By: Kat Bein By: Kat Bein | May 16, 2024 | Food & Drink, Guides,
Looking for the best pancakes? Look no further!
We asked our editors across the country to name the best pancakes in their cities, and they aren't gatekeeping.
See also: 20 Of The Best Brunch Spots Across America
Whether you're in Atlanta or San Francisco, Miami or New York City, Chicago or even Hawai'i, here are the fluffiest and most delicious pancakes the United States has to offer.
290 Elizabeth St. NE; 678-515-4536 / Website
Visit this chic, French-inspired bistro for seasonal fare and breakfast favorites, including fluffy, butter-topped pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup. Restaurant-goers can pair their pancakes with crispy fried potatoes and aioli, eggs or a side of prosciutto. There’s even more to explore and enjoy on Atlanta’s full list.
675 E Durant Ave.; 970-920-6330 / Website
Nestled in the Little Nell, Element 47 stands as Aspen's premier destination for luxurious pancake creations that cater to both sweet and savory preferences. Indulge in its exquisite lemon soufflé pancakes—adorned with raspberry, pine nuts and powdered sugar—or savor the moment with its unique Dutch baby pancakes, featuring arugula, prosciutto, egg, onion and Swiss cheese. Don’t stop there! Save some room for more pancake goodness and try one of the other restaurants on Aspen’s full list.
40 Brattle St., Cambridge; 617-864-2100 / Website
When looking for the perfect Boston brunch spot, stop into this Cambridge favorite. Enjoy Arden & Harlow’s decadent sweet corn pancakes made with roasted pear, ricotta and honey. Pair the sweetness of these pancakes with their spicy and savory A&H Bloody Mary for a brunch done right. Keep the brunch vibes going and extend your search for the perfect pancake with a trip to one of our other favorite spots on Boston’s full list.
1415 N. Wood St.; 773-360-8320 / Website
Chef Brian Jupiter’s homage to his Southern roots quickly became a Wicker Park staple for those seeking New Orleans flavors in the Windy City. Brunch bites, including fluffy pancakes, are served every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chicago is a foodie city, so be sure to check everything on the city’s full list.
2811 McKinney Ave.; 214-954-0486 / Website
Dig into stacks on stacks at this home of fluffy hotcakes in Big D for over three decades now. Get the Cloud Cakes, fluffy ricotta pancakes topped with fresh strawberries, crème fraiche, and powdered sugar. Dig into more delights on Dallas’ full list.
40 Hampton Road, Southampton; 631-283-9752 / Website
Prepare your senses to be transported back when entering Sip N’ Soda, a cherished gem of Southampton. Its decor is simple and nostalgic, adorned with checkered floors, red vinyl booths and a classic soda fountain. Radiating an American diner feel, the owners at Sip N’ Soda have mastered the simple pancake recipe over decades, turning out consistent stacks of silver dollar and short stack pancakes that have diners returning again and again since its opening in 1958. Have more helpings at one of the other spots on the Hamptons’ full list.
1020 Keolu Dr., D1, Kailua; 808-263-7929 / Website
These pancakes are distinguished, delivering one of the tastiest pancakes in Hawai‘i. Built on years of expertise, their signature breakfast dish is the Macadamia Nut Sauce Original Pancakes which are light and carefree to savor. Whether you choose original, banana or blueberry pancakes, all will be topped with the famous Kimo’s Macadamia Nut Sauce. Make the most of your pancake journey with a visit to one of our other top picks for Hawai’i from the full list.
4444 Westheimer Road Suite H110; 346-833-8374 / Website
Brunch is the name of the game and Little Hen is winning. While its buzzy floral print decor and dazzling bouquets are always a plus, its the rose petal pancakes that keep us coming back. These rose water infused maple syrup pancakes are as beautiful as they are delicious so get your cameras ready—the phone eats first here. Giddy up and check the other spots on Houston's full list.
ARIA Resort & Casino, 3730 S Las Vegas Blvd.; 702-590-5757 / Website
You may know Catch for its incredible seafood selections, but its weekend brunch at ARIA Resort & Casino equality delights with decadent cinnamon roll pancakes. Truly unlike any other pancakes on the Strip, these are made with candied almonds, cream cheese frosting and the most delicious brown sugar-cinnamon swirl—the perfect breakfast blend of savory and sweet. Feeling lucky? Try more of the outstanding pancakes on Vegas’ full list.
1155 N. Highland Ave.; 323-380-7148 / Website
This cozy Hollywood eatery brings in the crowds for its iconic oatmeal griddle cakes topped with sweet cinnamon molasses butter. Stop by during breakfast, brunch or lunch to order a plate, and after, be sure to pick up a pancake mix to-go! Enjoy even more deliciously fluffy bites on LA’s full list.
