Some places serve great food. Others nourish your soul. Kate's does both. From the moment you walk through the door, you're welcomed with genuine smiles and a warmth that makes you feel like family. Here's what makes this place so special: 1. The Food Many of you know how much I travel, and I don't say this lightly, these are the best Eggs Benedict I've ever had. Period!!! I ordered the Crab Benedict, while my wife enjoyed the California Benedict. Every bite was simply outstanding. 2. The People The entire staff is incredibly kind, attentive, and welcoming. Yes, you may wait 25 to 50 minutes for a table, but I can honestly say it's worth every single minute. Great things are worth waiting for. 3. Kate And then there's Kate, the owner. She is truly one of a kind. Her kindness, humility, and positive spirit radiate the moment you meet her. More than anything, her faith is contagious! We spent just a few minutes talking, yet her words left a lasting impact on both of us. As we were leaving, she handed us a small pin that read, "God's Got This." Wow... it was exactly the message we needed at that moment. Please take a moment to read her story in the attached photo. It's inspiring and a beautiful reminder that faith, hope, and love still exist all around us. From now on, every day can be "CB" day for me, because I'll gladly return to Kate's for what I believe is the best breakfast, served with the biggest hearts. Thank you, Kate, for reminding us that sometimes the greatest thing on the menu isn't just the food, it's the love, faith, and kindness that come with it. God Bless you, your family and your amazing team!!! 100% Recommended read more

Kate's Pancake House - Sign of Faith - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

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I only got pancakes, so I can't speak to the other menu items. But the restaurant has pancake in the name so it seemed like a must. The sweet potato pancakes were insane. Perhaps some of the best pancakes I've ever had. They had nuts in them and were perfectly spiced. 10/10. Red velvet was good, the cream cheese icing was quite tasty but they weren't anything too special. And the apple pancake was my least favorite; the apple filling on top tasted like it came from a can. Super sweet and didn't taste fresh. But the pancake itself was still good. This place does not take reservations and I was told the line goes out the door in the summer. There was a large line even while we were there in the off season during a storm. So if you want to eat here on a weekend, or the weather is nice, proceed with caution and be prepared to wait (standing outside--there is no seating while you wait). read more

Kate's Pancake House - Red velvet, sweet potato, apple - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Corny, tacky decorations. Bunch of cheap religious stuff produced in China all over the walls. Seriously the funniest thing I've ever seen inside a restaurant in my entire life: a wooden American flag cross. Cover of the menu says "faith family and pancakes". Uhhh ok I'm just looking for the pancakes. Keep your diary to yourself. Imagine you're in Home Depot like "hey where are the lightbulbs" and the dude goes "let me tell you about how I'm a Muslim and I have a family first". Biggest question is why are all the decorations from china? Secretly anti-American? read more

Great breakfast choices. Shared the crab benedict with my sister. Added avocado, yikes $4 for a small half. Fruit bowl was an interesting combo but was fresh: melon, green grapes and bananas. Service was fine. She seemed to be in a hurry, so don't hesitate or she'll walk away to assist another table mid-sentence. Its a busy place and the wait quoted was a bit shorter, so there's that. Casual atmosphere. One stall bathroom. read more

Kate's Pancake House - Fresh fruit, half a $4 avocado and Crab Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Good solid breakfast. Pancakes were hot and good. Decaf was good and it came in a big mug. Our waitress was very nice, seemed happy and personable. I liked this place. read more

Haven't been to Kate's in years because we usually stay at a hotel that offers a free breakfast. We decided one day we had to go out for it instead. My spouse had a breakfast that included a pancake and waffle with her eggs and sausage. I had eggs, bacon, toast, and a pancake. Everything was very tasty and the coffee and service was good too. read more

Kate's Pancake House - Fancy paper cover for pancake syrup. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

This is a real traditional restaurant. I love being able to sit in a booth, have hot coffee replenished, and enjoy delicious food. The servers are all very friendly, and the food is hot and freshly made to order. I got the pancake trio again, and my husband ordered the cinnamon swirl French toast. Everything was delicious. The decaf coffee is awesome, and the real half and half on the table is what makes a cup of coffee for me. read more

