The Original Pancake House, founded in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke, offers a diverse menu inspired by global pancake recipes, serving made-from-scratch breakfast classics.
History and Founding
The Original Pancake House was founded in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke in Portland, Oregon. Drawing on their extensive culinary experience, they created a unique menu inspired by authentic global pancake recipes. Their vision was to offer a diverse selection of pancakes, waffles, and egg dishes that reflected international flavors; The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its made-from-scratch freshness and signature items like the Dutch Baby and Apple Pancake. Over the years, the menu has remained largely unchanged, preserving the original recipes that made it a beloved breakfast destination. Today, it stands as a testament to their culinary legacy, with locations across the U.S. celebrating their founding principles.
Signature Menu Items
The Original Pancake House is renowned for its signature dishes, including the iconic Dutch Baby, a German-style oven-baked pancake served with fresh lemon and powdered sugar. The Apple Pancake, another standout, features oven-baked Granny Smith apples topped with a premium cinnamon glaze. The menu also boasts an array of buttermilk, blueberry, strawberry, and chocolate chip pancakes, all made from scratch. These items, along with unique offerings like crepes and waffles, showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor, making them must-try options for any visitor seeking a memorable breakfast experience.
Why the Menu is Unique
The Original Pancake House stands out for its diverse and authentic menu, inspired by global pancake traditions. The restaurant offers a wide variety of made-from-scratch dishes, from classic buttermilk pancakes to unique options like the Dutch Baby and Apple Pancake. What truly sets the menu apart is its commitment to tradition and quality, with recipes remaining unchanged since 1953. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation methods ensures a consistent and exceptional dining experience. This dedication to authenticity and flavor has earned the menu national acclaim, making it a standout choice for breakfast enthusiasts seeking more than just a standard meal.
Main Menu Categories
The Original Pancake House offers a variety of breakfast favorites, including pancakes, waffles, crepes, egg specialties, and senior menu options, ensuring something for everyone.
Pancakes
The Original Pancake House is renowned for its wide variety of pancakes, offering classic buttermilk, fluffy blueberry, sweet strawberry, and rich chocolate chip options. The menu also features signature dishes like the Dutch Baby, a German-style oven-baked pancake, and the Apple Pancake, a cinnamon-glazed treat. Made from scratch, these pancakes are crafted with fresh ingredients, ensuring a delicious and authentic experience. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or unique twists, the pancake selection caters to all tastes, making it a highlight of the menu. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and variety has solidified its reputation as a breakfast destination.
Waffles
The Original Pancake House offers a variety of waffles that are both classic and delicious. From traditional buttermilk waffles to unique flavor combinations, each waffle is crafted to perfection. The menu features options like the Strawberry Waffle, a sweet and fruity delight, and other seasonal specials that showcase fresh ingredients. Light, fluffy, and golden, the waffles are a perfect choice for those looking for a slightly different breakfast experience. Toppings such as fresh berries, whipped cream, and syrup allow guests to customize their meal. The waffles are a beloved part of the menu, offering a tasty alternative to pancakes while maintaining the same high-quality standards.
Crepes
The Original Pancake House offers a delightful selection of crepes, providing a French-inspired twist to their breakfast menu. Thin, delicate, and expertly prepared, the crepes are a popular choice for those seeking a lighter option. The menu features sweet and savory varieties, such as the Banana and Cherry Crepes, filled with fresh fruit and topped with whipped cream. Other options include savory choices, perfect for guests looking for a non-traditional breakfast. The crepes are crafted with precision, ensuring a flavorful and elegant meal. This versatile dish caters to diverse tastes, making it a standout offering on the menu.
Egg Specialties
Egg Specialties at The Original Pancake House are a cornerstone of the menu, offering a variety of delicious and expertly prepared dishes. From classic Eggs Benedict to hearty omelettes, the options cater to diverse tastes. The restaurant prides itself on using farm-fresh eggs, ensuring a rich and flavorful experience. Popular choices include the Vegetarian Omelet and Mexican-inspired breakfast items like breakfast burritos and chorizo dishes. Each egg specialty is crafted with care, using high-quality ingredients to create satisfying and memorable meals. Whether you prefer traditional favorites or international flair, the egg offerings are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and culinary tradition.
Senior Menu Options
Senior Menu Options at The Original Pancake House cater to guests aged 55 and older, offering a selection of classic breakfast items at a discounted price. The Senior Pancake Meal is a popular choice, featuring two eggs, two strips of bacon, and two buttermilk pancakes for $8.99. This meal is made fresh to order, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful experience. The menu also accommodates seniors with smaller appetites, providing a variety of options that blend tradition and taste. This thoughtful offering reflects the restaurant’s commitment to serving guests of all ages with quality and care.
