Stepping into this place is like stepping back a couple decades, nothing has changed and that's how you want it! The food is absolutely incredible- everything you can think of is made to perfection. Old school diner vibes with fast, efficient, and friendly service. The entire menu is affordable, the service is great, overall so nostalgic. The hotcakes are a must & the burgers w/ sweet potato fries are my go to. While this place isn't open 24/7 anymore, the hours are generous. Remember, it's a local joint with tenured staff- they stop the grill an hour before close. No matter the hours, this place is such a gem and worth everyone's time. read more

Original Hotcake House - Diners Near Me - Portland, Oregon

It's a diner in the very best of "greasy spoon" tradition. Nothing is fancy, but pretty much everything is super delicious. Chicken-fried steak with hash browns & gravy is soooo satisfying! Also great people-watching. The only complaint is that since the pandemic, they're no longer open 24h (it used to be a perfect late-night spot). read more

Are you looking for a Portland institution, with classic greasy spoon diner food? You want to come here! Are you looking for quick service and really nice people? Come here! This place was great, I had loaded hash browns, and they are more like potato peels they were so thick, everything was crispy, the sausage was delicious, the meat was plentiful, and they didn't scrimp on anything, my hash browns lasted 4 meals. More importantly let's talk pancakes, one is enough, it is the size of a platter, and they are so light and fluffy, just wow! Classic diner ambiance, with and old school feel. read more

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Original Hotcake House -- Blink and You'll Miss It, But Your Stomach Won't You'd walk right past this joint if you weren't looking for it--and you probably wouldn't step inside unless Yelp put it on your radar. That's exactly how I ended up here, killing time between appointments at the nearby VA Medical Center. The drill is simple: read the board, order at the counter, pay up, grab a number, and find a seat. No ceremony, no nonsense. Your food shows up fast. Easy peazzy. I went with the classic combat loadout: two eggs over-medium, bacon, crispy hash browns, and a biscuit with a side of country gravy... HOOAH! Execution? Nailed it. Eggs cooked perfectly, bacon thick and meaty, hash browns plentiful and done right, and a massive biscuit drowning in gravy. Mission accomplished. I left full, satisfied, and oddly respected. Now let's be honest--the place could use a facelift. It looks like it's been through a few campaigns. But clearly, whatever they're doing works. Bonus points: open 24 hours, which already puts them ahead of half the competition. The staff were friendly, efficient, and squared away. And all this for about $20? That's a win in today's battlefield economy. CombatCritic gives Original Hotcake House 8 Bombs Out of 10 More bombs are better - unless you're on the receiving end - HOOAH! read more

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What do you expect from a place that calls itself the Original Hotcake House? Huge portions. Hotcakes big, fluffy, and flavorful. Add a side of crispy bacon and a couple of eggs. A cup of coffee. Not much else you can ask for. Reasonable service. Nothing too fancy. Just decent food. This is a roll up your sleeves and grab a fork kind of place. Open 24 hours. read more

Everything is always good! Best hotcakes out there! This is our go to spot now ! If you haven't tried them - ur missing out!

Disclaimer: if you're wondering, what kind of granola bowl options they have, or what's on their heart smart menu, this is not the place for you. However, If you are in the mood for a world-class greasy spoon, well my friend, look no further because you have arrived. The plates come three ways in this diner, big, greasy, and well fried. But the food is outstanding. Wagon wheel size pancakes that are about an inch thick, exceptional ground sausage and worthy sausage links too. Outstanding sourdough bread. So good I'm going back to have it in a sandwich. The grill so hot that your egg comes with a crispy fried edge. I can just feel the age of this diner, and the countless number of blue plate specials and stick to your ribs meals that must've passed through the service window boggles the mind. The guys behind the counter were nice. It's order at the window and they bring it to your table. This is another classic and old piece of Portland that simply should not be missed. Don't read this review and not go there if you think this might be for you, because it is worth the drive. read more

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We were welcomed into this outdated diner upon entering by the friendly staff. It was pretty quiet we did notice there was no music playing. The food was typical dinner food. I do think that hotcakes were well made. Generous portions. Again service was great but it is pretty outdated. They need something to brighten up the place. read more

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This place feels like an old school diner that is not for the faint of heart. I wouldn't wear a belt, there's no gluten-free, lactose free, heart healthy options. It's fat cakes with meat, eggs and taters on a big platter. The hotcakes are very big with a doughy texture which I liked. These hotcakes are not going to be crispy on either end. I got the chorizo and eggs with two hotcakes, the chorizo is OK, but I wish it was slightly spicier. My girlfriend got the waffle breakfast with sausage links and eggs, which were great. The waffles are thinner than your traditional waffles, but it was crispy all around well cooked and flavorful. My one gripe is hashbrowns are not included in their breakfast specials with their hot cakes. You either get protein plus your hotcakes or protein with hashbrowns and toast. Hashbrowns are eight dollars as a side, which I thought was kind of weird. Overall: I would definitely go back for the healthy portions and hotcakes themselves. Going to try their sandwiches or burgers next time I go. read more

