Original Pancake House Reviews

This has to be the best breakfast house in San Diego. It will take you days to decide what you want to eat. The German Pancake is the house specialty but everything is beyond GREAT! Next best is the Apple Pancake. Take a big appetite as the portions are large but you can take some home for tomorrows breakfast.

get here early cause there will be a line!

The Original Pancake House is the place to go if you are looking for a hearty meal. Our server recommended sharing the omlets as they are made with 5 eggs and come with a side of pancakes. I recommend the omlets and pancakes. The omlet was fluffy with just the right amount of fillings. The pancakes were just what I expected, delicious. The only warning I have is that this is a very popular restaurant and you should be prepared to wait if you arrive on a busy weekend morning.

Great place for breakfast!! Food was very good and our server was very attentive. Went back the next morning just for, coffee to go, and to my surprise, coffee on the house. The cashier, Stoney, was so pleasant, greeted and smiled. I would recommend this place, I'm big on service and the people working at this restaurant go far beyond their duties.

Enjoyed another breakfast at The Original Pancake House. Many many choices (pancakes), including fresh toast, egg specialties and other breakfast dishes. The service was Outstanding. Highly recommend. There is often a wait time on the weekends. Worth the wait.

Usually it is crowded on Sundays morning and late in the morning. It is not worth it to go for lunch or later. Very good and very different classes of pancakes and eggs and cheap for what you get

German pancakes.. mmm..

We were all in the mood for pancakes and we were not disappointed. Although there was a long waiting line, we were seated in half the time projected. Coffee arrived immediately. The pigs in the blanket were just what I needed and expected: 3 light fluffy pancakes with juicy link sausage rolled up inside. I am not sure if the syrup was maple but It was definitely not the standard sweet brown fake stuff. As usual all the portions were more than we could handle. This is a very good place for a comforting old fashioned breakfast.

A San Diego natives favourite. It's worth finding this breakfast haven. Superb breakfast selection. A super clean & tidy setting, busy and fun.

We came because my husband was craving a baked apple pancake. His pancake was okay. It was very heavy and kind of doughy. I ordered pecan pancakes. I expected really good pancakes since this is a pancake house and supposedly they specialize in pancakes. There were 6 pancakes on the plate, they were not light and fluffy like good pancakes generally are. They were thin and definitely not fluffy. The pecans were rancid like they had been sitting around for a couple of years. The pancake itself tasted like it was made with a generic pancake mix, not even as good as Aunt Jemima. I was hungry but I could only choke down 1 pancake in this abysmal mess. Our waiter made no comment at all - did not ask me how my meal was despite my leaving almost the entire meal uneaten. When we were paying the bill the hostess asked my husband how our breakfast was and he told her how disgusting the pancakes were. She just shrugged her shoulders. Why did she bother asking? Obviously they really don't care what kind of product they are producing. We will be sure to avoid Original Pancake House in our future travels.

Always order the baby Dutch pancake and it’s always good. My son loves the blueberry pancakes. Their bacon is top quality and perfectly cooked. Coffee is good and the servers and busboys are always on top of their game. Been going here since 2002 and it’s always good.

I had the most disgusting omelette ever. It was supposed to be cheese and bacon bits, but the bacon was so tough I couldn’t chew it, the eggs were so overcooked and the cheese was like plastic, I could play football with this. Turned it over and found what looked like larvae on the bottom. I’m going with a clove of garlic. Yeah that’s it. My husband had pancakes that were just so-so. Very disappointed.

The food at the Original Pancake House is always excellent. I usually get the homemade corned beef hash with potato pancakes. It is the best hash I've ever had and the potato pancakes are like the ones my mother used to make. If you haven't eaten here you are missing out on an outstanding breakfast.

Food is good. Service is good. This place is always busy & packed. Gotta get there early. I wish they would make it bigger. More roomy. Parking lot is small too. Pancakes are very good.

Had breakfast here with 2 other people. Portions are very generous. I had the banana nut waffle that has pecans right in the batter and more sprinkled on top and a WHOLE sliced banana... not 4 slices like a waffle house in the area serves. I couldn't finish all of the 6 pancakes I was served. The omelets the others in my party had looked very good too. The only thing I thought odd was the single choice of syrup. It was served hot, which was a plus, but with a place that specializes in pancakes, one would think that a variety of syrups (ala IHOP) would be offered.

I have many favorites: Swedish pancakes and German pancakes! The food is AMAZING and the service is A+. This is a MUST if you're in San Diego!!!!!

Good breakfast/brunch place! I really like the dutch babies and cranberry crepes!

I've been a loyal OPH customer since the early 90s This place is a treat each and every time I visit. It's expensive, it's vanilla wrapper and it's a wait at the door, BUT the food and coffee make all that inconsequential! Menu items that I'm drooling over as I type this: 1. Full size German Pancake (There is a Dutch baby but that's for I'll girls). 2. Apple Pancake. 3. Bacon (You heard me right). 4. 49er Flapjacks 5. Any omelette (fluffy goodness). So, in closing, break out the wallet, learn to enjoy the company of strangers and prepare for a truly scrumptious meal!!

Eat here every time we visit San Diego, always have a great meal, we get the huge apple pancake, Swedish pancake, banana nut pancakes, had Dalia as our waitress, did a great job!! Will definitely recommend

We've been here a number of times through the years and have never been disappointed. The staff is SO friendly. The food is always served hot and is incredibly delicious. I love my Dutch Baby pancake! This is absolutely worth a drive when you are looking for breakfast.

This was our second visit to this restaurant, but different location. I tried the Apple Pancake and it was fantastic. It is a very big portion, so I didn't finish, but it was delicious. Service and atmosphere was similar to many other pancake places (IHOP, etc), but it was my menu choice that earned the rating! :)

The wait for seating moved fairly quickly on a weekend morning. The German Pancake was excellent! The menu a little overpriced for breakfast, but you can't find German Pancakes everywhere. The service was a bit slow and lacking on the drink refills, but understandable since they were very busy.

Their two signature dishes are the Apple Pancake and the German Pancake. The Apple Pancake is an apple pie turned on its head. There must be two whole apples sliced up in each. The German Pancake is a baked, soufle-like crepe served with powdered sugar and lemon. A delicious treat.

