Food was amazing! I look forward to visiting this restaurant every time I'm in town. Would recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for a good breakfast, friendly staff, and quick order to table time. read more

If you're looking for a delicious, straightforward breakfast in the Gold Coast area, look no further. The Original Pancake House has a menu to rival IHOP when it comes to pancake and crepe selection. So much to choose from! When we arrived around 8:15am, there were plenty of tables inside and outside on their tree covered patio, and the staff let us know we could sit anywhere we liked. We chose a table inside but the outside area is beautiful if you want to enjoy the Chicago summer. Our server arrived quickly and was very friendly. The kitchen was so fast it felt like she took our order, walked back to the kitchen, and returned with our meals. Their standard egg breakfasts come with a stack of pancakes - you can pay a little more to upgrade to one of the fun flavors, so we chose blueberry. The portions were so massive I ended up ordering two side dishes for my breakfast, and I still couldn't finish it all. The blueberry pancakes were filled with fresh blueberries and SO good, the egg scramble with feta was delicious, and the home fries were pretty good. Our server asked if I wanted them crispy. I said no, but I should have said yes. They were a little soft - still delicious - but you can tell they'd be even better with a bit of a crispy edge. The prices may seem a little high, but when you see how much food you get for the price, you'll realize what a deal it is. Each meal could easily feed two people! We were in and out in under an hour and everyone who worked here was lovely. We will definitely be back to try more of the menu on our next visit! read more

Original Pancake House - Egg scramble with feta and hash brown potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First time trying this classic! It was so so good! Went over the long weekend and got seated immediately for the two of us. Classic diner vibes and food was amazing. I would definitely go again. read more

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I've tried this well-known breakfast spot several times. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, it offers attentive service and a lively, although sometimes loud, atmosphere. The food is average, and the prices are definitely on the higher end, which is understandable given the location. It's worth trying if you're visiting downtown Chicago, but keep in mind that parking can be difficult to find. read more

Original Pancake House - Front of menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Classic diner breakfast at Original Pancake House!!! The southwest skillet was big, filling, and flavorful. Great with some hot sauce! The side of pancakes were to die for with butter and syrup. Nice patio and decent indoor sized space as well. Service was okay! read more

Original Pancake House - Southwestern Skillet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is super old school quintessential diner vibes. Service is quick and efficient. The menu is very well round with lots of gluten free choices. The GF waffle was really good, soft and tasted good. No complaints on anything. read more

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Absolutely love Pancake House. Have been coming here for years and they never disappoint. A great place to take out of towners as well for that Midwestern diner experience. There is almost always a line - last Saturday we waited 40 minutes although it can be up to an hour if it wraps past the restaurant. Interior is cramped and loud but the ambiance is very charming. The service is a well oiled machine. They are also great with kids and provide color mats, crayons, and kids cups. Portions are absolutely massive. You could split a full pancake order for three to four people easily. The pancakes are fluffy and come with generous toppings. They are known for their Dutch baby which is a much lighter option. I love their crepes as well which have a huge serving and are very eggy. A neighborhood staple for a reason. read more

Original Pancake House - Skillet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My favorite breakfast place in Chicago downtown in the Gold Coast. My favorite entree is the Apple Pancake (but make sure you have at least 15 minutes for them to prepare it). Add a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and you are golden. You can't make reservations, so you may have to stand in line (especially on a weekend). read more

Original Pancake House - Apple Pancake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a cute neighborhood! I loved walking in this neighborhood then happened upon the cutest pancake shop. It was a bit of a wait, but nothing too crazy. I ordered strawberry pancakes with coffee, and almost ate the whole stack they were so good. The pancakes were served with syrup but also this delicious warm strawberry sauce. They had a lot of other breakfast options as well with veggie omelets, Benny's, and traditional breakfast. read more

Original Pancake House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place has the best pancakes I've ever had & super quick service! I wish I could've ordered more from the menu but the calorie count for the menu items was high so I stuck with getting silver dollar pancakes with bananas. Their maple syrup is to die for & leaves you wanting more! The restaurant space makes you feel like you're eating at home & my waitress was very knowledgeable & able to answer my questions about the menu. 10/10 recommend & can't wait to eat here again! read more

Original Pancake House - Banana Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

OMG. Didn't realize this was in IL too (from Vegas) So dam GOOOOOOOD!! A must have, the German Pancake!! read more

