It’s Definitely Original…

So i must say i was rather skeptical of The Original Pancake House for quite some time. It’s a national chain, though this is the only one in the state of AZ, and somehow i’ve managed to never see one before in any other state. Secondly it’s attached to and shares a parking lot with a Motel 8. To be honest i’ve never stayed at a Motel 8, but to me it conjures up images of cockroaches and questionably stained bedsheets. So the fact that this restaurant is connected to one had me wondering. It’s literally around the corner from our old condo, so we’d pass it quite often. It always appeared to be busy when it was open, parking lot full and people waiting for a table overflowing out the front door. I figured they must be doing something right. It’s one of those places we’d drive by  time after time and say, ‘hey we should try eating there sometime’ but then whenever it came time make a breakfast decision something always won out over it.  Eventually, obviously, one day we decided to take the plunge. 

As you can see in the photos, Julies french toast looked shall we say, rather underwhelming. According to her though, the french toast and hash browns were good though. not great, but good. Those 2 little pieces of french toast just look so so sad on that big white plate. Maybe a better presentation would be helpful. I chose to go with a healthier and lighter option ordering the apple pancake and a side of cheddar cheese grits with bacon. To save a few calories i went with the junior size. Be prepared to wait though if you want the apple pancakes, its takes a 40 minutes to make, and thats if theres any left by the time you get in, get sat and are ready to order. Its one large pancake smothered with sauteed apples, some chopped nuts i believe and cinnamon sugar which is then baked, not cooked on a flat top. As long as you’re ok with eating dessert for breakfast, it’s so worth the wait. While its definitely not something i’d want to eat everyday, it was absolutely delicious. I foresee the apple pancake being something i CRAVE from time to time. Warm, gooey, sweet, spicy, fluffy and crunchy all at the same time. I’m hesitant to call it a pancake though. Its not light and doughy like a pancake. It’s a lot denser and almost like a thick souffle, making for a very interesting texture. One pancake goes a long way. Pair that sweetness overload with the salty grits and you’re good to go. Best grits i’ve ever had. Grits for me usually are more about the texture. While these grits had an amazing creamy texture, the flavor of the cheddar cheese and smoky bits of bacon made it that much more enjoyable.

Overall, while i really likes my meal, i think this place is hit or miss depending on what you order. Luckily, The Original Pancake House had a pretty extensive menu, so i think its worth venturing away from the usual breakfast items and trying something a little different. Look at the pictures, which would you choose?

Would i go back? As soon as i get the craving…which i think will be somewhat soon.

The Signature Item - Apple Pancakes (this is the junior size)

French Toast

Hash Browns

Cheddar Cheese Grits with Bacon