American Fried Potatoes, Eggs, Bacon, Pancakes UMMM UH Ummm. My breakfast spot of choice. Total breakfast spot none of this continental crap, big portions I dare you to finish an omelette. If you want a hearty homemade breakfast meal, this is the spot for you. I've been coming here for years. Very popular local spot, the long lines on weekends are proof of how good it is. Expect to wait 30min - 1 hour on the weekends. Not Dennys --.

The Original Pancake House 3906 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111 Pancake Kevin Hensley 4785 points   4 minutes ago We have been/eaten at this location 10+ times and the Pomerado Rd location many times. Perhaps it is best to give this place another chance? I've read other reviews denoting (burnt beacon), (poor service), and (bland food .) When I order extra crispy beacon, often it has black areas. I like that! If your beacon arrives burnt, they are very glad to try again. So perhaps just order it well? The blandness issues perhaps has more weight? If you are a chef, or like many spices when you cook? Try asking for what they have on hand and use pepper and less salt. The service is always attentive, some times a little more or less but the coffee is topped frequently as well as the water. The wait staff always have aimed to please on my numerous visits, even when the tables are full. I find it hard to be sympathetic to anyone complaining in their reviews. The aesthetics are basic and sparse, but I know this now and return for the food and service. I often order either an omelette or the swedish pancakes. Always consistent, fresh, hot, tasty and nice on the palate. One issue I have always had is with their coffee. I believe it is Farmers? If only they would "adopt" Cafe Moto! Cheers and enjoy! The overall rating is in the range of (4.2-4.4) 🌟

I am cheating. This is my go to place for lunch. When I am home, I usually eat lunch here 2-3 times per week. Why? Because it rules. Ingredients. Everything that they use is fresh. High quality. Eggs are large. Did I mention fresh? The only problem for me is that I am locked into one item from March to about October. Fresh strawberry crepes. There is nothing out there that tops them. 2 crepes loaded with fresh strawberries all over them. Served with fresh whipped cream. Once this time period is over, I switch up my order depending on what I am feeling for the day. Some of my "go to's" are: Apple Pancake (gigantic and very sweet), eggs benedict (comes with pancakes), chocolate chip pancakes (enough said), 2 X 4 (2 eggs, 4 pancakes). There is plenty more to choose from. Many of my compadres love the omelettes. They are enormous. It seems like they use about 5 eggs to make them. And, oh yeah, they come with pancakes as well. The service is usually very good. This place is normally busy all of the time. If you don't want someone trying to fill up your coffee cup every 2 minutes, you should either hide your cup or not order it. I go with the iced tea as it is what I drink. They keep me filled up. Fresh brewed. As it should be. They do not serve sodas at all. This throws a few people off. Fresh juices, water, teas, and coffee. The prices are a little bit higher than your normal breakfast fare. Worth every penny. The quality can't be matched. Trust me. Do yourself a favor and make a venture to Original Pancake House. If you happen to go on Saturday or Sunday before about 1:30 PM, expect a bit of a wait. They are always jammed. Enjoy it.

This place serves yummy food at a reasonable price and they have big portions. What's not to love? Try their apple pancakes which are the BEST!!! There's always a line, so get there early. The close early, too, which I am so sad about:o( People eat breakfast at all times of the day. I wish they would open late on the weekends, so we can go there after a night of dancing or just to hang out like from 10pm-2am. They need more locations, too. What about one in the South Bay please?? There is also a location in Poway that is equally the bomb!! Not to be missed!!

Don't get this confused with IHOP this is on a whole other level of breakfast. It has a older ambiance feel to it, it's been there a long time so what more could you expect?! It does close early at 3pm, if you are in town this is a must for breakfast or brunch. Their omelettes though simple I am never disappointed always fluffy and flavorful, they also have a Dutch baby that is a must try at least once. The staff are always attentive and keep your drinks filled. It does tend to get busy so at times you may have to wait but if your lucky you can get seated right away. THE PHOTO: I've attached is of a Irish omelette it has corned beef, onions, potatoes, and cheese they are oven baked to fluffy goodness and great portion size. Each omelette comes with a side of pancakes.

This place is known for its German Pancakes. The omelettes are just so-so and the other pancakes are pretty good. The decor could use some help and the help could use some decor(um).

We go to San Diego every year for a week and we come back to this place many times during our stay. This is not the first OPH we've visited and we go to them anywhere we find them. We were very happy to find one here. This is not a typical tourist breakfast destination because it is not near the beaches or Mission Bay, or downtown. It's out in the suburbs, but it's worth the trip. My wife loves it here because it is the only place that serves real home-made buckwheat pancakes. If you loved Aunt Jemima buckwheat pancakes, you'll be in your glory here. They have every kind of pancake, including the standard baked apple pancake big enough for two, the dutch baby, etc. I'm not big on pancakes myself, so I go for the scrambled eggs and bacon. The bacon is thick and meaty and well done. I'm Canadian, and I know bacon. The coffee is perfect. The service is fast and friendly and efficient. The staff look happy to serve you. There's always a line-up on weekends. This place is obviously a hit with locals.

I go to this local restaurant whenever in the area around breakfast time. It is one of the last pure pancakes and waffles place. This time I had French Toast. Really yummy. They serve Boyd's coffee... My favorite morning brew. Walked out full and satisfied for next several months. Fast and great service too.

Outside the tourist areas, but convenient stop in the AM if you're headed to the Safari Park or out to East County for some hiking, or up to Temecula for some wine tasting. Wide array of pancakes to choose from. Coffee is acceptable, but not up to Starbucks.

It was a busy Saturday and there were dozen of groups all around but we were seated within minutes. I got the Irish omelette and a stack of chocolate pancakes!!! So stinking delicious! It’s a little bit more expensive than I had thought but the flavors and atmosphere is awesome! Great staff!

Love to order the omelets, pancakes and pastries. The food and service are very good. If you are looking for a great family environment for breakfast at a fair price I recommend the Original Pancake House in Encinitas.

OHP is the San Diego institution. Located in an unassuming strip mall you wouldn't guess that they have the best pancakes around. Try the German pancakes or the forty-niner flapjacks. No reservations so if you're going on a weekend go early.

