The Pancake Chef — Restaurant in SeaTac

Been going here since I was a knee high. Used to be a stunner restaurant. Now, it's just a ma-and-pa restaurant with good quick food. Menu isn't like any other (and probably deserves a better score) because they have the best German Pancakes in all of the Greater Seattle area.

Love the staff, the environment, the personal service. Just wish a little bit that their increase in cost meant an increase of ingredients too (but that's not the case). Inflation didn't work in our favor here. However, you will ALWAYS get a fresh meal here. Never frozen. Delicious. Local. Yum.

One recommendation, for as often as I come in...pay a little attention to quality control. It's sad to have to remind the owner on occasion that I ordered that $18 plate of food so I could be full, not to be grabbing a cheeseburger on the way home.

Update (2023-01-18): It's just getting worse. Came in at 7 AM this morning for coffee/omelet, and for the life of me I still can't seem to get an order of decent food. It's not a fresh meal anymore, first off. Eggs were overcooked, Kraft Single on top of my omelet, and burned bell pepper was what consisted of my Denver Omelet. Then the hashbrowns were also overcooked. The only saving grace was the English Muffin that wasn't overcooked (but it wasn't warm, either). Overall, I WANT to come back to a restaurant that was a staple of my family for twenty plus years, but now, I think I'll be avoiding it all-together. I don't want to pay $23 for a fast-food quality meal, when I can go down the street and pay a few dollars more for much better food. The prices haven't gone up much, and I'm sure if they did, they'd lose business, because it isn't barely worth the cost they're charging now.

That, and in my time IN the restaurant, I was called "guy" several times. "Thanks Guy", "Nice to see you Guy". I've been coming to this restaurant for 20 plus years, and they still don't take any notice to consistent return...and today that comes to a cease and halt. Sadly. I might stop "by" without coming in, just to remember some good times for birthdays, but I won't be contributing to continuously falling quality...

Sweet Satisfaction at The Pancake Chef: A Review

For a pancake experience that's as warm and comforting as a hug from grandma, look no further than The Pancake Chef in SeaTac. This gem, nestled just a hop from the airport, has been satisfying taste buds for over 60 years, and it's easy to see why.

Pancakes to Write Home About:

The star of the show, of course, is the pancakes. Fluffy, golden, and cooked to order, they're the kind that melt in your mouth with each bite. From classic buttermilk to creative options like Dutch babies and German pancakes, there's a flavor for every fancy. Don't miss the house-made syrups, especially the decadent huckleberry!

Beyond the Batter:

But The Pancake Chef isn't just a one-trick pony. Their breakfast and lunch menu boasts a delightful variety, all cooked with fresh ingredients and generous portions. Omelets packed with fluffy goodness, crispy waffles, and savory skillets will have you coming back for more. Bonus points for their commitment to using free-range eggs and local produce whenever possible.

A Diner Delight:

Step inside The Pancake Chef, and you're transported to a simpler time. The bright, 1950s-style diner atmosphere is warm and inviting, with an open kitchen where you can watch the magic happen. The friendly staff adds to the charm, making you feel welcome and well-cared for.

The Verdict:

Whether you're a pancake aficionado or simply seeking a comforting breakfast or lunch experience, The Pancake Chef delivers. With its delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service, it's a SeaTac staple that deserves a standing ovation. So, grab your appetite and head on over for a taste of pure satisfaction!

Pro Tip: Be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends, as this local favorite is always buzzing. But trust me, the wait is worth it!

Final Rating: 5 out of 5...

Pretty much everything here is great but there are two items that I will never get again. First the positives.

The country potatoes are great, I just wish that they would give you more.

A good variety of things you can't get anywhere else like German pancakes or as some people call them Dutch babies.

The cinnamon roll is the best we've ever had. A wonderful light lemon glaze and not heavy tasting.

All the servers are great, we especially like Lynn. There's only been one that I've ever had an issue with who never seems to know the menu even though they've been there for a while.

If you're over 50 you get your beverages for free and that's a great added plus!

*TURKEY DINNER EVERYDAY! It's really good.

Negatives:

THIS IS OUT OF THEIR CONTROL: When they put in the huge apartment complex next door it really made a mess of the parking. The people use their parking lot to exit instead of driving around. They had to make it one way to avoid accidents.

Now you have to drive around through the lower parking area and up and around to the Restaurant level. The lower area is a broken up mess. IF you're lucky you can get a spot up above by the restaurant. There is one small additional parking lot directly behind the building but it's primarily used for employees.

The coffee tastes like the cheapest Farmers Brothers you can get. If you'd like weak coffee, go for it.

The chicken fried steak is nasty. It doesn't taste like it's made fresh. Consistency is thick and pasty. Definitely not doing that again. (Not good enough for $20 at all.)

*They really don't give you a lot when it comes to any kind of potato.

We will continue to support because I know they are a small business struggling to stay open especially having done so during covid. But there are definitely some things that...