The Original Pancake House: Your Move Stranger (Chicago, IL)

Recently, one of my two readers informed me that Yolk in Chicago pales in breakfasty goodness to Chicago’s Original Pancake House. At first, I was naturally alarmed that anyone has been reading this. Then I was angry that this reader would disagree with my analysis. I have a website sir, I think I know a thing or two about judging things. Like the stages of grief though, I eventually came to accept this person’s claims as perhaps legitimate. So I jumped on the next flight out to the windy city to find out for myself.

Like Yolk, there are a few Pancake House locations in town, I went to the Near North Side location. I couldn’t tell which one was supposed to be best, so I just chose at random. Pancake House opens early, but I do not, so I rolled in around 1030am, which apparently was prime eatin’ time. There was a huge line out the door, probably 40 people long. I wanted to give up, which is usually what I do when things get at all difficult, but Chicken Pot Hen reminded me of my quest. I’m glad she had me stick it out, as the line moved quickly, and we got our seats after about a 30 minute wait.

The inside is like an old style diner cafe, very little decoration. Here they skimp on the frills to make way for more seats, and seats they most certainly have a lot of. Its hard for me to judge how big the dining room is, as there are so many seats, everyone is practically piled on top of each other. Although I was literally bumping elbows with the table next to us, the service didn’t slack at all. Our waitress was quick and snappy with every order and coffee refill, I’m sure she had another 100 tables to help. The menu is mostly, wait for it, pancakes. Many different kinds with many different toppings. A lot of fruit toppings and unique syrups were available, but to me the specialty pancakes were best. By far the greastest was the potato pancakes. I’ve had a potato cake once or twice, but these were fantastic. They don’t just have cakes though, I enjoyed a big southwest style omelette, which I consumed with terrifying efficiency.

Its a toss up, Yolk or Pancake House. They really are separate breakfast experiences. Yolk is a chill out and relax kind of atmosphere, while Original Pancake House is like a cram them in and get them fed kind of joint. I think the food might be a touch better at Pancake House, but the wait is certainly better at Yolk. Either way, good breakfast in Chicago.

By the way- My twitter is @chickenpotspy. Let me know what you think, or where you think I should check out next. Don’t worry, if I disagree with you and feel threatened, I will just delete your posts!