A&J Pancake House — Restaurant in Lodi

First time at this establishment. I love to support local businesses so my husband and I decided to give this a try on a Sunday around 11 am. Let me tell you what I loved and what I didn't love. The place was cutely decorated but much smaller than I expected, almost surprisingly small and they were busy. We were greeted very warmly immediately upon entering and were directed to seating along the bench tables. The lady explained to us that when we are ready to order to do so at the counter. I instantly felt claustrophobic and even more so when the table on the other side of us was seated with people. Before the food was even served we had decided to ask it to be wrapped up to go. So on to the food. I ordered the tiramisu pancakes and my husband ordered the tres leches pancakes, after all it is called a pancake house so we had to go for the pancakes. While ordering and paying I again was reminded of how tight the space was as I felt I may elbow the customer in the head that was sitting near the register as I was trying to tap my card to pay. I feel they felt a little uncomfortable as well since I saw them lean out of the way. I gave them a 20% tip even though I am not big on tipping when I am not waited on and have to physically get up to pour my own coffee, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt that the food was going to be amazing. I poured a cup of their Columbian coffee which was a delicious full bodied coffee, probably the best cup of coffee I have had in awhile. Now remember I felt too crowded and uncomfortable at the seating area so we took our food to go. At home now, we dug into our pancakes, faithful these we going to be delicious. I was disappointed, the tiramisu pancakes lacked fluffiness or any kind of flavor at all and the cinnamon left a bitter flavor as the after taste. My husband, who is a big pancake person was disappointed in the lack of fluff as well but I did get a bite of his and his pancakes had a little more flavor. We discussed if we would visit again and decided we would, on a different day and sit at an individual table and definitely pass on the $14 pancakes. Every place deserves a second chance but to call themselves a pancake house I feel that...

My wife and I had brunch there on Tuesday. Decor is comfortable and attractive. My wife ordered Eggs Benedict. The hollandaise sauce was better than average. She ordered the eggs cooked hard and the meal arrived as requested. She enjoyed her meal. This meal had no sides included. I ordered the vegetarian omelet. It was delicious. The vegetables were fresh and flavorful. The broccoli and fresh spinach could have been cut into smaller sizes. I ordered carrot juice which was delicious. The pancakes that came with the meal were delicious. My wife ordered coffee. You have to leave your table and serve yourself. I view this as a negative. Coffee was not hot. You have to order at the counter. I view this as a negative. The server was very friendly and returned to make sure we were happy with our food and cleared the table. The suggested tips started at %15. I think that is a lot for having to order at the counter and having to serve yourself own coffee. Our check was $40 w/o a tip. Would have given more stars if the waitress brought the coffee, took our order at the table, and the prices were...

We were in Lodi for a class reunion looking for a place for breakfast. We found it on Google Maps, so this was our first time there, but it won't be our last! We had a terrific meal, and the whole experience was great. We're vegetarians and had a couple of good options. We had egg whites, a large assortment of nicely cooked and spiced veggies and hash browns, We asked to split an order and the staff was very willing to do so--and the portions were large enough that each of us had plenty. They also brought a couple of kinds of hot sauce and their house made salsa verde, which was itself terrific. In addition the staff was friendly and helpful. We have family connections in Lodi and are there from time to time, and we'll make a point to...