3321 Mary St.; 305-990-8707 / Website
Available at both Sadelle’s Coconut Grove and Sadelle’s at Kith Miami Design District, Sadelles beloved blueberry pancakes are the definition of a morning breakfast indulgence. Made from sourdough starter, whole wheat flour, sugar, butter and milk, the three pancakes are dusted with powdered sugar and served with maple syrup on the side. Dig into even more delights on Miami’s full list.
120 Hudson St.; 212-219-0666 / Website
If you’re just as addicted to pancakes as we are, then you’ve most likely waited 45 minutes for Bubby’s famous flapjacks. Coined for having the best pancakes in all of New York City, Bubby’s James Beard pancakes live up to their reputation and then some. Simple yet in a league of their own, these pillowy clouds of deliciousness must be sent from the spirits above. If you’re feeling fancy, try the pancake flight which comes with three pancakes, caramelized banana, toasted walnuts, blueberry, Nutella, strawberries and whipped cream. Take a bite out of the Big Apple and try even more pancakes from NYC’s full list.
1807 Westcliff Dr., Newport Beach; 949-642-4114 / Website
Since 1990, Newport Beach’s Haute Cakes Caffe has united the community through a shared love of sweet breakfast treats. While its breakfast and lunch menu includes avocado toast, scrambles, savory sandwiches and salads, the pancakes are a must-try—like the orange ricotta cakes hot off the griddle. The sun is always out in Orange County, so keep the party going and try some more pancakes on the OC’s full list.
Various Locations / Website
Whisk away hunger with Benny’s on the Beach’s cloud-like triple stack of key lime pancakes. Tangy citrus flavors burst through the mouth at every bite, making for a delectable breakfast experience. Topped with a flavorful key lime sauce, toasted lemon meringue and pecan graham cracker crumble, this breakfast item is a sweet tooth’s dream come true. You know there’s more great breakfast in Palm Beach, so check our full list.
104 S. 13th St.; 215-546-4200 / Website
Darling Jack’s weekend brunch menu redefines the classic buttermilk pancake with delectable garnishes like Maine blueberry compote, toasted almonds and, of course, maple syrup. Pair this sweet treat with a savory bite like salt-roasted beets. Save some room, because there even more must-try pancakes on Philly’s full list.
3020 University Ave.; 619-539-7242 / Website
North Park’s pancake palace serves up unbeatable breakfast straight from the griddle. While pancakes are the main focus—personalized to your liking from the Flip Your Own section of the menu—other delicious dishes include brioche cubed French toast, smoked salmon Benedict and a classic corned beef hash. Flap on over to more stops on San Diego’s full list.
701 Union St.; 415-872-7023 / Website
Hilda and Jesse’s incredibly innovative weekend brunch pancake menu is sure to stun—think buttermilk stacks topped with grilled cranberry, maple syrup and butter or savory Latvian pancakes with white truffle, pumpkin cottage cheese and nasturtium honey. Once you’ve enjoyed the menu, make a date to try another of the great pancake spots on SF’s full list.
3207 N. Hayden Rd.; 480-685-2525 / Website
Nestled in a recently renovated 1960s-era Trail West retail plaza at Hayden and Osborn, the midcentury-inspired restaurant features lots of chic upgrades—think light wood, retro colors and trendy garage doors that lead to the Polynesian-themed outdoor patio. Nosh on fluffy pancakes topped with maple butter and extras like blueberry compote, caramelized bananas and cinnamon sauce. Make sure you also stop by the other spots on Scottsdale’s full list.
1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell; 408-340-5285 / Website
Only Jeffrey Stout, chef-owner at the inventive Orchard City Kitchen in Campbell, can make flapjacks feel high-end. The Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand offers fluffy cakes crafted with creative ingredients—think tart key lime, crunchy Marcona almonds, a dash of mint and cream cheese. See what else the city of innovation has to offer on Silicon Valley’s full list.
3415 11th St. NW; 202-290-3342 / Website
A signature on the Coupe’s brunch menu is The Coupe Royale, with eggs, hash browns, a choice of breakfast meat and, of course, pancakes. The Coupe’s fluffy buttermilk pancakes are a favorite among diners, with delicious additions like blueberries, chocolate chips, banana and whipped cream. More pancakes? A capital idea! So check the rest of the spots on D.C.’s full list.
Want more variety with your breakfast? Check our list of the best brunch spots across the country.
Photography by: Getty