A pretty busy spot with old school diner vibes, we came in at 9:15AM on a Sunday to see a small line- by 10:30AM, the line was 30+ groups so come early. They have indoor and outdoor seating and the seating is tight. I will note, their AC was dripping water at times - make sure your seat is not underneath one of these. They won't seat you until your whole group is present. We all ordered something different- I went with the swedish pancakes, my husband got the buttermilk pancakes and sausage, my friend got the skillet with eggs and ham/peppers, with a side of chocolate chip pancakes, and we also got the corn beef hash. The pancakes were quite tasty and I see the hype. The chocolate chip ones were a bit overly chocolate for my taste. I will say the biggest rip off were the swedish pancakes. They were really tasty but they gave you 3 tiny thin basically crepe style pancakes, while everyone who got normal pancakes got up to 5. I feel like they could have easily given more for the $15 price. Coffee cups were cute, prices weren't cheap but you got a lot of food, and they only have one bathroom stall per gender so expect a line there too. read more

Original Pancake House - Tasty but only 3 Swedish pancakes for $15 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

food: some of the best brunch i've had in the city so far, the pancakes were perfect, love the variety from sweet to savory that they nail. my meat lovers skillet ale hit the spot and portions are big enough to have leftovers service: staff was very nice ambiance: it's nice interior, gets very busy so it will be loud and packed read more

Original Pancake House - Meat Lover Skillet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This was a highly recommended location to try. Seating was quick as we called ahead and we're told it wasn't a long wait. Andouille sausage skillet: ooooh it was steaming hot and sooo delicious. It comes with a side of three buttermilk pancakes which were buttery soft and just melted in the syrup. A very relaxing and laid back spot. There is outdoor patio seating as well. Prices are super reasonable and portions allow for leftovers. Other recommendations: apple pancakes read more

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Our group of 15 adults and kids walked in and were seated together and were extremely pleased with the service and menu. Everyone found something that caught their fancy and this breakfast ended up being the meal that they all talked about for the rest of our Chicago trip. Thanks for the service and we will be back again read more

I've been going to the pancake house in Orland Park and Oak Forest since the late 90's so I'm well aware what their food should taste like. Unfortunately this locations apple pancake was not the same. It tasted as though it had too much nutmeg and not enough cinnamon. The skillet was over peppered to the point of it being too spicy. The seating is super tight and the inside is small. Service was ok. read more

Original Pancake House - Apple pancake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This small breakfast restaurant is a charming place to enjoy a late morning brunch. The food is delicious and the service is quick. We've been here twice now and have had a great experience both times. You know it's going to be great when people are waiting in line down the sidewalk to get it. The wait is worth it though! read more

I wish I had come here more often when I worked around the corner because this place was delicious! It is a very small venue and it's kinda hot inside for the summer, but I wasn't too uncomfortable, and I still enjoyed myself. Again, I'm pretty basic so I stuck with the buttermilk pancakes with the side of bacon and let me tell you they are VERY generous with their portions. I got six pancakes and like four slices of bacon. I was very happy. Our server was pretty nice, as well. All of the staff seemed very kind. At the end, you do get a receipt and go up to pay at the front. There wasn't a line when I went, but I can see how it can potentially get backed up vs paying at the table. Also, I wasn't given the option or asked if I wanted to split my bill with my friend, so I don't know if that's just something they don't do or offer. Overall, I loved this place and whenever I'm in the area or looking for another breakfast place, this is definitely on my list . read more

Stayed at The Thompson Hotel across the street and I'm so glad that they had a location there! Ordered the pigs in a blanket because I just wanted a taste of their food before heading back to NY and I was not let down. Tasted amazing. The pancakes and sausages were cooked perfectly and the whole experience gave me "Experienced Diner" vibes. I would definitely visit again and try something a little riskier like the Dutch pancake. Service & Ambiance was cool, also gave me extra syrup. Although I was just coming to pick things up, it was packed and people were entering the same time I did. read more

Original Pancake House - Pigs in a Blanket with Pecan Pancakes ... 5/5 BUSSIN! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I truly enjoyed this place! My husband and I were able to walk in as soon as we arrived and were seated inside! The flower arrangements in the patio were beautiful but were attracting bees so we stayed inside! The waitress immediately came to us to take our orders. My husband had the 49ers and hashbrowns. I had the Two by four and an order of cheese grits.The grits were a great consistency and had the perfect amount of cheese in them. The pancakes and the eggs were fluffy and tasted amazing! So glad we choose this spot will definitely return! read more

Original Pancake House - 49er 49'er Flapjacks, cheese Grits, Two By Four, Southern Style Hash Brown Potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best pancakes and bacon I ever had. I got them to go ate them at my hotel across the street. read more

Original Pancake House - Pancakes & bacon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Everything was great from the food, service and ambiance. Will definitely be back for breakfast.