Really good food. German pancake is a must. Really long wait to be seated. Seriously waited almost two hours.

Swoon swoon swoon. Sourdough pancakes, Pigs in a Blanket, Scram n' Hammmy. Smart San Diegans know the best Breakfast in town is here. Excellent Service, GIANT food, cheerful clean atmosphere and the most professional group of employees across the board you will encounter. Food fires fast and is beyond yummmy. You'll always hear exclamations of shock and joy when a Dutch Baby gets delivered. 5 Stars always. To be expected-typical nightmare Convoy Restaurant parking situation so go early!

Visited on a Tuesday morning and got seated right away. Ordered a half order of cherry crapes and potato pancakes. Both were delicious and loved the crispy-edged potato pancakes. Tasty cherry crapes piled high w/cherries-not too sweet or tart. Need to come back to try their other pancake varieties. Pricey too.

was not impressed. with the food Too much money for just pancakes. Everything seem to be ala cart, The service was also very slow and not that firlendly

Welcomed warmly upon arrival, prompt in getting our drink order, nice classic breakfast menu ( plus their own specialties), food was quick to the table and still “fresh hot” upon arrival. Wait staff (Abby) was attentive throughout our dining experience. Bacon was awesome too.

Best pancakes in San Diego, Continues to maintain an high standard and service is always of a high standard, Forget about RIchards Pancake House, a gimmicky tourist trap.

I really don't understand why there is a long line for breakfast. It's overpriced and food was not that great. I mean it's ok, but since it's always crowded I was expecting something better.

I've been going to the original pancake house for a long time I love their chocolate chip pancakes I did not realize that you can get any omelette and it comes with pancakes for a little extra you can make it the chocolate chip pancakes I love! Get there early there usually is a wait and they don't take reservations.

I love the cloth napkins and nice clean silverware. Were it not for the long wait and average service (you need to try and catch your waiter as they rush in and out of kitchen) I would rate it a 4.5. Definitely worth visiting but be prepared to wait

A breakfast eatery's tell is the eggs benny. Their eggs benny was good, but not great. I've heard tell that their pecan pancakes are good -- I'll try that next.

You want bananas on you pancake, you got it! You want chocolate chips in your pancake, you got it! In fact, I think you asked for a jumbo jet they would have made it into a pancake. This place is amazing. They also do crepes and the crepes are very light (according to my wife). Sunday the wait times can be long, so be prepared.

Slow service, nice but worn decor, good food likely priced for area but high for pancakes. Overall fine for California, but so many better places all over San Diego.

We arrived here after a long day and it being a Sunday, we had about a 30 minute wait but it went quickly. My husband ordered the Irish Omelette and loved it. I ordered Bacon, Eggs and Pancakes and loved it. Endless refills of coffee and it was great! Will return!

Have been here many times but this my first review. Ordered the eggs Benedict w/pancakes and side of bacon because it's the best bacon anywhere, wife ordered a bowl of oatmeal which she said was good and had good consistency and of course her one cup of coffee because as she says " this coffee is good!!" Always a favorite and will continue to be a favorite the OPH service and food deserves a five start rating

There is almost ALWAYS a wait - even on weekdays - and it's more expensive than it should be, but the coffee is ADDICTIVE and the food is very, very good. They don't offer "fake" eggs, which is really unfortunate, but it is definitely the best breakfast in San Diego... (In the Clairemont area, though, not near downtown - or near anything else for that matter!)

I have never eat such delicious thing. This pancake's house is fantastic , I will came back surely . The service was very good

I haven't been there for awhile. But, I love their food. My favorite is the Dutch Baby with the pineapple pancakes a close second. The service is always good. The wait can be long but is well worth it.

I discovered this place on my phone. Not far from a main road (Convoy St in SD). It's very easy to find and very visible from the street. The decorum could use an update in my opinion. A lot plates on the wall along with the striped wallpaper. Very basic tables and chairs (with minimal padding). The staff were not that friendly or attentive in my opinion. I had very little interaction with my server during this visit. The service times were slow which was not helped with the limited encounter by my server. The food was OK! I ordered the Irish Omelet (corned beef hash and cheese) and a coffee. I think that I would have enjoyed another place a lot more. I prefer to try local places when I travel and avoid the major chains.

Food and friendliness deserve a 5+. Bacon and potato pancakes were some of the best we’ve had. Portions were huge. Very good place, but it was a little slow - we were there for an hour. Definitely worth the wait though!

I love this place, downfall there always is a waiting period to get seated, good point if they are waiting for it so worth it, all the food is great I usually go for breakfast if you get there before 9:00 a.m chances are you can get seated right away. I went with a friend and she ordered a Dutch Baby wow it was so big, thin but big and delicious. they have apple pancakes,etc.etc.

This is the best of the pancake and waffle places over the years. We always try and have at least one meal at the Original Pancake House when we are in the neighborhood. This stop was another winner. The huge apple pancake was fabulous and the bacon waffle was perfect. Service very good and everything on the large menu is excellent.

If you like pancakes then I guess this is the spot. I thought I would get a similar pancake to the main menu ones but no. I got a simple bacon and egg plate with pancakes and I felt like I just got some simple pancakes with that. The pancakes on menu was so big and all, look like more of a pie/deep dish pancake with different type(banana, apple, etc) it wasn't all grand. If youre only feeling pancakes or have a big appetite for a them then try it out. Im born n raised in SD, so taking a vacation and going here for the first time I had to try. Wasn't for me. If youre feeling a simple breakfast plate just go to Denny's/IHOP. Cheaper...

wonderful breakfasts of all kinds. Pancakes are terrific, omelettes even better. the service is fast and friendly. It's always crowded so expect to wait. but it's worth it!

I had eggs Benedict. Perfectly poached with an excellent Hollandaise Sauce. My wife and daughter split their favorite, the ginormous German Pancake. A little lemon squeeze and plenty of powdered sugar makes this an over-the-top breakfast.

