Where Are the BEST Pancakes in the West?

I discovered Du-par's Restaurant located in Studio City, California sometime in the early 1950's. I had heard that their buttermilk pancakes were unusually tasty and an exceptional value. I was not disappointed. Now, more than 60 years later, Du-Par's Restaurants have a devoted clientele.

Located at 12036 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, this location was established in 1948. Because of its proximity to several movie studios, on any given Sunday morning, stars and starlets can often be seen munching on home baked pastries, pancakes and sipping lattes while making deals on their cell phones.

Here's what makes Du-Par's pancakes so special: size, thickness and taste. These pancakes are BIG, 12" in diameter and at least ½" thick in the middle. They are served on 14" plates. Real clarified butter is poured over the pancakes or occasionally served as a side in a tin cup. Syrup is served as a side. I confess to being unable to put into words WHY I like these pancakes better than any others, but their flavor is distinct. Their pancake recipe is highly coveted. I assume it will remain so.

My wife and I visit the Oxnard location of Du-Par's about once a month. Our standard order is a short stack, two coffees plus an extra dish. When the order arrives, I slice the stack of 3 pancakes in half, placing one half on the extra dish. Rarely are we able to consume our half of a short stack of pancakes. The pancakes are priced at $7.75, a bargain considering we are able to enjoy the best tasting pancakes to be found anywhere. The big eaters can devour the regular stack of five, priced at $8.75, but perhaps they bypass lunch.

The original Du-Par's was founded by James Dunn and Edward Parsons in 1938 as part of the now famous Farmer's Market at Fairfax Ave. and 3rd. St. in Hollywood. In subsequent years, the partners built other locations: Studio City, Oxnard, Grenada Hills, San Francisco, San Diego and the Golden Gate Hotel in Las Vegas. It should be noted that the restaurants are also famous for their fresh fruit pies and delicious pastries, plus a complete lunch and dinner menu. Check out their Website: Du-par's.com and be sure to click on the '˜breakfast' tab for a picture of their pancakes.