Original Pancake House

The Original Pancake House has locations across the country. Even in Chicago there are locations throughout the city. However, for me, the classic location will always be the one in downtown Park Ridge. Downtown Park Ridge may change a lot over the years but the Original Pancake House always stays the same. They make what their name implies, but when you specialize that often means you are the best at something. When it comes to pancakes you can keep your IHOPs and give me the Original Pancake house. Their specialties are the Apple Pancakes and the Swedish or Dutch Baby pancakes. You have to witness an Apple Pancake being made to truly appreciate this masterpiece. Cinnamon glaze, granny smith apples, oven baked. Each one is made by hand in the kitchen. No freezing and microwaving here. The Dutch Baby pancake is like a giant pancake bowl. You have to see this thing to be believed. You could feed a family of four with this thing. I bowl of dough topped with butter, lemon and about a ton of powdered sugar. They have other things besides pancakes for breakfast. But really, why would you go to an Original Pancake House for anything else but the pancakes? more

This pancake house is modeled after ones that are in rural areas and has a real small town feel and charm about it. I believe they are only open for breaklfast and lunch. All their food is really tasty & freshly made. There were no daily specials or great bargins the last time we ate here, but it's still not too pricey, just a little bit more than your average diner. It's on the border of Park Ridge/Chicago but when you are inside eating you feel like you are in the middle of Nebraska. Atmosphere goes a long way in a place like this. more