It has become an annual ritual to visit Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn. Every year, we look forward to the scenic drive along the wooded backroads of Angelica, NY. You know you're close when your phone goes into SOS mode and you fully commit to pancakes & maple syrup as a survival plan! I learned something new on this visit. We were initially shown to a table, but since only 3 of our 4 party members had arrived, we were asked to return to the lobby until everyone was present. The server assured us that once our fourth arrived, we'd be seated with the next available table, and that's exactly what happened. It gave us a few extra moments to watch pancakes methodically and continuously be poured, flipped and served from the griddle. We had the chance to sit in the original dining room, which features beautiful hand-painted murals. The booth cushions are well worn from years of use, adding to the charm and nostalgia of the space. The room itself felt bright, warm, and inviting. Service from Michelle was prompt and friendly, even with the steady pace of the restaurant. We ordered three AYCE pancake and sausage plates, coffees, a kids' pancake, and a maple milkshake. Pro tip: skip sugar and add maple syrup to your coffee. Trust me! Whether you're visiting with a few family members or bringing a large group, the Maple Tree Inn is a place full of memories, tradition, and perfectly maple-infused breakfasts. Remember to bring along cash or a check since digital payment is not an option. And mark your calendar for next season because they are only open for 2 months each year between February through April, while the sap is flowing. Looking forward to their 65th season next year in 2027! read more

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First time customer and the 1hr drive was worth it! All you can eat Buckwheat pancakes were delicious and the house made the amber syrup was a sweet treat! Prices are reasonable. They do not accept credit cards but have an atm on site. No wifi. The server was pleasant and brought out our food fast. Refills on pancakes were brought out without us having to ask. They have a nice little merchandise section to shop after your meal! read more

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I've heard about this place and for years have wanted to check it out (it's kind of in the middle of nowhere). I finally had the opportunity and I was not disappointed. Luckily I went in the afternoon so it wasn't too crowded. I hear there can be a line to get in sometimes. It has a very rustic "lumberjack" vibe to it. I of course ordered the bottomless plate of buckwheat pancakes topped off with their homemade maple syrup. They were absolutely delicious! The restaurant also has a little gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and various maple products. read more

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This is one of those seasonal bucket list spots. If you have a love for maple syrup or pancakes, then this spot needs to be on your list for next season when they open back up. Disclaimer: It is a bit of a drive down here to Angelica from Buffalo, but it is worth the hype. Luckily, we have some family down in this area so we made a trip out of it. This pancake house has the mom and pop feel to it with amazingly friendly staff and service. We went on one of the last weekend days that they were open. The line was out the door and down the road when we parked. Luckily, we had someone already waiting in line so we only waited about 10-15 minutes in line before we got a table. The place itself has an old rustic, family restaurant vibe with plenty of photos and things on the walls to show everyone how well loved this place has been over the years. We got some pancakes, eggs, and toast. They just bring out a huge plate of pancakes and it is incredible. The amount of pancakes they make daily must be in the hundreds of thousands! After filling up on some amazing buckwheat pancakes, we grabbed some extras from the gift shop and were on our way. But next year, we will be back to go on the tour of the maple sugar shanty and everything else they offer. That sounds like a cool experience. read more

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It took longer for us to travel here and back than it did for us to walk in, get a table, be served 19 total pancakes between the two of us, and EAT them. We were served a plate of fresh, hot pancakes in under five minutes of being seated. And, these pancakes were some of the BEST pancakes I've ever had. In my LIFE. Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn has admitedly been on my radar for a couple of years now. One of those places that I just "never made the journey" - being an hour and a half outside of the Buffalo area, in the little town of Angelica, NY. (Side note: I've been to Angelica before, love the antique shops, never timed it right to visit Cartwright's though.) This place is the home of Cartwright's AWARD WINNING Maple Syrup; odds are if you've bought one of those little jug-shaped bottles somewhere in WNY, it'll have the Cartwright's name on it. They even have some shiny sap machines in the basement of the Maple Tree Inn that play a big part in the sap-to-syrup process, which you can check out when you visit! This time around, when ads for Cartwright began popping up on my socials, I decided it was time. Husband in tow, we took a lovely Sunday drive - on a Saturday - to visit Cartwright's. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a PACKED parking lot, with some spaces here and there. My mindset is always "if there's a spot to park, it's worth staying" and anyway we drove an hour and a half to get there so I went in with the mindset that I was more than willing to wait to get a seat for these fantastic pancakes and award-winning maple syrup. The place definitely gives the vibe of an old, well-loved establishment, though I could tell they'd probably done some remodeling over the years with fresh wooden walls, and old paraphanalia hung upon them. When we walked in, we were seated basically immediately, despite it being just as busy on the inside as I would have imagined, judging from the parking lot. There was a fair amount of seating, though many tables had been pushed together to accomodate families. I imagine if you're traveling with a bigger party it might take a longer wait. They have a limited menu here, so needless to say it was easy to make a decision. If you're coming here, you're coming for the pancakes, and the staff KNOWS IT. This place serves bottomless pancakes, bottomless pancakes with eggs, bottomless pancakes with sausage, bottomless pancakes with ham, bottomless pancakes with eggs and ham...you get it now right? They also have burgers on the menu, but c'mon...it's the Maple Tree Inn!! My husband and I both ordered their bottomless Buckwheat pancakes. When I tell you a plate of fresh, hot pancakes were dropped on our table not two minutes after we placed our order, you bet those cooks in there are just dishing them out like it's nothing! And these pancakes are amazingly delicious! Paired with their own maple syrup, these were absolutely the best pancakes I've ever had. Light and fluffy, didn't get soggy with syrup absorption, and I was able to eat several of them without feeling too bloated afterwards. So good. So worth the $10. Cartwright's is only open during maple season, typically February thru April. That leaves a very small window to enjoy some of the best pancakes and syrup together in New York State, but the whole experience was great and I highly encourage everyone to make their way out here! read more