Our party of 4 had to wait about 15 minutes to be seated. This is a VERY busy place with great food, so it is worth the wait. After we were seated, the line became even longer and people were waiting outside for a table. This place is on the pricey side for breakfast, but I am not complaining and I would return. Service was excellent and friendly, we never had to ask for refills on our drinks, and our meals came promptly, especially considering how crowded the restaurant was on a Saturday morning. My only issue is that it took 10-15 minutes to get through the long line to pay our bill. There has to be a better system.

Amazing Apple Pancake! Great pancake, dry omelet. Go on a weekday. It would be nice if their coffee was of better quality...Tables so close together difficult to not stick your bum in your neighbors face when making a bathroom run. Loved the apple pancake.

Love the pancakes, omelettes, and the Dutch baby a baked pancake with lemon, butter and powdered sugar.

We went to Original Pancake House cause I thought it was really good when I went there a couple years ago. - Wait was shorter than quoted - My boyfriend was upset that they didn't serve soft drinks and then his apple juice was warm. - Orange juice was awesome- "fresh-squeezed" - French toast was light and fluffy -Apple pancakes were sweet and the first 5 bites were great then it was just overwhelming - Wait for food was a little bit too long. If I were a local it would be a place I would go back to, just to taste the rest of menu. Also many of the pancakes are a la carte and you must order sides of eggs and meats along with any specialty pancakes.

Arrived a bit before 9 a.m. And it was busy. We didn't wait long for a table and were quickly provided our drinks. This is a pancake house, so if they aren't your thing then don't complain. Crepes, pancakes and a very large Dutch Baby are on the menu. Also omelets, hash and eggs Benedict. Even though they were very busy, the employees were never frazzled, we never felt rushed. Our server had many tables to attend to but you felt like you were her only focus. Empty tables cleared and reset promptly and they had employees making sure coffee and drinks were always full. Customer service is obviously a top priority. Food was hot, fresh and flavorful. One of the best eggs Benedict I've had. Bacon is thick sliced applewood, not the fatty cheap stuff. Pancakes were very light and they bring you hot syrup. This ranks as one of my best breakfast experiences.

How often do you get both ? Really great place, we both agreed the pancakes were the best we've ever had. I had the spinach omelette with hollandaise and it was the size of a small frisbee and it was Light and delicious. The only thing lacking was really small glasses that were a chore for the servers to keep full. I'll be back !

This place was busy but still sat our group of 8 in 20 minutes. The staff was friendly and refilled our coffees and water very frequently. The fresh strawberry crepes, tropical pancakes, apple pancake and kid's chocolate chip pancakes were delicious. My only complaint is having to wait 10 minutes to pay our check.

I got the bacon pancakes and they are very good. The customer service could have been better. Overall I think this place it worth a try.

their apple pancake is their signature dish. its huge!! everything here is goo! eggs, bacon and a bunch of different kinds of pancakes!! delish!!!

YUM!!! COFFEE IS GREAT. All different variations of pancakes and waffles. YUMMY!! I also LOVE their O.J. Great breakfast dining!

I visited here for breakfast with my family (two adults, two children) in April 2019. The food was VERY good. I confess that I ate more than I should've, well beyond the point of being full, because it was all so tasty. It came quickly, too, and the service was great. The only drawback is that the sides are pricy, so your bill can add up quickly if you want a few extras.

Original Pancake House focuses on pancakes, which are good. But I found the special of the day (chorizo and eggs) to be real winner – it was spicy and good. Breakfast for four was $50 (I think the prices are a little high for what you get). Parking is nearly impossible and you’ll need to wait for a table. It’s not fancy, but it’s good food. More on our time in San Diego: http://justanothertravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/san-diego-highlights.html

Used to love this place. Gone down hill fast!! Seems to be all about the $ now! Less wait staff, longer waits, tables on top of each other, smaller portions (dutch baby is half the size it used to be and cost more!) The coffee is still really good

I grew up in San Diego, but it seems that these little gems are getting tougher and tougher to find. Thankfully, the one I’ve been going to for years is still open, and still excellent. This is one of my favorite breakfast spots in San Diego. Their menu is loaded with all kinds of different pancake flavors and styles. It has the feel of a short order restaurant, but much more elegant. The motif actually looks more like someone’s house than a restaurant. These little spots are definitely worth checking out. Service is very friendly, prices are a little high, but the food is excellent. Don’t come there expecting to stick to your diet. The Original Pancake serves up good old fashioned comfort food like big fluffy buttermilk pancakes, cheese topped scrambled eggs and freshly squeezed orange juice. There are about 20 varieties on pancakes and waffles ranging from pancakes topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, to my personal favorite, the Swedish pancakes with lingonberries and fresh whipped butter. I usually like to wrap these up with something they could improve upon, but they’ve kept the formula so simple, I actually can’t think of anything. Get online and find the location closest to you!!!

The food was okay for the price you are paying. The staff were friendly. I think there are better options

The thing that initially attracted me to this restaurant was the fact that they serve Swedish pancakes with lingonberries. Although they are not exactly like the Swedish pancakes that we have been enjoying in my Swedish family for generations, they were very very good with their rich flavor and lacy texture, and the serving of lingonberries was generous and outstanding. On the other hand, the decor is drab and totally colorless; everything is beige or off-white, without accent or interest. The service was uncoordinated, and - being the first person to enter the restaurant when it opened this morning - it took surprisingly long to receive my meal. I also thought the $2.50 price for a so-so cup of coffee was a bit high. Put all this together and you have a all the makings of a good meal within the confines of a neutral or negative experience. The bottom line is that if you've just *got* to have Swedish pancakes, you will find them to be very good but don't be surprised if the experience as a whole is a bit disappointing. TIP- Spread the butter and lingonberries in a row across the center of your Swedish pancake, then fold it in half and roll it up like a little burrito. Lyckligt ätande! (Happy dining!)

They carry no diet sodas, because the employees were drinking too much. My wife has to bring a can from home to have with her food. The service is okay, usually. Hard to get refills. There is just no homey feeling about the ambiance here. Loud.

We visited during the lunch hour as we were doing a late breakfast. The food was amazing ( French toast, chocolate chips pancakes, bacon, sausage patties, buttermilk pancakes were ordered). Portions are very large which we were not aware of so we each ordered a full portion and sides. The service we had was very slow. Our waitress took our order, after we sat there for quite some time, but we had to ask other waitresses for drink refills, to-go boxes, and for our check. We'd go back but probably split the meals and not go if we were in a rush.