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The decor and ambiance is typical Beach plywood, benches, plywood, backgrounds designed to pack in as many people as you possibly can. I will leave a photo. Server was very helpful. I asked for Tabasco sauce. She said she'd go check. I never heard another word from her. Other than that she checked on me like three or four times which is nice. Very friendly. The entire staff was extremely friendly. I got the eggs benedict California style was pretty good but the eggs were overcooked. They were hard as a rock for a poached egg. That's a little much. He came with home fries or boiled sliced potatoes. I wish they would have been a little crispier. They were straight boiled sliced and put on your plate. Not a bad place. I would definitely try them in you again. My three stars is for the eggs and the potatoes read more

Kate's Pancake House - Eggs benedict California style - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

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Although we had a bit of a wait, we had a great experience at Kate's! We each really enjoyed our food and had an amazing waitress and service despite how busy it was. Definitely a great spot for breakfast before the beach! read more

Kate's Pancake House - Two egg platter with scrambled eggs, bacon, home fries, and chocolate chip pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Enjoyed this spot enough to go two days in a row! Such a solid spot for breakfast. For pancakes, there are LOTS of flavors to choose from and you can customize them however you like. They all come with a dollop of whipped cream. Hubby's thoughts: sausage gravy & biscuit was really good! Kind of spicy, but delicious. 7/10 - a great choice for breakfast! read more

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We went to Kate's while in Carolina Beach. We had omelettes which were good but a little on the small side. I enjoyed what they call baby pancakes. Sydney was great and all of the ladies were super friendly. read more

Food was really good, service was great! Loved visiting from California. Will definitely be back in the future!

I was looking for a place that had many breakfast options because my traveling companion (My Mom) is very particular! Haha The interior is tight, but they make it work with friendly and kind service. The food was average... but our server made it a good experience. read more

Kate's Pancake House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

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We always have to stop here when we visit Carolina Beach... dunno why we just do. Pancakes and coffee

Wonderful. Simple, delicious, nothing too fancy, but still lots of options. Expect a bit of a wait, because apparently everyone else nearby knows how good this place is, but even then it didn't take too long. Party of 6 they told us 30 minute wait and it was maybe only 15. Even absolutely slammed it only took about 15 - 20 minutes for food to come out and everything was hot and fresh. Chicken and waffles, pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, french toast made from griddled banana bread, everything was on point. If you're ever thinking of going to breakfast down the road at a restaurant that rhymes with "lunches" don't, come to Kate's and have an infinitely better experience. read more

If you're looking for a true mom & pop experience, like your grandparents just made you the best breakfast ever and nostalgic flavors from the south, this is for you. I arrived when they had just opened the doors at 0630 and everyone was so kind. I got the hurricane omelet, home fries, French toast, and a side of bacon. This has been my favorite breakfast I've found in years. They have plenty condiments, free parking, and fair prices. My food came out fast and my waitress (Kerri?) was attentive, informative, & so sweet. The entire experience felt like home and I will definitely be returning! read more

Kate's Pancake House - Hurricane omelet, home fries, French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Kate's Pancake house has fast service and yummy food. I had the strawberry pancakes and they were delicious. The eggs are also good there. read more

Kate's Pancake House - Strawberry pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Very nice service- home fries had know flavor -biscuits were very dry-I would not recommend

Staff are awesome! The most fun and friendly waitress I have had in a long time. Frankly the food was just okay. The salt and pepper on the table came in very handy and made the meal pretty good. Biscuits and sausage gravy were the only real star here for me the rest was all a good but on the bland side. It's a nice place if you are looking for a quick breakfast while at the beach. read more

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Nope. I as expecting more from a place with PANCAKE in its name, but alas, I was disappointed. I asked our waitress which to get: Pigs-In-Blankets or Monte Cristo, and she said 'both are really good'. Liar, liar, pants on fire. I went with the Pigs and the sausages were so hard & chewy they were literally like cured meat. The pancakes were also dry and pretty flavorless. So disappointing. I'm giving 3stars (instead of two) simply because hubby said everything he got was 'alright'. Service was 'alright' as well. There is quite literally a breakfast/brunch place on every block in these seaside towns and we stopped at this one. Sigh. read more

Breakfast and lunch in the heart of Carolina Beach. We had a little bit of everything from pancakes to waffles and omelets to tofu bowls. The kids loved the hot chocolate and she brought my husband a side of whipped cream for fun! The service was amazing. Everyone was so kind. The decor is beachy and fun. A Christian environment with bibles on each table. read more

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Great diner breakfast, exactly what we were looking for. Good pancakes, solid French toast and lots of options to sub and side.

