Been here once while catching up with a former boss. Visited again with my sister and while we were there my sister decided to meet up with a friend. It's my sister's first time. This place is a Sacramento institution. You can see a lot of regulars enjoying their coffee and taking their time and waiting for buddies. Such a nice vibe. Neighborly. Everybody is welcome. My sister got the corned beef and pancakes and I got the chocolate chip pancakes. We got coffee with it. The chocolate chip pancakes come in three but only got two. They fixed it right away and even got an extra one. Enjoyed the pancakes and will definitely try again. We waited for my sister's friend and she ordered her food. It's her first time too. We took a while catching up but we didn't feel hurried to go. You can see there are a lot of families that go here like a weekly or regular thing. The people here are so nice like helping one of their regulars with their walker. Love this place. read more

See all

This was our first time visiting Pancake Circus, and unfortunately, it was a very disappointing experience. We came on a busy day, which we completely understand, but there were several issues that went beyond being short-staffed. After being seated, we were never given menus and waited about 10 minutes before I had to ask the host about them. His response was simply that he had forgotten. To make matters worse, at least four groups that were seated after us received service before we did. Another guest seated across from us even had to point out to the server that we had been waiting before she finally came over and asked, "Oh, how can I help you?" The service throughout our visit was extremely poor. I spoke with the host at the front desk to express my concerns and asked if there was anything they could do for the inconvenience. He apologized and explained he was by himself, but said there was nothing he could do. I then asked to speak with the manager. The manager's first response was, "What do you want? What can I do?" I explained that I wanted to discuss our overall experience, especially the fact that multiple parties who arrived after us were served first. Her explanation was that they were busy and understaffed, and that she simply serves whoever is assigned to her. While I appreciate that restaurants can get busy, I work in hospitality myself, and accountability and customer service matter. Unfortunately, there was little ownership taken beyond an apology and no effort made to make things right. Overall, the experience was frustrating and disappointing, especially for a first visit. Based on our experience, I would not recommend coming here. read more

I am not a fan of clowns and the moment we walked in you're overwhelmed with all things clowns so be prepared. It looks like the owner wanted to keep the old charm because it literally looks like a diner from another century or needs a deep dive cleaning. The seat in the booth was sticky and so was the table. We ordered the corn beef hash with a side of sausages and the big top. The scrambled eggs were overcooked and dry. However the pancakes were fluffy and big! Our food arrived cold and we had to wave someone down because our side add ons were forgotten and no maple syrup for our pancakes. It took a few minutes to wave someone down. read more

See all

Not a fan of clowns but I am a fan of Pancake Circus, and diners in general. Conveniently, they serve breakfast and lunch. Busy during the early brekkie hours, but if you come in late morning it's usually not as slammed. I've had many yummy breakfasts here over the years, and the eccentric diner feel combined with good food at a decent price (though it's steeper these days) pleases guests we bring here as well. I like to order the dollar pancakes with hash and eggs or the eggs bennie. There aren't many vegan options to speak of, but I do okay as a vegetarian. Their black coffee is yummy. Last time I was in, with my Swedish friend Pocki who desired American style pancakes, I saw a sign that advertised the buckwheat pancakes are back! Then promptly forgot to order them, oops. She did enjoy her American pancakes. Service is impressive. They tackle busy times well. You can buy lotto here or various wares at the front desk where you also pay the bill. I saw an essential oil that was labeled Barack Obama. Not sure what that means, but there you go. Ambiance is....weird. Full of clowns. Kitsch. Tchotchkes. And that is part of the fun of dining here. Open 7 am to 2 pm 7 days a week. There is a parking lot. Bathroom report: an adventure, clean, watch out for clowns read more

See all

Great Experience, Food is good and reasonably priced. The staff and other patrons are friendly. Definitely on our regular rotation. read more

Been coming here for years. One of the best mom and pops restaurant. We've always felt welcome here. The food is delicious and at a very reasonable price. I'd definitely recommend their pancake . It's soft and fluffy. The place is decorated with clowns on their walls. Of course, you can tell by the name of the restaurant. It's family friendly and kids will enjoy the decoration. read more

