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

I have been a walker brothers lover my whole life & since this is the original one, I was excited to go. I don't like that they make the pancakes in peanut oil, but otherwise this place does what it's intended to. It's essentially a small diner type place & it works. The food comes out insanely quick, the waitstaff is lovely & kind & it's kind of the perfect hangover meal. I got the vegetarian skillet with sourdough & it was both incredibly greasy & also good. Eggs were good, but potatoes were pretty mushy - I like them crispy. However, the pancakes look insane & I'd return tbh read more

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

My husband and I were staying at Thompson and had breakfast here twice. The food and service were wonderful, however, upon the second visit we witnessed a concerning transaction between a customer and employee. A male server was conversing with an older gentlemen. The conversation was inappropriate, to say the least, and there seemed to be an exchange of a large quantity of cash from the older to younger gentlemen. I don't believe this kind behavior to be appropriate in such a setting, let alone one's place of work. It was extremely uncomfortable for my husband and I to overhear and witness. If you visit here, be aware you are in close proximity to other tables and might hear things you wish you did not! read more

I have been going to the Pancake House since I was a kid (60+ years) and the place is just beautiful, Tiffany glass windows and light fixtures, beautiful woodwork. Unfortunately, what used to be a consistently good experience has gone downhill. On our most recent visit, the waitperson got our order wrong and also served pancake that weren't cooked all the way through. The poached eggs on the eggs Benedict were hard boiled and the hash browns had no color and were tepid. I asked to have them cooked through and they came back a second time still undercooked. That's the second bad experience that we've had in a row so we assume that the restaurant just isn't that great anymore. So sad. read more

Probably my favorite breakfast place in the city. Food is very very good, I like the atmosphere a lot, but it is so small of a place for how popular it is. read more

With a name like Original Pancake House, I was psyched for the tastiest pancakes ever, but this ain't no IHOP. They may be the Original Pancake House for Chicago, but they are not International! It's super cramped, we sat at a table with people we did not know, next to a lady who kept blowing her nose! Nothing screams breakfast time like the sound of snot! We got our drinks after the meal, and I paid almost $5 for a regular cup of coffee that couldn't compare to the coffee in 7-11, that would be an insult to 7-11! The bacon was perfect, the eggs were fresh and tasty, and the waitress was trying to make it a good experience, and very nice. Once we deciphered the menu, the egg specialty was the only thing that made sense! Paying for their sides individually will have you taking a loan out geez! Where's Denny's when you need em? read more

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Delicious breakfast! I highly recommend the apple Dutch oven. Service is always fast. On a weekend you might have to wait for a table.

This place is great for "eat in " OR "take out"-my parents and I ate in and were seated immediately on a Saturday morning in March. The food is solid and the portions are colossal!!!! It appears that they do a large carry out/delivery service as well. The place is well managed and organized for both eat in and take out/ delivery which is good. The food-just OK. read more

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The worst corned beef hash ever. It was a flavorless mush. Pigs in a blanket were pathetic. The pigs were very tiny. The pancakes were average. Good fruit salad. Our friends bacon and eggs looked good. The service was excellent which made the experience three stars not two. read more

We came here around the time they opened and it was small yet so many people already there we were lucky to get a table. They have fresh squeezed orange juice and that was great. I decided to go with the southwestern skillet with a side of the seasonal pumpkin pancakes. This was a lot of food and I could not finish it. The skillet mix was good but the pancakes were fantastic. Also here you get the check and pay at the counter. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a big breakfast. read more

Original Pancake House - a plate of pancakes with a fried egg on top - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We vacationed in Chicago with the family and absolutely loved this place. The food was incredible--our kids couldn't get enough of the pig in a blanket, and I really enjoyed trying different variations of the Dutch baby. The service was impeccable, and the overall vibe was warm, welcoming, and family-friendly. I'd highly recommend this spot to anyone who considers breakfast a staple meal! read more

Original Pancake House - Vegetable Dutch Baby. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Original German pancakes at the Original Pancake House! I visited this unassuming brunch spot in Gold Coast and the flavors are just on point! Dutch baby taste like a cross between crepes and pancakes! soft and cheesy center fillings and slightly crispy edge, they call it Dutch baby but it's actually German pancakes 10/10 Irish Omelette omelette with corned beef hash and Swiss cheese, and it's baked in oven and sooo big 11/10 steak skillet a hearty skillet with everything like beef tenderloin, potatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms 9/10 read more

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Quick breakfast before our afternoon activities. The bacon was perfect and eggs were great. The service was good and we'd revisit this location when in the area read more

Original Pancake House - Bacon eggs toast & hashbrown - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I heard the waffles here were amazing so had to check it out and it was spot on! The waffle is super crispy but still so fluffy on the inside. The chocolate chip pancakes were also amazing! I can also recommend the hashbrowns with cheese and add jalapeños! read more

