The staff is a delight and the food is delicious. The circus decor is odd but kind of cute. I look forward to going again. read more

Pancake Circus - Crab Cake Benedict Hash Browns Juice - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

My nostalgia is unceasing. Still $6.5 for 4 huuuuuuge buttermilk frisbees. Together with a timely Groupon, this place gave us a feast for a dime! And my nephew, like Taz, plowed thru everything,& loved the experience. He spotted all the clowns and remembered Pooh and Tigger's names. Awesome down-home diner days from a throwback of 50 years! read more

Pancake Circus - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime, weird, clown-themed diner experience...this is the place to go. Don't get me wrong, I dislike clowns just as much as the next person, but my friends encouraged me to try this place, explaining that it would bring back feelings of college nostalgia, and all of the strange diner experiences that we had. THEY WERE RIGHT. This place is amazing! Packed, too, which is a good indication of not just the decor but also the service and food. When you enter, you are immediately lambasted with multiple clown photographs and decor pieces around the restaurant. Booths usually have some circus animal adorned on the bench well (I had a gorilla). The waitresses wear the most amazing restaurant-themed shirts (you can buy these in white or black for $15). And the meal options are endless! I went with the Circus Big Top: 2 Circus pancakes, choice of meat (bacon, sausage, or ham), two eggs (which I substituted for toast), and hashbrowns. All for $9. And this is a healthy serving. I didn't even come close to finishing. Coffee is standard issue diner coffee, but it gets the job done, and refills are endless. Service is prompt and friendly. Overall, I really enjoyed my dining experience here. On the way out, be sure to get a gumball at the "Greatest Gumball Machine on Earth." It's quite a spectacular show for just 25 cents! read more

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Pancake Circus opened for limited in-restaurant dining since Sacramento County loosened its restrictions so my fiancee and I decided to try it for Sunday breakfast - our routine before COVID was to visit our 'neighborhood' breakfast spot for a nice, hardy Sunday breakfast but as it's still not open Pancake Circus was our only option. This is what we ordered: a coffee, OJ, french toast with a side of hashbrowns and the eggs benedict (classic) with a short stack side. The coffee was terrible but no surprise there. I didn't walk in expecting to get high quality brew. My fiancee's french toast was better than I expected - tasty and well cooked. Her side of hashbrowns were a bit under cooked and soft. The big issue was my eggs benedict - the hollandaise sauce tasted like a melted cheese sauce. And when you order the eggs benedicts you get to choose between scrambled or poached eggs, which seems like an odd question for an eggs benedict. Even after ordering the eggs poached they came HARD BOILED! Check out the picture attached. It was a struggle finishing this plate. Plus I had hash browns served the same way as my fiancee - under cooked and soft. The short stack of pancakes were the best part of our breakfast - no complaints there. The short stack and french toast saved this review from being a 1 star. It's a shame but I will not recommend this place at all. read more

Pancake Circus - I ordered poached eggs with my eggs benedict, and they came out hard boiled. - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

This place deserves higher than 3 star! We always have a good experience. Even when they are busy we get seated efficiently, order taken quick, and our food comes right out. Beyond that not looking for luxury here. Staff is super friendly and they are okay with splitting a plate with my daughter. I like the pancakes, they are thick, light, and fluffy! The rest of the food is typical diner food so as long as your expectations are not set too high this place is great! read more

The Pancake Circus is definitely fours stars in my book. 1) They have seafood written as "SEA FOOD" prominently on their marquee - which means they beat out their Bagle neighbor by 50 years or so. 2) They are retro through pure gritty survival. Sactown's single best example of Googie architecture (http://www.spaceagecity.com/googie/) 3) The waitresses might as well be from the set of Happy Days - it's beehives and "hon" all around. 4) Classic foods on the cheap - like steak and eggs, with 4 huge pancakes, and free-refill coffee for well under $10. Not many places can boast 1/10th of the kitsch this place has - and it isn't even trying. Thank you Pancake Circus, you make Sactown just that much more fun. read more

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I think it's named Pancake Circus because just like a circus, it's cheap, over-promises, and underdelivers. Although there weren't any lions or sword swallowers, Pancake Circus was certainly a place that I was eager to try. The name alone gives me ideas of childhood and fun, and breakfast is definitely the best meal of the day (fact not opinion). I ordered a standard biscuit and gravy and then two eggs with hash browns and bacon. The basic breakfast meal. My partner ordered pancakes. I was happy with how my biscuits and gravy turned out although they were nothing too special. Unfortunately, the remainder of my dish was not as desirable. The eggs were overcooked and the potatoes lacked any flavor at all and were slightly undercooked. Very disappointing. The highlight was definitely the pancakes that my partner got, which I should have guessed since the restaurant isn't called Biscuits and Gravy Circus. Service was just okay and the atmosphere leaves something to be desired. Definitely a great casual diner feel but without the usual delicious diner food. read more

