Top Spots to Celebrate National Maple Syrup Day

On December 17, the U.S. celebrates National Maple Syrup Day - a holiday that brings together fans of delicious breakfasts, exquisite desserts, and creative dishes. Some restaurants not only use this ingredient extensively but also partner with local farms. Here’s a selection of restaurants where maple syrup takes center stage.

Located at 2101 Sutter Street in Lower Pacific Heights, Sweet Maple has become a San Francisco brunch institution since opening in 2010. The restaurant occupies the ground floor of an apartment building, featuring a spacious dining room with tall ceilings and a bright, welcoming design.

Sweet Maple is world-famous for its Millionaire's Bacon - extra-thick, free-range bacon slow-cooked for over four hours with brown sugar, cayenne, and spicy peppers to chewy perfection. This signature dish was even featured on Discovery Network's "United States of Bacon." 

The restaurant serves buttermilk pancakes that are remarkably light and fluffy, paired with pure Vermont maple syrup from Hidden Springs, a family-owned farm in Southern Vermont. 

For an elevated experience, try their JD Syrup - Jack Daniel's whiskey-infused maple syrup with crispy bacon and coffee grounds. With top-quality locally-sourced organic ingredients and a menu that blends classic American breakfast with Asian influences, Sweet Maple offers dishes like the SM Omurice and Pimped Shin Cupbop alongside traditional favorites. The bottomless mimosas and craft Bloody Marys made with Soju add a festive touch. Expect weekend lines, but the efficient service moves quickly, and the generous portions make the wait worthwhile.

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The restaurant has been operating since 1980, bringing the authentic taste of New Orleans to Colorado. This family-owned establishment created a unique concept - Creole cuisine for breakfast and lunch - something that had not previously existed in the state. The Chef Mickey’s menu features signature dishes such as Pain Perdu (New Orleans–style French toast with praline syrup), Eggs Sardou (creamed spinach, Gulf shrimp, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce), and the classic Creole Omelet seasoned with spices.

A particular point of pride is their famous fluffy buttermilk biscuits served with house-made jam, as well as authentic beignets (New Orleans-style doughnuts), served hot. Dishes are served with grits or potatoes and a signature buttermilk biscuit. The restaurant’s atmosphere evokes New Orleans’ French Quarter, and their Bloody Marys and chicory coffee have become legendary among locals.

Located at 1410 34th Ave in Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood, Hi-Spot Cafe offers a wonderful setting in its charming, repurposed Victorian house.

This 35-year-old community staple shines with classic breakfast dishes drizzled in high-quality maple syrup. Their French toast, generously coated with rich syrup and paired with orange-almond butter, consistently receives positive reviews.

Fluffy pancakes are another perfect canvas for enjoying maple syrup and are often considered among the best in Seattle. Cinnamon rolls from the local Macrina Bakery and fresh egg dishes such as scrambles add a savory balance to the sweetness of the syrup.

Located at 2508 SE Clinton St in Portland's SE neighborhood, Broder Café serves as a perfect National Maple Syrup Day destination with its authentic Scandinavian brunch focus.

This cozy spot shines with syrup-friendly treats like Aebleskiver - Danish pancake balls traditionally served with lemon curd, lingonberry jam, and optional maple syrup for that classic sweet enhancement. Pair syrup with fruit fritters, Danish butter crowns, or even savory Pytt i Panna (potato hash) and Swedish meatballs in sherry cream for balanced indulgence, while the kitchen's commitment to Nordic authenticity elevates these syrup-paired specialties into Portland favorites.

Comfort & Floyd, located in the Passyunk Square neighborhood, is a popular local spot operating in the style of a neighborhood diner. This breakfast-focused eatery specializes in comfort favorites that pair beautifully with syrup:

- Brioche French toast, generously drizzled with maple syrup, is especially popular for its rich sweetness.

- Buttermilk pancakes and blueberry cornmeal pancakes serve as a fluffy base for generous portions of syrup.

To balance the flavors, these sweet dishes can be complemented with savory options such as chicken and waffles topped with honey sriracha sauce or scrambled eggs. The restaurant uses products from local purveyors, including Old City Coffee and Merzbacher’s Bakery, highlighting its commitment to quality in every element of brunch.

Maman, located in the Union Market neighborhood, is a French-American café and bakery. It has become a favorite spot for those seeking a café with a transatlantic style. The décor features antique wallpaper, vintage accents imported from France, and a floral pergola. The café is known for its house-made baked goods and operates as a full-service brunch destination.

Maman uses pure maple syrup in its sweet dishes that blend French techniques with American comfort food. These include:

- Belgian waffles (Fiona’s Berries & Cream Belgian Waffles), served with vanilla crème fraîche, berry compote, and a side of maple syrup.

- Gluten-free pancakes (Charlotte’s Sunrise Spread), accompanied by maple syrup.

The menu also offers savory quiches, hearty salads, and breakfast sandwiches on croissants. The spacious interior includes both dining areas and a cozy loft lounge. Maman has locations throughout North America and positions itself as a lifestyle brand that hosts events and collaborates with designers, while still maintaining the feel of a warm neighborhood gathering spot.

Corinne is located in downtown Austin on Cesar Chavez Street, inside a Marriott hotel. Corinne positions itself as one of the city’s premier destinations for breakfast and brunch. The restaurant is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and features the largest outdoor dining space on West Cesar Chavez Street.

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The breakfast menu includes both sweet dishes that call for syrup and hearty savory options such as scrambled eggs, omelets, and meat-based plates. Pancakes served with blackberries, powdered sugar, and natural maple syrup highlight the restaurant’s focus on the quality of its sweeteners. In addition, the menu features signature house-made fluffy biscuits, which are often ordered before the main course.

Dime Store is located in the historic Chrysler House in downtown Detroit. The restaurant is a popular spot for breakfast and brunch. Dime Store is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., serving breakfast and lunch.

Dime Store positions itself as a scratch-made restaurant, with everything prepared in-house.

The standout dish is the thick-cut brioche French toast, served with blueberry compote, lemon ricotta cheese sauce, oat crumble, and powdered sugar. All of this is generously finished with real Vermont maple syrup.

The restaurant’s focus on quality is evident in every dish. The menu includes both classic items and creative daily chef specials. The space is styled like a diner, where locals and visitors alike gather, and the service is friendly. Additional offerings include freshly squeezed orange juice and house-made fluffy biscuits.

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