We were planning to go here for breakfast but were running late so it ended up being brunch. We were seated straight away and offered drinks. Their were constant refills of coffee, which is great if you drink it black. I really enjoyed their whipped cream for the coffee, very different for me being from Australia. We didn't have to wait long for our orders to come out and the portion size is massive. I had the Peach Crepes, my friend had the Bacon Pancakes and my Aunt had the Eggs and Bacon with a side of pancakes. All meals were delicious and I would definitely recommend the Crepes! The service was good but sometimes our waitress would ask a question while walking past and wouldn't stop for the answer, which I found a little pointless. Overall very happy with the experience and would recommend for breakfast or brunch.

That says it all...there is always at least a 20 minute wait on week days (forget the weekend- you could wait over an hour and a half!). When they do finally call your name, you are seated, but it takes at least another 10 minutes to get someone to take your order. Food takes another 20 to 30 minutes to come out...now an hour has past since you first arrived and you are starving...especially as you see other plates come out. But, when it does finally come to your table ...all I can say is that it is breakfast Nirvana! Portions are ridiculously huge, so order one meal for two. Apple Pancake is perfection. The German Pancake is elegant suplicity! The cornbeef hash is outstanding, as are all of the egg dishes. My daughter had the eggs benedict, and the hollindaise sauce was great. Truly, this has to be one of the best breakfast places in the country, and we travel a lot! Do not miss this place...just don't expect great service.

After I tried their Dutch Baby pancake, I've never ordered anything else! Their eggs are particularly fresh!

If you have eaten at this chain of breakfast restaurants, this one was average and not as good as some. Service was average. I ordered the bacon waffle that I dearly love, but alas, didn't live up to my expectations. The whole experience was blah. With the idea that I might have hit an off morning, I would recommend it and suggest you give it a shot if you are looking for breakfast. It was significantly better than IHOP or Village Inn!

Solid breakfast. I like the one in Poway but it is always crowded on weekends. Been to a number of Original Pancake Houses from SoCal to Portland. Always consistent.

This is a great place for a delicious breakfast. We were here on a weekday and there was no wait, but on the weekends, it is very busy and the wait can be significant. There is a large parking lot in front that is shared by other facilities. We were promptly seated, given menus and drink orders were quickly taken - their ice tea really tastes refreshing. We had a variety of pancake orders and one waffle item selected. For those who need to watch their sugar levels, they offer no-sugar syrup if you ask. All of us enjoyed their meal and we all left very full. This is a special place to enjoy a satisfying and hearty breakfast.

Ok we actually found this place right after we moved back to San Dieog from Hawaii. When we lived here before we must have driven past it a dozen times witout noticing. What a horrible tragedy. We moved in right down the street and started looking for a good breakfast place that we could frequent. Now with me growing up with a proper German/Scandinavian upbringing I had figured that my days of eating German pancakes and dutch babies were over. Thankfully I was mistaken. The German Pancake is an authentic recipe and is a monster. The Dutch Baby is listed on the menu as a smaller version of the German Pancake. Now that is not entirely culinarily correct but its still good. One who is schooled in good German cooking will recognize many items on the menu that have that sort of influence. Now there are many other items on the menu that will please the average american and as a matter of fact we cannot find anything that we have not enjoyed. OH...one last thing: The line to get in the door, especially on the weekends is usually around 20 to 40 minutes. The hostess will always tell you 10-15 minutes no matter how long the line or how many names are on the list. Don't worry...its worth the wait.

Since this is a chain, there are always a lot of people there and they do not do well in baffling the boise. However, the menu is extensive and there is planty of food. Kids will always find something to eat of course and when fresh fruits are in season (such as strawberries) you can get fresh strawberry crepes pancakes or waffles.

The food here is high quality and the service is always great. It is a great value relative to other restaurants that serve this quality of food. I would definitely recommend it!

My Family has been eating at OPH for over 16 years! We always get the Apple Pancake and share it. It's amazing!! We then get various other Egg Dishs but they also have the best selection of Pancakes. They are only open until 3 PM. We have eaten at their Restaurant in Kirkland, Washington, Orange, California, and Laguna Niguel, California and it is always great. We prefer to go early so we don't have to wait for a table.

Great place to take children of all ages. Most children like pancakes and OPH has a great selection. Also OPH has a Junior pancake meal that is the right size for small eaters and at an excellent price. Everything on the menu is outstanding but the house specials are to out of this world. The German pancake is like nothing I have ever had, very big, light, and wonderful taste and texture. If your appetite is lighter try the Dutch Baby, everything is the same only smaller. The other house special is the unbelievable Apple Pancake. More than enough for two people ad still take some home. The OPH is so popular expect to wait up to 30 minutes, gut well worth the wait.

Great breakfasts and oh my those pancakes are excellent. Yes this is part of a chain, but it doesn't feel like it. Solidly prepared food with top notch ingredients. Real butter, real maple syrup. The pancake options are nearly endless. Just about any way you could possibly want a pancake, they will fix you up.

So far this is my favorite breakfast location in the San Diego area. Great pancakes, even the eggs were great!.

My boyfriend and I stopped in here the only morning we were in San Diego, and boy, are we glad we did! I ordered the fresh strawberry waffle and it was absolutely delicious. The price was right on target (I mean, everything could always be a little cheaper but in this economy, it's still decent) and the service was good. Wish we could've gone back before we left Cali, but maybe next time!

I like The Original Pancake House because it's dependable. There are OPH's in other locations and this one is like the others. The menu is the same, the food is the same, and the people are friendly. Sure, the pancakes and other breakfast options aren't the best tasting ever, but it hits the spot and for the price, it tastes good. The only downside is that the parking lot is quite small since it's shared with so many other establishments.

This place is magic the food is great and service is very good. Like all good restaurants there is a wait no reservations makes it a lengthy wait. My favorite dish is their Home Made Beef Hash. It's incredible and I highly recommend trying it.