See all

I love a good throwback, but this place just isn't one. Trust me, I'm nostalgic. I can be more than nostalgic. The food was lackluster. I did my usual corned beef and hash. Just very uninspiring. Food was served on a cheap dish like the $1 ones. The corned beef hash tasted like it was from a Hormel's can. I don't have much report about with the hash browns. Eggs are eggs. Everyone is nice. It did take a minute, but I was pretty frustrated with the food. Ambiance wise, the placed open decades ago and it's stuck there. I think it's due for an update IMO. Perhaps, it's just not my style, but It's the pancake circus! There's so much you can do with it. Just wasn't a fab of the old decor and circus wallpaper. Probably just a one and done if you want a piece of Sac history, but may not be repeat for me. read more

See all

This place has been around forever and the decor remains the same! Stopped in while having my car worked on across the street, was greeted and seated right away by Celia/Cecelia? She was very nice! The place was fairly empty, but started to get busy as I sat there. I ordered toast, eggs, bacon and hot tea! Everything came out fast and was good, no complaints from me. read more

Pancake Circus - Bacon, eggs over easy and sourdough toast. - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

This place was trash. I came up from Southern California after it was recommended to me, but the restaurant felt dark, outdated, and dirty. The food was mediocre at best, and I honestly didn't find anything charming or redeeming about the experience. read more

Love this place ! Came here as a kid and just now move back to Sacramento and love coming here as an adult. I'd recommend sitting up at the bar and counter with all the locals and regulars. You get to watch all the food come out and hear some fun stories. read more

Pancake Circus - Circus Pancakes! - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

See all

The pancakes are delicious and eggs cooked just right. Sat at the bar and service was great. Very clean ambiance. read more

Pancake Circus - I mix my pancakes with my eggs so that why it looks so delicious and it was. - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

Old school diner, this place hasn't aged at all. I enjoyed the waffles and eggs. I would come back.

Driven by this spot most of my life snd never tried. Decided what the heck ill give it a shot. Place is a blast from the past. Old dingy diner setting. Most folks seemed like regulars. Menu seemed limited for breakfast but i opted of the 1egg bacon hash brown and dry sourdough w coffee. Was greeted promptly (no smile) and ordered coffee while i perused the menu Coffee came quickly. Prices seemed ok. Steak and eggs was pricey. Food: poached egg was over done kinda rubbery, hash browns were not hot and seemed old. Bacon was cool and very thin sliced. Sourdough bread had loads of butter. Normally id send back but based on temp of food i decided to eat it and get out. Very disappointing experience. I cannot see the allure of this place when there are way better options out there. Sorry but i have to vote pass on this one. read more

It's a classic Sacramento establishment, and by that all I can really say is it is old? Firstly, I did not find the restaurant too clean at all (on an early Monday morning the bathroom was not the cleanest, indicating it perhaps stays that way chronically). Service was friendly and food was fine as well. Oddly, the prices were not as cheap as I expected (besides their decent deal of a weekday morning special). Even with that, coffees were over $3 each. Overall, it wouldn't be my first recommendation for brunch in the city. Again service was friendly and probably the highlight. read more

Don't ever do online order. If you do give them at least an hour to prior to picking up your order. Cashier will not update you on your order. You have to ask them. Ridiculous read more