I got there on a Friday morning at 9:30 (opened at 9). The place was already packed and there was a line of people to the door. It only took about 10 minutes to wait for a table. The service was quick - from the waitress taking our order and brining food/drink to the guy ready to clear the table as we stood up to leave. Definitely a cool spot to stop at. I got a hat, magnet, and bottle of maple syrup at the gift shop on the way out too! read more

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IYKYK. Lol Best pancake house ever. Buckwheat pancakes and fresh made syrup. Family owned for generations. Go early or you will be waiting. read more

Overrated! $40.00 + tip for pancakes, eggs and coffee is ridiculous! Not worth the drive. read more

Been coming here for many years, has always been great up to now. Sadly my last experience there just may be my last. Have always been able to enjoy at least 9 or 10 pancakes or so, however on my most recent trip was only able to eat 4. Don't know if they changed the mix or not but they weren't the nice tender cakes as in the past. In fact they were quite dense and not as flavorful as in the past. Also the sausage was NOT the best, in fact I just bagged it to bring home to my dog. When the sausage came from Wilson's beef farm it was some of the best breakfast sausage I've ever had! Now....not so much. I might give it one more shot here....we'll see. Too bad as we really enjoyed coming here. (the wait staff was excellent as usual though....kudos to them....) read more

I've been going here for many years and have always left full and satisfied!!! I enjoy sitting at the counter and watch the pancakes being made, quite the show!!! I always get the sausage, so good!!! read more

I just wish it opened earlier in the season and lasted LONGER. It's a hike from Rochester in a gas crisis time.

Arrived when they opened and was sat within minutes, totally wirth the drive. Delish pancakes and sausage, great service and left with fresh syrup, only wish they were open longer so I could go again. read more

Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn - Buckwheat pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Angelica, New York

I've been going to Cartwright's for about a dozen years since my wife and I met and she introduced me to the place and we've gone at least once a year since. It's a bit of a drive from Rochester but normally it's a pretty nice one if you pick the right day although we have driven through blizzards before. Normally we pick kind of a weird time to go like 3:30 or 4:00 and there's not much of a line. This year it appears that that's no longer the least busy time at least not on a Saturday as when we arrived the parking lot was fairly full though It was still a number of empty spots. We got in line and we're about halfway back from where the line starts someone came up and asked how many in our party we told them five. This is where things started to go wrong as we saw them seat about 40 people who were behind us before us. They apparently more or less forgot about us even though we reminded them and we were standing at the very front of the line for 30 minutes. Now I know sometimes you only have a two tops so you take them first but they took two different parties of five while we were standing there waiting. Apparently what had happened was they thought we were part of the party of four behind us who had a wheelchair and so needed a wheelchair accessible table. Although the pancakes are fantastic The eggs and meat are normally not so good. The coffee was fine It was the only exception being that whoever is adjusting the machine has them set to McDonald's settings and it comes out very undrangeably hot lol. There was a few other bumps in the road like one of our people didn't have silverware we had to ask for a few extra things things like that nothing that ruins the experience just bumps in the road. I would still recommend people go and visit cuz it is a unique experience however I would provide the caveat that you have to remember that they're only open two months out of the year and aren't really a professional setup for a restaurant and you have to keep that in mind. read more

