If you enjoy pancakes then you need this list of the best pancakes in NYC in your life.
Trust me, pancakes are the ultimate breakfast food, and NYC 100% serves some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had.
In fact, I’ve lived here for 30+ years and never miss a chance to brunch it up since brunch is a way of life in NYC.
Personally, pancakes are my go-to order whenever I indulge in this iconic meal. I just love how light and fluffy they are, especially when paired with salty butter and sweet syrup.
Therefore, I clearly know a thing or two about where to get pancakes in NYC. I also LOVE that NYC serves a diverse array of pancakes.
Depending on your preferences, it’s easy to get classic pancakes, savory pancakes, crepe-like pancakes, Japanese pancakes, etc.
So, go forth, happy human, and have a look at my top picks for the best pancakes in New York City. This way you can enjoy the best breakfast in New York City today.
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Table of Contents
1. Clinton Street Baking Company
I have been wanting to try this place for YEARS but never managed to get here. Well, I finally showed up on a snowy Monday at 1:30 pm.
Not surprisingly, Clinton Street Baking Company was PACKED with people. I was there on my own and still had to wait 20 minutes to sit at the bar.
Then when I finally sat down, I still had to wait a few minutes for a menu. Thankfully, though, they cooked my blueberry pancakes pretty quickly.
All in all, they came out warm and with a generous amount of Maine blueberry compote/powdered sugar on top. The portions are also very generous (they should be for $18.00 each).
Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of the blueberry compote since it was a bit too tart for me. But, the pancakes were EPIC and I basically gobbled them up.
I also ADORED the maple syrup butter on the side. I found it to be a lot less sweet that traditional syrup and really enjoyed the unique flavor it had.
Overall, I am obsessed with this place and think they definitely serve some of the best pancakes in NYC. I also would love to come back to try either the chocolate or banana walnut pancakes the next time.
2. Flippers
Located in the ALWAYS trendy Soho neighborhood, this epic pancake spot in NYC speciliazes in Japanese souffle pancakes.
What I LOVE about this place is that breakfast is available all day. They also have a wide variety of sweet and savory pancakes to choose from.
So, even if you’re not into sweets, you can still find the perfect pancakes for you.
If it were me, I would get one of their souffle pancakes. They are supper fluffy, extra thick, have a ton of jiggle, and are very light to eat.
The last time we visited we got the strawberry pancakes with strawberry pudding, strawberry cream, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries.
I liked how light the pancakes were and that they were packed with strawberry flavor. Just remember, these pancakes are not like tradtional pancakes.
Also, avoid the weekends since this place is often heaving with people and you may not want to deal with the crowds.
3. Golden Diner
Personally, I LOVE the pancakes at Golden Diner. They are HUGE, super light/fluffy, come with a generous amount of butter, and come doused in this beautiful honey syrup.
Essentially, I could not stop eating these pancakes and MUCH preferred them to my egg and cheese breakfast sando.
Don’t get me wrong, my sando was good and I liked that the hasbrown added crunch to the eggs and bread.
But, the pancakes were 10,000 times better with the honey maple butter. The portions are also HUGE and I would definitely try to split these pancakes with someone else.
PS: These pancakes aren’t super expensive since it costs $15.00 for a giant plate of pancakes.
4. The Dutch
While the Dutch is known for their amazing fried chicken (the honey butter biscuits are also great too), I usually come here for the pancakes.
They are made of cornmeal and served with blueberry syrup and salted butter. Overall, the combination of sweet and savory makes for the perfect bite IMHO.
Just be forewarned, these pancakes taste a bit like cornbread. So, if that’s not something that you’re into then I would give this spot a miss.
I also think the prices here are a bit steep for what you get. But, if you’re planning Easter brunch in NYC that money isn’t the biggest concern you have.
5. Salt’s Cure
When I was doing research for this article, I saw RAVE reviews about Salt’s Cure. I was super stoked because there aren’t too many places where you can get griddle cakes (aka pancakes) for just $10.00.
Plus, everyone swore their griddle cakes were out of this world. So, when we stopped by their West Village location, we ordered the Classic (2 eggs, 2 griddle cakes, and 2 sausages) for $18.00.