Great service, great food, great vibes! We came for a late brunch (2pm on a Saturday) and were seated immediately. The food came out so fast and we were thrilled with how good it tasted and how much food there was. Their pancakes are so fluffy and delicious. I got the Meat Lovers skillet and was not disappointed at all. It was so filling and so good! Highly recommend for anyone who wants breakfast for any meal. read more

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

I ordered takeout, so I cannot comment on the service or ambiance. I got a western skillet with a side of strawberry pancakes. The western skillet was very yummy. I liked the southern style potatoes in it. They were seasoned very well. The strawberry pancakes were phenomenal. I added whipped cream to them. The strawberry sauce that comes with it was delicious. It was my favorite part of my entire breakfast and I highly recommend commend them! read more

Doesn't get more classic than this. Fast service, great breakfast food. No complaints!!! I hope it goes without saying, but obviously get some pancakes if you end up here. Can't wait to go back!!! read more

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

The wait was not too terribly long and if it had been, it would have been worth every second of anticipation. We had the Swedish pancakes, blueberry pancakes and eggs and bacon. I'm a Swede, have had the real Swedish pancake in the recipe's homeland and these were extraordinary. Uncomplicated, eggy, weight and substance without being stodgy. Served with excellent lingonberry jam and butter (?). I was transported.... The pancakes... legitimate buttermilk pancakes with a crisp ... the slightest bit... caused by the perfect balance of butter and good old fashioned sugar. They have real maple syrup (I know, is there anything else?) And, if you question this comment please do your taste buds the favor and ween yourself off the corn syrup gunk that most breakfast places still serve. The real stuff, as you will experience here, brings griddle and batter to the next level. The eggs - a perfectly prepared scramble. The expert breakfast chefs stirred and pulled the egg as it cooked... they didn't cook a sunder then chop into pieces which is far too common with the hardy breakfast restaurant model. And then, there is the bacon. From the East Coast and Sweden, it is REALLY hard to find a nice cut and taste profile. The manager kindly shared their brand with me and I'm obsessed with filling my freezer for end times. We could go on for days about the efficient, friendly and still all business service.... Really great and I'm sad this can't be a regular experience due to geography... Lastly, if you have written a less than perfect review of the "breakfast to go" experience... get your ass to the restaurant and what the hell is wrong with you for ordering quality food in November and expecting a fine dining experience???? My family and I are currently making up excuses to save money, buy a flight JUST to have breakfast there again... Than you team OPH for nailing it and restoring my faith in the breakfast restaurant experience and business model. read more

Good value in terms of omelette that comes with 3 pancakes on the side. Make it a premium pancake past the potato pancake section of their menu for only $3 more or something like this. I got buckwheat and chocolate chip pancakes. Get the chocolate chip...you won't be sorry. The pancakes with the omelette are also thinner than the standalone pancake portions which I figured out. I loved them thinner than too thick and iHOPish. Jessica our server was sweet and awesome. We loved the hashbrowns on the side NO CHEESE. Omelette is cheesy enough! I got the fajita...which I wouldn't get again. Chicken was bland and I picked it out mostly. In terms of value it's a 4. In terms of food maybe a 3.8. The prices are not bad either at all. Fresh squeezed orange juice is nice also. Overall 4. read more

Original Pancake House - Swedish pancake....crepe without filling basically.. Swedish Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Used to be good, but it has changed. Now the food is worse than average tasting and quality, and has become ridiculously expensive for a simple breakfast! read more

We've eaten at this restaurant in other cities and it never disappoints. We walked into this super cute little restaurant located in down town Chicago. Our waitress was kind and efficient. We kept our order simple. My husband got the meat and cheese omelette and didn't realize it came with mushrooms. Thankfully, they were large enough to pull out as he went. I got the scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon and toast. We also ordered some pancakes. The pancakes were just ok. Everything else was pretty good. Be aware that they have a sign that says they prefer cash. read more

This place is good if you have the breakfast itch like I did. They give you a lot of food so beware. If two people you can almost share one meal. The service is good the young lady I had with the Balenciaga glasses was nice polite and checked in on me a few times. She also explained the menu really well. The place isn't packed. Well not while I was there. One take away I paid by card like I think most people do. The signs all over pay by cash I think should be removed. I know cash go directly to the workers. It feels weird I can't explain. Overall I would come back if I had that itch but it's not like this place u run fast to when you're in Chicago. read more

Clean plate club!!! Solid breakfast spot with very cute ambiance. Food was classic breakfast. Service was a little slow. read more