This place has its own cult following. A little pancake restaurant in the middle of nowhere, only open for 2 of the coldest months of the year, and people travel from far and wide to wait in a freezing line about 40 minutes long. But it's so worth it! All you can eat buckwheat pancakes and freshly made real maple syrup, friendly and efficient service, and a nostalgic (if never updated) wallpaper and carpet decor. Put your snow tires on, bundle up the kiddos and come hungry! Bring cash (or a debit card for the ATM) - cards aren't accepted. read more

Been here twice- wish they were open more often cause everything from start to finish is such a fun experience. Never know how the line is going to be but it's a fun wait- just dress warm! Once you're inside, there's lots of pictures and stories, knickknacks, and antiques to look at. Check out their little museum downstairs and the gift shop after you eat breakfast! The service is quick. Watching how they make the buckwheat pancakes is so mesmerizing read more

Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Angelica, New York

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A seasonal must visit! I've been going here since I was a kid. Great family memories eating the best pancakes. Mom and pop, friendly service. There's always a huge line so plan accordingly- you will most likely wait but the experience is worth it. Take a tour downstairs, too! The inside matches the outside- rustic! Bring the family and lots of room in your belly. Worth the trip from any neighboring area! Take the pancake mix to go to enjoy the year round, but nothing beats them hot and fresh during their short season! read more

Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Angelica, New York

Food is specialized to feature maple syrup and all you can eat buckwheat pancakes plus breakfast foods. The maple milkshakes are awesome! Only open a few months each year! read more

We traveled an hour to this place and the breakfast was, at best, just average. If I lived closer, I might have gone there every now and then but not worth the travel. read more

Normally I have two shadows that follow me wherever I go... today I only had one, and together, we enjoyed a lovely car ride, thoughtful conversation, and even some enjoyable silence on the near-90-minute ride to & from Cartwright's. I imagine the local signage has increased over the years, to help those not "in the know" that they are in fact headed in the right direction... With GPS, I had absolutely no trouble finding it. We arrived to a full parking lot of vehicles but to our delighted surprise, there was ZERO wait. We walked right in & were immediately seated. Our server, Michelle, took our orders and within moments, we were happily feasting on our food. A pancake with 2 sausage patties and scrambled eggs with cheese on top plus eggs over easy with a side each of sliced ham and sausage patties. The bill, including coffee and a huge mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream was less than $30 and we even caught a deal... they were selling frozen 5-pound bags of their homemade sausage patties. In the amount of time it took to finish our meal, they decreased the price by $5 per bag so we brought home two bags. As today was the last day of the season for 2022, we seemed to have perfect timing for our visit. I highly recommend the journey, for a nice country drive, friendly staff, delicious food, and a bit of history. read more

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This was my first time trying. Although the rest of my family has apparently made it a tradition of their own the last four years. We had to wait in a line for about Thirty minutes, but time truly flew by with all of the people that we were surrounded with enjoying their own conversations. Staff -- Not one staff member treated us as if we were a headache being there. Everybody, although I'm sure they were tired, seemed extremely willing to help with any questions and didn't rush us at all when we were sitting down eating. Atmosphere - I felt like as though I was at a ski lodge in the backwoods. Except with a hundred people waiting in line for the table I was at. In the waiting area past the sheltered walkway inside the building itself, they have the most charming antique decorations and funny faces on the tree posts. All of the excitement surrounding you and decorations really make the wait time fly. -- Food When we got seated, our waitress immediately stopped by, asked us our drink orders and brought them within three minutes. Took our order for the food and came back within another five. I've never had faster service, not even at a fast food restaurant, which this establishment rises far above. The pancakes were AMAZING, unlimited, but the real icing, or should I say "Syrup" on the pancake, was the house Maple Syrup sitting on the table. It elevated everything from the sausage flavor to my insulin levels, because I could not stop eating pancakes doused in it. All in all, the service was on point, fast, and fantastic. I will definitely be joining this yearly, family tradition that I was just invited into! I highly recommend that you start a tradition of your own and turn it into an experience that you look forward to each year! read more

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Pancakes are amazing always..Over the past few years everything else has greatly declined..Fake processed ham...Flavorless greasy sausage..my daughter got sick after eating sausage and ham had a very fowl taste... read more

A timeless treasure! This place is 3 restaurants in one all serving their own maple syrup and buckwheat pancakes. Nora gave us 5 star service and was super friendly , and the owners shared some interesting stories about the history of their restaurant. Don't forget the tour and gift shop. read more

Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn - One of their biggest pancake griddles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Angelica, New York

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I love this place and the food is great and the service is great to it is the best place to go to and I give it two thumbs up

