The Original Pancake House — Restaurant in Montgomery

Still one of the longest-running, most consistently awesome breakfast places in Cincy - this location in Montgomery, specifically is my go-to out of all around town...

You really can't wrong ordering anything on their menu - but some of my favorites are:

Drink(s): THE ORANGE JUICE (aka "liquid orange")!! Yes, it's expensive but go all out and buy a large for the price difference (I promise you, it's that... Freaking...GOOD!!!)... Hot chocolate (it's prob the fresh whipped cream that makes it sooo good, honestly) - the kids will love it (and if you're willing to splurge a little like I did for my daughter and niece once - you can even buy them the mug to take home)! Skip the coffee though, it's nothing special...

Eggs: Eggs Benedict or if you enjoy seafood like me - the Crab Cake Benedict (*I lived near Baltimore for a few yrs growing up so I'm very picky w/ crab cakes; while these are not "the best" crab cakes you've ever eaten, in my opinion - they're still pretty damn good for a breakfast establishment 😀)! Uncle Tiny's special is a great combo if you're in the mood for some Goetta...

Omelettes: Bacon & Cheese, Fiesta (*personal favorite), Ham & Cheese, Meat Lovers or Vegetarian... I've heard the Spinach, Feta & Sun-Dried Tomato omelette is also good, but again - never personally tried it yet...

Crepes: Blintz (personal favorite, ask the server to bring a side of tropical sauce as well to mix with the strawberry sauce it already comes with - 😇), Cherry Kijafa (second favorite, 💞 🍒s), Mandarin, Nutella, Seafood (*I know, I know - the imitation crab meat kinda hurts my goal but they're still good 👌😂) or Strawberry

French toast: Almond Cinnamon French Toast

Pancakes: Blueberry, Chocolate Chip, Hawaiian, Strawberry or Swedish... I've heard the Pecan are good and while I do love pecans - I'm not big on having them on my pancakes so I've never personally tried them... The silver dollar pancakes are perfect for two kids to share...

Waffles: My God, any of them... I almost enjoy these more than the pancakes (depends on my mood)!!

Sides: Fresh Idaho Texas-Styled Potatoes, Fresh Whipped Cream, Honey Maple Ham & 🥓,🥓,🥓... Did I mention 🥓?!? Trust me... You'll be in 🥓 Heaven, believe me!! 😁

Tips/notes: I only come here for breakfast, although I'm sure their lunch items are just as good. Be ready to wait for a little while, especially on the weekends; it will be worth it though, so be patient (when you sit down and order as well)... Prices are higher, but very much in line for the quality of food you are receiving. Portions are larger; be prepared to come hungry, split w/ someone - or take some home with you. Oh, and skip the Dutch Baby, it's over-rated in my book and way too much for most people unless you're going to split it as like an appetizer between at least 4 people (and don't bother trying to "take it home for later" either, it will NOT re-heat well at all)...

If I could give this place 20 🌟s - I would - enjoy everyone!!

M

P.S. Btw... To those of you who had the nerve to hide behind a keyboard and give this place anything less than 4 stars just because... You had some over-cooked bacon ONCE?! Did you even say anything about it to them? I guarantee they would have greatly apologized to you for the inconvenience (as that is NOT typical and are great servers) and would have gladly sent it back for you! Also... The line complaints... Really?? 😒 SO WHAT you have to wait a little while - sometimes you have to do that for good food! 🤦 I have been visiting this place for over 20 yrs and the service/food here has always been great; I've personally only had to ever wait an hr one time and it was because I came on a holiday during one of their busiest times... Do you all realize how many people read these reviews and judge restaurants based on what we all say?? Some of you need to put your big boy pants and stop whining so damn much... This place is a gem, pure and simple - shame on you for saying...

For those of my followers, who have seen my reviews on Google, Yelp, and Trip Advisor, you know my reviews are based on my experience, and I am completely honest and transparent about what my experience was. This review will be no different.

This was my very first time in this restaurant. I decided to treat myself to a Belgian waffle that was supposed to have Granny Smith apples in it, topped with cinnamon sugar, and some sort of apple syrup.

This server brought the waffle out and it was completely raw on the inside, I didn’t see any apples, which she stated was probably cooked on the inside. I sent the waffle back and about 10 minutes later it came back cooked. The waffle was tasty, but I didn’t taste any apples.

As I was getting ready to leave, I was calling a Lyft to go home and stopped a server and asked her for confirmation on the street address of the restaurant. Please listen to both my question and her answer as I think you’ll be as stunned as I was.

I said to the server “can you please confirm that the address is 9977 Montgomery Rd.?” Her response, with a very annoying look on her face, “I’ve only been here seven months I don’t know the address of the restaurant“.

I looked at her in disbelief and all I could think of saying “Oookay”. She came back a few minutes later, with a really angry look on her face and said “yes, that’s the address” and walked away.

How could somebody be working at a place for seven months and not know the address?

In any event this is not a place that I would recommend to anyone.

The customer service was not efficient or pleasant and for what they charge, there are better places to go to for pancakes or any other kind of breakfast where you can count on great service and great food.

If you are coming into town and visiting Cincinnati for the first time or just want to visit in an area you’ve not been to, come to Mariemont and visit the National Exemplar restaurant.

I’ve been to this restaurant many times, and by far it is one of the best I’ve ever been in for breakfast or lunch or dinner. And they have a great selection of liquor and wine and many many many kinds of drinks the bartenders are experienced making. They also have a great selection of juice, drinks and smoothies for the kids.

Thanks again to all my followers for reading...

Ordered a Dutch baby for pick up. Got the Dutch baby fruit bowl. Was misleading in my opinion. I received their apparent "signature" Dutch baby that was really good. But I thought it was misleading when I got the fruit bowl Dutch baby and it came only with strawberry puree... I think that should be changed on the menu, or I wasn't given the correct thing. Regardless, the Dutch baby it's self was pretty good. But I had my mouth watering expecting delicious strawberries to come with it so it was a little on the sad side for me. Unfortunate. If that's what it comes with and no actual fruit, I think it should be changed on the menu. I was disappointed. I had to take the actual burnt pieces off which I was alright with, it didn't disturb me too much I was just kind of let down that I only got puree. Next time I wouldn't pay for a fruit bowl Dutch baby. I'd just get strawberries myself from kroger to put them on top. So if you plan on getting a Dutch baby fruit bowl keep in mind I assume that it's not actual strawberries?

Since i cannot write another review. I just wanted to say i went back today, january 8th 2022... Wanted to love the place and give it a good try again because i love the dutch babies. Did not appreciate that my to go order was given to me with the boxes vertically in the bag instead of horizontally. Why in the world someone with common sense would do that i have no clue. Anyway, i got my strawberries this time so that was nice, except my dutch babies were literally folded pretty much from being on their side and all of the butter and sugar typically in it, poured all over everything in the bag. So that was cool. I work in the industry i just dont understand some people. I even tipped well over 20 percent for a takeout order. You would assume people would be considerate. It wasnt even busy. But thats cool. Anyway, ill just make them at home. But i think those dealing with the food especially for a 13 dollar glorified pancake would keep in consideration those who are spending theur money on them....