A great place to enjoy pancakes & crepes. Service was excellent. Our coffees were topped up frequently. Food was great. Price was reasonable. Job well done!!

Both my husband and I visited this location twice. The first time the pancakes weren't done and had to be sent back. We figured this was a mistake and visited again. On the second visit, we again had to send the pancakes back for not being cooked through. There's nothing worse than receiving pancakes with the dough still runny. Yuck!!! We've been to the Pancake House in Anaheim and let me tell you the food and service are impeccable, while this place does a disservice. We'll absolutely never go to this place again...guaranteed!

I don't really think it's one of the best restaurants to eat Pancakes, but the restaurant is not bad, the only thing you have to be careful is with the portions that are huge

We've eaten at 4 Original Pancakes and have never had a disappointing meal. The service at this one was excellent like always, Tho our waitress was so on the ball. The Strawberry crepes were delicious, my husband trying to be good ordered the buckwheat pancakes but ended up helping me finish my crepes those things were huge! Everything we saw coming out of the kitchen looked delicious. We have decided that when we travel this will be a chain restaurant that we will always be on the look out for always having a good meal and happy to spend money at. Thank you Original Pancake House for being a a chain restaurant that sets the standards of quality of food high enough to want to go back to.

We went here on a Yelp review search. It's not exactly in a touristy area, but if you are driving nearby, it's worth the stop. We ordered the German pancake(holy huge pancake Batman!), tropical pancakes, Egg and Bacon with Buttermilk Pancakes and extra sausage links. Until now, a pancakes was pretty much the same anywhere. One bite of the buttermilk pancakes with just a bit of butter changed my perspective. What they do to those little cakes of the pan I do not know, but it's good. The tropical pancakes were very tangy with the orange citrus syrup. I think there were 6 cakes on the plate so be warned. I have to even comment about the sausage. It was really tasty. Not sure what brand it was, but it was better than most. Then there is the monstrosity called the German pancake. Just look at the photo. I'll say no more!

This is a chain restaurant and there are many locations in several states but this review is for the location at 3906 Convoy in San Diego, CA. This is a favorite spot of many but it’s not mine. I like that there is a lot to choose from on the menu. I eat here on occasion with my daughter and son-n-law who both really like the food. They have a lot of fancy pancakes to choose from but I don’t much go for a lot of sweet gooey food. Fortunately, they also server eggs, omelets, meats and cereals. On my last visit about a week ago I ordered the ‘Eggs Benedict Florentine’. I did not care for the fact that the spinach was not cooked and thus seemed more welted than one way or another, the hollandaise sauce was too runny, the bacon too hard to cut and too hard to chew. The Potato pancake recipe is OK, it’s just not like the German ones I have had and prefer - I can hardly taste the potato in it. The service is usually slow when I have been there and it can be difficult to get the server’s attention even though you see them. Maybe that is because it is usually very busy. On most mornings you can expect to wait a while to get a seat. The space is very open and very noisy.

I'm stuck in a rut for the cherry crepes at this popular breakfast restaurant. We've been going here about twice a week for 25 years and I never tire of the cherry crepes. Yes, it's famous for its many varieties of pancakes, but once you've tried those tart cherries in those thin delicious crepes, you too may fall into the habit of ordering them every time. A few times I have ordered past favorites--the apple pancake or the French Toast--but the cherry crepes remain my all-time favorite breakfast and they certainly know how to make them here. We take all our out-of-town guests to the OPH here on Convoy Street or to the OPH in Encinitas. Here is what the local San Diegan has to say about all the local OPH's http://www.sandiegan.com/the-original-pancake-house-gourmet-breakfast-meals/

The OPH uses prime ingredients be it butter batter eggs or coffee. Justa great breakfast spot. Eggs benedict with the buckwheat blue berry pancakes are really tasty.

Husband and I hit San Diego on July 3rd for the holiday. After grabning our rental car at the airport, we searched for a nearby breakfast place that had good pancakes. Not far off was the Original Pancake House, so we decided to go for it. The parking lot was crowded at 11AM as expected. We waited about 5 minutes before getting a tiny table in the packed dining room. We expected the service to be slow due to the crowd, but the efficient staff more than handled it. Our server, Dalia, immediately brought coffee, and wow, was it good! We don't have Boyd's coffee back in AZ, unfortunately. We never saw the bottom of our cups that day as it seemed the entire staff kept regfilling our cups. Husband ordered the pineapple pancakes with scrambled eggs and bacon. It was wonderful. The bacon was AMAZING! Smokey, thick cut---a meal in itself. I had the apple waffle with cinnamon syrup and it was served fresh off the griddle with whipped butter. This is the way a waffle should be--crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. I didn't care for the syrup, however. Not much flavor. The syrup served with the pineapple pancakes was delicious but not a pineapple syrup. It tasted like marmalade and had orange rind in it. Our entire meal came to $31.41 with tax, no tip. We feel it was well worth it for such quality food. Go to the Original Pancake House when you visit San Diego. You won't leave sorry or hungry.

I live in Houston and there are none of these near me so everytime I go to see family , a few times a year, this is a must. Most recent trip the apple pancake, pretty much my standard fare, was horrific. It was folded over, doughy and not a bowl looking thing at all. Probably the last time I will go there as can't spend $11 on something as an experiment again sorry.

My wife and I visited this restaurant while in town for a jazz festival. I ordered a ham and cheese omelette with potatoes and toast, and I really did enjoy the meal. Despite how busy they were, considering I was there on a weekend, the waitress was very friendly and courteous and saw to it that my iced tea was always full. The omelette was very good and so were they potatoes -- I could tell that they weren't cooked from frozen. I didn't have to wait that long for my meal either.

We arrived at the Original Pancake House for brunch and it was very busy, and put in our names for seats. Non the less we were called very quickly and our waitress was prompt to come and take our order. Coffee and drinks were served immediately. Our smiling and delightful waitress soon delivered our hot delicious meals with very little delay. The pan cakes were huge and completely filling the plate. All kind's of fruits and condiments were available, and anything you could imagine to put on or in a pancake wrap as well. The Syrup was warm and inviting and then there was a yellow lemony sauce available that would just make your mouth water. There were all kinds of breakfast meats you could choose, however the bacon that I choose was out of this world. There were five huge slices of the best smoked bacon I have ever eaten Refills on drinks were readily available and the servers were prompt and well trained. Wonderful family experience.