They stay pretty busy, but they know how to get you seated as soon as possible. the service was very good, the food wasn't bad at all for the price only thing i could "complain" about is that it wasn't very cool in there which i understand it's hot as hell outside right now but other than that solid 9/10 read more

Good food friendly service Waffles are fabulous Lots to choose from Had breathers twice read more

Kate's Pancake House - Yummy breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

- Private Parking lot off Lake Park Blvd (the main road thru town). Then off street parking and metered parking around since across street from the Boardwalk in Carolina beach. - Very child friendly. They have customizable breakfast for children on menu. They have sugar free syrup if you ask for them. They have creations and menus to play games/draw. Small sized drinks. - Extensive menu of pancakes and waffles as well as omelettes. I had the Greek and the serving size was amicable with freezing one person which was great. I know people LOVE huge portions but we prefer complete opposite and you can tell it's real eggs vs mixture which is why ;) all fresh ingredients too which was great including spinach which was not frozen like other breakfast places. - seating is all situated booths and high booths which are great for privacy with some back booths against benched seating on the wall. - Staff was very attentive, checking in often and interacting with the children. - Clean and comfy seating for people of all types old young big and small. Floored looked clean too. There are some things that could be improved too such as: - When you walk in there is a scent of trash can in the covered entrance area. This is due to a white trash can being in that closed in area. I understand why they do it allowing for trash both in and out to be discarded someplace but with the heat and closed small vicinity they may want to either upgrade that or get outdoor version by the door if allowed. - coffee was not the best cup of coffee I've had (and from reviews I tend to lean into the coffee lol) so I'd expect to have that scent and taste more bold. But that's me. Overall we will be back because this is a cute little hidden gem for breakfast for 100% certain. ***Always supporting small businesses and this one I support!*** read more

Kate's Pancake House - Greek omelette, white toast with grits. Kids mini pancakes with eggs and toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Friday morning 10:00am; our party of 6 was seated right away. The service was prompt and friendly. The menu is extensive. Hubby opted for the trio of pancakes - the red velvet was the best. I had the bacon, egg and cheese sammy with fried green tomato on a biscuit. It was delicious! Seriously, the best biscuit I've ever had. My son had the crab eggs Benedict, which was good but a little over the top rich bc of the bernaise sauce. The owner stopped by to ask how our meals were. Pretty good! We'll definitely come back. read more

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I ordered the Caribbean pleasure pancakes with scrambled eggs on the side. Service was excellent. Great ambience and loved the fact they were supporting breast cancer families. My scrambled eggs were not too buttery and felt it was cooked in a very healthy manner. Loved my pancakes. Never had pancakes before with pieces of banana and pecans stuffed inside the pancake. My husband orders omelette with steak stuffed inside it. He loved his omelette too. Homemade fries could have been better. Overall we enjoyed our breakfast. read more

The food was exactly what my taste buds were hoping for when I walked to Kate's while on vacation. The staff all felt like family and made me feel like I was joining their breakfast table (there are separate tables and no community tables). The ambiance was that of a diner where people were cozy near each other. Now let's dish about the fantastic options for pancakes!!! If you want to unite your inner dessert-loving self and the love of pancakes, you're there! There were great healthy options too, which I enjoyed 1 out of the 3 days in a row I went. It's great! read more

Food is mediocre, felt rushed to eat and leave as the restaurant was getting busy, did not think our server was friendly- maybe hit it on the wrong day- but would not eat there again. read more

I loved this place. It was busy & fast-paced. It's a perfect little diner & the food was amazing. I'd go back if I'm ever in the area. Our service was great also. read more

Kate's Pancake House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

My return to Kate's! Kate's is Wilmington adjacent in Carolina Beach (20ish min away from the city). Just like my previous review, it's 5 stars all around. I ordered the Kate's Trio Pancakes again. This is 3 sets of baby pancakes in any of the 3 flavors on their menu (besides their Healthy Pancakes). I wanted to get new flavors this time so I tried the Oreo, Caribbean Pleasure, and Red Velvet. The Oreo one was my favorite, but honestly you can't go wrong with any pick. Service was great. Our server had a positive attitude and was very upbeat. Kate's is a small place, so you may have a wait, but it's worth it. Both times they have over quoted the wait to us, so we were pleasantly surprised when it's less time. If you're planning a beach day, stop here for breakfast! read more