I'd probably give this a 3.5 because it's a little better than three and not quite a four. This place used to be a 24 Hour Pl. but it has a particular appeal to it because it's classic Portland. It's pretty affordable though it's not super high quality. The staff are always friendly and I enjoy going there for their jukebox and Their breakfast menu. read more

Original Hotcake House - Diners Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Man! You need to get into this place before 10 AM because the line goes out the door on weekends! Good big ol portions of classic comfort diner food. If you're hungry and looking for a bite, this is a good place! The inside seating is a little on the small side, but hey. It's a classic diner. What do you expect. It's easily accessible by TriMet bus routes 19, 70, and 291 as well as the MAX Orange light rail line. Happy eating! :) read more

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Kinda dingy, massive portions, quirky staff and a jukebox. All hallmarks of a great diner. Having grown up eating Waffle House and Huddle House in the South, this place felt a little like home. Located steps from the Aladdin Theatre, it's the type of place I loved in my 20s when I could eat anything at any time. Its omelettes and hash browns are of the magnitude to soak up alcohol and temper a hangover. Add a couple pieces of buttered toast with strawberry jam and I was good to go. (3.5 stars). read more

Sometimes when my husband I travel we end up in spots and I wonder, 'where are we'? Just like this place. Our daughter gave us the 411 and said breakfast slaps and it's cheap. But, she also assured us that this place in the Southeast Portland area isn't sexy or high-end. She was right. Hotcake House screeches outdated Formica counters, wood panels, orangey wood furniture with a whisper of school cafeteria. This could probably be the absolute best place to overhear your fill of local gossip. Since our kid knows the restaurant and menu well, we sat and she ordered up and paid. Server brings your meal over and voila- you're eating. Basic is what you get. Nothing flashy. Don't expect artisanal waffles-but the fresh macerated strawberries, elevated them from 0 to 5 and my daughter's fluffy pancakes kept her satisfied. Service was pleasant and the music was an eclectic mix of R&B and Indie. Restaurants want to add flair to the menu- with micro greens this, aioli that, jalapeño everywhere and maybe some pickling- this is none of that. Fuck the dated look- come here for the breakfast (and lunch items). Hotcake House is consistently busy every time as my daughter told us and we noticed, so it's worth checking out the hype. read more

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Food was great you get a lot for your money it's very small but the service is great!

This definitely gives old school diner dive and I loved it! You place your order at the front and then you help yourself to your coffee or water . Then you seat yourself . The food was good ... the pancakes literally put IHOP to shame ! Everything is priced amazing and huge portion sizes ! Stop by and grab some grub. You won't regret it! read more

Original Hotcake House - Diners Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I've been going to Hotcake House for years, and I'm always happy to come back. From the get go, it has a homey-feel with the traditional diner set up. There's even a jukebox where you can pay $0.50 to choose a song of your liking. You order with the cashier before seating yourself, and the staff have always been very kind and attend to your needs. My go-to order always consists of the hotcake and the hash browns. The portions are massive, so these items are definitely worth the value. I love the way they make their hot cakes hash browns -- they've got it down with the textures and the flavors. My friends also ordered the sweet potato fries, chicken strips, and the T-Bone steak. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal. Definitely check this place out! read more

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Great hotcakes, good service, nice classic diner ambience. The french toast and omelettes were all tasty. Good no frills place and good for a morning after with a hangover too read more

The food was delicious, extra greasy means extra flavorful especially at a diner. The hash browns with gravy on them vaguely reminded me of waffle house. The "hotcakes" are fluffy and buttery. They are like massive sweet pillows. Atmosphere is really cool too, just be sure to go early and on a weekday or you're gonna be dealing with the busy times. There's a reason the place is packed often and it's the food and the chill vibes attached. read more

Great food and service! Friendly staff and helpful servers. Thank you for having us! We will be back :)

Great food - great service - same old cool atmosphere. The service is fantastic. Always a family favorite!

Burned my pancakes AGAIN... I have been going to this place for over 50 years. Went again yesterday for brunch and was so looking forward to some good hotcakes. Everyone around me was getting beautiful golden cakes and when my plate came, my cakes were dark brown. Tasted burned and I left one on the plate because I could not eat it. So disappointed that I will not go back. read more

This is the "original" of originals and I'm so saddened they aren't opened 24/7 anymore... I remember hearing Obama even stopped by here way back when. What a story to tell the kids. Anywho, great food and service. Nothing special, but delicious and wholesome breakfast from A to Z. A huge menu at that, but all tasty. There's usually a line, so plan your visit accordingly if you don't want to wait too long. read more

My mom and I went there today for breakfast. We were finishing our food and I noticed a dark facial hair on her bacon. We flagged down one of the servers and her response was "Well I can't go back there and do a DNA test. Do you want your money back?" We replied "No, we just wanted to make you aware that there's hair in the food". The server responded "I didn't serve your table so I don't what you want me to say". Very displeased with how nonchalant she was. The food also wasn't anything to brag about. It had been years since I ate here and after this experience, I won't be back. read more

