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The Original Pancake House
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
6840 E Camelback RdScottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 946-4902
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Beth H. said: "Southern food doesn't get any better than this. Comfort food at it's best!!! Went with my friend for dinner on MLK day... and who knew waffles and chicken go so well together. Don't get me started on the cool aid... Brought me back to…" read more »
90 reviews for The Original Pancake House
Review Highlights
"I would have loved to try the Dutch Baby, it looked great."
(in 10 reviews)
"Cash only and yes they have an ATM."
(in 21 reviews)
"an apple pancake" more beautiful than any other."
(in 21 reviews)
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90 reviews in English
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Review from François M.
Phoenix, AZ
1/28/2012
Food so good you just want to fuck it rather than actually eat it!
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Review from M E.
Phoenix, AZ
1/14/2012
I'm not sold. I'm not sure what the hype is and I don't think I ever will. And, you know, I am not going to apologize for it.
I ordered traditional buttermilk pancakes. Thought I'd see how they would do a classic without much fuss.
Well, I got em. They were fine, but not spectacular.
The reason for the low stars was a lot due to the lack of spectacular but also due to the the sup par customer service. Our waitress was inconsistent. Another waitress was grumpy, even though she was not our waitress, I could feel her grumpy from afar. She would walk by grumbling about how people were still walking in to eat at 1:30pm (they close at 2:00 pm),
But what topped it off for me was seeing her fill salt shakers... one was a little too full so she put her fingers into the salt shaker, grabbed some out of it, and threw it on the floor without blinking. I thought maybe it was just a thing she did... but still filled other salt shakers without doing this?
What bothered me is that I had to put salt on my hash browns. It left a rather stale taste in my mouth. Her attitude, tone and overall demeanor was just... not welcoming.
Won't be back.
$23.15 for...
-- 1 beverage
-- 2 plates of pancakes
-- 1 plate of hash browns
-- 1 side of bacon ($4.25 for 3 slices) -
Review from Jennifer O.
Mesa, AZ
10/30/2011
I have been going to this location since I was a kid and it has been fairly consistent except.... I guess some of the magic that it had when I was younger went away when I realized it was a chain and also probably since everywhere started serving 'specialty' pancakes. The BF and I went this morning and everything was fine. We waited about ten minutes, got a booth (almost unheard of on a Sunday with a party of 2!), and sat down. We both got coffee, which was fine, but the BF seems to think that they used to serve real cream with coffee... now it's the standard half and half, but I do not share that memory. I got a short stack of banana pancakes and some home fries and he got the bacon pancakes. His pancakes were good. Mine were alright... the coconut they put on top was a little hard so it gave it a weird texture, but the cakes were good. The 'tropical' syrup that comes with it is pretty gross and I'm glad I tasted it on a small piece before putting it all over the cakes... it tasted like orange rinds.... not my thing. The home fries were tasty, but overpriced at 3$ in my opinion. Overall this place is good, just not great... still way better than Denny's.
PS the rules really aren't that big a deal... maybe people can actually talk to each other over a meal *shock!*Listed in: Breakfast... One of my 3…
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Review from Mike P.
Gilbert, AZ
2/5/2012
I'm so sad I had to give an OPH 3-stars, because I want to love it. The Las Vegas location is phenomenal, and after experiencing it, the Scottsdale location doesn't live up to our expectations. The pancakes taste the same (excellent), and some of their daily specials are obviously targeted to local tastes (and prices to local income levels), but it's a total dive. Attached to a Motel 6, it is easy to miss and isn't ritzy like the nearby restaurants at the Fashion Square.
There are "NO Cell Phone" signs posted everywhere, and we hear they are strictly enforced, though we haven't had any problems on our visits. The policy seems a bit dated and draconian. Additionally, your soda choices clearly reflect the personal taste of the owner - Pepsi or Diet Coke, only in cans. No fountains, no refills. Coffee is good (and bottomless), but getting extra half-and-half feels like pulling teeth if you like your coffee light.
We've been several times because my wife is addicted, but I could skip it and the 46 mile round trip from Gilbert. The first time we went, we were surprised at the surcharge for items included on the Las Vegas menu (such as whipped cream for chocolate chip pancakes), and the a la carte nature of the Scottsdale menu. Another time the waitress got our order wrong and argued with us instead of fixing it right away.
CASH ONLY. Keep that in mind before going. If you've never been to an OPH you will be blown away by the "awesome pancakes" (says my wife), but if you have been to any other location, you will probably be disappointed with the service and prices. -
Review from Kuorosh F.
Phoenix, AZ
11/13/2011
How many whole in the wall greasy Spoon joints have an hour+ wait for brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings in Scottsdale?
