The Original Pancake House

It has been years since I’ve been to an original Pancake House Restaurant. It is as it was before a great place to eat. The wait wasn’t too long this morning. I found it my girlfriend had the pumpkin pancakes and they were delish! How do I know cuz I ate some! My son Daniel had the strawberry pancake he loved them. I had the corned beef hash and eggs with a side of biscuits and gravy. The food was excellent! The only negative part of the experience was the waitress a middle aged lady from Texas who was not very pleasant but she wasn’t mean.

It is quite embarrassing that I live within a mile of this place and haven’t been here since I moved in years ago. I remember having breakfast here with my parents maybe 8 years ago, but haven’t been back since and I honestly don’t know why not. I am in love with breakfast food, most especially pancakes so it really makes no sense.
I stopped in here with my mom before a day full of shopping (woo hoo day off of work!). We were seated immediately (which does not occur on the weekends as there is always a crowd of people waiting outside). We decided to split a short stack (3) of blueberry pancakes and 2 scrambled eggs. Our waiter was less than friendly, almost throwing the menus down on the table and walking off. He got marginally friendlier… but still not how you normally expect to be treated at a restaurant.
Other than that, we had a great experience. The food came out quickly and it was delicious. The eggs were simply cooked, scrambled, nothing added and the pancakes came out light and fluffy. I was taken aback when I first saw the pancakes as they were almost a green color… reminded me of green eggs and ham… but Sam-​I-​Am liked them! They were delicious. They came with this little cup of blueberry juice and blueberries which made the pancakes even more blue-​berry tasting.
I am pretty sure that I will go back sooner than the last time I went, 8 years ago.

Where have I been the past few years in Atlanta? This city has certainly turned me into a breakfast person and anybody who loves it should try this classic. There are no frills nor parades at this place but just good ol’ fashioned yummy food. It’s 5:30pm and I’m still full from breakfast. Their portions are outrageous for sure but much appreciated.
Hubby ordered the eggs, corned beef hash and buttermilk pancakes. He actually made it a goal to finish it all and found it all quite satisfying. My Georgia pecan pancakes with powdered sugar were phenomenal. They didn’t even need syrup because they tasted like heaven. I ordered hash browns as a side and had to box them up cause my short stack filled me up. There are plenty of regulars and I understand why…

Went here for brunch on Sat. It was busy but we were seated right away. Super efficient and friendly staff.
I tried the veggie Dutch boy. It was great… like a thick crêpe with veggies and Swiss cheese. It was yummy and different. I would like to true the Dutch Apple waffles or pancakes.
Plenty of parking.

I wish I could give half stars… We are walking away fat and happy but didn’t love it. We had a great server. The food was delivered in parts. First came the pancakes… We had peanut butter pancakes and cinnamon raisin. They were good but nothing spectacular. Then our omelettes were delivered to us in their gigantic fluffy quiche like glory. We ordered the vegetarian and sausage&cheese adding spinach, onion, and mushrooms. Both omelettes were good but we are leaving with most of them in a box. Major props to this business for supporting the military with a 20% discount.

What do these people put in their pancakes? It’s like a fluffy, buttery, thick yet airy cake of love. Really! These things are really darn good. Best regular pancakes I’ve had in the south (regular=non specialty).
Also.can we talk butter for a sec? Their butter is Grade AA. (two A’s y’all)
I know, I know. It’s just butter… but I love butter like Ms. Deen loves butter, so it’s more than just a condiment to me. I cannot stand for that oily, greasy, yellowed, bland stuff. I need whipped, salty, sweet, and creamy. And that is what this place serves, their butter is 93 score butter, that’s the good stuff.
Other things i’ve eaten here before:
Thick cut bacon (aka: crispy heaven strips), AMAZING challah bread french toast dusted in powdered sugar… I am talking crispy bread on the outside, chewy bread on the inside. yes, please, and thank you.
Things I wish were different:
1) I wish they gave me hot syrup. Maybe I have to ask for this? The menu says they serve it hot, my syrup was from a dusty bottle on the table. Eek for dusty syrup bottles.
2) The line. on a saturday. Woah. Im not complaining that it’s busy, it’s a brunch spot in a busy location. I am just like, can we get a better system? they give out random numbers (not in any order) and the people wait everywhere. They are in the doorway blocking it, sitting on the railings, standing in the entranceway where the servers pass through, it’s just kinda chaotic. Maybe they need some benches outside or something? Something to make it more organized.
Alas though, my tummy cares not about messy lines and dusty syrup bottles, because I return again and again. I definitely recommend it for an affordable, diner style breakfast that really hits the spot.
Me at OPH:
Wear: A University of _​_​_​_​_​_​_​shirt and some sunglasses.
Listen to: Easy by the Commodores.

