Sure, you can visit your local IHOP or Waffle House for pancakes — but for the most authentic flapjacks, you need to head to Oregon. Tucked away at 8601 SW 24th Avenue in Portland is a breakfast haven that has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1953. Stepping into the Original Pancake House feels like taking a nostalgic journey back in time. Founded by culinary aficionados Les Highet and Erma Hueneke, this iconic eatery is not just a restaurant—it's a piece of Oregon's culinary history.
When you walk in, you're greeted with the warm, inviting aroma of fresh pancakes sizzling on the griddle. The menu is a testament to classic American breakfast fare, featuring everything from crispy bacon and golden waffles to eggs cooked just the way you like them. But the real stars of the show are the pancakes. Also worth mentioning, since we're talking about pancakes, you may be happy to know they serve breakfast until 3pm!
These are not your run-of-the-mill flapjacks; they're crafted with the finest ingredients, including 93 score butter, pure 36% whipping cream, and fresh grade AA eggs. Each bite is a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth delight.
One of my personal favorites is the Apple Pancake, a single, large pancake generously topped with sautéed apples and a cinnamon sugar glaze that's baked to perfection. The result is a caramelized masterpiece that's both sweet and satisfying. Another must-try is the Dutch Baby, an airy, oven-baked pancake served with lemon, whipped butter, and powdered sugar. It's a dish that's as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
The Original Pancake House is a second and third generation family business, and their dedication to quality is evident in every dish. The mushroom omelet, for instance, is topped with a rich mushroom sherry sauce and rolled in a skillet before being oven-baked, resulting in a light, moist delicacy. Their gourmet crepes, such as the cherry kijafa crepe filled with tart cherries and Danish cherry wine, or the continental crepe rolled with sour cream and orange liqueur, are equally exceptional.
Even their coffee is specially blended, roasted, and ground to complement your meal perfectly. It’s this attention to detail that makes dining at the Original Pancake House such a special experience.
My own experiences at the Original Pancake House have been nothing short of delightful. The variety of options on the menu can make it hard to choose, but it's a dilemma I welcome. On one visit, I tried the Fresh Fruit Crepes and the Minced Ham and Scrambled Eggs.
The crepes were filled with vibrant, seasonal fruit, and the eggs were cooked to perfection. The staff, always friendly and attentive, made sure we had everything we needed, checking in regularly without being intrusive.
Another time, I opted for the Link and Eggs and an Irish Omelette, with an upgrade to blueberry pancakes. Each dish was a testament to the consistent quality and care that goes into the food here. The savory links, fluffy pancakes, and rich omelette all contributed to a memorable meal that left me eager to return.
While there are over 100 Original Pancake House locations across the country, only Portland can claim the original. It's a delicious legacy that adds to the city's vibrant breakfast scene.
For the most authentic flapjacks, make your way to the Original Pancake House at 8601 SW 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97219. Open from Wednesday to Sunday until 3 PM, this iconic eatery serves up a breakfast experience like no other. Whether you're a local or just passing through, a visit here is a must. For more information, check out their website at originalpancakehouse.com or give them a call at (503) 246-9007. If you haven't dined at this iconic spot yet, make sure the Original Pancake House in Portland is on your must-visit list!