1) The Original Pancake House! -
Review from Yamli A.
Sedona, AZ
12/21/2011
Worst pancakes, you can taste egg in it, apple and dutch baby speciality are worst 2 things we ordered, highly unrecommended
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Review from D H.
Scottsdale, AZ
11/29/2011
I have seen this old looking spot as long as I have lived here. Drive by it almost every day. Finally we go in. Unfortunately they didnt have what I have been craving for the last 2 weeks, and after going out for breakfast too darn often for the last couple weeks not much is impressing me anymore. Until today. yes the place looks dated, but it was clean. The wait staff was very attentive & efficient. This food was GOOD. Very good. & my friend, swears we a re going back again. The pancakes were unlike any other either of us have had. I love finding these little treasures of places.
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Review from Alex Z.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/18/2011
Save your cash... No literally they only take cash lol. This sorry excuse for a breakfast restaurant only believes in two things which is to make your visit as expensive and quick as possible. Our experience was just plain weird. We were greeted by the waitress with "okay I need your orders now" literally just sat down by the way. Lol. We both thought that was weird and I can't even begin to start with the menu. Everything is overpriced cheap crap served a la carte and don't try to ask for any substitutions or you will be immediately rudely bombarded from three waitresses all chiming in saying you can't make any substitutions "No Exceptions". Lol! Also as this is going on our waitress is furious scribbling on her notepad. Which I have no idea what she was writing down lol. The food came out cold, no surprise there lol, and here is the best part.. We are 10 minutes into our meal and not our waitress but another one comes over and says " I need your payment now.. Thank you" what??? Lol at this point I am just cracking up and laughing. Our experience ends with our waitress leaving the restaurant without waiting for a tip. No literally leaving the restaurant, we saw her get into her car and leave. Lol ! So weird and we left giving the tip to another waitress who didn't even serve us. Wow what a joke, don't spend your money here, I am very surprised they are still open. And a message to the staff, get a back room for your bus boys, they were literally standing next to our table talking, making jokes and watching us eat our food waiting for the moment they get to take our plates. This place is just down right weird.
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Review from Victoria S.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a fantastic dive. Great corned beef hash and delicious pancakes. Interior is not updated but the good food, hot coffee, and friendly waitstaff make up for it. Food came out really quick. Going to try the apple pancakes next time because they looked awesome! Cash only and yes they have an ATM.. no cell phones which was kinda nice
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Review from Carl P.
Santa Fe, NM
1/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
First off, I've read some of the comments about the "rules" being "crazy" - and I guess I'm just one of the growing minority that's actually OK with being without my cell phone for a few minutes...or, if i need to make a call, i take my call outside. It's the rude & indignant that seem to be upset about this and the sad thing is, I've seen management remove people from the restaurant because the patron is incapable of following the simple rule of courtesy: no cell phones.
Beyond that, if you can't put your cell phone down long enough to enjoy the best pancakes around, then you should probably take your happy a$$ down to Villiage Inn or some place that clearly tolerates you talking on your phone at full volume.
The full stack of blueberry pancakes (with blueberries baked right in to the pancakes) and a side order of bacon (served up by Cat the Killer Waitress) is the best breakfast I can imagine. And how about that blueberry syrup with a healthy dose of blueberry's? this isn't just blueberry flavored syrup, there's more blueberries in the syrup!
i've been coming here for years (and to the one on Greenway Parkway before it closed) and will continue to recommend it to people...along with the necessity to leave the technology at the door. Gah, get over it people, it's time to eat food, not yap on your phone! There are several other places you can go if you need to look (and apparently sound) important. -
Review from Hal J.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best in town!!
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Review from Marisa S.
8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This review is just based on my Apple Pancake, it was AWESOME. I got the junior size and I ended up giving half of it to my husband. I wish I had more time before starting my Hcg diet. I would have loved to try the Dutch Baby, it looked great. Service was fine, they sent us to the back room since we had the twins, I don't get offended. My hubby was not thrilled. Good thing there was a little girl back there with a couple having breakfast. It made it so much fun for the twins. They had their scrambled eggs and then they devoured most of my hubby's chocolate chip pancakes. The place is as described by most, kind of 50s dinner vibe. Good thing we read the reviews and brought cash.
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Review from Kandis P.
Scottsdale, AZ
8/2/2010
Rules. Rules. And more Rules!
No cell phones.
No incomplete parties.
No credit cards. (cash only)
No firearms.
No outside drinks allowed in.
No to go orders on weekends & holidays.
