The Original Pancake House
3906 Convoy St San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 565-1740
banana nut pancakes
I can’t believe that people do not know about the Original Pancake House. It has been here forever, but when I told several people that I went there for my birthday breakfast, I was asked where it was located and if it was any good.
YES! It is good. Very good. Not to brag, but of course that won’t stop me, but I don’t know of anyone that makes pancakes better than me. My pancakes are like my jam – eclectic; different; and succulent. I NEVER order pancakes out because they do not compare to mine, but at this restaurant I make the exception.
They offer 18 different kinds of pancakes, including plain buttermilk pancakes – $7.35 and Dollar pancakes for the same price up to $9.95 for banana nut pancakes. The other 16 pancake varieties are priced in the middle. They have an Apple Pancake that is to die for; a German Pancake and a smaller rendition of the German Pancake – a “Dutch Baby” . Additionally they have Crepes all priced at $9.95; Omelets beginning at $9.95 for the cheese special and ending with the Irish Omelet for $11.25. There are waffles, cereals, Meats, and a selection of “Original Specials.” Their Orange Juice is delicious – fresh squeezed on site.
I was seated immediately after arriving – a surprise in itself because there is always a wait – and asked if I wanted something to drink. I seldom drink coffee but I had read Ernie McCray’s article the evening before of how he has so much energy and stops for coffee every day so I decided to follow suit and ordered a cup. It was delicious. So much so that I had 3 cups while waiting for my daughter, Stephanie, to join me.
dutch baby
We have been going to this restaurant since the children were little. Their children are no longer “little” so that gives you an idea of how many years we have patronized the place. I usually order the same thing – a Swedish Pancake and a 49 Pancake –yes, they let you split the orders – but today, my birthday I decided to have something different.
I ordered the “Dutch Baby.” It was so soft; so tasty; and so large that I wished that they had an even smaller version. As it was, I could not finish the entire thing. Stephanie was going to be driving to the mountains that day and would not have eat again until late this evening, so she ordered her favorite – banana nut pancakes and an egg. She, too, took home most of the order. And, as always, it was cooked to perfection.
Although our order was taken by a waiter, he apparently went off duty because Kelly took over our table. The service was impeccable; my coffee cup was always being refilled; Stephanie was always being asked if she wanted more hot water for her tea; and Kelly asked us many times if everything was ok and did we need anything more.
I cannot vouch for everything on the menu but I can say that everything I have eaten there was wonderful. I’ve had all of their crepes – cherry kijafa is one of my favorites; the omelets are huge and tasty; the strawberry crepes, waffle and pancake when in season are succulent. One can even order just a bowl of fresh strawberries ($7.50) if wanted.
I recommend the Original House of Pancakes without equivocation. There are a few others in the San Diego area but I have not sampled them. (Eds. Note: There are 18 locations state-wide, and over 100 locations around the United States.) It’s not super expensive, but it is not inexpensive either. Our total bill came to $27.43, but we ordered two of the more expensive items on the menu. Try it if you haven’t already. I know you will like it.
Judi Curry
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“I can’t believe that people do not know about the Original Pancake House. ”
Either they live in a bubble or I do, because I sure as hell have never met anyone in San Diego whose ever heard of it. And yes it’s AMZING.
I think because it is in a “strip mall” people tend to overlook it. Once they are introduced to it they never forget where it is located. A friend thought that there was nothing in that mall except Asian things, when, in fact there are only a couple of Asian-slanted enterprises there. Thanks for your response.
Although I share your enthusiasm for their food, including the Dutch Baby, this location has no booths, their tables are quite small and the chairs discourage lingering. Their locations we’ve patronized over the years are all very noisy inside: at the Convoy Street, Kearney Mesa location, ask to sit in the side area for slightly less noise.