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The place was Great. Service was spot on. Aaron was our service personal, He did a great job. Drinks went without asking to be filled. This dessert Apple delight was amazing. Next time in town I will return. Very clean with great atmosphere
I use to come here all the time back in the day when the restaurant scene in West Bloomfield had a limited number of dining options. It has probably been 20 years or so since my last visit and surprisingly very little has changed since than other than the price of food is considerably higher (: . Food quality is still good and they still make some excellent tasty specialties that are a favorite of mine to include the German Apple pancake that I ended up getting on this trip. This has long been a favorite of mine and did not disappoint this time around either. Part breakfast entree, part desert, visually very appealing and a work of art coming out of the oven and oh so tasty. Probably the only thing I was a tad disappointed with was the thick cut bacon I had with my breakfast. I remember it being the highlight of my breakfast in the past and found it to be just OK but not as flavorful as I recall it. Not sure if it is because the bacon is from a different butcher of if the present day competition, and there is some seriously good thick cut bacon in the area, is just that much better and has raised the bar for me on what to expect from a top shelf bacon. In any case, I was quite pleased overall with my meal and definately believe this is still one of the better breakfast joints in the area where you should definately check it out the next time you are in the Birmingham area. As a reccomendation, if it is your first time here get the Big German Apple Pancake or their Dutch Baby as they are so tasty and unique to what other restaurants offer for breakfast in the area. You will not be disappointed!
theeeeee BEST breakfast place on planet Earth! There's almost always a line, and for very good reason. Prices are very very reasonable, especially for the generous portions you receive. Their chocolate chip pancakes are heavenly- I got full eating them and when I took them to eat for my breakfast the next morning, the chocolate chips were still ooey gooey. Their orange juice is fresh, and their omelets are large and fluffy too. The staff has always been so courteous and your food comes out so quickly despite how busy the place is. The interior is cozy, old-style. Very family friendly too!
I was actually shocked to see that I had never written a review of this place after years of going here, but it's been quite a while since I've visited, so maybe it shouldn't be such a surprise. I have to start by saying that I've never really bought into the hype about this place. They have a couple of signature items that people always talk about, but I feel like their fame is based on their obnoxiously large portions sizes as opposed to actually being tasty.Beyond that, it is your basic breakfast menu. The decor of the place hasn't changed a bit in 30 years, but the service is always friendly and efficient. I have found that the best way to eat here without getting an excessive amount of food is to order sides - I got two scrambled eggs, a side of sausage and an English muffin. They were fine, but pretty average overall. My wife went for the junior blueberry pancakes, which translates to normal sized pancakes. I'm sure we'll be back because the place is a Birmingham institution, but there are definitely better breakfast places in the area.
This is the perfect no frills breakfast spot! If you're looking for some fancy meal, this is probably not the place for you. BUT, if you're in the mood for a tasty savory omelette, or a perfectly sweet plate of pancakes, this is the spot for you! Service is kind and quick, and even though we went during peak hours, our wait was only 15 minutes (party of 2). Our waitress was so kind and whether we asked for extra straws or napkins, she was so quick to help! I will definitely be coming back!
A little overrrated. Wait time is too long for the quality of food you actually receive. A glorified Coney Island with a smaller menu. Service is regular and the nostalgia vibe/trinkets in the restaurant are what differentiate it. No alcohol. Good for brunch and groups of 4-8 people.
Had the Santa Fe Omelet. It was probably one of the better omelettesI've had. It is made with 3 eggs and packed with ingredients such as onion and green pepper. It comes with 3 buttermilk pancakes which I found satisfied the craving without having to order their specialty pancakes (and it was not overly sweet, which is a plus). If you are not craving sweets, but more nutritious and savory, would say skip the "specialty" baked pancakes and go for an omelette of your liking. They are huge and worth it. We got seated right away unlike what some have said that they've had to wait in line. However it took a good 20-25 minutes for the food to arrive after we've ordered. It was about lunch time on a weekday and it was packed but no line outside. Ambiance was Christmas-y both the environment and the staff - fun! Our server was nice but did have a lot of customers to serve and was running around a lot. She basically handed our dish and immediately left, filled our water and immediately left. Just did her job, and quickly. I would come back to try their other omelettes or other breakfast items.
