Minnesota is home to one of the most beloved breakfast spots in the country. The Original Pancake House has been serving up incredible dishes for decades, and it’s not just about pancakes.
From freshly squeezed juices to oven-baked specialties that tower over your plate, this restaurant offers an experience you won’t find at typical chain diners.
1. The Signature Dutch Baby Pancake
Picture a pancake that rises like magic in the oven, puffing up into a giant golden bowl that practically begs for a photo. That’s the Dutch Baby, and it’s unlike anything you’ve tried before.
This German-style creation arrives at your table hot and dramatic, with edges that climb high above the pan. Fresh lemon wedges, powdered sugar, and rich whipped butter come alongside, letting you customize each bite to your taste.
People travel from across the state just to experience this showstopper. It’s crispy on the outside, soft inside, and absolutely unforgettable for first-timers and regulars alike.
2. The Legendary Apple Pancake
Granny Smith apples get baked directly into this enormous pancake, creating something that tastes more like dessert than breakfast. The pure Sinkiang cinnamon glaze adds a warm, spicy sweetness that makes every forkful incredible.
Like the Dutch Baby, this specialty comes straight from the oven in a sizzling pan. The apples soften and caramelize during baking, blending perfectly with the fluffy batter underneath.
Many guests say they come back monthly just for this dish. It’s big enough to share, though you might not want to once you taste how amazing it is with that cinnamon finish.
3. Real, Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Forget the stuff from a carton. The Original Pancake House uses a dedicated machine to squeeze fresh oranges every single day, and you can taste the difference immediately.
Regular customers often mention this juice as one of their favorite parts of the meal. It’s bright, naturally sweet, and packed with flavor that bottled juice simply can’t match.
Watching the staff prepare it adds to the experience, reminding you that everything here is made with care. Some people even order a second glass before leaving because it’s that good and refreshing.
4. Authentic Swedish Pancakes
Minnesota’s Scandinavian heritage shines through in these thin, lacy creations that resemble elegant French crepes. They’re delicate, light, and served with imported lingonberries that add a tart-sweet flavor you won’t find elsewhere.
Each pancake is carefully prepared and rolled, then topped with whipped butter that melts into every fold. The lingonberries provide an authentic touch that honors traditional Swedish cooking.
These pancakes offer a completely different texture from the fluffy American style. They’re perfect for anyone wanting something refined and uniquely connected to Minnesota’s cultural roots and history.
5. Made-From-Scratch Sourdough Starter
What makes these pancakes taste so different from chain restaurants? It’s the homemade sourdough starter made with potatoes, water, flour, sugar, and yeast that gives them an incredibly light, fluffy texture.
This isn’t some shortcut mix from a bag. The starter develops over time, creating complex flavors and that signature rise that makes each pancake practically float on your fork.
You’ll notice the difference immediately with your first bite. The pancakes have depth and character that mass-produced batter simply cannot replicate, making breakfast feel special and thoughtfully crafted every time.
6. The Wide Array of Specialty Batters
Beyond basic buttermilk, the menu features Coconut, Pecan, Buckwheat, and even Potato Pancakes, ensuring everyone finds their perfect flavor match. Each batter is uniquely crafted with specific ingredients that highlight its star component.
Coconut lovers get real shredded coconut mixed throughout. Pecan pancakes feature chunks of toasted nuts that add crunch and richness to every bite you take.
Buckwheat offers an earthy, nutty taste for adventurous eaters. Potato pancakes bring a savory twist that pairs wonderfully with eggs and bacon, proving breakfast doesn’t always need to be sweet and sugary.
7. Clarified Butter Cooking
Every gourmet dish here gets cooked in high-quality clarified butter, which might sound fancy but makes a huge difference in taste and texture. Regular butter burns easily, but clarified butter creates that perfect golden crust.
This cooking method enhances flavors naturally without adding heaviness or greasiness. The result is pancakes with beautifully crisp edges and a rich, buttery taste that regular oil or spray cannot achieve.
It’s one of those behind-the-scenes details that separates good breakfast spots from truly exceptional ones. You might not know why everything tastes better here, but this technique is definitely part of the magic.
8. Fluffy, Oven-Baked Omelettes
Most diners fold their omelettes in half and call it done. Not here. These omelettes use up to six farm-fresh eggs, get rolled in the pan, then finish baking in the oven for an incredibly light texture.
The oven technique puffs them up beautifully, creating something closer to a soufflé than a standard flat omelette. Each bite feels airy and delicate rather than dense or rubbery.
If you’ve only experienced regular diner omelettes, this method will surprise you. It transforms a simple egg dish into something memorable and special that showcases real cooking skill and attention.
9. The 49’er Flapjacks
Named after gold rush miners who needed hearty, filling meals, these plate-sized flapjacks are thin, chewy, and completely different from thick, fluffy pancakes. They spread across your entire plate like delicious edible maps.
The texture sits somewhere between a pancake and a crepe, giving you more chew with each bite. They’re perfect for soaking up syrup or butter without getting soggy too quickly.
History buffs and texture lovers appreciate this nod to old-fashioned cooking. They remind us that breakfast traditions have evolved over time, and sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying ones around.
10. A Consistent, High-Quality Experience
Grade AA eggs, 93-score butter, and 36% whipping cream aren’t just fancy words on a menu. They’re the premium ingredients that The Original Pancake House uses across all locations, ensuring quality never wavers.
Franchise restaurants often cut corners to save money, but this establishment maintains strict standards everywhere. You’ll get the same excellent meal whether you visit once or return monthly for years.
That reliability makes it a trusted favorite for families, date mornings, and special occasions. When you want breakfast done right without surprises or disappointments, this restaurant delivers every single time without exception.
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