excellent
Louis T.   October 5, 2020
Stopped for late lunch on a beautiful Fall afternoon. Place was not crowded at all which gave us some concern. Serves breakfast all day. Large menu to...
Fran Latanowich   September 20, 2020
I
Tom belcastro   September 15, 2020
Chicken salad sandwiches
kerry   September 13, 2020
Very good! The staff is amazing, very welcoming. Would totally come back.
Yolanda Stewart   August 29, 2020
The best in town You have to try this place the food is amazing everything is amazing
Elena I.   August 22, 2020
Nice diner without many frills to stop at while walking around. We'll go back to try more items in the menu.
James Hughes   August 16, 2020
Great food, good service, be prepared for a bit of a wait
Gabe A.   August 2, 2020
Awesome burger. Wonderful environment. Great food. Comfort food galore, and some classy options too.
Christine Chao   July 23, 2020
Pretty good ice cream! Got a small black raspberry cookies and cream which was a generous portion. Due to Covid restrictions, we had to put the ice cream on the cones ourselves
Jody West   June 24, 2020
Me and a buddy went after a trip to Walden pond and he got the shrimp Po boy and I got the organic veggie burger on wheat bread, we both got fries. I got the rainbow sherbert and he got the toasted coconut ice cream. Best food and dessert combo I'VE EVER HAD. Took our food and ate outside. 11/10 cant wait to go again!!!! Highly recommend
Shane H.   May 31, 2020
By far the best breakfast in the area! Real Homfries not those deep fried potatoes thank god! Pancakes are great, good ham, French toast is great. It's...