Kate's Pancake House - Big Breakfast Combo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina

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Great food, great service, my only complaints were the screaming child in the restaurant and the home fries. Sweet potato pancakes - no syrup needed. Eggs - very large and yokey. Yum Grits - I am not a grit fan, but these were delicious. Bacon and sausage link, better than average. Home fries - I liked these the least. They were potato slices and not cooked to crisp. Mushy and just weird. Everything you want in a breakfast spot as others have said, with a lot of variety. Yum. read more

I returned to Kate's Pancake House on my trip to Carolina Beach. It was a short walk from the hotel but they do have a parking lot. The staff was very welcoming when I got there as soon as it opened at 6:30am. I was given plenty of time to look over the menu even though I had already decided what I wanted. I went with the mini pancake trio which let me try three of the pancake options. I'm not a fan of pancakes and it isn't what I'd normally order but I knew I needed to try the pancakes here from the rave reviews. I went with the sweet potato pancakes (the basic one); very berry and Reeses. They were all amazing but the sweet potato were likely my favorite as they were light and fluffy. The very berry had blueberries in the pancakes and fresh berries on top. The Reeses was a good mixture of chocolate and peanut butter. I didn't use their syrup at all and ate them as they were. Service was friendly and most of the staff were checking in to see how the pancakes were and if I needed anything. I ended up back the second morning but I went a little bit later. I was welcomed back as they remembered me. I went with the Very Berry French toast this time. I was a little disappointed after the pancakes as the french toast wasn't as good. The berries were fabulous again though for being out of season they sure tasted like in season berries. I ate the French toast without syrup as the berries made it sweet enough. Service was outstanding on my second visit as well. If I make it back to Carolina Beach next year, I will be stopping at Kate's again and ordering more pancakes. read more

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Kate's is a solid breakfast / lunch joint at Carolina Beach. My Hurricane Omelet was perfectly cooked, with a generous serving of sausage and ham, plus the jalapeños I added. I loved the smoky flavor of the ham in every bite. The home fries weren't greasy and were well seasoned. I thought the prices were reasonable for a tourist location in season. Service was fine but not especially attentive. As far as the ambiance, it's a diner at the beach so if you don't have high expectations then you won't be disappointed. They tack on a 4% service charge for credit cards and suggest all sorts of generous tips for themselves. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see any handicapped parking in the lot. If you need a little extra accommodation at restaurants, Kate's might not be a good choice. read more

The food taste like old microwaved food, the only "good" thing is their pancakes and even those are mid. There was hair cooked into our pancakes. even the service wasn't that good. read more

Always make it to Kate's when we hit Carolina Beach. Friendly, no frills, but great food! The pancakes are tasty. My grandsons always get The Trio Pancakes so they can have a variety. read more

We went first day of vacation for breakfast and it was so delicious, we went back the next day. Staff is super friendly from hostess who seats you, to waitress to manager who rings you up. The food is great. First day I had omelette and it was cooked perfectly and the hash browns were crispy like I like them. Pancake was amazing too, the sweet potato one with all the stuff. Next day I had pancake trio, it was great, but preferred omelette with one pancake as you get more variety of foods. I don't know our waitresses name but she had two nose piercings. She was the perfect mixture of warm, friendly and efficient. Great restaurant, great food, great service. read more

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My total was 17.38 so I was like hey, what's up, hello. Food was great, service was great, ambience also great. Money well spent and a great start to the day. Pancakes were legit read more

Cute, local and so many options! I had banana nut pancakes and loved them! We were also able to walk there from our hotel thanks to their central CB location read more

Large and satisfying portions. The menu was diverse and the staff was friendly. We had the healthy burrito with tofu, and the trio baby stack with sweet potato, red velvet, and banana nut pancakes. The trio was a large portion and very sweet. I would recommend sharing this dish as a more desert option. read more

Kate's Pancake House - Healthy burrito and trio baby stack - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Carolina Beach, North Carolina