Richard Walker's Pancake House — Restaurant in San Diego

2/10 for overall experience....... 2/10 food !!!!!

Got to the pancake house 5 minutes earlier than the friend I was meeting.

Really wanted to just have a seat n start on a coffee. I was told to go back outside (on the sidewalk) as they do not seat "incomplete parties ". I walk back out, and guess what? The sidewalk had signs, from the establishment, that said you weren't allowed to be there. First tier of agitation. I start walking off a bit to breathe.

My friend got there, we were told to choose a seat, menus were brought, coffee was served. I kid you not, less than 2 minutes later, the waitress came by asking if we were ready to order. I haven't even settled myself n sipped my coffee yet. We're shocked that she's shocked.... you couldn't even read the menu in that time frame, far less be ready to order.

2nd round to take orders, I see several options of crepes ( I CHOSE THESE PLACE FOR THE "FAMOUS " CREPES) there are no classic crepes on the menu. I like my crepes basic n simple. Waitress tells me they can do me the basic crepes but it's not on the menu. I decide to just not b difficult and order off the menu, - the pecan waffles please.

Just as the names states, literally 1 waffle, with the driest, crusties pecans, slapped dashed on the waffle. I'm looking around thinking this must be a joke. Maybe im delusional but i was expecting some nice caramelized pecans.I had to use every salivary gland and the syrup provided to get through this pile of dry waffle n pecans. .... and once I started cutting through the waffle, there were more pecans inside... yikes!!!!

SOOOOOONNNNN as the breakfast was served, the waitress comes and puts the bill down. Never asked if all was OK, if we wanted anything else? Halfway through breakfast, we are very much still eating, they come to ask if we would like takeaway boxes. 10 minutes later, same thing. It felt like we were being rushed out of the place. Luckily, my breakfast date thinks just like me and we would not be rushed. We came here for a nice relaxing breakfast, not for indigestion!!!!! We will take our time!!!!!!

The only positive thing is the coffee guy kept coming by to top up our mugs. I even had to ask him to stop ✋️.

For service n food, I would not go again and would not...

What can you say about an awesome Yelp friend who comes and picks you up at your hotel, for breakfast?

It was my first time meeting Phuong N, and she was an absolute delight. Since I was the traveling guest, she let me choose the venue, and Richard Walker's was the solid choice... and luckily, right down the street from the DoubleTree.

It doesn't seem to matter what day/time you arrive... you're looking at a 40 minute wait minimum, and yes, it is worth it.

But today, I looked forward to the wait, as I could use the time to find out a little more about my San Diego living friend. For instance, she recently came to this country, not speaking English, and acquired a job at Zion National Park. She then learned our language in three year's time. Phuong is a successful illustration of the American dream, who's ambition and intellect are allowing her to improve her education and way of life.

When she was young, her family lived hours from the school she attended, so during the week she slept on mats with her other classmates, and commuted on the weekends via a motorbike. This was her way of life, and she adapted to it through her high school and college years.

I am thoroughly impressed with this young woman. She is smart, funny, and down to earth... and thinks enough of the elderly to take me to breakfast. Thank you, sweetie!

It's interesting... Phuong calls me a funny and sweet Yelper. I told her, I'd rather write funny and positive things because you never know what someone is dealing with. Maybe they just need to be lifted up, or have their mind taken off of their problems for a few moments. Let's give people something little to be thankful for today. She thinks I do a good job at this.

But that morning, before she called to tell me she was almost at the hotel, I was having a very rough time, and could have easily brooded the morning away in my room. It was she who drew me out of my self pity. It was she who made me feel better with her conversation, and by spending some time with an old fool. It was she who allowed me to take my mind off of my problems for a few hours. In reality, my young friend is a sweet Yelper.

Today, I'm thankful for...

Update: We were in town again from AZ and I had to get my birthday blueberry pancake fix. Now, I generally would get one of their amazing omelets or the 49 Flapjacks which are tried and true but it was all about the blueberry pancakes for me this day. They serve it with compote (which I am not into) but they do bake blueberries into the pancakes which is my jam along with some maple syrup. I was disappointed in the very sparse tiny blueberries in the pancakes and the pancakes themselves were lack luster. Honestly, I think the ones I make at home are better. Maybe things have changed with their food distributor since I was last here. My husband did an omelet, it was delicious and I did order a side of bacon which I had asked to be crispy... it was not so I sent back for more crisp.

Service was fantastic, the gentleman waiting on us was super attentive and very nice. If I come back, I will go back to my old standby orders.

The hype is the real deal people. This place is awesome for breakfast, particularly if you are a pancake, omelet or bacon fiend like I am. I used to live in Poway and it totally reminded me of the deliciousness of the Original Pancake House with the menu -- specifically the baked omelets.

I had this amazing pecan baked pancake. All I can say is OMG, like seriously OMG. It is huge coming out, but loses air and becomes more of a goal to know you can eat the whole thing. I also ordered a side of bacon... and they have the good thick sliced bacon. My tablemates ordered the Swedish pancakes and the 49 Flap Jacks. Everyone devoured their food.

The coffee -- yeah, after reading the reviews and my friend demanding I get a cup -- I did. While it may be just brewed coffee, it was strong and delicious.

Big lines, move fast and make sure you have the entire party with you or they will NOT seat you. Parking sucks but hey it is downtown.

5 stars from me, they did not miss a beat from food to service to cleanliness... and you can't get this level of pancakes...