The Original Pancake House: User Reviews

BURNT Breakfast - absolute disinterest from management
By Lucy from Lakeview, July 5, 2008

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My apple pancake was charred and never should have left the kitchen. The waitress was nowhere to be found and management could not have been less interested nor concerned. I will NEVER go back. Apparently serving inedible food is acceptable given the locale.

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Good food, WORST SERVICE ever
By J.G. from Downtown Chicago, February 24, 2008

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The omelettes and pancakes are good.
The service, however, is terrible - the worst I have ever experienced in Chicago. From the moment we got into the restaurant (when an impolite, kind of angry waitress took us to the table) to the moment we had to pay the check it was awful. We were a group of friends trying to each one pay his / her own food, but unlike anywhere else we had to pay with just ONE card. And we found it out just after the cashier charged a friend's card with the whole amount (although he had clearly stated that he would like to pay just a part of the check). To cancel that transaction, we had to wait around 20 minutes for the impolite manager to come (being impolite and not prepared to serve is a common characteristic there).
I will NEVER go back to that place.

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I have friends in the...
By Helen S. from Kenosha, Wi, August 31, 2005

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I have friends in the area that speak so highly of this establishment, so I just had to visit and try. I must agree with my friends about the food. I ordered the Dutch Baby and it took me 5 minutes to stop laughing when I saw how big it was when it came to the table. But it was excellent. I was not impressed with the seating arrangement. Too cramped for my style. The service was very friendly and attentive. I was there with my daughter and Jennie showered her with attention. Cash only seems a bit strange since I travel so much and hate carrying cash. Upon leaving the hostess said have a nice day without making eye contact and seemed a little robotic. I would definitely recommend and return when in the area.

not much of a fan...
By mike l from chicago, il, May 30, 2004

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not much of a fan of this place, and it wasn't the food but the people in there were annoing. way to snooty for pancakes, it's not that serious. brunck in the city doesn't ahve to be so crazy.

The Hostess is very unfriendly,...
By Ashiv Gupta from Chicago, IL, May 17, 2004

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The Hostess is very unfriendly, the last thing you want is a rude hostess when you for breakfast on Sunday morning. Tables are too close , overcrowded place.

A little on the expensive...
By scott w from Chgo, IL, July 21, 2003

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A little on the expensive side but worth it. They make killer eggs and the best pancakes on the planet. No place can compare for pancakes. The clark/armitage location is infinitely better than the Bellevue location as it is bigger and less cramped.

Heard, read about, and saw...
By Chet- Man from Chicago, IL, April 16, 2003

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Heard, read about, and saw a line out the door Saturday morn. I thought this place must be great. Tried them Tuesday morn. Heres the report - WAY OVERRATED! Walked in w/Starbucks in hand and first thing said was "you can't drink that here - I'll have to throw it out". Ordered USDA choice scrambled eggs and old world hickory smoked sausages. Looked and tasted run-o-the mill to me. So what if eggs are natural and fresh? I just bought a dozen at Jewels for 37 cents. Stick with Lou Mitchells on Jackson Blvd.

Not worth the wait or...
By Ron Jaeger from Clinton Township, MI, October 30, 2002

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Not worth the wait or money for a breakfast.