Original Hotcake House — Restaurant in Portland

This is really unfortunate because before this incident I had been a returning customer for over 3 years and loved their food and had introduced many new people to this place specifically because of their food. However I went to take a friend their for their first time, the entire time boasting about how amazing this little gem of a restaurant was. As soon as we entered the building I was yelled at by the man behind the cash register that I needed to leave immediately because of my service animal. I tried to explain to him that my dog is medically necessary and legally allowed to be in the restaurant but he refused to even hear a single word I was saying and continued to shout over me and threatened to call the police or physically put his hands on me and remove me himself if me and my service dog didn’t leave immediately. I understand that not every person knows or even understands the laws regarding service animals, or even the important they can have in some peoples lives. And I’m not speaking of a emotional support animal, I mean a legally trained and certified service animal. Not that emotional support animals aren’t important but it’s definitely not the same thing. My life is literally at risk when my dog is not with me and I was screamed at and physically threatened by the employees at this location, keep in mind I’m a 5’7 and roughly 115lbs female and was not physically threatening in anyway and was the one trying to be calm and rational about the situation. But instead was meet with severe ignorance and disrespect. Unfortunately I will never be returning to this location. Apparently I have to risk my life if I want to eat here and unfortunately their pancakes just aren’t...

A 24/7 old style diner (greasy spoon) that focuses on pancakes and other breakfast foods, but whose menu also features food for any meal, and you can get any of it at any time. Its proximity to the Aladdin Theater makes it a very popular place to grab something to eat after watching the evening entertainment (we saw Henry Rollins this particular night). The restaurant isn't very big, but it gets very busy, so there's often a long line waiting to order, and it's often standing room only while waiting for a table. Be forewarned that they don't allow you to save a table before you order. They're serious about this rule and will kick you out if you try it. Order, get given one of those plastic number things that you set on your table, Then find a table if you can. Or wait for one to open up.

As for the food, if you like greasy spoon food, and it won't upset your stomach, their food is quite tasty, unless you want your eggs scrambled soft. No one ever manages that feat on a hot grill. They give huge portions at a decent price (we always take home tons of leftovers). The staff all look like a bunch of ex-cons (not saying they Are, they just have that look, and really, who cares?), but don't let their looks stop you. They're polite and helpful even when packed to the gills, and if you catch them at a slow spot in the day, they're downright friendly. And, of course, they're good fry cooks 😊.

I recommend this little cafe', provided you're not looking for fancy cuisine or a low carb menu, and don't mind the sometimes cramped quarters. Nice people, nice...

It was my third visit to this 24 hour Portland standard must visit. Prompt seating on a Wednesday midmorning of 10/13/20. Wonderful sized menu with lots of breakfast options and lunch stuffs like burger variations. I was going to get hotcakes, but it was 10:30am and I was craving meat, so I got a burger. They grill the bun, it is freshpatties, lots of fresh red onion, tomato, pickle, iceberg. Fresh cut fries were a nice touch, but a little soft for my crunchy liking. Food was spot on nonetheless. My issue was with the service. They take your order and you pay for it right after that. If paying with credit card, they want you to sign and give it to them right then. I have no problem other than I want to leave the tip after I've had my service. I'm a generous tipper, but a blue collar wage. I left $3 on a 9.45 bill before my dining experience. My server was a long, silver haired man with glasses in tye-dyed pants. He was no nonsense, but neglectful of my water glass. I'd have gotten milk with breakfast, but needed lots of water. I left my empty glass on the edge of the table, which is the universal sign of please refill in the restaurant business. No dice even though I had half my burger in my hands. With already being paid up with gratuity, I hoped for a simple hit of water. So, if I didn't have to tip before service because I used my debit card coupled with no drink to finish my meal I gave 3 stars over 5. I'll have to visit late night to gauge the Hotcake House...