Shirley's Kitchen — Restaurant in Pembroke

My 1st time at Shirleys was shortly after they opened on this small unassuming stretch of street in Pembroke/Allenstown. I was impressed by the quality of food, portions, and fair pricing given those three variables. The service was very good too. This was mid 2024.

I didnt come back for almost a year due to life obligations, but patronized this place 3 times within a 10 day period recently.

I was pleased to see I had the same experience, and even moreso that this small local business was still open and still doing a consistent great job.

Ive tried something different each time Ive come here, and this is a local secret hot spot for great food.

I travel a fair amount around the U.S. and am fortunate to be exposed to different regional food experiences, both good and not so good. There are not many places in NH that offer the combination of quality, customer service, and pricing like Shirleys.

Most places in a small state are over-hyped because locals have never been exposed to what a real quality experience is across the board….simply because they don’t travel more than an hour from their homes. There’s nothing wrong with that - but it just means their opinions are based on a very small basis of experiences. They simply dont have much to compare what they are familiar with to.

Frankly this 1/2 block of land has a few great quality businesses that are secrets. It is such an unassuming area with history but almost no traffic that if you didnt stop here by happenchance, you’d never know any of them existed. For instance across the street is a confectionary business that has been open 60+ years!

I strongly recommend folks try Shirleys and some of the other local small businesses as well in subsequent passes in this area. You wont be disappointed with Shirley’s they really know what they’re doing here at...

We decided to try the locally acclaimed Shirley’s today. It’s a Southern/Korean fusion through a New Englander’s lens. First impressions walking in were cozy. We suggest that if diners are to be seated there should be a host waiting on them. On a lively Sunday morning when business is humming it feels a bit contrived when multiple parties are waiting to be seated.

We tried the biscuits and gravy as well as a “Grande”. The biscuits were drop biscuits. Which are northern style and not keeping with the southern theme. We were looking for a layered buttermilk biscuit filled with cold butter, cut, and patted with butter before baking. They were slightly dry and mealy. Probably an issue with the baking powder. We wanted to experience the standard SOP so when they didn’t ask how I wanted my eggs I held back my want for a tender and runny fried egg. The scramble was hard, dry, and under seasoned. The addition of a little salted butter and cheddar cheese while the scramble was still runny would have brought a rainbow of flavor. I personally finish mine with a dash of white pepper. There was a thick cut bacon on the plate but it was unfortunately burned. The pancakes were boxed, rubbery, and covered in powdered sugar. The potatoes were our favorite item on the plate. I would suggest switching to a flake salt because the kosher salt doesn’t break down before hitting the table and leaves a gritty texture in the mouth. The butter served leaves an oily texture in the mouth leading us to think it’s a blended butter.

Overall we will try again at a later time. Shirley was quite delightful and the staff was friendly.

During this visit my favorite menu item was definitely the coffee. Not bitter or burned. It was exactly what I...

This is my first time ever leaving a review, so forgive me if Its not the best, it will be 100% honest though. I moved into Southern NH from central MA, 6 months ago and I work all over NH and Southern Maine. I have recently been doing some work in the Concord area and happened upon this little gem of a town. Its quintessential NH. On its main St there are several businesses, one of them being Shirley's Kitchen. What a gem, if you're looking for a great breakfast this is where you want to go. The menu is well rounded, really something for everyone's taste buds. Honestly if you cant find something you would like here, then nothing probably makes you happy. Besides all your standards they have some very unique items, including some Korean inspired dishes. My first day there were 2 servers, a man and woman and both very pleasant. The woman waited on me and, I unfortunately don't remember her name. She was sweet, but seemed a little all over the place. The gentleman had refilled my coffee and was also nice. Food did take a bit my first day, but they seemed to have gotten 2 large tables before I got there. Day 2 was great, the server that day was alone, but very attentive. Her service was great without being to attentive. Food that day came out quick, hot and fresh. Overall I gave this place a 5 star, really based upon the food and creativity of the menu. If your in Pembroke, check this place out. Support small business. There's also a few other places in this sleepy town, that I will definitely check out. Shirley's has truly set the bar high for the other food establishments in this town. I don't do social media, but if I did or ever do, I will make sure to leave a review...