Bernard is the BEST waiter EVER!!! Food was spectacular and served quickly! We loved the place!

Our server began with rushing us in ordering. We get our food with the plates stacked on top of our food. I ordered Swedish pancakes. The ligonberry sauce was basically applesauce. I dropped my napkin and had a look at the edge of the window… Omg eww! That edge hasn’t been cleaned in I don’t know how long. There was dead flies and dirt everywhere. We see a family come in and our server demands them where they need to sit in the booth in a rude manner. I don’t know but I wasted my 15 dollars coming here cause the food was so gross. I should’ve gone to Waffle House.

This place gives this chain a bad name. brief history the chain started in Portland Oregon in the 60s with the concept to serve quality food at affordable prices, with a great décor iv been to other locations all over the country this pace is a dump. its dirty tacky and its seems like no one gives a dam about anything I would never go back here even if the meal was free

Ok so this is my second review. and I laughed when I read my review and said eat here a few times a year. In Dallas my waiter saw me so often he invited me to his daughter baptism-​lol. If you’re going and having signature pancakes Apple pancakes, Dutch Baby, omelettes, and crepes, then its a routine visit spot. But share the meals because the portions are massive, also this makes the dinning experience less expensive and calorie intake decreases a bit.
If you’re not a fan of long waits, be there by 9am although its still busy, you’ll beat the longer wait times. Second option is to go 2 hours to 60 minutes before close. The wait times are worth it for signature the signature meals and the thick sliced BACON. wink
I’ve been on a clean eating qwest (I win some and lose some-​lol) … I’ve modified my regular eating routine, I’m 25lbs-​30lbs down and kept it off for 1 ½ years. So now when having the magnificent omelette its egg whites with vegetables (occasionally add turkey sausage), the seasonal fruit bowl (their fresh whip cream on side). The omelettes are large enough to share if you’re fortunate enough to eat with someone whom has a like minded palate (cost savings too). Its a must stop for the foodie, Apple Pancakes and the cherry crepes (add bananas) rocks… Howlin at the moon good…

To be fair, establishments like these do not typically fair too well with us snobby Unilocal reviewers. This is old-​school. The antithesis of avant-​garde. Not the slightest bit edgy. While trendy gluten-​free and anti-​GMO diets, quinoa this, or truffle oil that has run its course — or is still running its course, The Original Pancake House has been steadfast in slinging out non-​pretentious wholesome breakfast.
With a name like The Original Pancake House — The Original Gangsta, one would expect awesome pancakes. Indeed, they are perfectly executed — but how much better is a perfectly executed pancake over an average one? Not much, in my estimation.
Service was actually pretty decent. Our waitress was promptly attentive to our needs.
I ordered the sausage links & eggs (I ordered my eggs scrambled with cheese), which included three of the aforementioned buttermilk pancakes. Eggs were bland, typical eggs. Sausage links were average.
One complaint: Food contamination. The brush that the cooks used to apply butter left behind a few plastic bristles on the toast that my wife ordered. Had to pick those suckers off of our food. This, more than anything else, is the reason for the 2-​star rating.
Nevertheless, my breakfast did the job. It filled me up and gave me the energy to make it to my next meal — and did so on the cheap. Mission accomplished.

Went in craving pancakes. The place was steady but not packed. I was seated right away and ordered right away. Food was perfect. Hot and great portion size for $ 12.