The junior plate was so simple but perfect and exactly what I wanted -- something sweet + savory. read more

Original Pancake House - Junior Plate with Sausage Links - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Just ok! I was here visiting for a work trip and decided to make the 20 minute walk for my favorite breakfast meal (a DUTCH BABY) Wait was about 15-20 mins. Server was friendly but the food was just mediocre, the OPH in the SoCal area is 100x better! read more

My first trip to my partner's hometown. We had breakfast here and I was not disappointed. The pancake, eggs, bacon, everything was soooo delish!!! Can't wait to go back. read more

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I enjoyed breakfast at Pancake House before heading to the airport. My daughter had told me about it, and I was just as impressed as she is. I had the Belgian Waffle, which was melt in your mouth light and fluffy. My daughter had chocolate chip pancakes, and the two of us split an order of bacon. Everything was so yummy! read more

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Food is amazing, fast service, and great ambiance. We try to visit every time we're in Chicago.

This place is super small and no rhyme or reason to the way people are sat. They don't take names just go off the honor system. I'm quite aware all the restaurants are not owned by the same person(s). I always order the same thing when I go to Ohop. This is my 1st time to this location. I get the corned beef hash with jalapenos. When I tell you there was absolutely no taste to my food. Service was fine. read more

What a disappointing attempt at a breakfast restaurant. Ordered food to-go and it's clear by the quality of the food, the hair found in both the pancakes and the syrup, that the staff do not want customers to return. The omelette I ordered was well overdone and dry, as well as unseasoned. Hair was found in the pancakes and the syrup. The hashbrown potatoes were soggy. Even the coffee was burnt and watered down. Do yourself a favor and dine elsewhere. read more

Long wait but worth it! The quantity of food and freshness of the potato's and pancakes were amazing!! read more

Original Pancake House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The pancakes that came with the omelet were very good. The syrup was also good, not the cheap goopy stuff. The pancakes bumped my review rating from 1 to 2 stars. While it was fluffy and perfectly round, the Irish Omelet was incomprehensibly bland... like eating air. It also just sat by itself on a plate with no garnish of any kind or anything to make it look appetizing, it looked as bland as it tasted. Service was mediocre. Our young server was attentive and smiled when we ordered but afterwards, had no observational skills at all. It wasn't for lack of effort because he certainly tried but he clearly had no (or inadequate) training--I blame the restaurant's lack of mentorship for his underperformance... I could tell he was trying but this young guy just didn't know what he didn't know. Although I did not see any mention of the surcharge before being seated, there was clearly a sign on the table that said they were imposing a $0.50 surcharge for each egg (which is $2.00 for my 4-egg omelet). Except on this exact day (April 17, '25), the price of eggs (according to eggprices-dot-org) was $3.11 a dozen, less than the price back on July 31, '24 ($3.20). The cost of eggs has stabilized to pre bird-flu shortage prices but this restaurant is choosing to be opportunistic by continuing with a now, unwarranted surcharge. This is just insulting to the customer. The bill also had a suggested tip ranging from a minimum of 20% to 28%. I realize it's just a suggestion but the audacity to ask for 28% with mediocre service and bland food is, again, insulting. Yes, I know this is just their suggestion and I am free to ignore it but it does reflect, in my opinion, a lack of respect to their customers. With so many choices in the neighborhood, I'll doubt I'll be back. (To avoid being overly harsh or unfair, I try to sit on my reviews for a couple weeks before reviewing & editting a last time before posting. My visit was April 17, '25. I have no idea if they are still imposing an egg surcharge.) read more

Original Pancake House - On my visit, eggs weer $3.11 /dz, the same price as ±7/31/24. Yet, this restaurant still imposes a 50-cent surcharge PER egg. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food and service were amazing! We were sat quickly and the food came out in less than 10 minutes of ordering. Sebastian was exceptional. We had such a great experience we will be back!! read more

Decent line out the door but moved very fast. Even thought it's just one small room, they pack plenty of people in and turn tables quickly. Eggs were up charged due to the flu but still fair pricing. I got the turkey sausage and egg plate with a side of banana pancakes. The turkey sausage was decent. The eggs were a soft scramble which I really liked even after accidentally over salting them. The pancakes were light and fluffy. Bananas inside them and on top providing just enough sweetness where I didn't feel like adding syrup. My dad got the southwestern skillet which was good. Potatoes could have been a little crispier but the rest of it meshed very well. He also got the original pancakes which even though slightly raw were still good. The same light and fluffy texture but needed syrup for the sweetness. Overall, very cozy vibe and great service. Will try the Dutch baby next time! read more

