Best Pancake Nominee?
My earlier post on Dupar's has caused me to wonder what other griddle-borne goodness may be lurking out there in the City of Angels.
Please nominate your selection for "best pancake" and also include a coherent reason why.
SAM
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I also love DuPars but since have found a better.
You HAVE TO try Gridles Cafe on Sunset. OMG! They have all kinds of pancakes and each one is the size of a medium size pizza pie!!! I have been twice. I have tried one with butterscotch, coconut, rolled oats.... it basically had everything under the sink in it. It was beyond!! The next time I tried the chocolate chip pancakes. I took a friend (thats her in the pic. lol). There was no way to finish this ONE pancake. Gosh it was good though.
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For a different savory type pancake there is a korean type called pa-jun. Sometimes you can get a mixed seafod or even a kimchee pancake. The batter is slightly different but is really delicious.
Also cobras has a socca cake which is a chickpea pancake which you can top with either a cilatro sauce or a goat cheese and honey. I personally like the goat cheese and honey. Yum! -
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Another place I learned about here from our "Chino Wayne" is Frisco's. Very good lagre fluffy style pancakes. I ask for some blueberry topping that they put on their blueberry ice cream and they will even warn it up -- so good. The ambiance of Frisco's is as close to a NJ diner as it gets here in L.A., They have some booths made from cars. No movie star look-a-likes but the carhops on skates, eh, -- how did Vincent say it? -- "It's like a wax museum with a pulse rate." See the slides..
Frisco's
http://www.friscos.com/Frisco's servers -- Slide Show
http://www.friscos.com/carhopgallery.htm›1 Reply-
re: JeetJet
orythedog
Mar 9, 2009 03:02 PM
OK, so I went to P&B and got the thin pancakes. They were more well done than the ones at OPH but they were dry and tasted faintly of grease form the grill. The 49er flapjacks at OPH have a certain "chew" and "moistness" to them. While I go to P&B from time to time, I think it is impossible to cite any item there as superior to the offerings at OPH. To each his own...
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You have to try Pie and Burger in Pasadena. Nothing too fancy, just fluffy and super fresh.
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re: ohdaylay
Fluffy? Yeah, Pie and Burger does have great fluffy pancakes but in your 2007 comparison, which you link above of Dupars versus Original Pancake House, you had the 49er flapjacks at OPH. I agree that the OPH is far superior to D. But have you compaired the thin chewy pancakes at P&B with those OPH 49er flapjacks? If you have not then you must have them -- thin, chewy, more for your money than OPH and better bacon too. Sitting at that counter and having a full stack of P&B thin style pancakes has become something I do when I know I need something real special to start my day.
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re: JeetJet
sbritchky
Feb 28, 2009 03:29 PM
I keep forgetting to get over to PNB for breakfast and will correct that mistake soon.
However, I'm confused. Does PNB have two kinds of pancakes -- (1) fluffy and (2) thin, chewy, non-fluffy, OPH Forty-Niner's style? Their menu (http://www.pienburger.com/menu.htm) lists only "Hot Cakes."
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re: sbritchky
Sorry. That is a good point and it should be mentioned when discussing P&B pancakes. Yea, they two types of "Hot Cakes." The menu only mentions "Hot Cakes" so when you order you must make sure the server knows which kind you want -- thick & fluffy or thin and chewy. Most of the time the server will ask which kind you want but sometimes they do not ask and.... Twice I have gone there with aq fried and while sitting at the counter reading the menu the server put a short stack in front of us. I asked what are these... And was told the cook makes extra sometimes and so.... That was how I got to try the thick kind. They are very good but when I order I get the thin kind. Like I say, when I feel a bad day is in my future, or feel I deserve something special just for me, I order a full stack w/ extra butter (although they give you lots of butter without the asking).
The thin and chewy are the same style as the Forty-Niner Flap Jacks at OPH. The thick and fluffy are more like the buttermilk at OPH but larger. Once I told the server that next time they re-print the menu they should list "Fluffy pancakes" and "Thin FlapJacks." I got only a look that said, "Why?" That is one reason why I lke the place, they never change.
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Lemon ricotta pancakes with caramelized blueberry compote at Mike & Anne's in South Pasadena. I've tried lemon ricotta pancakes at a couple of other places in LA and these are the best. Very moist and you can actually see bits of ricotta in the batter. Mike & Anne's other breakfast offerings are also very good.