Signature Pancake Dishes
The Dutch Baby is a soufflé-like oven-baked pancake dusted with powdered sugar, while the Apple Pancake features cinnamon-glazed apples. The Blueberry and Strawberry Pancakes blend fresh fruit into fluffy batter, and Chocolate Chip Pancakes delight sweet-tooths with melted chocolate chips.
Dutch Baby Pancake
The Dutch Baby Pancake is a signature dish at The Original Pancake House, offering a unique German-inspired breakfast experience. Served in a hot skillet, this soufflé-like pancake is light and airy, topped with fresh lemon wedges, whipped butter, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Its golden-brown appearance and delicate flavor make it a crowd favorite. The dish is both visually appealing and flavorful, with the citrusy zing of lemon perfectly balancing the sweetness. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking a traditional yet elegant breakfast option, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to authentic, made-from-scratch recipes. This iconic dish has become a defining feature of the menu.
Apple Pancake
The Apple Pancake is a beloved dish at The Original Pancake House, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures. This oven-baked confection features tender Granny Smith apples topped with a premium Sinkiang cinnamon glaze, creating a sweet and tangy profile. Served warm, it’s often paired with whipped cream or Häagen-Dazs ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The Apple Pancake is a must-try for anyone seeking a hearty, flavorful breakfast option, combining the natural sweetness of apples with the richness of cinnamon. Its popularity stems from its unique taste and satisfying portion size, making it a standout choice for breakfast enthusiasts.
Blueberry and Strawberry Pancakes
The Blueberry Pancakes and Strawberry Pancakes are crowd favorites at The Original Pancake House, offering a burst of fresh flavor in every bite. Made with plump, juicy blueberries or sweet strawberries, these pancakes are crafted to perfection, delivering a delightful balance of tangy and sweet notes. The blueberries add a vibrant, fruity twist, while the strawberries bring a natural sweetness that complements the golden, fluffy batter. Both options are served fresh and hot, making them a delightful choice for breakfast lovers seeking a fruity and satisfying start to their day. Their popularity lies in their simplicity and the use of high-quality ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
The Chocolate Chip Pancakes are a delightful treat at The Original Pancake House, loaded with rich, velvety chocolate chips that add a decadent twist to a classic breakfast favorite. Made with a special buttermilk batter, these pancakes are fluffy and golden, with a perfect balance of sweetness. The chocolate chips melt slightly upon cooking, creating a gooey, indulgent texture that chocolate lovers adore. Served hot and topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these pancakes are a must-try for anyone seeking a sweet and satisfying meal. They’re also customizable, offering options for dark or milk chocolate chips, and even nuts for added crunch. A true crowd-pleaser, these pancakes are a delicious way to start your day or satisfy your chocolate cravings any time of day.
Beverages
The Original Pancake House offers a variety of beverages, including their signature coffee blend, herbal teas, rich hot chocolate with whipped cream, and fresh juices like orange and apple.
Coffee and Tea Options
The Original Pancake House offers a selection of premium beverages, including their signature coffee, a unique blend roasted exclusively for the restaurant. This coffee comes with complimentary refills, making it a customer favorite. For tea lovers, a variety of herbal and traditional tea options are available, providing a soothing start to the day. Both coffee and tea are priced at $3.49, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality. These beverages perfectly complement the restaurant’s iconic breakfast dishes, offering a delightful pairing for every meal. The coffee’s rich flavor and the teas’ subtle notes enhance the dining experience, making them a staple on the menu.
Hot Chocolate and Milk
The Original Pancake House serves delicious hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips for $3.49. Milk options include regular, chocolate, and large sizes, priced at $2.99 for regular and $3.99 for large. These offerings cater to both kids and adults, providing a creamy and sweet accompaniment to their meals. The hot chocolate, with its rich flavor and generous toppings, is a popular choice, while the milk options offer a classic and refreshing beverage option. These drinks are perfect for pairing with the restaurant’s renowned pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast specialties, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience for all guests.
Juice Varieties
The Original Pancake House offers a selection of fresh juice varieties to complement its breakfast menu. Guests can choose from orange, apple, cranberry, or tomato juice, ensuring there’s something for every taste. The juices are available in two sizes: regular for $3.49 and large for $4.29. These options provide a refreshing and healthy start to the meal, pairing perfectly with the restaurant’s signature pancakes, waffles, and egg dishes. The variety of juices caters to diverse preferences, from the tangy sweetness of orange to the tartness of cranberry, making it easy to find the perfect beverage to enjoy alongside a hearty breakfast.
Additional Menu Highlights
The menu features fresh fruits, cereals, and yogurt options, along with omelettes and Mexican-inspired breakfast items, offering a diverse range of flavors and preferences.
