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    Walker Bros. The Original Pancake House

    4.2 (899 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 2:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Walker Bros. The Original Pancake House Photos

    WALKER BROS. THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Buttermilk Pancakes
    Joseph S.

    I never expected to write a review on a Pancake House - but I was visiting family in Wilmette, and was intrigued by the restaurant's history. The very first Original Pancake House was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1953! The Walker Brothers of Chicago were one of the first franchisees, opening a restaurant in Wilmette, Illinois in 1960. Sixty six years later, the Original Pancake House they opened still operates on Green Bay Road in Wilmette. Of course, I ordered the Buttermilk Pancakes! On the menu under the Buttermilk Pancakes, it says 'Simple Is Best!', and it is! I was served six large pancakes - they were fluffy and light and I drenched them in syrup! We also ordered the Chocolate Chip pancakes which were delicious, like the Buttermilks, but with chips and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. I also ordered bacon - I have to mention I like my bacon extra crisp - and I know it's a challenge for most restaurants to cook it the way I like. About half the bacon was crispy and crunchy. The other half was chewy and I left that part; but enjoyed the crispy sections. Overall, it was a delicious breakfast - have I had better pancakes, yes I have, but these were as good as you'll find in most restaurants!

    Stephen C.

    Walker Brothers Original Pancake House is no joke. Every time I stop In here I leave with a belly full and a soul happy.

    Chipotle chicken crepe, banana pancakes
    Kit C.

    We loved the food here so much! The item that caught my eyes right away was the chipotle chicken crepe and it satisfied everything I was hoping for. The crepe was soft and delicious. The sauce paired so well with everything on it. It came with potato pancakes which was soft and tasty. The banana pancakes was soft and fluffy. And the hash brown was crispy on the outside and side and creamy on the inside. I especially loved the Hawaii kona coffee, it was the perfect pair to the food. The service was very quick and attentive and I love the stain glasses inside the diner.

    The beautiful stained glass.
    Jane O.

    Food was good, service very good and I love that they have dated yet beautiful interior and ambiance. I have gone here a few times whenever visiting friends in the area, so we went in today again. She and her family always get the Apple pancake, I forget what it's called on the menu. Apple pancake maybe. It always looks delicious but too sweet for breakfast or brunch for me. I got the spinach crepes with cheese that had 3potato pancakes per order. The potato pancakes were great. The crepes had hollandaise sauce on top with spinach and cheese in the filling. They were very good but I didn't really care for the cheese as it was some kind of cheese sauce and I was thinking it would have been shredded cheese of some sort. It wasn't awful just not to my liking. The service was great which all restaurants should strive to here. You can always tell when people are too busy talking and eating because I forget to take pictures of the food. lol Anyway this place is usually busy, especially on weekends, so obviously very popular for a reason. Plan accordingly.

    Asparagus garden
    Heather B.

    It was our first time at this location (Wilmette) vs. we've been at the Glenview location many times. Quick to be seated. Waiter was efficient. Staff is busy. Clean environment. No music, just loud chatter. More families here with kids. This will be adult and kid ratings: 1. Challah french toast 4 stars (kid) 2. Hash browns 3.5 stars (kid and adult) 3. Asparagus garden omelette 2 stars. (Adult) Eggs were overcooked and dried out and all veggies were undercooked. Recommend precooking asparagus and peppers. 4. Continental breakfast (adult) 4 stars. Liked the fresh orange juice. 5. Potato pancakes (latkes) 2 stars (adult) it was a bit burned. Sort of expecting a mix between. Pancake and hash brown consistency & needs seasoning of some kind. 6. Bacon - 5 stars (everyone) 7. Toast - 4 stars (everyone) but the jam is 5 stars. Thanks to the wait staff. Very hard working. The issue we see if with the chef. Or the timing. Or something. Service is 5 stars, chef quick, staff quick to respond.

    Hot chocolate with whip cream
    c g.

    Great customer service!! Very busy day so totally understand the wait. Server and bussers were very attentive. Food was so yummy!! I got pancakes,hash browns, scrambled eggs (eggs were top noice) Canadian bacon ,orange juice, bananas and cream. The location is beautiful, stainless glass lights and wood decor . Bathroom were every clean and nice

    Nazia C.

    I've been coming here for over 2 decades! Finally submitted a review. My go-to when I was younger was the continental breakfast with a side of chocolate chip pancakes. Sadly I'm older and more health conscious now so I ordered a Walker Bros breakfast and shared some apple cinnamon pancake with my friends. Coffee was good and wad refilled several times. Service was great and she checked in on us regularly.

    Venetian Benedict
    Peter H.

    We drove by on the way to an appointment, and knew we had to try it. I'm so amazing. The interior is amazing. Wood paneling, fiffany everywhere , and dripping with character. I'd recommend getting there off hours to avoid the line. I had a Venetian Benedict. It was frankly one of the best Benedict's I've eaten in my life. Everyone loved their food.

    Exterior shot!
    Kristen D.

    This felt like the most quintessential Wilmette stop for brunch with my grandmother. This pancake house has the most beautiful architectural decor - it feels as though you are stepping into a time machine when you walk through the front doors. Slow down and take in the space - you likely will have a chance to while you wait for a table, as this place is hopping! We got a table for 4 relatively quickly (10 - 15 minutes). Our waitress was attentive and quick. Even with a restaurant at capacity, service moved quickly and we were able to get much needed coffee and get our orders in for food. I'm a savory breakfast girly - and the two eggs any style, hash browns sizzled with sweet onions, and crispy bacon did not disappoint. Classic diner breakfast food done right - no complaints here!

    1 egg scrambled with cheese
    Kate K.

    I've been to Walker Bros before but its been a long time! I decided to meet a friend here for brunch and I'm so glad I did. We went on a Saturday- later side (12pm) because they can get super packed earlier. The parking lot gets full so there is also parking across the street. They were still pretty busy and we waited in line but moved up quickly because they were looking for 2 people. The place is exactly how I remember and I love the stain glass. They only serve breakfast here but they have so many options- pancakes, waffles, crepes, eggs, sides, etc. They have amazing speciality pancakes- that are massive! I decided to order side of bacon and eggs (add cheese) with a 1/2 order of the potato pancakes. We also got 1/2 order of the chocolate chip pancakes and another side of bacon. We requested the bacon well done. Everything was really fantastic. The eggs were fluffy, the pancakes were both flavorful, etc. My only issue was one of the orders of bacon wasnt that well done and fatty. Our waitress was also busy and didn't check in often. But this is a really solid place and I will be back! Overall experience 4.5/5

    Anne C.

    This place is . The vibe, the history, the beautiful nostalgia. Loved the experience from the second I got there. Service was terrific - we got seated right away on a weekday for brunch. (I hear that weekends there are lines out the door - I believe it! By the way, it's totally worth the wait). Our server was prompt, attentive and helpful. Had a long catch up with a friend and we were never rushed. This was my first time here - and I will be back! I had an egg white omelette with veggies and cheese. Literally the best Omelette I've ever had!!! So unique - it takes time to prepare (which they gave me a choice on to do a scramble vs. omelette). Again worth the wait. So beautifully presented. It's like a soufflé and so super tasty from the textures to the fresh ingredients. Portion size huge. My friend got a broccoli and cheese omelette which was also very tasty and her favorite. They came with a side of pancakes which were fluffy and delicious. Love the combo so you can get both savory and sweet. Their menu is vast - incredible range of breakfast items - I hear their potato pancakes are amazing - I bet everything is here. Highly recommend. (This is also the location where the restaurant scene in the movie Ordinary People was filmed). The stained glass all around was truly stunning.

    Rachel M.

    Had a really delicious breakfast here! The strawberry crepes and bacon were excellent. The blueberry pancakes had tons of blueberry mixed into the batter and were served with more blueberries for topping. The stained glass inside the restaurant is beautiful. We did not wait arriving around 9am on the 4th of July, but there was a line out the door when we left. Definitely recommend!

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    4 months ago

    Amazing pancakes, awesome staff, bustling atmosphere. They move through a long line efficiently. Stellar management

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    3 months ago

    Walker Brothers is "One" of the best restaurants in the north shore for breakfast or brunch!!!! The servers are the best!!!

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    2 months ago

    Lovely place. Delicious pancakes. Family oriented . Hot coffee ! Food is served hot , friendly staff. Good for brunch !

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    Page 1 of 23

    Ask the Community - Walker Bros. The Original Pancake House

    Sunday hours for Wilmette location?

    The hours are Monday - Sunday 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

    Which location is closest to airport?

    All of the locations are within 16-25 miles of O’Hare but the Wilmette location would be the closest at 16 miles.

    Which location is closest to Great Lakes?

    I would say our Highland Park location, which is located at 620 Central Avenue, Highland Park, IL.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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