I've been wanting to eat at the pancake Circus for a long time but was never able to get in before they close. Today I finally got to eat here with my dear friend van. I ordered the Santa Fe scramble. It was a little bland for me as I prefer a Santa Fe scramble with plenty of diced chiles. Additionally, the salsa that was on top of the scramble was a bit on the mild side. Thus I would rate the Santa Fe scramble with three stars. On the other hand, the pancakes that came along with the Santa Fe scramble were delicious. These big fluffy buttermilk pancakes were served up with a huge dollop of whole butter. And the butter was all melty on top. After drowning the pancakes in maple syrup I dove in. For someone like me who doesn't eat pancakes that often this was quite a treat! Five stars for the pancakes. The service at the pancake Circus is excellent. We were immediately seated as soon as we came to the door and our coffee cups never became empty. Additional note: The Decour inside the pancake Circus is reminiscent of... You got it ...a circus!! I personally enjoyed the kitschy 1975 ambience is it reminded me a Circus. However, if you happen to be afraid of clowns, and I know some of you are, then you may want to rethink coming here. But if you can overcome your clown phobia I think you should come and order a big plate of pancakes and syrup at this restaurant. Enjoy ;) BTW The pancake Circus closes at 3 PM every day. read more

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Yummy Breakfast Diner - But Actually Needs Clowns SITREP I kinda feel like I'm in a time warp back to the 50s or the 70s, or god, the movie Prophecy, like I'm stuck in a diner and I'm going to be asked to help the pregnant lady give birth to the devil-spawn while horned-rimmed glass old lady's get ready to bash me over the head with satanic bibles as they call forth the prince of darkness. .........where was I? Oh! Yeah, great diner food here! SETUP I feel like the quality is definitely a step-up from Denny's - and I don't mean to be knocking Denny's - but Pancake Circus keeps more of the traditional aspects of American Breakfasts, complete with hash browns and great pancakes and eggs anyways you want them. To compare and contrast, I feel that Denny's has moved more into a less-expensive, yet nouveau breakfast stylized way of prepping items that is great for after-food clubbing with friends, but not my idea of Saturday or Sunday morning breakfast. THE LOWDOWN I really like Pancake Circus for keeping things traditional, since that's why I come here. To remember what it was like to be a 6 year-old before going to church to listen to the pastor preaching about Fire & Brimstone raining down upon our heads if we watched cartoons today. 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

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

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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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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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 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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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

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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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

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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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

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

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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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

Horrible service and the food was not good! I ordered scrambled eggs well done...they were not and the texture was rubber. Since I can't eat meat I asked the server if I could substitute anything else. She said yes we can add an egg. We discovered our food was COLD so we had to flag down our sever to request the plates be returned to the kitchen to get some hot food. Also, I was charged for the extra egg even though it was supposed to be a replacement for meat! I will never visit this restaurant again!!!! read more

Pancake Circus - The above photo is supposed to be Scrambled eggs "well done", I DON'T THINK SO - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

This was the first time my husband and I dinned in a restaurant for awhile. The service was very attentive. My husband also is in a wheel chair and they made it comfortable for him. The pancakes and French toast were hot and fresh. I would definitely come back again and support this Landmark in Sacramento. read more

10 things I like about Pancake Circus Maximus: 1. The sign behind the counter that says "Parking for Portuguese Only". 2. The bingo/keno on the TV. 3. When the waitress calls me "Hon". 4. That I can buy a super lotto ticket after my meal. 5. The circular air vents that my kid calls "cookies". 6. The emergency exit with the mangled up miniblind. 7. The sheets of tinted plastic over the windows. 8. The 2 way mirror on the managers door that allows him to spy on me while eating. 9. The abnormal amount of eye candy on the walls: clowns, animals, etc. 10. The stack of 4 pancakes!!! read more

The food is awesome, the service and smiles were awesome, if your looking for atmosphere, it is very unique! Reasonably priced for every unique individual, and it had plenty of those. There is a little bit of everyone because everyone loves great food read more

Pancake Circus - The manager bringing me a gift cup! - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

Face it! You already know what kind of diner this is. Locals, friends, local drunk friends, poopyshit coffee, & hit and miss meals...but hey, I like it, and feel at home. (Well, I cook much more flavorful food, but...whats a lazy girl to do?) No lie, I dig coming in hungover. Watered down maple extract, (syrup that the pancakes soak up like a sponge- youllneedahalfbottleof) fluffy rubbery eggs, machine mochas-topped with yummycheap whip and chocolate sauce..... ooooh yea....coat that stomach, woman!! This place is a nightmare out of the 70's, the service is rude, ( I loved our waitress honeypiesugarcakes) but hey...Like I said, I'm kinda into that kind of thing. I even like that they don't provide my kid with the usual crayons and activity page...its a take it or leave it joint....so, with the OK prices, short walk around the corner from home, and early hours, I take what I can get...and you KNOW I'll be back. read more

Pancake Circus - pancakes at dawn - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California