No smoking. (which is a city law)
So if you can handle all of this, the food is pretty good.
oh yeah... btw.. if you would like to try the blueberry syrup then be prepared to pay $1.75 for a 2 Tbsp. serving of smashed blueberries mixed with pancake syrup... They didn't tell me it was extra and I found it quite disappointing to pay so much for so little. -
Review from Ray D.
Phoenix, AZ
11/25/2010
I can't imagine a better place to eat unusual Pancakes. My favorite has become the "Dutch Baby," a smaller version of the German, served with butter, powdered sugar and lemon! Decadent, but a wonderful taste and with the texture of a popover.
Accompanying "sides" like bacon, and egg, etc., are equally skillfully prepared.
Oh, the place is a little old and right out of the 50's but a better breakfast in Phoenix, I am still looking! -
Review from Andre E.
6/2/2010
The wife and I visited this establishment this past Sunday to compare it to the one we used to go to in Forest Park Illinois. I had read here on yelp about the long lines and indeed we ran into that when we arrived about noon on Sunday. There was a 20 minute wait and i was shocked to see this place so busy do to the fact that it is right next to a Motel 6. I say that because with the obvious patrons from the Motel i would think people would not come because they would have to "battle" with the Motel crowd.
When we were seated we got a very nice waitress, we already knew what we wanted so we ordered. I had the smoked turkey sausage with 2 eggs, 3 buttermilk pancakes, and hasbrowns. My wife had Pancakes with 2 eggs with chorizo sausage and hashbrowns. The FOOD is definitely the reason for the long lines people...trust me we were not disappointed at all with that. The service was outstanding as well and while it is a little more expensive than in Illinois the FOOD more than made up for it.
A personal note here: i was a huge fan of The skillets this establishment made back in Illinois which consisted of potatoes, 3 eggs, your choice of 4 kinds of meat , cheese and, veggies. This was definitely the best deal in the house for the money, but this pancake house did not have it on their menu. You can order all of these things however, a la carte but it will cost you, but trust me all mixed together it is quite delicious.
Now i don't know if i will go again on a weekend day, due to the lines but i will have to visit during the week to see how it looks then. Also bring CASH because unlike the location in Illinois they don't take plastic here. So i will keep you posted my friends as i plan to visit them this coming Monday, until then Eat, Drink and Be Merry!!!!! -
Review from Rich C.
Phoenix, AZ
4/22/2010
Crepes... glorious crepes!
I've frequented OPH for many, many years! The quality, service and the decor (unfortunately) never changes.
Things to know:
They do not accept credit cards
They do not take reservations
They will only seat you when your entire party is there
The wait on the weekends is almost unbearable
The French Crepes are freaking amazing!
The Apple Pancake is delicious, slow and a modern miracle of baking
Dessert for breakfast? Chocolate Chip pancakes! -
Review from Gabi M.
1/25/2009
I learned this morning that "Original Pancake House" and "IHOP" are two very different restaurants... and in my mind, "IHOP" is much better.
We ended up at this OHOP for breakfast around 11am (on a Sunday). We were lucky enough to get a parking spot and a table within just a few minutes. Once seated, I noticed how tacky the interior is decorated, but that is no big deal. The big deal is that the tables are so close together there is not much room to move... and that the place doesn't take credit cards, and if you order a couple of things ala carte like we did, it really adds up...
My short stack for buckwheat pancakes, scrambled egg whites, and OJ plus Jared's eggs over easy with hashbrowns, toast, and coffee cost us $32 before tip. For breakfast? Really? And our waitress could've told us, but no...
At least they made it easy by putting an ATM inside the restaurant now - too bad there is that additional $2.50 fee to use it.
Another difference I noticed is that OHOP offers only one single kind of syrup where IHOP offers many... and the pancakes are better at the latter as well. The one thing that OHOP has going for them is their Dutch Baby - at least from the looks of it as I saw people around me ordering it.
I'll choose IHOP or one of the many locally owned breakfast places in the future before returning to OHOP. It was $40 out the door for a simple breakfast for two today... Screw that!Listed in: Breakfast is the most…
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Review from Scott P.
Tempe, AZ
7/23/2010
Pancakes are very good, the rest of the breakfast items are average at best.
There is always a wait. On the weekend the length of wait is beyond reasonable (1 hour +).
Accepting only cash is not reasonable for a chain restaurant.
Not allowing you to bring drinks from outside is also not reasonable, especially considering the wait time (isn't it o.k. for me to drink my latte while I wait?) -
Review from Stevey P.
Phoenix, AZ
6/28/2008
I'm with Michael on this place. I don't get the adoration of this place. It's always packed. People fall all over themselves to praise these cash-only schmucks.