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orythedog
Feb 26, 2009 01:05 PM
I forgot that I did a comparison of Dupars versus Original Pancake House in 2007. The link is here:
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re: JudiAU
David Kahn
Jan 28, 2009 04:13 PM
I totally agree! Superb corn pancakes. The sticky bun amuse bouche is pretty damn good too, and their shredded roast beef hash, while nontraditional, is one of my favorites.
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avivale
Jan 27, 2009 09:47 AM
Not "the best" pancakes, but delicious and unique: the strawberry chai pancakes at Hugo's in West Hollywood. Complement them with a chai latte!
My favorite pancake EVER was at the Dipsea Cafe in Mill Valley, Marin County. Upside-down with caramelized sliced mango. It tasted extra good coming as my breakfast reward after a 14 mile trail run. I'm afraid to say more lest this post get kicked off the L.A. board. :)
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To add to the suggestions already made: I love the pancakes at Pacific Dining Car (breakfast is the only meal I really enjoy there)--the blueberry in particular are huge but fluffy and bursting with wonderful blueberries. Marston's also does very good blueberry pancakes but it is hard not to order the excellent crunchy french toast when I go there. Uncle Bill's in Manhattan Beach offers a nice variety and executes them well but I seldom have the patience to wait in the inevitable line to get in.
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Pacific Dining Car
1310 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017Marston's Restaurant
151 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91103Uncle Bill's Pancake House
1305 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266Pacific Dining Car
2700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403›2 Replies-
re: New Trial
My son just mentioned to me yesterday that he had those pancakes at the Pacific Dining Car this week and thought they were excellent. He also mentioned that breakfast for two was a little over $60. Your mention of blueberry pancakes made me recall another place for blueberry pancakes -- Egg Heaven Cafe. These are also very good. I order a high stack with a side of sausage. The sausage has a nice casing (snap) and a flavor and texture that is way above most.
Egg Heaven Cafe.
4358 East 4th St. (Corner of East 4th and Ximeno St.)
Long Beach, CA
(562) 433-9277-
re: JeetJet
sentient1
Jan 27, 2009 05:42 AM
oh, I've been in the mood for yummy pancakes too.. think I will have to check out the Original Pancake House in Redondo Beach. 1756 South Pacific Coast Hwy. Redondo Beach, California 90277 310-543-9875 http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/
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SecretAsianMan
Jan 24, 2009 05:42 PM
I have discovered that the pancakes at Cedars Sinai cafeteria are not only incredibly inexpensive, but quite good. Highly recommended!
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junglekitte
Jan 17, 2009 07:57 PM
I admit I haven't tried most of the restaurants other posters have suggested but I love the Original Pancake House.I went this morning in fact!
Order either the 49'ers (which is what I had today) SO GOOD.
the apple pancake
or the dutch baby
my friend likes the buckwheat or original, which are good, but I like the other three much better!My favorite pancake used to be Soul Folks in downtown LA but I hear they closed down? (haven't been in years) they were the best I have ever had.
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re: Joani Macaroni
westsidegal
Feb 28, 2009 02:24 PM
it could be offered with an upcharge-- a little pitcher (maybe 3 oz) for an extra $3 or so. . .
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re: Joani Macaroni
Sorry, just saw your reply. When I talked to Dish's manager prices were still reasonable. Yes maple syrup prices have shot sky high but I think it should be offered as westsidegal mentions for an upcharge. I did go to a lovely place in Oakland that made there own brown sugar and apple cider syrup (tasted delicious) because of the current high prices for pure maple syrup. I love the creativity of that place, haven't seen it in L.A.
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soniabegonia
Jan 16, 2009 05:04 PM
my pick of the moment is Square One - nice & fluffy, you can taste the fresh dairy flavors, vanilla whipped cream made with real vanilla beans, real maple syrup (although, does any respectable restaurant serve the fake stuff anymore??)
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Square One Dining
4854 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 -
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re: bigredd
monku
Jan 16, 2009 05:23 PM
Kate Mantilini is owned by the Lewis'........the originators of Hamburger Hamlet. Its the same pancakes they used to serve for Sunday brunch at the Hamlets and same type of pancakes I've had at the Montebello Country Club coffee shop.