Original Pancake House - Turkey Sausage Links and Eggs, Banana Pancakes, Buttermilk Pancakes, and Southwestern Skillet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a gem in the city! A friend and I popped in after a Rumble class and were so thrilled to have so many delicious options. The staff was friendly and the food absolutely delicious. read more

Original Pancake House - H - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This has always been a solid breakfast place in Gold Coast but recently they food is not as tasteful as before. I always get egg benedict with potato pancakes. The cakes used to be good but recently they are simply nasty. It looks like the cooks take hash browns and turn them into potato pancakes. For the love of god, take some pride in the quality of food you are serving and stop cutting corners. You have unbelievable location with no other pancake houses within 5 block radius. Service was good. The waiting staff do a great job all the way around. If you still planing on eating here, keep in mind that the dinning room area is small and fill out fast. It's very common to stand in line to get a table. After my last experience with the potato pancakes, I would not recommend wasting your time in line. read more

Original Pancake House - Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I am NOT a chain person but convenience trumped! After reading the history, I'm impressed and happy I chose this spot. This is an old diner-style spot. I had the build your own skillet with feta, broccoli, jalapeños and spinach. It was fresh and delicious and perfectly spicy. The server was so fast on those coffee pours. Betcha I drank an entire pot. Oooopppps! History: This spot was started in 1953 in Portland, Oregon by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke. It is currently a second and third generation family business, maintaining those old ingredient standards. These are required....93 score butter, pure 36% whipping cream, and fresh grade AA eggs, along with their special recipe sourdough starter. Today, there are over one hundred-thirty restaurants worldwide, each with its own menu, owned privately and designed uniquely. read more

Original Pancake House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Adult daughter and l went to the Original Pancake House. It was a busy Friday morning, but we got right in. Bigger inside than we thought. We're from Michigan and it reminded me of an ihop, but in a good way. German themed decor. Very homey and cozy, tables are very close together. Very economical prices. Daughter ordered the Corn Beef Hash and Eggs. Eggs were good, but hash was tasteless. It looked like it came out of a can of Mary's Kitchen Hash-which we actually like! Mary's is generally salty, but OPH version had no flavor. I ordered the Minced Ham and Eggs which was great! They really did mince the ham, good portion, not skimpy. One option for my side that came with my order were the pancakes. If you are at Original Pancake House, you gotta order pancakes, right? So so good! I wonder if there was a malt flavoring, which l like, but there was something in it that made it better than what you make at home. Highly recommend! Only one bathroom, but very spacious inside, although the door is very narrow l'm not sure a wheel chair could get through it? Very clean bathroom. Our server was Mario. Nice guy, appropriately attentive, good service. All their staff were hustling to serve customers. We were seated near the kitchen and could observe the comradely amongst the staff. Other than the hash, we were very happy with our experience snd will definitely go back. read more

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Food was a great price and a classic wonderful breakfast! Everything seemed pretty customizable. Pancakes were my favorite! I didn't get a reservation but the wait wasn't too long. Nice family atmosphere. read more

Old school diner with large portions. Service was fast. Get there early or expect to wait on the weekends.

The Original Pancake House has all the attributes of what I look for in a breakfast/brunch establishment. Good traditional breakfast items like corn beef hash and eggs and awesome pancakes plus zero ambiance or the ambiance of a fast food diner. With a side of fast and brusk service. One would think I would absolutely love this place. First off, they don't take reservations so the hierarchy is just to show up early or wait in a long line. There's little to no space to spread out and if you're a small party, be grateful you're not you don't wind up sharing a table with a family of four kids. There's no pretense with the menu, if you want healthy go somewhere else. If you want hearty then this is your place. I got the corn beef hash and eggs over easy with buttermilk pancakes and a side of salami. Not great for the diet, but definitely will keep you warm on a chilly spring morning. Corn beef hash is corn beef hash and it should taste like it came out of a can, but not really come out of a can. This did. However, be advised that normal breakfast sides like hash browns or potatoes does not come with the meal, so my plate was literally corn beef hash on one side and eggs over easy on top with the pancakes on a separate plate and the salami as well. The pancakes were definitely the star of the show. You can taste the buttermilk and with the addition of syrup and butter, it felt like childhood on a plate. The salami however was overcooked to the point of being charred. It had no taste at that point, which was disappointing. The coffee was too watery for my liking, but the orange juice might or could have been fresh squeezed. Overall, Original Pancake House doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. We were lucky to have gotten there early as we were staying right across the street, but had we gone any later I'm sure the experience would have been very different, especially by the long lines that we saw on our way back from a run. read more

Original Pancake House - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois