The Original Pancake House — Restaurant in Chicago

Finally had a chance to try this place and what a disappointment. Came in around 9am on Mon Aug 15, 2022 and was sat right away. Ordered a tomato juice, and a steak skillet with pancakes, since you have a choice of toast or their buttermilk pancakes. I specifically asked for both my eggs and steak cooked medium. The steak came back very well done.

Food came out at a decent time and was piping hot. I dug into the pancake first since those get cold pretty fast and ate 1 of the 3. It was delicious. Eggs were perfectly cooked and all I added was a sprinkle of pepper on top. Once I dug in, I got a fork full of hash, a piece of overcooked steak and some of the egg. It was like eating a salt lick. I tried smothering it in the egg yolk and ketchup and it was still so salty that it was inedible. (Before you ask, yes I mixed everything around to ensure it wasn't just one section. The hash is oversalted) I finished my pancakes since I was hungry and both my glass of water and tomato juice.

The waiter asked me if I wanted a to go box and I said no. I told him the skillet was so salty I couldn't eat after 2 bites and the steak was so hard & chewy because it was overcooked. He said nothing in return and just handed me my receipt and said I can pay up front.

As someone who lives in the neighborhood, I probably won't be coming back. I'd say anyone wanting to eat here, to stick with their sweeter options for breakfast since that's what I noticed most tables around me ordered. Notably, most were also tourists. If you don't like extremely salty foods, stay away from their skillet or hashbrowns. I found it was pretty inedible as seen in the pictures I've posted. I took a picture of the food once it arrived and the other photo is how I left, with about 95% of the skillet still in tact. It's definitely not worth the $16.50 price point. There are much better places on the same block that will serve steak and potatoes without the overabundance of salt/seasoning.

I gladly paid my bill and tipped the waiter, but won't be returning nor recommending this place anytime soon. I spent $22+ tip on 3 pancakes and a large tomato...

For the past 35+ years I have been a consistent regular customer at this restaurant, for every family life celebration, BUT NOT AT THIS LOCATION; & specifically for the AMAZING APPLE PANCAKE. However, on this day my friend and I decided to dine in for breakfast and try a different menu item. I ordered the french toast and asked for fresh fruit on top, not expecting them to return with blueberry compote. I asked for the item to be removed from the bill, as it was not eaten. The manager Rebecca came to the table, said you don’t want this? As she picked up the food, she asked for the receipt then snatched the receipt OUT OF MY HAND, crumpled it, threw it into the food, and grabbed another small plate and turned it upside down throwing that onto the plate as well ,obviously causing racket and attention. Astonished, I said “that was rude”, as she displayed the most disgusting disrespectful behavior I have ever encountered. I grew up going to all of the different locations throughout the Chicagoland area, and have never experienced such rude and disrespectful treatment. She obviously does not like her job. Unfortunately, the rest of the staff’s friendly and respectful customer service was overshadowed by their manager Rebecca. FIND A DIFFERENT LOCATION TO DINE AT...

Google review for The Original Pancake House in Chicago, Illinois:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Original Pancake House in Chicago is hands down one of the best breakfast spots I've ever visited. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made me feel right at home.

The menu is extensive and offers a wide variety of breakfast options, but the pancakes are the true star of the show. I ordered the Apple Pancake, and it was absolutely delicious—fluffy, perfectly cooked, and loaded with fresh apples and cinnamon. The Dutch Baby was also a standout, with a light and airy texture that paired wonderfully with lemon and powdered sugar.

The service was top-notch; our server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. The coffee was hot and freshly brewed, which was a great complement to the hearty breakfast.

The Original Pancake House is perfect for a cozy family breakfast or a casual brunch with friends. The quality of the food and the overall dining experience make it a must-visit spot in Chicago. I can't wait to come back and try more items from...