Been going here since I was a kid. But $20 for a very simple breakfast, coffee and tip for this low quality of food is criminal. I like to support places like this but the sausage was so much grease I could hardly find the meat. The eggs over hard were so hard that parts were inedible. The hash browns were mostly brown and yet some parts were very dark brown to almost burnt. In conclusion, it still has some of its old charm but leaves a lot to be desired for the price. read more

September 2020 463 reviews and only Terri, poor Terri. It seems she doesn't like her job much. On this day, she was grumpy and ill-tempered. The experience was the opposite of hospitable our even circus-y (circuses prompt happy / fun childhood thoughts for me) I saw her mistreat an African American customer that was picking up food. I misjudged that Terri targeted her because Terri then mistreated me too. She was beyond chummy with some regular customers sitting outside so maybe she's just anti-new customers. The food is edible and fairly priced. Nothing special. But when you're in the hospitality service - it's nice to provide some degree of hospitality to the customers. Covid regulations have been hard on everyone. Terry gripes a lot about them. I will try this place one more time and hope that Nick Ruebel has had a chance to rectify or re-train by then. This was my personal experience on one visit. read more

Honestly, not my first choice for weekend brunch, HOWEVER, this was post-WIPEOUT run hunger we're talking about, AND Bacon and Butter's line was forever, as was Tower Cafe's...figures...so we ended up at Pancake Circus, which didn't disappoint! First-timers, prepare for a very vintage, dated diner scene (it's been around since the '70s, and the interior decorating still reflects that feel). Clowns everywhere, paintings on the walls, figures on display, even a Circus-themed gumball machine and wooden cutouts of circus animals. Good food, good price, great service, employees have been there a long time. They even have Lotto/Keno you can play from your table/seat for people who are into that! Ordered the No. 2, with bacon (or diced ham) scrambled into 2 eggs, and 3 Circus pancakes ($9) and orange juice. They have breakfast combos, omelettes, French Toast, crepes, eggs Benedict, waffles, special pancakes (fruit toppings), etc. I like big buttermilk pancakes any day! They also have senior and kids menus. I don't typically come here for lunch/dinner options but they do also have sandwiches, burgers, salads, and vegetarian choices too. Parking can be challenging during peak hours, although some spaces toward the bank are still valid for Pancake Circus customers. read more

Pancake Circus - No 2 with bacon (pancakes separate photo) - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

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UPDATE: they are back to only using fresh eggs! I ordered via Postmates this morning due to back to back meetings at home. I ordered the "Build You're Own Breakfast" which included 3 pancakes (silver dollar pancakes were requested), chicken fried steak, and scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese. Total cost was $15-$16. Great deal, food was good. I'll order from them again soon. read more

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Local breakfast spot with pretty good food for an affordable price. Service was friendly. If you think about it it's a better deal then going to IHOP or Dennys. I think people critique affordable places like this too much especially since inflation is on the rise. I ate good and saved money that's sounds like a good experience to me read more

The food is amazing and great customer service the sausage is good the pancakes are so fluffy and amazing the plates cups and silverware are all clean read more

I've finally brought myself to come to the diner of clowns on Broadway. I've always felt a little put off by it's somewhat creepy disney circus animal first impression, but it's actually cool and wholesome lol. The interior is still as it was in the early 60s and gives you that real authentic diner vibe. The coffee is just right and I'm not mad about my food - it's exactly how i would expect. It's like the recipes haven't changed since the 60s either. The floor is full of patrons which contradicts the "no one ever goes there" notion I've heard here and there. It appears many are regulars and friendly with each other and the staff. Seems like a place I'd take my dad to. Maybe I'm just a sucker for this type of nostalgia... in which case, paint my face and give me an oddly shaped tiny tricycle read more

We came downtown because we had a Groupon. Two stars because the server was friendly. Otherwise the food was barely edible. The pancakes were so tough that I felt like I was cutting through a steak. My husband said his waffles were mediocre. We waited a good 20-25 minutes and both our plates were practically cold. As someone else mentioned, it definitely tasted as if the food was frozen and reheated. I'm pretty sure I also saw a dead roach under one of the other tables as we passed by. Our waters were never refilled either. Won't be back. I'm bummed we drove 16 miles out for this. read more