So who the eff cares that this place is cash only? I do.
Restaurants like this stick out like a sore thumb in Phoenix. I hardly ever carry cash. I know. Bad habit. But, please Original Pancake House, buy a flippin credit card merchant machine thing and raise your prices on everything by 75 cents. It's really inconvenient. Luckily there are many other breakfast places who accept debit/credit cards in the immediate area (Over Easy, Orange Table, etc.).
I don't care for pancakes (so I'm no expert on them) but I usually order the chorizo scramble here and give my pancakes to my dining partner. Good egg to chorizo ratio on the scramble. Very quick service once you're seated, but the wait can be long on occasion. It's all good though, because during your wait you can marvel and analyze the uber-60s architecture of the interior. -
Review from Richard Z.
Aliso Viejo, CA
2/13/2009
You know the arrogant asshole that no one wants to like--because he's an arrogant asshole--but everyone begrudgingly does like--because he's just so damn good? (resist the temptation to say I'm that arrogant asshole) Well, the Original Pancake House is just that arrogant asshole.
What you'll notice when you first arrive is (usually) a long wait and a bunch of rules. Cash only. We'll only seat full parties (or even put their names in line). Substitutions at a la carte prices. Sharing requires an additional fee. Only short stacks of 49er flapjacks on the weekends. Etc. Etc. So the first time you go there, you'll probably think, "this place may be good, but it won't be *that* good."
Well you'd be wrong. I was. The food here is bar none the best basic breakfast food you'll ever eat. It's just perfect. The strawberry pancakes come with this amazing strawberry syrup that is good enough to eat by itself with dabs of the homemade whipped cream (I know from experience). The patty sausage is a pure euphony of spices. My heart skips two beats every time I eat there.
Recommendations: the French crepes. If you like strawberries and/or anything delicious, have the crepes. The only, and I mean only problem with them is that they don't come with anything salty so if you want a variety then have a bite of someone else's shit because you absolutely must have these things.
49er flapjacks--thin, chewy, mindbendingly good.
Pecan pancakes.
They also offer many different types of crepes, oven baked omelettes, chocolate chip pancakes, coconut pancakes, blueberry, bacon pancakes, and on and on. And, if it looks good to you, their specialty is this gigantic apple pancake--but imho it isn't the best thing on the menu. Same with the Dutch baby.
Look: I know food. Really. If you don't like this place, then you are just a hater. Sometimes you have to look past the rude hostess, the long wait times, and the excessive rules and just enjoy the best breakfast that the city has to offer.
And at least now they have a goddamn ATM in the store. -
Review from Bob S.
North Hollywood, CA
2/18/2008
Despite the fact that I could walk into just about any place in town for a pancake related meal and belly right up to an open table, I prefer the wait-required, OPH.
My favorite is the apple pancake which is baked with caramel and sliced granny smith apples. When it comes to your table pipping hot, it has risen from baking and as you watch it deflate and cool the mouthwatering makes you check your pant leg to ensure you still have a napkin. Make sure you can wait the 40 or so minutes it takes for this one.
While the Jr version of this pancake is still a bountiful portion, I love adding a side of home style fries. They cut the potatoes to about a half inch or so and add onions and bell peppers, so tasty.
As a creature of habit I can at times manage to sway myself to order something else on the menu. The banana pancakes actually have mashed bananas worked into the pancake batter and it's really spectacular. The Lingonberry crepes sometimes come in handy when I can't scrape up enough cash to go to Holland. The omelets are also baked and worth the time it takes to get to you.
I've been going to this place for almost 20 years now and I have never had bad service or a dish that wasn't wonderful. -
Review from P. G.
Boston, MA
1/23/2008
For some reason, the first time I came here I thought this place was called "Ed's Original Pancake House", and my brother and I always referred to this place as "Ed's" thereafter. Anyway, Ed's is particularly fantastic, great pancakes and other assorted breakfast fare. My favorite would be the Strawberry Pancakes, which come with fresh strawberries and strawberry syrup. Fantastic stuff.
Additionally, Ed's had one of the best waiter-customer exchanges ever, as my brother noticed that actor Leslie Nielsen had signed his name on the wall...
My brother: "I'll have what Leslie Nielsen orders"
Sassy Waitress: "Oh, that guy looks like HELL!!"
My brother: "Well I'm going to order whatever he gets."
Sassy Waitress: "He ordered two egg whites and dry wheat toast. Should I mark you down for that?"
My brother: "Ah, never mind."
Anyway, check this place out. Great no-nonsense breakfast, and I love that the no cell phone policy is strictly enforced. -
Review from Heather C.