Let me begin by saying that the décor in this place is a little bleak, but the food is legit. The restaurant doesn’t look dirty, just dated. I had the bacon pancakes with a side of bacon (because bacon, don’t judge me) and some grits. The bacon pancakes were pretty good, but not the best I’ve had. However, the side of bacon I had was delicious. They have decently thick-​sliced bacon, and they fry it up to a wonderful crisp and it was fatty and delicious and BACON. Because bacon. The grits were okay, but nothing to write home about. I’d come here again for sure. Service was quick and friendly.

I mean it was ok I guess. I’m exhausted though, of restaurants that don’t make a better breakfast than me/​-​the lay cook. Hum drum eggs, tough jerky like bacon, waffle was like sand paper. Come on! Had the bacon waffle. Over cooked, dry and tasteless. Coffee Blah. Potatoes meh. I won’t return.

Ok… Ivan. He is a gentle giant. I’m glad we ignored the negative reviews, but glad I read the one describing the waiter that told them how to order and who would order first. As soon as he started talking to us I knew that’s who they were talking about. At first, he was a bit scary, but after listening to him, I got it. He seems ex military to us. When he walks I hear «left, left, left, right, left». He is actually very pleasant, attentive and informative. We let him know that it was our first time. And he «guided» us through the menu. We arrived around 8 am, no waiting, no crowd. It was almost a full house but not crowded.
I had that huge apple pancake thing. OMG… HEAVENLY! and a side of bacon (thick & perfectly cooked) The whipped cream is obviously made from scratch. Ivan sprinkled some «stuff» on my whipped cream and sent it over the top. He also brought me some cinnamon syrup. My dude had the fruit crepes (bananas, blueberries, strawberries) They are stuffed with I think sour cream and the fruit was fresh and sweet. Comes with that perfect whipped cream, cinnamon syrup and a to die for citrus syrup. Our syrups were hot which is always a plus. I was not able to finish mine… to big for me but I tried.
They only lost one point because of the bathroom. Very clean to the eye but my stall smell like urine. My dude is 6ft4″ and said the urinal was so high it almost reached his waist. Of course we will be back and hope Ivan will be there.

The interior is pretty old dating to around the late 70s I would guess, but it’s not dirty and they maintain it decently well. The place itself is pretty big and they can cater to large group. We were helped by a very friendly waitress who served us well. We got the Western Omelette ($ 10) with pancakes. It’s huge and fluffy. The pancakes are like IHOP pancakes. They were good. We also got the Egg White Omelette ($ 11). It’s the same as any other Omelette as far as size and taste.
It got busier around 9am but before that it’s a quiet place to have breakfast. I would recommend this place.

I was looking forward to breakfast here, I’ve been to a location in Ohio and it was so delicious. Unfortunately this location didn’t meet my expectation. I had the veggie omelette and bacon pancakes. First the veggie omelette lacked flavor and it was overloaded with cheese. The bacon in the pancakes was good, nice thick slices, but the pancakes themselves were very dry and tough. I’m assuming they may not make their batter in-​house, tasted very store bought. My friend also had the veggie omelette, side of bacon and grits. I will say the grits did look good, nice creamy consistency, like how grandma would make. The bacon was cooked to a nice crisp and my friend was quite pleased. Price point isn’t bad, the «specialty pancakes» on the menu are a la carte so best to order an omelette or the eggs and side of meat combo and add the specialty pancakes or waffles for $ 1.40 if u so desire.
Service was ok, our waiter was a bit strange… but provided decent service. We went on a Friday, early afternoon so we were sat immediately. The atmosphere is diner-​like, nice size booths but the décor is out-​dated. Parking is tight but plenty of parking available in the plaza if you cannot park in front of the restaurant.
Overall I don’t feel like I’ll be rushing back here to dine, I’d rather save myself the agony of sitting in Atlanta traffic and make breakfast at home.