Pancake Circus - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

Ok, this place is a little weird. The clown pictures scare me and the place is definitely over due for an update. However, I think that is what gives this place character. When the SO and I walked up, and I saw an ad for Lotto and Keno, I knew that I was in a legitimate diner. In case you didn't get the message, the entire place is circus theme so if you have clown phobia turn away now. I ordered a cup of Joe and I got that "kinda-too-strong-been-burned-at-the-bottom" flavor of coffee. I love it and kind of expect it at a diner. I ordered the #1; 2 eggs any style and 3 pancakes. It was super cheap ($6.00) and way more then I could handle. The pancakes were fluffy and perfect accompanied by great tasting scrambled eggs. The SO got a spanish omelette which was super tasty as well. I can't give 5 stars because the service left a lot to be desired. And, I had to ask 3 times for water. However, this is definitely a solid spot for diner food and is a must try if you are in Sacramento for a couple days. read more

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The food isn't amazing tbh but the vibes are really fun! If you're looking for a classic diner in Sac, try this place Super nice staff.

The best cheese blintzes in Sacramento! Their service is consistently good. One of our favorite breakfast spots!

I think they dug their lettuce out of a dumpster It was terrible. Simple turkey sandwich and side salad was beyond their capabilities. Never again. The waitress was great though. read more

so delicious keep up the great work definitely will be going back five stars is def not enough read more

I have been coming here since this place existed, that was back when I was a little girl and my aunt and uncle would bring me. On through the years several aunts would bring me, and when they became elderly I would bring them, then also my husband and later on our daughter. It's somewhere I enjoy and find comforting because of tradition and familiarity ... and they make great pancakes as well as other things. You can imagine how upset I was to arrive there at 2pm and find them closed when I expected them to be open til 3pm. I called the phone number thinking there might be an update on hours but there was not. I feared maybe they had gone out of business. The next day I came online to Yelp and saw they haven't gone, just have reduced hours but are still going. I hope everyone from around here will give them the takeout and delivery orders they need to remain open. I'd hate to see this landmark business go away. read more

Fast friendly service and no nonsense menu. A great alternative to the Denny's IHOP experience. Classic Clown and Circus themed, a unique Sacramento experience. read more

Not a bad little spot. Really old fashioned . Even the food is home cooked. Not that special but everything tasted good. My family and I enjoyed our food but in all honesty it needs to be upgraded. Nothing special about the customer service sooooo i dont think I will go out of my way to come back here but I cant say I wont be back read more

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I loved the food, delicious. I don't trust silverware at any restaurant so I didn't even bother to look at it, but she was happy to give me plastic ware. One of the workers was in the kitchen area and not wearing his mask properly. The front Man was wonderful to me, great attitude, great smile, I enjoyed him. I loved the art work. I think they could clean a bit more, but otherwise I enjoyed it. read more

With the pandemic, they're open for takeout from 8am-2pm. So consider that for helping to support local businesses on your next Sunday brunch. My boyfriend and I made a list of places we want to eat at again once we can and Pancake Circus topped it. I've been coming here for as long as I've lived here. It's a perfect greasy spoon breakfast diner with solid breakfast options and comfortingly eccentric/old school decor. read more

Came in this morning not sure if they were seating inside. Turns out they were with empty tables in between customers. Got the pancakes of course and let me just say two is all you'll need here lol. Big and fluffy pancakes. Two for $5 bucks isn't bad either, considering it filled me up. Coffee was hot and fresh. They kept the re fills coming which is always appreciated. Lastly excellent customer service. Fast and efficient . Food 4/5 Service 5/5 read more

Hard to believe but today was my first time dining here. The rest on my family has been here. I drive by on my way to other places often. We went to the Antique Faire around the corner so we stopped in. It is an old school diner serving only breakfast and lunch. When you walk in sign in on waitlist. They had a list of specials on the eraser board. I got the bananas and pecan French toast with eggs and bacon for $8. Hubby got rib-eye steak and eggs with 3 dinner plate size pancakes 10.99. Steak was good but not great. What do you want for the $? Both meals were very good. Service was fast and friendly. We parked on street but, there was available parking in lot. Pay at the counter. The fun part is they sell lottery tix. read more

Pancake Circus - Banana-pecan French toast w/ 2 eggs and 2 bacon. $8. Special - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