I have it from a source that worked at the Hamlets that it comes from a commercial pancake mix that they "thin" down to get that type of pancake.
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re: uhockey
uhockey
Mar 28, 2009 04:32 PM
#1 Griddle for the audacity and decadence and the variety - vast difference between the textures/flavors of each pancake.
#2 CiCi's for the variety and decadence, not quite on par w/ Griddle and the pancakes are mostly the same aside from the sauces.
#3 Jack n' Jills for GREAT quality hotcakes (fluffy, airy, great) that are much more subtle than the others - yet can be dressed up for decadence.
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orythedog
Jan 15, 2009 10:09 AM
THIS IS MY FAVORITE SUBJECT NEXT TO BBQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hands down, the tastiest and most consistently good pancakes are at The Original Pancake House. The only LA county location is Redondo Beach. But...if you have ever been to any location, including those in Orange County or San Diego, they are all packed all of the time. My favorites are the 49'er flapjacks which are thin like a crepe and as big as a plate. Others have tried to duplicate (ex: Marstons & Pie n Burger) but they do not achieve the same texture as OPH.
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re: orythedog
I disagree about Pie n Burger not achieving the same texture for those thin flapjacks. After going to both places for years and thinking they were closly the same I actually had to try both places back-to-back. So about two months ago I did both places the same day. (I had brakfast at Pie N Burger and then my son called to meet him in OC, so I went and...) and the winner hands-down, IMO, is Pie N Burger. I say that not only because the price was less and because you get one more pancake then OHP, but because of a better chewy texture and flavor. Also, at Pie N Burger those large thin pancakes are cooked just a lttle darker and IMO that looks more homemade. Also, once I knew for sure that I liked the thin cakes at Pie N Burger most, I could not stop eating'em and went back twice a week for several weeks. Then I noticed my pants started getting -- ah , small again -- and I had to stop going about four weeks ago.
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re: JeetJet
sbritchky
Jan 15, 2009 02:53 PM
I've never had anything but lukewarm chili and wonderful hamburgers, hashbrowns, and pie at PIE 'N BURGER, so on JJ's recommendation, I'll have to try their pancakes soon. I'm surprised to hear they even resemble, much less challenge, the OPH 49'er Flap Jacks, those thin, tender, and lightly chewy pancakes from the chow side of Heaven.
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Schweinhaxen
Jan 15, 2009 09:26 AM
I truly enjoy Du-Par's pancakes as I find them fluffy and cooked just right with a cake like texture and soft and slightly chewy texture. The drawn butter is a nice complement and I find this a steal of a place to go when it is late night. I am a pancake purist and I do not like fruit, nuts, or flavored syrup on my pancakes. People may differ here on this board, but I think they are the best in LA for straight forward traditional pancakes.....
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re: Schweinhaxen
Amuse Bouches
Jan 16, 2009 05:05 PM
I don't even LIKE traditional pancakes and I like DuPars. But I always go with the boysenberry syrup.
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Two nominees...
1. Home Bakery and Cafe in Montrose. Basic buttermilk pancakes but there is no mealy texture at all, a perfect medium brown color, and just a hint of a crusty crunch on the outer layer of the cake. Before being served, butter is melted over the top and the taste is out of this world. It also help that you can get a combo with eggs and bacon for around $5.2. Peach Cafe in Monrovia. Many go for their blueberry cakes, which are very good, but the buttermilk variety is also outstanding. There secret...which isn't really since they readily tell you...is putting some orange juice in the batter which gives the final product a slightly sour taste that reminds me of a good sourdough bread. Again, the price for cakes alone is in the $5 range and the cakes can be substituted on any of the other breakfast plates in place of the hash browns and toast.
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re: heckonwheels
Yeah, those pancakes at the Peach Cafe are a true uptown breakfast and that orange juice is what puts them over the top. The coffee selections are also very good.
The Peach Cafe
http://www.thepeachcafe.com/ -
re: heckonwheels
SecretAsianMan
Jan 24, 2009 05:41 PM
I tried Home Bakery last weekend and unfortunately couldn't muster much enthusiasm for the pancakes...maybe it was an off day but they were rather bland. Sorry.