Today (Monday, April 6) made my second visit to The Original Pancake House (TOPH) and it was met with severe disappointment. As I draft this review (instead of enjoying a good meal), one of our party of five is suffering through part of her entrée, while the rest of us chose to have our meals removed immediately upon receipt of them.
We had a seven minute wait. Not too shabby. When the hostess showed us to our booth, I was immediately disgusted by the uncleanliness of the seating. She walked about ten feet away to begin making our table a round of waters when she noticed we had walked away. She bluntly called for us to come over, but I ignored her. I had asked the manager, back at the hostess area, to give our booth a good wipe down. When we finally returned I knew it wasn’t going to be the experience we had hoped for. The seating crevices was still full of food, crumbs, and God-​knows-​what debris. We ended up grabbing several napkins to camouflage the openings (out of sight, not out of mind).
It took another ten minutes before anyone came over to take our additional drink and food orders. During this time I felt the entire experience shifting from bad to worse. Because we were already getting a late start, as breakfast hours elsewhere were ending and lunch time was approaching, I was trying to stick things out so that we all could enjoy breakfast food. Eventually our server came over, explained that the restaurant was short staffed, and in the most matter-​of-​fact manner, told us how we were going to order and who was going to place their order first. No joke. He said we were to give him our drink order first and follow up with our entrée order and that he was starting with ‘this’ person. I was dumbfounded. I wasn’t prepared for a game of ‘Simon Says’ or ‘Mother May I’.
It took another 25 minutes before part of our meals arrived. I must mention that our server’s arms were hairy. His arms also were the makeshift trays he used to carry several plates out at a time. I may have seen his hairy arms too uncomfortably close to our plated meals. I also saw the way the food was stacked and at one point the plate above my daughters side of scrambled eggs with cheese was stuck together. According to my daughter, the scrambled cheese eggs resembled an unappetizing version of a mixture of eggs and Kraft Cheese and Macaroni.
Trying to get past seeing our server remove the plates from his bushy arms, I proceeded to fork into my omelet (their omelet recipe calls for FOUR eggs or egg whites can be subbed and they come shaped in about a 9″ circle). It was hard, dry, and bland. I took another bite and my head and heart finally gave up the fight. When our server came back with the remainder of our table meals, I asked him to take mine away. My husband proceeded to do the same with his omelet. My daughters side of hashbrowns were visibly burnt throughout. The server did offer for us to at least keep our short stacks of pancakes. We declined.
My husband proceeded to the hostess station to pay for the one thing that was eaten (my daughter’s half-​order of French Toast). Once outside the restaurant I learned that the manager didn’t even put up an argument. My husband also said that a couple of guys who were in line behind him stated that they were never (!) coming back to TOPH again, and wished they had not eaten their meal so they wouldn’t have to pay for their awful experience.
There were too many minuses to excuse The Original Pancake House for this horrible experience. The difference with this experience and my first– an hour-​and-​a-​half wait, on a Saturday morning, and a half-​eaten meal (when you’ve been hungry for so long, by the time your meal arrives you’re no longer very hungry). Come to think of it, I didn’t walk away after my first visit impressed. I’m thinking I should have quit while I was ahead.

Went here hoping to get the puffy Dutch Baby, I was served a tiny, flat pancake. I was truly disappointed. Nothing like the one I’ve seen before in San Diego where it’s flopping over the plate and it’s a PUFFY thing. After my meal, my husband and I approached the man at the front of the store and showed him our flat dutch baby and the puffy one in San Diego, he said «Oh I’ve never seen this before!». And he went on to ask if it was the altitude that caused the DB to be puffy. I was thinking «Waat!!! Of course not!»
Then later he said, we’ve never served this here. And will bring it up at their weekly management meeting. I said I was going to post both photos so that everyone can compare.

Came back recently and… my Dutch Garden Delight was gross; I generally have a strong stomach but the excessive cheese, consequent grease, and general lack of seasoning really made me nauseous. The restaurant markets the item as something perfect for «veggie lovers»… Not quite! More like perfect for lovers of cheese with a side of pancake dough and veggies.
This second time around even the corned beef hash with eggs (a highlight of our first visit) was badly done; too salty and mushy hash.