As of 2024, I've lived in the Sacramento since 2001, that's close to half my life if you do the math correctly, lol. And never have I visited "Pancake Circus" in that entire stretch. I've passed by it on numerous occasions (by car & bike) but never had the chance to eat here. Well, on the morning of Sunday 1/14/2024, that changed instantly. Located directly at the corner of Broadway and 21st St., this place has been a Sacramento staple dating back to the 1970's. Parking can get quite packed, primarily during those busy weekend mornings. I arrived with my lady around 10:25am as we met with two friends for our traditional Sunday brunch. Upon entering, all four of us were seated immediately and given menus. As far as the interior goes, this place is a straight time capsule. Everything from the booths, carpet, windows, and even the menus look like they're from a different point in history. And one thing that makes this place unique is the amount of circus/carnival items and even miniature toy clowns holding balloons by the ceiling throughout the entire restaurant. But the main focal point everyone wants to know about is the food. Here you will find your standard greasy spoon breakfast items including eggs, bacon, sausage, French toasts, omelets, Benedicts, waffles, and of course, pancakes. I ended up ordering their "French Toast" (four 1/2 slices w/powdered sugar, butter, & syrup) complete with one egg (scrambled), one sausage link, and one bacon strip. My lady went with hash browns, eggs, & toast while my friends did pancakes, and biscuits & gravy. After placing our orders, all four of our plates came out simultaneously in just under 10 minutes. I will say that the service was attentive and quick but the food was just alright for me. I think eating classic diner food can be too predictable and not inspiring. Not that I'm putting this place down but the food is just average at-best. Especially these days where people are all about the more trendy elaborate dishes. As far as my French toast, it was decent but my bacon and sausage is easily something that I could easily cook from home. Even the coffee my lady had was below average as it was too watered down. If breakfast isn't your thing, they also carry sandwiches, hot lunch items, burgers, salads, and even dedicated menu items for kids and seniors. They are open for business seven days a week from 7:00am to 2:00pm. I am not sure if this is a place I would come back to again. With so many options where restaurants have multiplied over the past few decades, Pancake Circus still gets its dedicated regulars that frequent this dive restaurant. With that said and done, I am giving "Pancake Circus" just an average three-star rating. read more

See all

Pancake Circus has been around for over 50 years. And it's been a good 50. Much of the interior decor came from that era and though it is a little tired, it's a step back in time when you enter and are greeted by the fun standing clown sign. The food is prepared quickly and served promptly. The staff is accommodating and professional. It's no wonder pancake is in the name; they are delicious. Try Pancake Circus. It is a fun adventure to the bygone days. read more

See all

I use to come here as a kid and I thought it was good lol But it seems kinda nasty now .. the menu is so simple The food came out and it looked so unappetizing My family hardly ate their food too We ordered a grilled cheese for my niece and it was literally and uncooked piece of cheese in some toasted bread Menu looked so original I didn't even wanna order anything so I got a pancake and even that was gross read more

Pancake Circus - Ham came out and it didn't looked like fried up or anything - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

The food was great. I've been doing there for 30 years. I took my grandchildren there they could experience their mom and their uncle had when they were younger. It was awesome. read more

Beware. We were seated and served quickly. When our breakfast was served, the plates were practically thrown on the table. It was very rude and unexpected because our waitress was on the friendly side. As soon as I was finished eating, she finally asked me if I wanted any more coffee. The food wasn't good, but here's the clincher. We took the tag to the counter and paid w/ a card. The guy who took our payment appeared to be the manager. Friendly. We weren't given a receipt. I asked for one, so he gave me the tag I brought to the counter? Very bizarre. I could see on the cash register screen, the place to ad a tip, but he didn't ask if I wanted to ad one and he left the screen open for signature/tip. I said, "why haven't you asked me if I want to ad a tip". He gave me some funky excuse about being distracted by the kids standing at the counter, but that was total bullshit. He immediately signed the screen himself, didn't ask if I wanted to ad a tip and closed it out. I"m sorry, but something was very F-ing off with this entire exchange. There's no doubt in my mind, he was going to ad a tip himself. Don't eat there. The food isn't good, the place looks dirty. read more

My family and I had a great experience at Pancake Circus! The staff was really friendly and welcoming from the moment we walked in. I ordered the veggie omelette, and it was delicious. Not to mention the fluffy, and flavorful french toast and pancakes. We will definitely be returning. Shout out to Lupe who took care of us. read more

This is a very old school diner type of restaurant with older clown decor. Clowns are not really my vibe but delicious food is. They offer very reasonably priced options all of which either include a pancake or the option to add one for $2.99. Their pancakes are big, delicious, and cooked perfectly. I ordered the eggs Benedict and added on a pancake. The Benedict was smothered in a bland hollandaise sauce but to be fair, the eggs were perfect and despite the plate being doused with hollandaise, the English muffin maintained its crispiness. It wasn't bad, it was just not zingy like I would expect from a hollandaise. The potatoes were also cooked to perfection and had a nice seasoning for flavor. Service was friendly and attentive. We didn't have to wait long for anything. I will definitely be back but am going to stick to the eggs and pancakes and try one of their many pancake options like the lemon meringue. I saw another table order it and it looked delicious. I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you are in the mood for big delicious pancakes. read more

