I first learned of The Original Pancake House on a Food Network special which featured their apple pancake and another item that intrigued me: The Dutch Baby. After learning that the closest locations of this nationwide chain were in Northern New Jersey or Western Pennsylvania, I filed it away and said “if I’m ever in the neighborhood”.
A trek to Western Pennsylvania last winter afforded the opportunity to try one of the Pittsburgh area outposts. I was not disappointed.
First, the menu at these breakfast spots are massive with all the usual variations of eggs, waffles, pancakes, french toast and the aforementioned specialties: Apple Pancake and Dutch Baby.
The Dutch Baby is an airy concoction I’d most compare to a layered crepe. They recommend it with fresh squeezed lemon juice, butter and powdered sugar. I tried it as they recommended and it was delicious. I also had a side of lingonberries (which I enjoy) and they too were very good with it (I developed an affection for lingonberries when my friend Karl’s mother, a native Swede, would make us copious amounts of Swedish pancakes with lingonberries. It’s heaven).
The Dutch Baby is also piping hot inside. I’d have difficulty eating one in the summertime, but on a freezing cold, snowy December morning it was quite good.
The eggs and strawberry french toast enjoyed by my companions were reported to be very good as were the house’s signature pancakes. I also recall the breakfast meats not only being abundant, but also exceptionally good.
A planned trip to Las Vegas will allow another visit to this now favorite breakfast spot. If you happen to come across one in your travels, I recommend them highly.
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