2 months ago
This has been one of my favorite go-to spots for a long time, and the food never disappoints. The interior has a classic charm, avoiding the trendy, sterile, franchise-like look of many newly opened brunch cafes. Although the space is a bit tight, the classic setup and the walls filled with vintage items make me feel relaxed, giving me that perfect, cozy morning vibe. The pancakes are always excellent. Their baked pancake, the "Big German," is a rare find that you won't easily see elsewhere, and its unique, chewy texture is absolutely outstanding. Every other menu item is wonderful as well. While the prices have been creeping up lately, it is still very reasonable when you consider the generous portions, taste, and wonderful atmosphere. This time, I sat and chatted with an old friend for quite a while, and I only noticed the long waiting line on my way out. Thanks to our thoughtful and friendly server, another wonderful experience was added. read more
Another place on my childhood food tour. I have been craving their food since a small child. I love this place and it hits the spot each and every time. There is absolutely nothing bad on the menu. There are so many delicious items, I have a hard time picking what I want since I want everything. First, I love their coffee. We came for lunch and I had already had my morning coffee, but we had not been here in so long, I needed my Original coffee fix and ended up having three more cups. Their coffee taste great all ways, black, with cream, with cream and sugar, so good! My child had a strawberry lemonade. They limit you to only one refill, but they were very kind and asked her if she was ready for her second cup. We love their specialties, which they do warn you takes extra long to bake, about twenty minutes, but it is always worth it. I ended up getting the baby Dutch garden, which is baked. It is so good, so underrated, I love this one every time. It is like an omelette inside a German pancake. It is perfection. I always also need something sweet, so I got a half order of blueberry pancakes. The batter is so good and they give you a side of blueberries in syrup. My child got the baked apple. This is the most iconic treat and a must order if you have never been here before. Again, it is baked sugar, apples and cinnamon inside a German pancake. We both had leftovers. So, each of our meals was like two meals. My husband got the broccoli and cheese omelette and a side of chocolate chip pancakes. They have hands down the best chocolate chip pancakes in the area and their omelettes are so fluffy and delicious. Personally, when I get their omelette, I get the spinach and cheddar which is amazing. Other items I love include the 49ers. Those are the best pancakes, they are a hybrid crepe and American pancake, and if you have never had one, you need to try them, they are ginormous. Their buckwheat pancakes are also so good. Their orange juice is typically fresh squeezed and worth ordering, and there are so many other items I have never tried because I do not have enough room in my stomach. This is a must try for everyone. There is usually a long line, but it tends to go quickly. Service is always friendly. read more
28 days ago
The place was Great. Service was spot on. Aaron was our service personal, He did a great job. Drinks went without asking to be filled. This dessert Apple delight was amazing. Next time in town I will return. Very clean with great atmosphere read more
2 months ago
I use to come here all the time back in the day when the restaurant scene in West Bloomfield had a limited number of dining options. It has probably been 20 years or so since my last visit and surprisingly very little has changed since than other than the price of food is considerably higher (: . Food quality is still good and they still make some excellent tasty specialties that are a favorite of mine to include the German Apple pancake that I ended up getting on this trip. This has long been a favorite of mine and did not disappoint this time around either. Part breakfast entree, part desert, visually very appealing and a work of art coming out of the oven and oh so tasty. Probably the only thing I was a tad disappointed with was the thick cut bacon I had with my breakfast. I remember it being the highlight of my breakfast in the past and found it to be just OK but not as flavorful as I recall it. Not sure if it is because the bacon is from a different butcher of if the present day competition, and there is some seriously good thick cut bacon in the area, is just that much better and has raised the bar for me on what to expect from a top shelf bacon. In any case, I was quite pleased overall with my meal and definately believe this is still one of the better breakfast joints in the area where you should definately check it out the next time you are in the Birmingham area. As a reccomendation, if it is your first time here get the Big German Apple Pancake or their Dutch Baby as they are so tasty and unique to what other restaurants offer for breakfast in the area. You will not be disappointed! read more
theeeeee BEST breakfast place on planet Earth! There's almost always a line, and for very good reason. Prices are very very reasonable, especially for the generous portions you receive. Their chocolate chip pancakes are heavenly- I got full eating them and when I took them to eat for my breakfast the next morning, the chocolate chips were still ooey gooey. Their orange juice is fresh, and their omelets are large and fluffy too. The staff has always been so courteous and your food comes out so quickly despite how busy the place is. The interior is cozy, old-style. Very family friendly too! read more