Think old school diner meets clowns and circus theme decor. Excellent service. Come for the clowns stay for the pancakes and waffles! Best in the business. read more

See all

I had a wonderful experience where the waitress asked the chef to make a special cinnamon pancake batter so I could have cinnamon pancakes. Not only were they both accommodating but very friendly as well. read more

Horrible experience not worth it. I brought my wife to breakfast this morning as soon as we got there the waitress gave us a dirty look from across the room she had a sit in the waiting area after three other customers came in and were seated before us she finally took us to our booth she asked us what do we want which was pretty rude for the start my wife ordered steak and eggs I ordered country fried steak. I was surprised and kind of embarrassed when lupe out server just stood there insisted of getting us our beverages she loudlyask me to pay my bill right then and there while everyone in the restaurant is looking I reach in my pocket pull out my cash and pay for the money she says it was $52 and then she comes back with $2 change with no receipt then she brings our drinks cold coffee and a tiny cup of orange juice then she brings our food which was cold was actually undercooked we did not say anything we just accepted it began eating and then she stops me while I'm eating my food to ask me how many to go boxes need for my food I literally took two bites from it and she's already trying to get us to leave at this point we're just uncomfortable sitting there while everybody's continually watching us keeping his eyes all on us like we did something wrong we were sitting there quiet the whole time so after I was done eating my food I get up to use the restroom I seen my wife's small cup of orange juice was empty was not ever checked on to see if we wanted another drink or anything Lupe just ignored us so I said to her order another orange juice if you want I'll be right back went to the bathroom came back and instead of orange juice on the table that was a cup of water no ice just water and I asked what happened Lupe said no free refills on orange juice well nobody asked for or refill we asked for another orange juice she says you have to pay for it up front so I asked her why is it that you're making me pay for my order first and no one else in this restaurant is getting the same treatment they all get to pay after they eat and you're refusing to sell me an orange juice she says it's policy that you have to pay steak upfrontso people won't walk out without paying wow I ordered an orange juice and she's going into all of this detail loudly everybody's watching so embarrassing I saidcan we please order another orange juice she says there are no free refill sir I said I have cash in my hand I'll show her the money she was standing at the register there's no reason why she couldn't sell me an orange juice and an orange juice is not steak that doesn't require me to pay first so she was just doing that to be rude then she asked me to leave like I did something wrong I was quiet she was loud I didn't argue with her she did all the arguing my poor wife was sitting there embarrassed looking at like she was going to cry so I said let's just go and walk her out we had just got treated like criminals we just went there for breakfast I had more than enough money to pay for everyone's meals and the restaurant had no problem paying my for my food got treated like garbage and stereotyped and forced to leave shame on Lupe who turned out to be the restaurant manager as well so couldn't file a complaint and she charged us for a tip that I did not give permission to charge us for so in reality she stole from me as well and did not give you receipt so that I was not able to prove it but I asked for receipt and she had to give me one which was hand written read more

Pancake Circus - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

Ordered on DoorDash, I always wanted to give this place a try. The pancakes were great! I wish they came with syrup though but I guess they didn't really need it. Denver omelette was also really good. I'd order again, really good value for the amount of food you get. read more

This place is old school and a little run down. I ordered an omelette with bacon, sausage, onion and American cheese with hash browns on the side. It did not have much flavor, I didn't taste any bacon, I tasted cheese maybe in 2 bites, but I could see the sausage, and it did not have much flavor. I did not taste onions at all. My previous trip here was better. read more

Pancake Circus - Bacon Omelet with Cheese - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

never going there again my food did not come out in 30 minutes and the worker was saying bad words to my mom but the boy worker was nice and he was doing good read more

Service was friendly. The food was not good. In fact the potatoe salad was sour and expires. I'm afraid to ever eat here again. Outdated decor. read more