I can't say anything else but yummy.. The selection of pancakes are amazing. Just go, eat you wont be disappointed.

Variety of pancakes to chose from. Had to go with a customer favorite and try their German pancake. Since its huge, you can opt for the Dutch pancakes which is a smaller version. Very light. The lemon, powdered sugar and butter is on the side to use at ones own discretion. Coffee was simple and bold. Creamer and sugar only. No frou-frou flavored creamers (I tried asking). Delicious!

I love this place and always try to stop by. All of these restaurants have the same menu, but their execution is a little different. I had the potato pancakes and corned beef hash. Excellent!!!! So good. Love the applesauce and sour cream they give you. The pancakes are huge and delicious. Get there early if you don't want to wait too long.

Our friends who took us there raved about the place. I thought it was over-crowded and the food was average at best. I have had better pancakes, and I know many people who love this restaurnat are gnashing their teeth reading this. I feel like they are on auto pilot

We all know that the Original Pancake House serves pancakes that are about as good as you can get - anywhere. But did you know that they offer half-portions on their pancakes as well as many of their other items? That is great news for those folks, like me, whose eyes are usually larger than their stomachs. And their half-sizes are more than enough. The other day I had their blueberry pancakes (three instead of the regular six) and the next day (I couldn't resist a return trip) I had their unique 49ers flap jacks. Spectacular. The half portions, coupled with some of the best thick smoked bacon I have ever had, and I was a happy guy. My wife enjoyed half portions of their regular pancakes and an egg on our first visit, but she moved up to the Swedish pancakes the next day, simply outstanding with the accompanying lingonberry syrup. There is a cautionary note in this review, however, and it concerns the service. On day one, we had some of the best service we have ever had in a fast casual restaurant, and we made a point of praising our server to the manager at the cash register. However, on day two, it was a different matter altogether. We were seated at a table nearest the kitchen, but the waiter didn't take our order for almost fifteen minutes, and later the only way we could get our food delivered the short ten feet from the kitchen was to get the attention of other servers and practically plead for our food. And even then, it took another five minutes for our waiter to bring an English muffin, which he dropped on the table without even the courtesy of an apology.

When in Rome we MUST go to this place due to the litany of choices. We were blown away last time so the family made a point to go and gain weight. If you do not know, this place is so good that there will be a wait. Also, this location has few parking spots, so don't cry just be ready for the experience. I debated whether or not to get the apple pancakes and I chickened out after I read on the menu, Irish omelet which if fully loaded if you are a true carnivore. I added banana nut pancakes to ensure I could not breath and feel uncomfortable. The lady selected pigs in a blanket and kids shared the Junior plate. The Irish was very good, for me, needed some hot sauce or jalapeños. The pancakes were good yet same as any other establishment. The kids enjoyed meal yet pancakes were missing something. Finally, the pigs in the blanket were ok but according to my lady tasted like McGriddles. The service was good and another satisfied customer on this end.

Been here often and is one of my favorites. Whether it is the giant apple pancake that I recommend you split with someone, eggs Benedict or the corned beef hash I had today with a pancake on the side. Everything including the service which is why we keep going back.

I've been here 3 times now and it's about the same result really good food, but before I can eat it I have to consume 3 cups of coffee and even a water. It's not that they aren't busy and are just slow. But it's just pretty slow. If you're dying of hunger don't come here. If you have someone to have a handsome conversation with and enjoy good food. Go on down. I love their Dutch baby. It's a little weird to have a pancake and lemon simultaneously but we do eat lemon cakes. Also they are very well portioned meals for your money. The omelets are really fluffy. Once you're done pay at the register and explore SD

If you can't be consistent then I'm not interested. The Original Pancake House has failed the easiest test of all when it comes to restaurants, the food they serve, and the way their staff interacts with patrons. They failed at being as good as they have been on other occasions. Completely. Any one discrepancy I can deal with. Maybe two things aren't how I remember them from my most recent visit (less than a month ago) and, even though I wouldn't be happy, I think I could deal with 2 things because I'm really not that hard to please. Going past three things and having every part of the experience come up short means that from my standpoint the Original Pancake House is no longer a choice for my favorite meal of the day. Service was awful. It wasn't just interminably slow even though it wasn't crowded, it felt like our presence was an imposition on the wait staff. When the food finally arrived it was a disappointment. I swear, it seems as if the pancakes have been shrunk down. Something's wrong when they're served on a small plate and there's still room around the edges. In fact, you might want to go ahead and take "Pancake" out of the name because they have bigger pancakes at any McDonald's. My eggs, under cooked. Friend's eggs, over cooked. When asked how the breakfast was and some of the above things were mentioned, the response from the hostess was, "Oh, you should have said something about your eggs." Okay then. Until today you could have termed me a loyal customer who would recommend to family and friends visiting from out of town. Now I'll be directing anyone inquiring about a good San Diego breakfast spot to go elsewhere.

What can I say. Its pancakes. If you have to have them go here and get a big stack or two. Pile on the butter and syrup. Enjoy. Repeat as needed.

The selection is AMAZING! My husband and daughters had pancakes and I had the corned beef hash with potato pancakes. My family raved about their pancakes, bacon and ham. My meal was good except the potato pancakes were "mehhh". Fresh orange juice, attentive service, and good coffee made for a satisfying breakfast experience.

What can you say, pancakes, omlettes and waffles. Great for the kids and as an adult I enjoyed it. Very good service. Try it and ignore the Trip advisor complainers that are quick to fuss about every little thing.

FanTastic! Customer service great, all food fresh, a little pricy but it is worth the treat.