The omelet was small I ordered a 5 topping omelet...maybe they just do wimpy omelets, but that's fine I've never ate here so idk how big they usually are. got hash browns and toast and the HASH browns was such a small serving, they cut them. The food was somewhat warm. $2.60 for coffee ?! Since when She didn't come back to check on me, I had to waive her down several times for more coffee, she never made eye contact she was looking around while taking my order. It took her forever to come back to ask if i needed a box. Again, i had to waive her down as she assisted other tables. Maybe it was just morning time, anyway not going back. read more

Service and pancakes were great, however, the restaurant, could use some TLC and updating. Great place to go if you like the circus and clowns. read more

Pancake Circus has been up and down over the years but today was the worst. It wasn't the food, it was the service! There wasn't any! I walked in, found a seat at the counter and sat down. The waitress, who has been there since G-d was a colonel asked me if I wanted something to drink. I requested water. She brought it and disappeared to help other guests. After waiting for 7 minutes another server appeared but didn't say anything to me. By this time I am out of patience and got up to leave saying, "Since I can't get any service I'll be leaving." The new server asked if she could take my order and I said, "Too late," and left. I want to thank the servers for saving me $15.00. I went home and cooked my own breakfast! It will be another long spell before I go back! Perhaps it is time to get new staff! read more

Apple juice tasted moldy. Cashier was notified and did nothing to credit our bill or remedy the problem. All the the condiment containers were stick and or greasy. They really need to clean up their act. read more

Let the outdated, dilapidated, 70s exterior serve as a clue; this place is a below average breakfast joint seemingly transplanted from a central valley truck stop to our river city. The breakfast is edible, but there is nothing special about it. The scrambled eggs aren't supplemented with milk or clarified butter, they aren't fluffy and you won't be impressed. The country potatos were under cooked and under seasoned. We have too many awesome eateries in Sacramento to waste $15 a plate at this creepy, clown decorated, circus joint. read more

Pancake Circus - Breakfast - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

Had a great breakfast with Pancake Circus. Great service good food and fun atmosphere. Lot of delicious food. read more

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Ended up here on a Sunday after we attempted to go to the antique fair nearby. It would be easy to give this place a lower rating but sometimes a place is more about community than food. I saw many happy people enjoying food there with each other that is what is about. Prices were cheap and the decor brings memories of times past read more

Ive. Been coming to the Circus for 30 to 40 years. I meet a friend every Friday and we talk about the politics and past. most of the customers are here every time we are and I believe they are all native Sacramento's. Some of them. Have owned business her for years such as Cook Reality and Rellis Floweriest. The owner of Cook painting Ted and his wife Irena came her until they died in their late 80's and Waldo Floors comes here all the time. The Food is fresh and you always know what to expect. The coffee. Is always great and the staff has been here longer than several owners. Back in the 60's this was called Pancake Parade and I don't think the decorations have changed at all. The booths and tables are the newest things here and they are at least 15 years old. I give it five stars because this is the home of Sacramento. read more

The breakfast is good. I hate to say it (because it makes me feel old) but, it is not as good as it used to be... BUTTT it is still good (Yes, I started the sentence with a conjunction). I have been going for 20 plus years and it has always had a good atmosphere. Clientele is usually on the mature side. If you are in a hurry make sure to tell your server. I have only had breakfast there. Favorites - hot chocolate, strawberry pancakes and hash browns. FYI- The place is aged. Staff is semi-friendly. Don't expect cheerleaders. Portion sizes are huge. Food is fresh. Small and local business owners!!! Yay!!! Parking is good. Easy to get to. I hope this review was useful read more

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Love this place. Best pancakes in town and great service. I totally recommend! This is your basic American food.

Basic American basic place. Got the "lemon meringue" pancakes. I like that they were giant pancakes but that's pretty much all the pros. One should not state these are lemon meringue. What they mean is that they used the store bought canned lemon meringue filling and piped an overwhelming amount of it in between each pancake. Way overly sweet. And there was no meringue?!?! I would have been happy with at least whipped cream. And the pancakes were rubbery and dry. My sisters also got pancakes and they used an entire jug of syrup. They do have quick service. The portions are huge so you can share without starving. Also the prices were good too. There were 7 of us and paid less than $80 all together. read more

The food was phenomenal and though we went on Memorial Day and experienced a long wait, that was expected. We ordered the country Benedict and crab cake Benedict and the eggs were perfect. Absolutely worth the wait! I love the nostalgia of the past times in the wall memorabilia. read more

5 star old school diner! No frills with very nice service staff. They open early and get orders out pretty quick. I don't particularly like any of the flavored pancakes but the plain are standard and good. In my experience, the simple breakfast orders (fewest ingredients) stand out as the best things on the menu to me. The coffee is above average for a diner! read more