4 months ago
I was actually shocked to see that I had never written a review of this place after years of going here, but it's been quite a while since I've visited, so maybe it shouldn't be such a surprise. I have to start by saying that I've never really bought into the hype about this place. They have a couple of signature items that people always talk about, but I feel like their fame is based on their obnoxiously large portions sizes as opposed to actually being tasty.Beyond that, it is your basic breakfast menu. The decor of the place hasn't changed a bit in 30 years, but the service is always friendly and efficient. I have found that the best way to eat here without getting an excessive amount of food is to order sides - I got two scrambled eggs, a side of sausage and an English muffin. They were fine, but pretty average overall. My wife went for the junior blueberry pancakes, which translates to normal sized pancakes. I'm sure we'll be back because the place is a Birmingham institution, but there are definitely better breakfast places in the area. read more
1 year ago
6 months ago
6 months ago
7 months ago
This is the perfect no frills breakfast spot! If you're looking for some fancy meal, this is probably not the place for you. BUT, if you're in the mood for a tasty savory omelette, or a perfectly sweet plate of pancakes, this is the spot for you! Service is kind and quick, and even though we went during peak hours, our wait was only 15 minutes (party of 2). Our waitress was so kind and whether we asked for extra straws or napkins, she was so quick to help! I will definitely be coming back! read more
A little overrrated. Wait time is too long for the quality of food you actually receive. A glorified Coney Island with a smaller menu. Service is regular and the nostalgia vibe/trinkets in the restaurant are what differentiate it. No alcohol. Good for brunch and groups of 4-8 people. read more
8 months ago
The food was delicious. The buttermilk pancakes are so sweet and soft. And the restaurant is adorable with their vintage items on display like old ovens and TVs. And my server was very helpful and so nice. The freshly squeezed OJ was wonderful. Lots of pulp but I love pulp. read more
3 years ago
Had the Santa Fe Omelet. It was probably one of the better omelettesI've had. It is made with 3 eggs and packed with ingredients such as onion and green pepper. It comes with 3 buttermilk pancakes which I found satisfied the craving without having to order their specialty pancakes (and it was not overly sweet, which is a plus). If you are not craving sweets, but more nutritious and savory, would say skip the "specialty" baked pancakes and go for an omelette of your liking. They are huge and worth it. We got seated right away unlike what some have said that they've had to wait in line. However it took a good 20-25 minutes for the food to arrive after we've ordered. It was about lunch time on a weekday and it was packed but no line outside. Ambiance was Christmas-y both the environment and the staff - fun! Our server was nice but did have a lot of customers to serve and was running around a lot. She basically handed our dish and immediately left, filled our water and immediately left. Just did her job, and quickly. I would come back to try their other omelettes or other breakfast items. read more
2 years ago
11 months ago
Recently visited during for weekend brunch, and to no surprise everyone left very happy! As always, it was very busy when we went but the staff had everything under control so we only ended up waiting roughly 35 minutes for 4! Service is always top tier, and the food is always delicious! Generous portion sizes amongst everything. We usually end up going for either the 2x4 or one of the belgian waffles! The pancakes are always soft and fluffy, and the waffle is perfectly crisp on the outside while fluffy on the inside. The Santa Fe omelette is also a family favorite! Can't recommend enough! read more
1 year ago
THIS LOCATION NEVER gets my order right. Things come undercooked frequently. Bacon - nearly raw. I add notes and nobody reads or follow them. I'm done with this location. Better off going to McDonald's. read more
1 year ago
End of October is pumpkin season. They had a piece of paper at the door saying that they were serving seasonal pancakes (pumpkin pancakes). I ordered them, and it was really good and sweet. Came with bacon. It was a good amount of food too. read more
8 months ago
Excellent pancake place. Unique baked pancake options. Had the fillings on the side because they are supposedly very sweet. Have to say the pancake tastes good but actually not better than their original pancakes. Also the strawberry syrup is indeed way too sweet, glad it's on the side. Would return but would not get the baked pancakes next time. read more