The Original Pancake House consistently offers one of my favorite breakfast treats in San Diego. Whenever I want a treat, and who cares about my cholesterol, that's where I go. Their bacon is thick and juicy and the best in town. Their apple pancake and German Pancake is huge, and unique. You can't get that everywhere else. Their coffee is always fresh and served with real cream. It's a casual place in an unattractive business area, but hey, the breakfast is really a treat! It's in the Kearny Mesa business area of town, and nearby there are also a number of interesting family-owned restaurants with Asian cuisine. Try to avoid going on Saturday or Sunday mornings, which is the most crowded time. I love having breakfast sometimes past 1:00 pm, when the place is mostly empty. (Closes at 3:00 pm.) Service is usually good. If they don't get it right the first time, they are very good about making things right for you. I am one of the regular customers, and by now some of the servers recognize me and know just how I like my eggs! Enjoy. A good place for all ages. I don't remember seeing kid's meals on the menu, but if you have 2 kids they can share. The home-made corned beef hash is excellent, and I like it with 2 eggs on top.

It covers the entire dinner plate. It arrives puffed and mahogany-colored from the caramelized brown sugar that is a perfect counterpoint to the tart apple slices decorating the entire surface. The batter is tender and delicious. Yes, it's the perfect apple pancake. It is served with apple-cinnamon syrup, which I use only after eating the first few bites without it to savor the flavor without embellishment. The coffee is flavorful, not too strong, not too weak, and served with real heavy cream. The refills are continuous. The OJ is fresh. I can also recommend the corned beef hash, which is lean and delicious. The service is always pleasant and responsive. Sure, it gets crowded at times, another sign that you'll get a great breakfast here, but on a day when I wake up early, you get seated quickly. I can never eat the whole apple pancake and take half home. Really, you should try it.

and have been busy for years. It's a homey looking place. Simple and clean. The service is always good, even if they're busy. The menu is straightforward American Breakfast fare. It's all they do, it's all they need to do. I had the Eggs Benedict. They come with a side of toast or potato pancakes. I've had better potato pancakes and would have preferred hash browns but the potato pancakes were good enough. Besides the Eggs Benedict were excellent. The hollandaise is creamy with the perfect blend of eggy lemony greatness. Eggs perfectly cooked and arrived hot. My husband ordered pancakes with eggs and a side of bacon. The bacon is really good, thick cooked to perfection. Original Pancake House is out of the way for most visitors to San Diego but well worth the wait on the weekend. There is no scenic view, it's never occurred to me to request a reservation. They close at 3pm. They only do breakfast and they do it well.

This was an incredible find!! The breakfast here was absolutely amazing!!! Everything was fresh and hot and the service was great!!

Great place to take the family...mmmm, but plan on a wait!

Whoever voted IHOP as having good pancakes (really?) either doesn't get out much, or they haven't been to the Original Pancake house. The service is always great; Melissa is the weekend hostess and is amazing, the pancakes are the best I've had in the entire country, and their bacon and eggs can't be beat either! Great food and service; I try other restaurants at least monthly, but always come back to the Original Pancake House.

Private lot parking? Yes. But be early as this breakfast joint shares a lot with a few other restaurants: Imperial Mandarin, a pho place, Wings N Things, a Thai place, a massage place, etc, etc. They take cash, Mastercard, and Visa. Be sure to get there early: the place gets packed and fast. The take away message of this intro message is: GET THERE EARLY. There's a good reason why. Every dish that came out of the kitchen smelled amazing as we waited to be seated. Lucky for us, we went at the beginning of the breakfast rush and only had to wait for about 20 minutes before we were seated at a nice little window nook. The place was decorated to look like an American home from the 50s with its ceramic decorations on the walls, wooden tables and chairs, and flowers and bright yellow colors painted on the walls. The menu does not make a liar of the restaurant's name. They had all sorts of pancakes, as well as scrambles, waffles, and omelettes. At the time, I was craving just plain pancakes but as soon as my eyes landed on the omelettes, I knew I had to try one. What came out first were my side of pancakes, which looked scrumptious. They were fluffy and hot and had a healthy helping of butter sitting atop it. Warmed syrup was brought out too as part of the whole package. There was only one syrup option. So if you're a fan of the IHOP multi-syrup collection, I suggest going there instead. What came out next was my friend's strawberry waffles. To both of us, it sort of looked like an Eggo waffle (frozen waffle) that was just bigger, topped with strawberry preserves and dusted with powdered sugar. Oh that? That's whipped cream, not butter. She was in the mood of sweeter breakfast. And while the strawberry was piled high on her plate, it didn't distract us from the waffle itself. Then came what had my mouth watering when we were awaiting for our table. This is their version of the omelette. I ordered the corned beef omelette, which also included potatoes. I tried my best with my phone but you couldn't exactly see what was in that omelette. I do warn you that it is pretty filling. So if you're not a really big eater, I suggest sharing this with a friend or be ready to take it to go. The service was all right. It was a little difficult to get the attention of our server but I do understand that it was probably due to it being super busy that morning. I do suggest that you forgo the waffle, as it doesn't seem like it is worth it. But I do highly suggest the pancakes, egg specialties, and omelettes.

I love this place because they are the only place I know of that serves the Dutch Baby. I always get it with extra powdered sugar (no lemon) and two eggs over easy. They have delicious homemade orange juice. I would love to be able to talk about some of their menu items, but despite having gone there about twenty or more times, I ALWAYS get the Dutch Baby (or the larger version, the German pancake). It's like a custardy popover or something but flat. I can't explain it. It's SO yummy!

This place fills up early on Sundays... by 8 a.m. dining room was full and some patrons waiting. Service was friendly, prompt, kept the glasses and mugs full. We ordered pancakes and waffles with nuts and bananas, very generous portions of toppings.

Good pancakes! Expect a long wait. So much better than its well known rival chain restaurant!

You know how some places are open for breakfast/lunch and have both choices on their menu? This isn't one of those places. There are only breakfast items on the rather extensive menu. The girl coming around with the coffee/water was very attentive. Our waitress had to go on her break in the middle of our time there, so we ended up with a different server. The French toast had 4 large half slices, the bacon was extra crispy as requested, the cherry crepes were full of cherries, and you can't really mess up eggs. My husband wanted bacon and eggs, which strangely wasn't a choice, so he ordered a la carte. He got a potato pancake instead of toast, which was good and came with applesauce and sour cream. There was about a 15 minute wait, but it was a Saturday. Lots of very interesting looking Asian restaurants in the surrounding area. Not the best place we've ever been, but also not the worst.