Scottsdale, AZ
6/18/2008
My realtor hooked us up to this restaurant last year. We've had breakfast several times, and have always been pleased. Pancakes Galore! Check out their menu on the website http://www.originalpan.../.
Service has always been good and the restaurant is clean. Only downsides are parking is a pain in the ass as it is always busy, even during the week. Also, no credit/debit cards. Now I don't have a problem with that when prices are dirt cheap (check out Randy's Restaurant) as it does cost money to accept plastic. But, this place isn't that cheap. We're usually in for $25-$30 for breakfast for two including tip. Luckily, there's an ATM right next to it if you forget.Listed in: The Un-Scene Scottsdale
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Review from Kimberlee W.
Minneapolis, MN
4/8/2011
In Minneapolis the Original Pancake House is a high-end establishment. We were vacationing in Fountain Hills and wanted a treat so we trekked to Scotsdale for bfast. We were a bit leery when we say the exterior and the adjoining Motel 6. The menu was very similar to what we're used to as was the food. The decor, service and the signs were joke-like...reminded me of Ed Debevics where they treat you poorly as part of the abiance, only they are not trying to be funny at OPH. Signs tell you to turn off your phone, don't bring in drinks (coffee, is my guess?), don't expect to be seated until your entire party is there and CASH ONLY. Our waitress was such a crank!
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Review from Doug T.
Scottsdale, AZ
7/9/2009
Retro back to the 60's with colors and booths to match.
Three large Swedish pancakes, sprinkled with powdered sugar and lingonberries. Pancakes are what one would expect but the small cup of berries only cover one pancake. So either go dry or add a so, so syrup to the other two. Syrup was not a good idea.
If you go solo don't expect a booth when it is crowded. Tight quarters in the center tables and close to your "new" neighbors.
Average restaurant coffee (lots of it). Service OK.
Cash only. Has been and appears will always be cash only based on the history and age of the restaurant. -
Review from Chad S.
Phoenix, AZ
2/1/2009
I have heard lots of rants and raves about the great pancakes at OHOP, which is located in the parking lot of the Motel 6 right by Neiman Marcus (I know...it is an odd block of Camelback Road). Parking is adequate...there were people waiting outside, yet my dining companion and I were able to get parking in the lot, and there is street parking if needed.
We were told that we would have a 20-25 minute wait and were given a ticket with a number. Our number was called about 10 minutes later and we were seated. We were accosted by what seemed like dozens of signs warning us that they don't accept credit cards for payment as we walked to our seats, so I made a mental note to go to the ATM located in the restaurant after placing our orders ($2.50 fee, and more ranting on this later).
The decor is indeed classic outdated breakfast chic. It looks like Mel's diner, but with tables much closer together. We ordered coffee and orange juice and sat down to look over the menu. They have a large variety of pancakes that vary in both batter type (buckwheat, potato, buttermilk, chocolate chip) and topping (banana, coconut, lignonberries). In addition they have a large selection of crepes and omlettes (the oms come with a short stack of buttermilk pancakes).
We received our coffee, which was of the standard generic diner variety, and placed our order. I ordered a short stack of the 49er flap jacks, described as plate-size, chewy, and tender, and added a a side order of potatoes. My friend ordered the "lacy" swedish pancakes, which come with lignonberries. He also ordered an english muffin on the side.
Our food arrived and the pancakes were great. My 49ers were chewy, almost creamy, and delicious. The texture and consistency was perfect, and they absorbed the butter and syrup perfectly. They were almost crepe-thin, but were not delicate. My companion spoke very highly of the swedish cakes as well. The potatoes were a nightmare though. In most breakfast situations, one expects a side order of potatoes to be cooked to order, served fresh off the griddle. That was not the case with these potatoes. They had the temperature and texture that indicates they had spent the better part of the morning drying out in a steam table. They were seasoned perfectly, with just the right amount of onion and pepper tossed in, and I am sure they were delicious when they were cooked, but by the time they reached my table, they tasted like yesterday's leftovers reheated in a microwave.
The check arrived and the damage was $32. Keep in mind that this is not the place to go for a "bargain" breakfast. Our bill included the two pancake orders (mine was a short stack), a side of potatoes, an english muffin, 2 coffees, one juice, and an extra side of berries ($1.50). The pancakes are definitely worth the $7-9.25 that they charge, but there is no reason to go for the side dishes. In all honesty, I prefer the food and atmosphere at a place like Palette if I want a $32 breakfast. The pancakes here are something that I expect I will have a craving for again, though.
Service was friendly and prompt. Our drinks never went below half-full and the wait staff was friendly and helpful.