Original Pancake House - Buttermilk Dollar Cakes- 5 Stack - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of my favorite breakfast spots. Best fresh squeezed orange juice and friendly servers. There's indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor has windows next to the hallway people stand in line to wait for a table. It's a little awkward when you make eye contact when you're eating. I feel like a monkey at the zoo being watched. read more

Welcoming atmosphere, with an even higher sense of friendliness from the staff and even greater food. Despite being packed to the brim with occupants, took no more than five minutes to have the meal hot and ready to eat. Lovely artwork as well. read more

came on a weekday lunch time, got seated right away. I got the Dutch treat, and was told it would take 20 minutes. It is very good! A bit on the sweet side, but very fluffy pancake with loads of fruit read more

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

The wait was worth it. 20 Min on a Saturday morning was reasonable. Service was fast, and we had 6 great meals, omelets, pigs in blanket, crepes etc. read more

I rarely take out brunch unless I really like it. Dutch Baby is the one. The layer and texture with sugar powder, cream, and lemon make it perfect. The taste is simple, pure, and classic. read more

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My family and I came to eat here this morning and got a table outside. We ended up having to ask for our food to go because wasps were swarming our table. We were right next to a wasp trap which had about 10 wasps. Before our food came there were 4 wasps on the table near the syrup and flying around our heads, then once our food came out they multiplied significantly. I was worried about them stinging my baby and also it was annoying to keep trying to avoid them. We sat at a park nearby and had our food which was very delicious (we got sourdough french toast, eggs and bacon, and buttermilk pancakes). I would recommend sitting inside or be prepared to have wasps fly onto you/your food. We came around 10am and there were two people in line before us. We got seated quickly but I believe this is because we asked to sit outside. The inside was very busy and cramped. There is also no waitlist, you just wait in line. read more

A fun city atmosphere breakfast stop with great food. The place was pretty busy when we went but the food still came quick, hot, & fresh. All pancakes were perfect as well as the potatoes. Definitely a great breakfast stop. read more

Original Pancake House - Apple Pancake Pancake Southern Style Hash Brown Potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great service and great food! Hadn't been to this location in years. I love their fluffy yummy pancakes. They are honestly the best in town!! read more

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

Solid service, consistent original pancake house food, and amazing private label coffee.

I've been going to Original Pancake House for 20 years & the food is always amazing. The portions are filling, and it's always been at such a reasonable price. I always get the chocolate chip pancakes with their whipped cream, and it's still my favorite chocolate chip pancakes ever. I tried the Dutch treat, their speciality, for the first time and it was sooo good. The fruit was so fresh!! Knocked it down one star because at this location, the service was basically nonexistent. Our server took our order and then we never saw him again, and because we were seated outside it was hard to get his attention. I accidentally dropped my knife and wasn't able to get a new one. Overall though food is always 10/10 read more

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

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The outside of this place is fun. The inside of this place was ... dismal but buzzing with people on a Friday morning. I did. appreciate that the man showing people to their tables stated that outside seating had a lot of bees as we were planning on sitting outside until he made that remark. The service was good and paying at the counter is efficient, no need to wait around for the server. The food also came out very quick. I liked that instead of putting your name in, you wait in line. I feel like a lot of people might not enjoy that, but I think it adds to the charm of the establishment. The original french toast was good. Nothing crazy, but I don't think it necessarily needed to be crazy. read more

The food was solid and the portions were huge! It's good diner food and definitely enough to split. There was a decent line when I came in for Sunday brunch. Waited about 40 minutes. read more

Original Pancake House - Chocolate Chip Pancakes Strawberry Pancakes Create Your Own Skillet Southwestern Skillet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm glad they warned us about the bees swarming the patio but we still chose to eat outside because of the dog. Bees aside, I enjoyed a fun time on Sunday morning with a group of friends. The service was quick and straightforward. I ordered a Farmer's scramble with a side of buttermilk pancakes. The pancakes were my favorite part--fluffy, hot, and filling. However, the eggs lacked flavor completely, and I had to douse my plate with black pepper and Cholula. There also weren't a lot of veggies which was a little disappointing. The bill came out to under $25 per person which isn't bad considering a few of us ordered extra sides! read more

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

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We went here on a Saturday morning at 10am. They take no reservations and have no waitlist. We waited about 35 min (standing outside for the first 20) to get seated. Three of us got skillets and one got the egg white omelette. The skillet did not have much meat in it and was majority potatoes. Service was quick but not very personal or friendly. The only good part was the pancakes. They were fluffy and delish. I wouldn't come back here if I was looking for breakfast in the city - lots of other better places. read more

Original Pancake House - Western Skillet Meat Lover Skillet Egg White Garden Scrambler - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was okay, pretty typical breakfast food with typical Chicago inflation. Bacon was great