Fruits, Cereals, and Yogurt Options
The Original Pancake House offers a variety of fresh and wholesome options, including seasonal fruits like strawberries and berries, sliced bananas, and grapefruit halves. Guests can enjoy old-fashioned oatmeal or cream of wheat, served with cream and brown sugar, and customize with add-ons like raisins, bananas, or pecans. Yogurt options are paired with granola and fresh fruit, providing a lighter yet satisfying choice. These selections cater to diverse preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone looking for a healthier or lighter breakfast option alongside the restaurant’s signature pancakes and other dishes.
Omelettes and Mexican-Inspired Breakfast Items
The Original Pancake House offers a vibrant selection of omelettes, such as the vegetarian option, packed with fresh vegetables for a delightful taste. Additionally, the menu features Mexican-inspired dishes like corned beef hash, adding a zesty twist to breakfast. These items are crafted with quality ingredients, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying experience. Perfect for those seeking variety beyond traditional breakfast fare, these options highlight the restaurant’s commitment to diversity and culinary excellence. Each dish is prepared to deliver a memorable meal, making the restaurant a go-to for breakfast enthusiasts seeking something unique and delicious.
Restaurant Amenities
The Original Pancake House offers a cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating and dog-friendly options, making it welcoming for all. Enjoy happy hour specials for added convenience.
Outdoor Seating and Dog-Friendly Options
The Original Pancake House offers charming outdoor seating areas, providing a relaxed atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meals. Additionally, the restaurant is dog-friendly, welcoming furry companions to join their owners. This pet-friendly policy makes it an ideal spot for families and animal lovers alike. The outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and accessibility, allowing diners to savor their breakfast favorites in a pleasant setting. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy pancakes or a casual meet-up with friends and pets, the restaurant’s outdoor seating and dog-friendly options create a welcoming experience for all.
Happy Hour Specials
The Original Pancake House offers Happy Hour Specials, enhancing the dining experience with discounted menu items and beverages. This promotion provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy signature dishes like the Dutch Baby or buttermilk pancakes at a reduced price; Pair your meal with a selection from their beverage options, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, all available at special rates during Happy Hour. The specials are designed to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, making it a popular choice for both regular customers and first-time visitors. The timing of these specials varies by location, ensuring flexibility for all patrons.
Locations and Franchising
The Original Pancake House, founded in Portland and Chicago, has expanded nationally with over 90 franchises, offering a consistent menu experience across the US since 1953.
Original Locations in Portland and Chicago
The Original Pancake House traces its roots to Portland, Oregon, where it was founded in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke. The first location quickly gained acclaim for its authentic, globally inspired pancake recipes. A second original location opened in Chicago, Illinois, introducing the Midwest to signature dishes like the Dutch Baby and Apple Pancake. Both locations remain iconic, offering a cozy atmosphere and a commitment to made-from-scratch freshness. These original restaurants set the standard for the franchise, blending tradition with innovation to create a memorable dining experience. Their legacy continues to draw visitors seeking authentic, high-quality breakfast classics.
Franchise Expansion Across the US
The Original Pancake House has expanded significantly since its founding, with over 90 franchises across the United States. This growth reflects its popularity and commitment to serving high-quality breakfast dishes. While the core menu remains consistent, franchise locations often adapt to local tastes, offering a diverse range of options. The franchise model has allowed the brand to maintain its signature items, such as the Dutch Baby and Apple Pancake, while introducing regional favorites. This approach ensures a unique dining experience at each location, blending tradition with flexibility. The success of the franchise underscores the enduring appeal of The Original Pancake House’s made-from-scratch philosophy.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Original Pancake House has earned national acclaim for its iconic dishes, blending tradition with innovation. Its commitment to quality and community engagement has solidified its legacy as a beloved breakfast destination.
Award-Winning Menu and National Acclaim
The Original Pancake House has garnered widespread recognition for its innovative and authentic menu offerings. Renowned for dishes like the Dutch Baby and Apple Pancake, the restaurant has been celebrated nationally for its commitment to quality and tradition. Its menu, unchanged since 1953, reflects a dedication to preserving culinary heritage while embracing global pancake recipes. This timeless approach has earned The Original Pancake House a loyal following and critical acclaim, solidifying its status as a leader in the breakfast dining experience.
Community Involvement and Renovations
The Original Pancake House actively engages in community involvement, supporting local events and charities. Recent renovations at locations like the University Avenue branch have enhanced the dining experience while maintaining the restaurants signature charm. These updates address structural and cosmetic improvements, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for patrons. The renovations reflect the establishment’s commitment to growth and adaptability without compromising its timeless menu. This dedication to community and quality has strengthened its reputation as a beloved breakfast destination, balancing tradition with modern convenience for generations of diners.