Breakfast in the Neighborhood at the Original Pancake House

By Cynthia Sommer (November 2011)

Over the past 5 years, many neighbors have come to know the Original Pancake House as a destination place in our area for a great breakfast with family and friends.   The location, in the previous Coffee Trader site (2621 N. Downer; near Sendik’s), was also familiar to Joe DeRosa, the owner, who previously ran the Chancery restaurant on Downer.  The site has been remodeled with WI-FI, old brick walls, exposed beams and ductwork, soft lighting and artwork to create a relaxing atmosphere and a building that fits the neighborhood.

This well rated national franchise is open for breakfast and lunch (M-F 7 am – 2 pm; Sat.-Sun. 7 am- 3pm) seven days a week.  During the week, many locals and downtown workers fill the venue in the early am hours and are then followed by the younger crowd later in the morning.  You can also reserve during the week an enclosed room for meetings at no charge.  Lunch brings a steady stream of customers who like breakfast for lunch or come for sandwiches.  As expected, weekends at the Original Pancake House are popular so come early and plan for a little wait for bigger groups.

Their signature menu items include their cherry kijafa crepes, Dutch-baby oven baked “German” pancakes and the always popular apple and blueberry pancakes.  A variety of other pancakes, seasonal pancakes (e.g., pumpkin), crepes, waffles, egg specialties are available along with fresh squeezed orange juices and some of the best thick sliced bacon in town.  Their huge, delicious omelets are very popular for both breakfast and lunch.  Coffee cups are regularly filled by attentive and friendly wait staff, many of whom are UWM students.  Think about stopping for breakfast some morning at the Original Pancake House – it can be a pleasant outing in a walkable neighborhood.