On to the Credit Card issue. I totally understand that businesses don't want to deal with the fees and hassle associated with accepting credit cards, but for a restaurant in a major tourist area where a meal for 2 costs more than $30, it seems silly and stubborn to refuse to accept credit cards. I can almost picture some crotchety, grumpy guy in the back boring his grandchildren with yet another diatribe about how the credit card companies are out to get him. My point is, If you are going to charge an upscale price, you need to accept credit card payment. period.
So overall, 3 stars. It would have been 4 stars had it not been for the steam-table potatoes and the annoyance of paying 2.50 to pay. -
Review from Tera B.
Mesa, AZ
10/3/2008
I recently went with my two favorite guys to the Original Pancake House on a Sunday morning.
We showed up at around 11am and were able to park without a problem. The parking lot is very small, but on our trip only 3 other cars were there.
We immediately noticed the "cash only" sign on the door. What kind of place still takes cash only? Especially in Scottsdale, next to the Fashion center, and it's a place that charges $10 for pancakes????
Fortunately there is a cash machine across the street. Once we got our cash we were able to get a table without waiting. I guess that should have been our clue to what type of food/service we were going to receive.
After looking for over 7 years in Arizona for a breakfast place that serves potato pancakes and dutch pancakes I was pretty excited about trying this place out. The ambiance in this place leaves much to be desired, but I wasn't going to complain if the food was good.
Well, the food and service definitely weren't good.....
Our server came to take our order, and it was clear she didn't speak any English. Luckily, one of my guys speaks Spanish and was able to relay our order.
We ordered the Dutch Baby, an order of Potato pancakes, a Cheese omelet, and 3 diet cokes.
I nearly laughed when they brought us 3 cans of soda and a glass of ice cubes. What kind of place doesn't have a soda machine? And secondly, you get no refills. Bad news for someone who drinks 15+ glasses of diet coke while eating out like my friend does! (He makes sure to get his moneys worth!).
We waited nearly an hour for our food. When it finally came it was clear that they had timed our order wrong and put all our food in at the same time. The omelet was ice cold, the pancakes were soggy, the dutch baby was pipping hot. Hmmm.....
Our waitress?? No where to be found.
We decided to just eat our food. The omelet was probably the best of what was offered, even though it was ice cold. There was a good amount of cheese, and it was a large portion. It also came with a side of pancakes, which were ok, but really just average pancakes. Not too much different from Denny's. Certainly not what you would expect from a restaurant named "Original Pancake House".
The potato pancakes were dismal. Soggy, sad, little things that made me nearly cry for my old Minnesota breakfast hangouts. The applesauce was muscleman's brand, which seemed to cheapen the pancakes even more.
The dutch baby, which I had been so excited about was an eggy mess. Dutch pancakes are usually served while still puffy, this one had fell flat 5 minutes ago. It said on the menu it would come with a lemon butter side. I was served butter in a dish and a slice of lemon. Very disappointing.
Over all, the breakfast wasn't bad. It wasn't good. It was just ok. I realize my expectations were very high. I wouldn't go again, and I wouldn't recommend it. I guess if you are staying at the attached Motel 6 it would probably be a good choice for a quick, filling meal.
If you are looking for a better quality breakfast I would recommend Butterfield's. More ambiance, much better food, the take credit cards, and the prices are much more reasonable. -
Review from Michael S.
Phoenix, AZ
3/3/2008
Pretty big disappointment for me after all these great reviews praising pancakes of the Gods. Everything here seems pretty average to me, only slightly ahead the likes of Cracker Barrel. I compare it to Cracker Barrel not because it has a ton of crap all over the place and a tacky gift shop, but because the food is pretty flavorless except when they decide to heap on the sugar.
Had the famous apple pancake. Which does have a delicious apple cinnamon topping, but on top of a thick, spongy, bizarre apple pancake. I'm definitely not a fan of the pancake base and the whole thing made me OD on apples and sugar. I think it would be better just to have the spiced apples on the side of a dish.
The omelets are amazingly fluffy and flavorless. I had cheddar in my omelet, right?
For good measure, we ordered some coconut pancakes on the side with the omelet. Pretty average pancakes with a little bit of coconut mixed in and some intensely pineapple syrup. Again I ODed on pineapple without any good pancake substance.
I'm guessing the people who love this place are more into sugary toppings on their pancakes, while I am in it for the cake experience.
Coffee also tasted like it came from Denny's.