Always a good call. Hadn't been in for years (and like many it would have been a late night/ post booze session munchy kick). But came on a Sunday afternoon and it was nearly empty. Great breakfast for dinner. Large portion, tasty, hard working people behind the counter. I had 3 eggs and hash browns with a hotcake on the side. Son had a burger, wife had an omelette. All of it was good. I'll be back read more

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I have been coming to this place since a decade ago, but haven't been here for a few years. It's an old school type breakfast place and the chicken fried steak and hotcakes are my absolute favorite. So many years later and it still tastes the same. This place has the best chicken fried steak and hotcakes I've ever had. I hope they never close down! It will probably be a few more years until I go back again, and it's nice to know they always stay the same. If you are looking for a healthy breakfast/brunch spot, this is not for you and nope, nobody is going to check on your table to see how you are doing and you will have to ask for everything you need/want. When you walk in, you place the order first and bring a number card to your table. Someone delivers the food to the table then busts it after you leave. The hotcakes are bigger than my face! Prices have gone up quite a bit over the years, but it's still worth it to me since portions are huge. If you love chicken fried steak and hotcakes, this hole in the wall spot won't disappoint. read more

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Been here a number of times and have always had a good experience until today. After I've worked more than 20 hours at the hospital, I'll come here for breakfast to go. Today, the pancakes were brunt black and tasted like burned dough. It's such a disappointment because I've reliably had great pancakes from here and literally no where else in Portland. read more

Original Hotcake House - Brunt pancakes - Diners Near Me - Portland, Oregon

the food was honestly really good but almost $5 for a cup of coffee that you gotta serve yourself AND it tasting burnt coffee beans is absolutely criminal in my opinion the pricing was also kind of high for a place that does not provide full service from a waiter/waitress but if thats more your thing to be left alone and do your own thing thing then this place is definitely for you read more

I got the New York steak breakfast. It came with eggs and hotcakes. All for $25. Eggs were really fluffy. Steak was cooked just like I like. Diner ambiance inside. Service was good. Good deal for what I got. I'd get it again. read more

Food was great prices excellent food. I would say this is like an old 1950s dinner come back to life after the the Great Depression. If you need a date night and don't want to break the bank then come on down and grab you some souther old style hospitality. read more

Original Hotcake House - Meat lovers omelette plant if food and you can take it home with you. - Diners Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great old school diner with big servings and fresh off the grill. If you're looking for fancy this is not the place, this is retro and will take you back in time. read more

This place is one of my favorite traditional American breakfast diners in Portland. The servers are always friendly and the food is prepared quick. On top of that- I hardly ever can finish my whole plate which is difficult because it's always so tasty (and a bit greasy but that's how trad American breakfast is supposed to be!). Good price and comfort food for the win. read more

French toast with sausage was good. Chorizo and eggs were disappointing because the chorizo was more like a chopped patty.

My sister brought me, my daughters, and my brother in law here for breakfast when we visited for the weekend. You walk in and you order and get a plastic number card to set on your table. After you order you pick a table and wait and one of the employees will bring your food out to you. When they dropped food off they asked if we needed anything else and got it for us, after that they didn't come back and check on us. We ordered all breakfast food. We had an egg and cheese omelet, blueberry pancakes, strawberry pancakes, and a meat lovers omelette. All the food came out hot and fresh. The pancakes were HUGE!! The egg dishes came with pancakes or hash browns. Everything thing tasted great!! The employees were all very nice and helpful. Like other reviewers say they don't come check on you once you get your food. Apparently this place has been around for 100 years. It's definitely a greasy spoon breakfast place but food was great and employees were kind. Also, it's kid/family friendly. We will be back if/when we visit Portland again. read more

Succulent delectable toast.. jam provided for free after you pay. Soggy hashbrowns just like I like them :) If you come here on Tuesday nights after they are already closed, you can NOT order decaf coffee, so maybe steer clear after 9:30. 3.5 stars. Ambiance is good to fine. read more

Original Hotcake House - Finished toast - Diners Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I love this place. The food is good. It's a great greasy spoon restaurant. You can watch your delicious breakfast being made. I have been here so many time and the service is always quick. read more

Food is rock solid and an affordable FEAST. The juke box is solid and post pandemic it really does remind you of what a plate sized perfectly prepared pancake can do for your soul. Thanks 24 hour hotcake house. There are simple joys worth turning up for and supporting. Get in there. Simple and ample goodness awaits! read more

this was my second time at hotcake house and as usual it was delicious. the food comes in big portions and is fairly priced. this is a cozy diner that i continue to come back to :) read more

Original Hotcake House - Hashbrowns Chicken Strips Top Sirloin sweet potato fries hotcakes - Diners Near Me - Portland, Oregon

An older establishment with a good price point. I had dinner earlier after being in town for my second night. Wifey was craving bacon and eggs, only 5 minutes away and here we were. I ordered 2 pancakes only and finished one. They were thick and big. My wife finished her 2 eggs and bacon and took a few bites before she threw in the towel. I really need to be hungry to try 2 pancakes again. read more

The food is fantastic, the portions are great and the staff was very friendly! I had biscuits and gravy... top notch! read more

My wife, brother and I went there just now. Big selection of food and drinks. The pancakes here were absolutely fantastic! Our first time here, we're definitely coming back! read more