Ok. I admit it I've never been here. Not technically being someone who grew up in sacramento I have never wanted to admit I haven't tried out this local icon of a breakfast diner.. And to be very honest I was worried it would disappoint and I'd have to roll my eyes every time someone mentioned this place, but let me tell you - DELICIOUS PANCAKES ! The decor and whole entire style of this place is so late 70s or early 80s. To the cute homage to clowns and the circus with artwork and clown dolls at the front entrance, to the yellow and Orange Brady bunch color palette. Not to mention the old school swivel counter chairs overlooking all the decades old cooking equipment. It makes you feel like you stepped into an old cozy antique store that also just so happens to serve pancakes. I got the country biscuit and gravy with a pancake on the side and the biscuits and gravy were good. No sausage in the sauce and ok biscuits but still good flavor. And the pancakes! Absolutely delicious. I only had one after my meal and it felt like a dessert after breakfast. So thick and the right amount of firmness to the almost spongey texture. Also when the pancake absorbed the syrup it didn't just start falling apart but still maintained that seared outer exterior. So GOOD. Not the mention the amazing staff! The cook behind the counter was an older gentleman and talked to me and my friend during our meal sliding us silly off the wall dad jokes. The waitress chatting with us but still maintaining a large crowd with ease. You can tell the people who work here are happy and it just makes you feel like you are a customer who has been here forever. Look forward to coming again and again to this place. I only take away minus one star because besides the pancakes everything else was just mediocre (but still flavorful). Safe to say for people who have never tried this place you will come for the antiquity, but you'll come back for the pancakes. read more

The food & coffee/tea are good. They never have enough wait staff and service is extremely slow. That's the only thing that keeps me away.

What can one expect from the greasy spoon of greasy spoons? This place is well past its heyday but does provide lots of positive energy from yesteryear. The food is consistent and you can expect any breakfast menu item from a traditional diner. The service is dependable. It's the only place I know where you can order buckwheat pancakes and all the fixins from the heyday of mid-century Americana. read more

I've been coming here for years and it is always as I expect. Decent food. Decent prices. Crazy, dated decor. I had a party melt with onions on my most recent visit and I have to say, it was really tasty! The fries were hot and crispy! Our server was kind and she kept our drinks full! read more

It was ok food pancakes were fluffy and delicious,the eggs not so much,it's like an old style diner lots of booths ,understaffed ,Waited 14 minutes to get order taken and coffee .Everything was good after that .Plenty of parking.I love clown decorations and animal fixtures.Staff is friendly and helpful. read more

See all

Our server Andres was amazing. The service overall was great. The food was ok. Pancakes were fluffy and malty the way I like them. Large portions, decent price. read more

Pancake Circus - Ambiance - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

Service is quick and friendly and the pancakes are really good. We ordered blueberry pancakes, buckwheat and pecan pancakes, corn beef hash and eggs. The eggs were perfectly cooked. And then there are the clowns and circus animals. Which are funny and perhaps unsettling. Pancake Circus is an old fashioned and quirky place. It could only be better if the wait staff dressed up as circus performers. read more

See all

Pancake Circus offered up quick breakfast and friendly staff with a much to be desired décor and interior. But overall it's breakfast folks so if you can get past the antiquated circus theme and scary clowns starring at ya while you eating in both from the 1970s well you may enjoy your meal. Nothing fancy or special here just your slap it on the plate eggs, bacon or sausage, pancakes or waffles added bonus fresh fruit atop the aforementioned waffles and slather on the syrup then scarf down your meal to head out for whatever you have planned for your day. Listed as an iconic location, this was just someplace for us to grab a quick warm meal early in the morning before we went sightseeing in the area. Overall like a shared above interior along with exterior style are reminiscent of traveling back in to a 1970s circus vibe from the moment you pull in the parking lot, enter the door and get handed the menu. Ehhh I digress, stomach's full, we conquered our day and this fit the bill of what we needed that morning. read more

See all

Nostalgic atmosphere like your from the 70s. Loved everything about the old decor reminded me as a child growing up eating with my parents in the 70s. Flavorful. Really good breakfast and their pancakes were good as well. This is an old gem read more

The service was good, as was the food. The restaurant itself is kitschy, but you know that going in. The bathroom was clean. I'd eat here again. read more

I really did not intend to go here. The wait at the Tower Cafe was over an hour so I thought I Would try Pancake Circus. I got the Circus Big Top with Sausage, Scrambled eggs and hash browns with 2 pancakes. The eggs, sausages and hash browns we're actually pretty good. Too my amazement the pancakes were hard as a rock and almost inedible. If the namesake of the restaurant is it's worst dish it has too make you wonder. read more