To aggravate the situation, this location has all the atmosphere of a Village Inn on sugar roids. Elderly patrons trying to clank there way through all the crowded tables with their walkers, angry Scottsdale douche bags yelling about how stupid it is for a restaurant to not take credit cards, church-goers sequestering large sections for a apple God chasers, and morbidly obese patrons with fashion statements like Tinkerbell sweat pants with a hot pink shirt and crocs and a rainbow Coach purse. It all just made me wish I went to the Good Egg at Park Central Mall instead. Would've cost less too. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Oakland, CA
3/26/2009 2 photos
I have to tell you that it pains me to give the restaurant by this name such a crappy review rating. I have been to two others of these in southern California and they are both 5*s in my book (and everyone I go there with every time I go down to visit). So, maybe I had high expectations. But no, I think they truly earned a 2. They may not even have a chance to redeem themselves with me. First impressions are SO important.
We went on Friday morning pretty much during peak breakfast time for most that do not get up at the crack of dawn. It was about 930am. We fully expected a wait for breakfast and as we suspected we had one. The young man functioning as host had a rather unique method. He did not write anyones names down, he just tried to remember who was who and in what order, even as people filed in. I guess it seemed to work ok as we did not hear any fights and got seated in a timely fashion. (Thank goodness for being a party of two and being able to sit at a little table.)
I knew ahead of time what I wanted to order, though I was concerned that it would be too huge for me, would take a long time to cook, and my leftovers would have to sit in the car all day. I ALWAYS order the apple pancakes. They are my favorite. I just love them. Even if they take 30-45 minutes to bake and are humungous. Imagine sauteed apples with a pancake/cake batter poured on it with lots of cinnamon, baked in the oven. Yes, its sooo good. Usually. I was quite happy to see that they had a option of a Junior apple pancake, smaller version of the same goodness I usually like. They should all do this. SG ordered a regular egg dish, which also comes with some pancakes.
After about 45 minutes, my pancake arrives. BURNT! So, if I had gotten it about 5 minutes earlier, it would have been perfect? Ironic. I thought it would be ok, but I could not eat the charred edges, they just were too burnt. Steve's meal took another 5 minute to come. My meal is the one that takes forever and then its like they forget the other order. I noticed this at the neighboring table and blew it off until it happened to us. They need to time things better. My food would have been cold if I was polite enough to wait.
Our service was also pitiful. I had to get up and get the syrup from the bus station myself. Coffee refills were few and far between too. But, we were headed to a ball game, so we probably did not want to have too much coffee on board. I did notice the service at the neighboring tables with a different waitress appeared to be much better than ours, but I can only rate our experience.
We will likely not be back here. There are lots of breakfast options elsewhere and I can save my Apple pancake as a treat for Socal.Listed in: AZ Spring Training Tour, LET'S DO BREAKFAST!!!!
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Review from Eleanor H.
Scottsdale, AZ
6/22/2011
Disappointed! We come from Denver where the OPH is AMAZING and were excited to try this one, YUCK! I read a review saying more for someone else- you can have it. The food was slow to come out, service was rude, space is simply off putting, parking is a mess. Honestly, we wouldn't go back if someone paid us
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Review from Megan K.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2007 ROTD 5/22/2007
Admittedly, I've been to several OPH's around the country, and while each franchise seems to have a lot of leeway in altering their menu or decorating as they see fit, across the board I think this is the type of restaurant you can't truly appreciate until you've become a regular at one of them. Many are family owned and have become neighborhood institutions. This particular branch derives a certain amount of "charm" from its attachment to a Motel 8, walls that have been collecting grime and signatures from celebrities for years, and newer solid surfacing table and countertops that are rainbow flecked, perhaps to coordinate with the teal paint details? The angry "turn your cell phones off" signs have an air of authority that demand that the customers respect the wait staff.
The menu here mirrors most in the franchise (enormous apple pancake, oven baked dutch baby, a variety of breakfast crepes, traditional - ie, non-Belgian - waffle, fat oven baked omelets and a wide variety of pancakes), and additionally offers a few egg scramblers and daily specials. I'll point out that I LOVE 49ers, and was disappointed that they came slightly crispy fried here, similar to a potato pancake. I'm sure they'd be fine if I had nothing to compare them to.
I wouldn't necessarily make a special trip here, but if you live in the area and can dedicate yourself to becoming a weekend fixture and working your way through the menu, do it.
Oh! They have take-out here too! -
Review from emily m.
Riverside, CA
8/25/2010
I was too excited to stumble upon this restaurant, having loved the locations in Vegas.
Although this is a chain, the individual restaurants must have plenty of autonomy, because there were none of these crazy rules in Vegas. This is the only location in Arizona.