One of the symptoms of the lack of staff is that tables go unoccupied even as there is a quoted 45-60 min wait. On a recent day off, the parking lot was packed and the benches outdoors and indoors were filled when I dropped by. Typically, I would never wait that long for a table; I either go at off-peak hours or make reservations. Luckily, if we can call it that, the wait was shorter - 35 mins. I made the most of it staying outdoors, enjoying the warm Fall weather. When I was finally seated, I realized that more than half the restaurant was empty. Not the planned 6ft, social-distanced empty but randomly empty. On to the food. I've been here many, many times before so I was very familiar with the menu. I love the Eggs Michael, Big German, and the potato and regular pancakes. But today, I had the Big Apple, which is a huge, oven-baked Dutch Baby confection, with apples glistening from a thick, silky cinnamon sauce. The apples were well-cooked, al dente, sweet and cinnamony. Light and custardy, the pancake tasted a bit like a hybrid of a cruller and a pancake, or a large popover. Although it was very high in calories (I so appreciate that the menu listed them), I planned for them and enjoyed this decadent treat. Along with that, I selected some turkey sausage to add more protein to the meal. The server was friendly and helpful. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
4 years ago
This is for sure the best place for pancakes. It has great diner vibes and the largest list of pancake choices that I have ever seen. The portions are massive and the pancakes are so buttery and decadent. I could not stop gasping at how good every single bite was! This place is busy though even for the early risers. We were here on a weekend around 9am and still waited about 30 minutes - definitely worth the wait tho! read more
TLDR : Come anytime before 10:30 AM for some deliciously, awesome pancakes. As stated, in the name of this restaurant, the pancakes of this establishment are nothing to be overlooked. At the same time the omelettes are so filling that you will not be leaving hungry and these even come with a choice of three pancakes on the side so you're getting the best of both worlds . The service at the restaurant is normal, but you do have to give credit where credit is due. The servers here all have multiple tables and each table has minimum three people per table. The ambience is something to be admired. They have pictures everywhere with old slogans from ads. They also have an old-school TV with an old-school moon landing time magazine. Great conversations starters all around the restaurant to ensure that you are not bored and have something to comment about. read more
Always good food here! Also, almost always a line out the door, but the always good food here makes a wait worthwhile. Service is fast fast - probably due to the aforesaid line - and friendly. I have enjoyed pancakes of all kinds in the past, but decided on a strawberry waffle for this time and glad I did. It was delicious! Crisp and fluffy with an amazing amount of fresh strawberries and yummy whipped cream. No need for syrup. Prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get and the old fashioned / retro decor makes for a fun experience. read more
3 years ago
We recently dined here while traveling for Thanksgiving with family. Our wait time was not too bad. Our waitress was amazing. I feel awful that I cannot remember her name, but I do remember that she had beautiful natural hair. We did have a good wait for the food, but when it arrived, we forgot about it . Let me start by saying that this was the biggest omelette that I've ever had. It was very good, but I could not eat it all. I would say, ask for salsa because it was just a tad bit dry. Other than that, everything was great. The pancakes were so tasty! We will definitely visit again when we're in the area. read more
We've been to many locations of the Original Pancake House, but wasn't happy with this one. Server seemed good at first and quickly took our order. I ordered the Garden Dutch Baby and my dad ordered his ol' standby the 49're flapjacks. And then, we waited, and waited, and waited... We watched people get seated after we had arrived, order, eat and leave before our food came out. We tried to flag down our server, but he had disappeared. Finally we got his attention...and our food came out shortly thereafter, but the dishes didn't come out at the same time. Here is what I think happened: something got messed up with the Dutch Baby order, and my dad's 49ers sat under the heat lamp for a long while. He remarked that he had never seem them so dark or dried out. My Dutch Baby, on the other hand was excellent once I got it...very similar to a frittata (which the server should use in the future to describe it as he couldn't even adequately tell me what it was like when we had ordered). The good news is that we brought the issue of the bad 49'ers to the attention of the manager and it was taken off the bill. read more
My sister loves this restaurant, so my siblings and I dropped by on a Saturday for brunch. It took about 45 minutes to get seated (make sure your full party is present otherwise you won't be seated). We ordered several items including the Dutch Baby, Santa Fe Garden, Garden Dutch Baby, Canadian Bacon and Eggs, and Buttermilk Pancakes. The Dutch Baby (pretty sweet) and the Garden Dutch Baby were my favorites! The Buttermilk Pancakes were also flavorful and soft. My least favorite was the Canadian Bacon because it was too salty. Overall, the food and service here was great! read more
I came here for Sunday morning brunch after reading the rave reviews. Though the dining space is small, the dedicated folks waiting in line indicated to me that this must be worth it. We waited about 20-30 minutes before being seated. Our waitress, Jenny, was really friendly and recommended the Santa Fe omelette, which was the prefect blend of sweet and savory (comes with a side of pancakes). My fiancé tried the bacon waffle, which was exactly what it sounds like (delicious). Looking forward to coming back! read more
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