The Best Restaurant Pancakes

I love pancakes. Here is a breakdown of the best pancakes.

8. IHOP - International House of Pancakes is on the list because they are the standard. For many Americans, this is the one and only pancake. Certainly not award winning cakes, but they are mass produced to the point of making the cakes an industry. They forgo fresh fruits for canned compotes, generic syrups, and instant pancake batter. With 24/7 service it's the sole competition for business is Waffle House. Nothing really to say about IHOP. It is what it is. So it's #7 on our list.

7. The Original Pancake House - This burgeoning chain is located in 30 states in the US. So there is a good chance of one being near by. They have a decent pancake. Certainly edible. On the pricey end for sure. Their specialty dishes all are a bit flawed. The Dutch Baby taste like an omelet dusted with powdered sugar. The Apple Pancake is too darn sweet, and taste like a mess. Some specialty dishes, like the Tahitian Maiden's Dream are delicious, but are skimpy portions. It's a place to visit, but the menu choices bore easily.

5. Thumbs Up Diner - This is a local diner in Atlanta. Their hours are from 7am to 3pm and they serve breakfast all day. Their pancakes are huge! Two of them generally are enough, three is gluttonous. It's a good basic pancake batter, and always prepared right. With that good foundation, it only gets better with the strawberries and whipped cream when in season. Or banana and nut. Or the pure maple syrup.

6. Bob Evans - Yep, that Bob Evans of sausage fame. Their pancake is decent. But the preparation is what seals the deal. Imagine, if you will, an IHOP quality pancake. Now, layer the pancakes like a dessert torte; pancake, cream filling, fruit topping. Repeat. It's a tried and true formula for decadence.

4. J. Christopher's - A friend took me here about 2 years ago (Thanks Spin). I've been a loyal customer ever since. This is another local spot. One in FL, one is TN, and the rest in GA. Mostly everything on the menu is delicious, and the pancake is no exception. Why the high placement on the list? First, there is the Blueberry Crunchcakes. It's a pancake cooked with fresh blueberries. Then topped with sprinkles of their home made granola. Served with a pat of butter and a side of warm maple syrup. This place isn't created by just business men, it's created by cooks. People that recognize the good food. J. Christopher's is replete with variety and quality. They always have specials and seasonal favorites that are just as great, if not better than the blueberry crunch cakes. Try the Elvis Cakes made with peanut butter and banana. Or the Snowflake Pancakes (like a chocolate chip pancake made with white chocolate chips.) But the coup de grace is the pumpkin pancake- when it's in season it's a must have!

3. Highland Bakery- The name says it all. They are a bakery! Higher prices, but worth it due to high quality. But let us discuss their pancakes. The Sweet Potato Pancake is ridiculous. It taste like magic! A pancake made with sweet potato. It's a flavorful baked good. Then, it's drizzled with a carmelized, brown sugar syrup that soaks into the thick pancake, making it moist. Finally they sprinkle it with toasted pecans.

2. Cracker Barrel -When I said IHOP was the standard, I lied. This is my standard. This is the best basic pancake. It's a buttermilk pancake the way grandma used to make them. Made with real ingredients, not from some box mix. Cooked on a black, cast iron griddle which gives the pancake a special flavor that you don't get from those non stick pans. They don't get too fancy at Cracker Barrel. They offer fruit compotes of seasonal fruits with a side of whipped cream. Or a pure maple syrup. Regardless, you'll enjoy every bit of it. Then you'll have to take a nap after that home-style goodness.

1. Perkins - Finding a pancake better than Cracker Barrel was much like searching for a holy grail. I didn't expect such a thing. This past week I vacationed in Orlando, Fl. My parents always spoke well of Perkins- but only their muffins. It was late in the day, and the waitress told us they serve breakfast all day. We ask what they are known for, and she replies pancakes and French Toast. OMG! That pancake was better than anything. It's a buttermilk pancake, but you can also taste the butter in it. It melts in your mouth. And it's served with three syrups; maple, apricot, and two berry (mix of blueberry & blackberry.) Best pancake ever.