Came for the first time last weekend! I had been hearing for years a lot of hype about this place. I am glad to report it lived up to it! We got there early (8:30am) and were able to get a table quickly as it was just 2 of us. The staff were very informative and helpful and everyone seemed happy and cheerful. It was pretty busy, but we got our food quickly. My husband and I both ordered the buckwheat pancakes with eggs and sausage. The sausage patties were delicious; eggs cooked to perfection, and it was my first time consuming a buckwheat pancake! All of the food was amazing! Pancakes were leave the griddle and make it to our table in seconds, the waitress would keep them coming until you said stop! read more

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This place is great! Fast, friendly service and delicious food. They definitely have it down to a science. The buckwheat pancakes are endless, scrumptious, fluffy but not super thick and come out steaming hot (I maxed out at 5). The housemade sausage is a decently thick patty that is well seasoned. The only disappointment I had while visiting was the maple tea... I thought it was going to be tea made from their maple syrup, but it was just a prepackaged maple tea bag. I enjoyed walking through the processing area in the basement after we ate. The equipment was so clean and shiny. They also had menus from past years and it was interesting to see the prices from the year I was born. The bathroom was clean and had a cool leaf print flooring. There was also a small gift shop area with syrup, maple sugar and more! I took a lot of pictures, but unfortunately I used snapchat for most of them and forgot to save them read more

Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn - Buckwheat pancakes and housemade sausage - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Angelica, New York

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My first visit here since I was a wee little fella...with my paternal grandparents. I certainly don't recall what the place was like way back then but it is really something now. This is a seasonal gig...maple syrup you know...our visit was on a Wednesday, early March, arriving about 10:30am. We waited on line for about 40 minutes, both outside in the covered vestibule and inside as well. There is seating inside as you make your way to the yellow "waiting line". The three of us were seated at booth near the public pancake station. Pretty cool to watch all the prep, and the waitresses managing their orders. This place is hopping. Michele was our server and did a great job, easy disposition and smiling all the way. All you can eat pancakes, delicious. Eggs, sausage and ham made their way to the table as well. Coffee was hot, rich and tasted great. Not much else I can say here, just a great experience and great food. See menu snapshots below, there are alternatives if you're not in the mood for spectacular pancakes. Cash only, ATM on site if needed. You pay on the way out, just past the "gift shop". Naturally I grabbed a bottle of their maple syrup and a bag of their pancake mix so I could share the goodness back home in PA. We'll be back, thank you! read more

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Great food. Only open mid February until mid April. During sap running season. Makes their own maple syrup onsite

The pancakes are delicious and are all you can eat! The line was really long, but moved super fast. Our waitress was really friendly, even with the crowds. Definitely worth the wait and drive (1.5 hours for us) once a year for the experience. read more

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Pancake breakfast worth waking up at 7am for the hour drive. You're more than likely gonna wait in a line for these pancakes but they're definitely worth it. Plus it's a nice adventure for a Sunday morning. You can tell it's a family business with all the authentic family pictures hanging around the diner. Great wait staff who doesn't mind when you keep asking for more pancakes (all you can eat!!!). I do warn go easy on syrup I find it to be a little too sweet for me but in moderation it's delicious. read more

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Anyone who gives this less than a five is a straight up idiot! All you can eat pancakes? It's so good people from all over come here. Slather your cakes in an unholy amount of butter then top them with an ungodly amount of syrup and you'll go to heaven (maybe from a heart attack but you'll die happy!). I don't eat pork and don't care for meat but I cannot resist the sausage! Your pancake refills come very fast! Your coffee is kept full! They seat you pretty quickly but PRO TIP get there when they open or you'll stand in line for a long time! Bring cash!!! And don't forget your maple candy!!!! And syrup! read more

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We had a BALL going to see frozen Letworth State Park and then warming up over ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT buckwheat pancakes at Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn. The syrup was flowing, as was the coffee, and warm hospitality! Everything was SO WONDERFUL, that I forgot to take pictures of the first plate that came out -- I got pancakes, 2 eggs fried, and 2 sausage patties. Shortly after our orders were delivered, another stack of free refill pancakes showed up at our table, so we didn't have to wait a moment before diving right in to the next stack. And put that on repeat, and that was our yummy brunch experience. Yum, yum, yum and charm, charm, charm! Though we've lived here for about 11 years, we'd never heard of Cartwright's until this year -- so glad we went! Hope you will, too! read more

Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn - Buckwheat pancake, hot tea, flowing local maple syrup! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Angelica, New York

