The Original Pancake House — Restaurant in West Caldwell

06.27.25, @2:30pm...I just left this place for 2 to-go orders and couldn't help but remember my first and last awful experience here - back in February 2025. Google just invited me to update my review!?? Wow! How did G know? Ha! Here it is.

As a result of my first/last terrible experience I just dropped my rating from 5 to 1 star. February 2025 I had a large brunch I was hosting at home. The second such Brunch from this place THIS year. I have done 5+ over the years ($180-$280 a pop). I always tip well too!

The first problem is that I called instead of showing up, so the manager who usually does a great job for me didnt recognize who i was. She also stated that she would be off on Saturday, but "I shouldn't have a problem ordering from her staff". My spidey sence immediately kick-in, but I went ahead and called back Saturday anyway. BIG mistake!!! I ordered pancakes, waffles, crepes, eggs, and turkey meat for 7/8 people. I never order eggs or meat, but I was out of time to cook anything. Also, the manager or the owner (nice guy) would usually throw in stuff complimentary. Instead, I was overcharged for eggs and meat receiving enuff for about two people. The spend is usually about $250. This time it was about $280. Unfortunately, i neglected to take any pictures of the food because my guests showed up as pulled in. What saved me is the fact that I made Salmon and rice or my guests would have left hungry.

When everyone left, I called to complain to the 20 somethings staff, but they shrugged me off in Spanish. When I showed up a few days later and spoke to the manager who typically handles my party orders she explained that eggs are expensive and not plentiful - as if this is an acceptable excuse for overcharging/shorting me. Appalling! She agreed to credit me something back. I gave her my number and I left. Never heard anything back from her, and because I paid cash (which she clearly knew as she had the receipt in hand with my phone number), I never received a dime.

It's a cautionary tale from a customer of 15 years who has spent $1100+ on brunches provided by this place. Not to mention dining in and quick to go orders. Times have changed, and not for the better. Once the menu got a facelift, the 20 somethings started running this place, and the owner disappeared, thoughtful/honest customer service can no longer be found here! Plus you no longer get what you actually pay for.

I gotta find another Ohop! Rte 22! If you are still going to IHop for pancakes you missed the memo!

I have been coming here since my kid put me onto this place. 15 years+++!

The service and folks here are awesome. Owner is such a swell guy. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ this place. My go to for buttermilk pancakes. No Diner required. I only wish they served turkey meats versus beef but I just scoop...

gotta say I have never gone as far as to write my experience online. The aculmination of mistakes could be the result of missed timing but the resistance to arrive at a full understanding and solution has decreased the likelihood of a return to OPH. The issue was not the server. The issue was with the food, the arrival and the half redemption approach. The following are the issues:

1.)2 tables arrived after us and they ordered and received their food before us. 2.)potato pancakes tasted awful and was drenched and soaked with oil 3.)half our table received and ate breakfast while the rest of the table sat idly(food would have been cold if we waited for the rest of the table) 4.) manager Caroline was more concerned about wether if the server told us that the baked omelette takes a while. (Kitchen time management?) 5.)Caroline had a argumentative stance on whether if our table was informed about how long the baked omelette taking long. (Kitchen time management)? 6.) had to ask a second time whether the potato pancakes would be comped or replaced with receipt in hand already in hand

It’s so bizarre how 2 very different experiences can be observed from a chain restaurant. I have never experienced any negative experiences from the Whippany branch of OPH when attending for get togethers or birthday celebrations. Perhaps the management of workflow could be replicated since it was successful in having guests like myself recommended them. Sadly this branch has shut down due to buy out

It’s necessary to point out the flaws so that an establishment can thrive and continue to provide good service while taking care of their employees. I believe all could have been resolved quickly and effectively with full understanding had the manager approached a solution with care. To Caroline’s credit she comped 3 meals in a halfhearted effort to consolidate the issue. The meals did not have to be comped I much rather prefer some understanding without the bitterness. And I wouldn’t have to write out this review. Why would a manager diminish an issue and experience? I understand mistakes can be made, after all everyone is human for I too worked in a restaurant for some time in my past and can empathize to a certain degree. Maybe this a once in a blue moon mishap or misfortune. But the amount of collaboration and understanding, or lack there of, with the manager not once but 2 separate times has left a bitter taste in my mouth. I don’t think I’ll ever return. Apologies for...

Consistently tasty fare and solid service at this popular breakfast eatery in West Caldwell, NJ.

This is a favorite place for my daughter, who has Celiac disease, because they offer gluten free pancakes (and fresh whipped cream as an addition). They are very accommodating if you ask that they ensure there isn't cross-contamination of a gluten free order. My daughter ordered gluten free pancakes and sausage. While the server was not aware that the sausage contained gluten, there was no problem because the server was thorough enough to alert the manager of our special need. The manager came over to let us know that my daughter's pancakes would be prepared in a separate, clean pan instead of on the grill with the other pancakes. When I asked the manager about the sausage my daughter ordered, the manager informed us of the gluten in the sausage and we ordered a scrambled egg to replace the sausage. I feel that the staff at Original Pancake House is thorough when it comes to dietary restrictions.

The Original Pancake House serves really good toast (Balthazar) for those of us who are not allergic to gluten. I had an order of the avocado toast and it was very tasty.

Of importance to coffee addicts like me, Original Pancake House serves coffee to please most palates, I think. They offer two kinds: a medium roast, as well as a dark roast. I've had both, and both are very good.

Finally, while this wasn't the case on our most recent trip, a previous Saturday trip to Original Pancake House included a surprise visit from a balloon artist in the waiting area for those who hadn't been seated yet. The balloon artist took each child's individual request and created a unique balloon sculpture for every child. Fair warning, a sign next to the balloon artist said that he works for smiles and tips. I chose to tip him since he did such a great job, but he was equally friendly to those who tipped and...