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monku
Jan 14, 2009 09:24 PM
Montebello Country Club coffee shop for chewy thin pancakes like they used to serve at Hamburger Hamlets for Sunday brunch. I'm not a fan of thick fluffy kind.
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re: monku
Hey monku, is this coffee shop up that hill on Via San Clemente off Garfield? I have gone to several meetings at that large hall up there. All I ever ate up there was some mass produced rubber chicken served to 200 people during the meeting. I never noticed a coffee shop. Is this place open in the morning hours during the week? Do they offer these thin chewy pancakes everyday? My Thanks
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re: JeetJet
monku
Jan 15, 2009 06:10 PM
The coffee shop is on the ground floor next to the golf shop below the banquet rooms. They remodeled the coffee shop and bar last year. You can park at the golf course lot or around the back at the Hilton Garden Hotel.
The coffee shop is open everyday 5:30am-4pm. The food at the coffee shop is pretty good. Play golf there once a week and eat lunch there. I'd eat breakfast there too, but I'm a big fan of J&S's machaca burrito for breakfast.
Pancakes are served everyday and you can get them anytime of day. You can get even get one pancake if you want to just try it--that's what my buddy orders for breakfast or Golfer's Special with 2 pancakes, eggs and bacon of sausage for $6.95. One day I said I wanted 4 pancakes (they almost cover the plate) and it was way too much. They also do a great hamburger.....1/3 pound burger (ask for it med-rare) and fries for like $6.95.....I think its the best hamburger around. They also have a great Thai chicken salad for $8.95 which is pretty good too.
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re: monku
I finally got a chance to try these cakes. This is a very nice cafe to either sit at the counter or at a booth or table. I saw two nice large flat TVs. These pancakes are larger than regular cakes and more thin with a little chew. The cakes at Pie, n Burger and Original House are larger, thinner and have more of a chewy texture. I would say Montebello Country Club coffee shop cakes are a mix (someplace between) thick fluffy and thin flap-jacks. They are good and when I return again I might look into the breakfast burrito I noticed in the menu.
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re: JeetJet
monku
Jan 24, 2009 05:49 PM
Glad you were able to check it out.
Try the hamburger-I think its one of the best around and ask for it med-rare, think its a half pound burger. Never had the breakfast burrito, but one of my buddy's is always ordering the machaca burrito. They do a great Thai chicken salad, you'd be surprised.
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westsidegal
Jan 14, 2009 09:08 PM
baked apple pancake
and
baked german pancake
from dinah's family restaurant near LAX -
First stop is Original Pancake House. It will take a month of Sundays for you to try half of the Pancakes on the menu .This is not IHOP where every pancake is the same but with different toppings. These are really all different.. Try the thin chewy flap jacks and the fluffy buttermilks first. Then move on to the others. Finally, go to Pie N Burger in Pasadena for the best thin style and fluffy style.
http://originalpancakehouse.com/›2 Replies-
re: JeetJet
David Kahn
Jan 15, 2009 07:50 AM
The apple pancake at OPH is my personal favorite (at least outside of New England), although I suppose it's not really a traditional pancake.
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re: David Kahn
ReelMike84
Jan 15, 2009 09:01 AM
Just a note on the OPH that if you get the dutch baby get a side of bacon (or other pancakes!) as well. That baby is not very filling but it is tasty. Also the bacon waffle, while delicious in imagination is not so delicious upon presentation. I didn't read the description clearly and thought it would arrive having been made with bacon in the batter. In actuality it's just a waffle with broken up bacon bits strewn on top. I could of done that myself.
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ipsedixit
Jan 14, 2009 08:36 PM
Julienne in Pasadena.
Coherent reason? They're pumpkin and topped with crystalized ginger butter. That's reason enough for me, coherent or otherwise.
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I'm not normally a pancake person -- I usually go with hashbrowns on the side, extra crispy. But I really like the ones at S & W Diner -- big, tasty, a nice texture, not too heavy but with substance. Two large ones come as a side alternative with their combo breakfasts -- I try to go with a friend close enough so one of us orders the pancakes and the other the hashbrowns and toast and we can share. At S & W a main (I like the homemade corned beef hash, crispy), two eggs any style, and a choice of side is as much or more than I can eat and well under $10.
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