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Making the trip out to Cartwright's has been on my winter bucket list for a long time. Last year I wanted to go, but a lot of weather issues prevented it. I have to say, it was worth the hype and anticipation. When we arrived, there was quite a line. It was a little over and hour drive from Rochester, so we were salivating in line, smelling the syrup and pancakes. After waiting for about 15 minutes we got lucky, because we were getting closer to the door, and the hostess announced they had 3 seats at the breakfast bar. My cousin and I jumped right on it. I now prefer the breakfast bar seating, because you are up and close with the action. There is something very satisfying that comes from watching someone pour all the batter on the griddle, and flip the pancakes so quickly. Also, if you sit at the breakfast bar, they basically take care of you quicker, giving you first dibs on freshly made pancakes. It took a few minutes to get our drink orders, but the food was quick. We got the sausage, eggs and pancakes meal. I am not a huge breakfast sausage person, but this was the best breakfast sausage I have ever had. The patties were a great consistency, with a lot of flavor. The flavor wasn't too overpowering to go with the rest of the meal, and I wasn't getting a gross after taste from it a few hours later. I would go back and order this exact combo again. The buckwheat pancakes are nice and thin. With the pure maple syrup, it is nice that they are not overly sweet. I have officially been converted to the Cartwright's cult. I ended up buying some of their pure maple syrup and pancake mixes before we hit the road. :) read more

Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn - Sausage patties, eggs, buckwheat pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Angelica, New York

Excellent foods, friendly and very clean operation. We wish it wld be open longer or year round! It's a reasonable drive and REAL MAPLE SYRUP, Buckwheat pancakes and delicious sausages! read more

Outstanding pancakes! Wish it was open all summer. Worth the 1 1/2 hr ride!!! It's only open at Maple Syrup time.

Gotta drive an hour + to get to Cartwrights but it's a trip we ook forward to. Wolf down all the buckwheat pancakes you can and enjoy the ambiance of happy people celebrating another season of sweet maple syruping.... read more

Cartwright's is always a 5 star experience. No, maybe not a 5 star restaurant but definitely like your favorite dinner. They are only open seasonally but are worth the trip. They just opened this year and not many people are there, but usually there are long lines for their all you can eat buckwheat pancakes. While you are there be sure to pick up some of New York State's finest maple syrup. Important note is that they only accept cash, but they do have an ATM. read more

This was a little adventure I decided to go on - pre-Covid . This restaurant is only open for several months out of the year, and is almost always packed. It's pretty no frills, and the service is quick and efficient. You basically get unlimited buckwheat pancakes with your breakfast choice, along with really good maple syrup. No issues - the pancakes were very tasty and the servers were on top of bringing seconds. After your meal - there is a gift shop to purchase t-shirts and syrups etc. I was disappointed that they were out of their " intense" syrup - many people were looking for it. You can also tour the syrup factory quickly, which we did - pretty interesting. The drive from Buffalo is long and kinda boring, and I can't say I'd go back - but I'm glad I went. read more

The restaurant is still great. Pancakes and coffee were great. The sausage seemed pre-cooked, lacked sage flavor and was minimally fried. We did enjoy our meal but it seemed a bit pricey for pancakes. We did miss the Wilson Farm flavor. Setting and atmosphere are great. read more

One of my all time faves for an impromptu trip out a ways to get that fresh maple syrup and ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES! Opened since 1963, and the maple syrup operation since around 1913, they've been perfecting their craft for a long time! Their family owned business has stood solid and expanded multiple times over, bringing you their delicious buckwheat pancakes and outstanding maple syrup for a more than reasonable price! With all of that history, comes an interior that definitely seems like a walk back in time, lots of wood, panels and architecture and chotchkies, and all sorts of nature flair. They have a quite concise and pancake-centric menu, but also offer burgers, ham sandwiches, pies and maple desserts! Their buckwheat pancakes are not gluten free, FYI. They are, though, delicious melt in your mouth pancakes that take to the syrup like magic. The sausage patties were pretty big, and the desserts are huge! Take a trip out, to a blast from the past, with some amazing pancakes! There will likely be a line, and they are seasonally open (Feb 12- Apr 14)! read more

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I love visiting at least once a year for the food and to stock up on delicious syrup and buckwheat pancake mix. Wonderful, friendly service plus delicious food is always a win in my book. The pancakes are so good and they may be thin, but they are filling! The locally made breakfast sausage(Wilson Beef Farms) is so good that I had to stop by and pick some up on my way home. I always finish the meal with a maple milkshake made with Cartwright's fresh maple syrup. If you have not been here yet, I highly suggest making the trip! **They are only open from February 12th until April 14th** read more

Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn - All you can eat buckwheat pancakes, the best breakfast sausage and a maple milkshake! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Angelica, New York