The food is just as wonderful. Yes, the cash thing is completely ridiculous (but they will accept checks with a local address and a local driver's license). But the food is so, so good. I can personally recommend the blueberry pancakes (my old standby), the chorizo (oddly but greatly served with a short stack of plain pancakes), and the cheddar/bacon grits (amazing).
Oh, and don't listen to people who compare this to IHOP. Totally different leagues (this one being far superior). -
Review from Sarah H.
1/25/2009
They make their pancakes with peanut oil.
Which makes me sad, because I'm allergic to peanuts.
So yeah, until they use something else, I literally can't eat pancakes here. -
Review from Cyrus M.
Phoenix, AZ
8/4/2009 1 Check-in Here
This place is solid. In fact, their corned beef hash is my gold-standard for judgment: with poached eggs and a little Tabasco, there are very few comparable meals as far as deliciousness goes. The menu is pretty comprehnsive, and features, for instance, flapjacks. Flapjacks, people ... flapjacks. Name me another place in town that you can order flapjacks and I'll be impressed.
Anyway, the only thing that keeps this from being a five-star joint in my book is the fact that no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get out of here for less than $20. Maybe I'm crazy, but for a traditional American breakfast, I think that's expensive. That doesn't seem to keep people - including myself - from frequenting the place, but on general principle I need to dock a star. -
Review from Coyote B.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2010
I have eaten here several times, since I usually stay at the Motel 6 when in Phoenix. However the last time will be my last time. I watched a cockroach crawl across the kitchen floor.
On the up side, the food was pretty good (pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs - orange juice from a carton). I do have a strong stomach. -
Review from Randy G.
4/15/2009
You want amazing breakfast? This is the place.
Here's the good: Great food, perfect portions, and awesome unique choices.
Here's the bad: A little pricey, and CASH ONLY?
Cmon people, it's 2009.
I'm not going to repeat what's already been said, but this place is a definite go-to. -
Review from John N.
Phoenix, AZ
1/5/2011 1 photo
Awesome place for breakfast. Hard to park and get into most times, but well worth it. Have the dutch baby pancake. It's stellar.
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Review from Michael C.
Scottsdale, AZ
3/23/2008
If ya like pancakes this place sure has em'
Discrete location just west of Fashion Square mall on Camelback (left of the motel 6 - a bonus, as you might need a nap after too many pancakes). The walls have autographs of 100's of celebrities and sports legends who have previously dined here.
It took awhile to get our order, but when it arrived I was delighted. We tried the strawberry pancakes and the buckwheat pancakes, and that is some darned good eatin'
I would pick this over Denny's ANY DAY.Listed in: Breakfast in Scottsdale
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Review from Jamie D.
Tempe, AZ
2/20/2010
The Original Pancake House is tucked away in the corner of Goldwater and Camelback. It's a part of the Motel 6 which kind of makes it hard to find parking during their peak hours.
I arrived there at 10:30 and there was no line to get in. But there were a lot of people already seated. My friend and I were sat immediately, but didn't get any drink orders for 10 minutes and didn't get our food order for another 20 minutes. While waiting for our server to take our order, i noticed that they didn't take credit or debit cards, which happened to be the only thing i had. Luckily for me, they had an ATM machine that had a $2.50 service charge.
When our server finally took our order. I ordered the Biscuits and gravy and my friend ordered the Apple pancakes. The biscuits and gravy plate was only 5 bucks and was enough to fill me up, but i don't think it would be able to fill up someone who would be REALLY hungry. The apple pancake was HUGE! It's just one really large pancake enough for two people to eat.
If you're looking for a cheap breakfast place to eat, this is a good place to go. But as far as service, you'd have to have a little bit a patience. And don't forget to bring your cash because they don't take cards, they're so old fashioned that they accept personal checks! -
Review from Aowen B.
Phoenix, AZ
1/14/2010
I'm a biscuit person and when I was charged to substitute my bread option for a biscuit instead of toast, english muffin, muffin, or pancakes, I knew this was riduculous because it was $5 for this substitution. To be charged only for biscuits?! Biscuits are one of the cheapest breakfast items you can make! Unless you are a biscuit person, you will still like the place.
Grits are good.
Coffee is eh and sometimes not hot enough.
Dutch pancake good and a great appetizer. Everyone should try at least once and split it! It's large.
They could have a few more egg options. Omelette's are a little dry and some of the side sauces with omelette's where sodium rich tasting and not homemade.
They're policy on seating is wacked! They won't seat you until your entire party is there. Makes sense when it's busy, but they did this to my friend when the place was pretty empty!
I've been twice and probably wouldn't go back, but I say it's worth trying. You may like it.