Once we ordered at the front, we sat down and waited for our food. TBH, I think the garbanzo bean “sausages” were the highlight of my breakfast.
I honestly thought the texture of the griddle cakes was super weird and tasted almost like oatmeal when I bit into it.
I DID enjoy the cinnamon molasses butter on top but couldn’t get over how gummy the griddle cakes were. Meanwhile, my partner LOVED them, which is why they are on this list.
Plus, it is nice that you can choose from apple, banana nut, blueberry, and chocolate griddle cakes.
Oh, and just in case you were wondering, the soft scrambled eggs were all right. They didn’t blow my mind but also weren’t terrible.
Finally, I didn’t find their portions to be THAT big. So, keep that in mind when ordering.
6. Frenchette
If you are looking for some cheap diner pancakes then this is not the place for you. After all, Frenchette is a very upscale French restaurant in Tribeca that serves giant pancakes soaked in syrup.
Yes, each order of pancakes is a bit pricey at $26.00 each. However, the ambiance at Frenchette is sublime and basically, that’s what happens when you dine at a high-end restaurant.
All in all, these pancakes are super delicious and look as if they are almost burnt on top. Yes, that is absolutely intentional since the crip’s exterior perfectly contrast with the fluffy interior.
And while I do feel the amount of salt in the pancakes is intense, it works because it pairs beautifully with the sweet syrup.
7. Bubby’s
I am actually really surprised that the pancakes from Bubby’s aren’t more highly rated. In fact, I have met several people who thought they were downright awful.
Personally, I disagree. I also know I am not that only since this place was packed for breakfast (on a weekday) the last time we were here.
During our visit, we ordered the pancake flight since it comes with three different types of pancakes and is a great way to try everything that Bubby’s has to offer.
Warning! The pancake flight is pretty expensive at $26.00 each. However, I thought it was worth it since the portions are EPIC, and these are James Beard award-winning pancakes.
So, get ready to enjoy caramelized banana and toasted walnut pancakes, pancakes with blueberry compote, and pancakes with nutella, mixed berry compote, and whipped cream.
All are good and have this flight and fluffy flapjack texture/taste that I just can’t get enough of.
Local Tip: The Banoffee pie is really good (banana, espresso, and dulce de leche) and you can easily visit the Ghost Busters Firestation either before or after your visit.
8. La Bergamote
This French pastry shop/restaurant in Chelsea serves an amazing brunch/breakfast that features their lemon ricotta blueberry pancakes.
First of all, these pancakes are very thin and airy, They are also made with ricotta. However, the ricotta just sits in the background and is there to lighten the pancakes up.
So, you definitely won’t walk away feeling super bloated after eating these pancakes. The edges of the pancakes are also crispy and the pancakes themselves just kind of melt away as you take a bite.
I also like that there is a nice lemon flavor to the pancakes, which are served with a generous amount of fresh berries on top.
Basically, this is a great place to go if you hate crowds and love pancakes since this spot is still a hidden gem in NYC.
9. Nomo Kitchen
Before I visited NOMO Kitchen, I thought this place was just a glorified Instagram spot with a restaurant.
I mean, the last time I was here, people were lining up to take photos with the giant hedge tunnel that leads into the restaurant/NOMO Hotel.
So, I kind of thought the emphasis here was on the decor and not the food. But, thankfully, I was VERY wrong.
The lemon ricotta pancakes served here are really crispy on the outside and then light/cakey in the middle.
Overall, they are light, fluffy, well-balanced, and served with this beautiful ricotta sauce that sits beneath the pancakes.
I also like that the pancakes are packed with lemon flavor and are served with berries, candied pistachios and syrup for the ultimate pancake experience in NYC.
Yeah, I really hate when you order “lemon” pancakes and they have like this TINY hint of lemon flavor. So lame.
10. Chez Ma Tante
The first thing you need to know about this European bistro in Greenpoint, Brooklyn is that brunch is only served on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
So, this is the only time that you can snag their delicious pancakes for $18.00 a plate.
And if you do manage to snag a table at this popular brunch spot in NYC, then you’ll be treated to decadently delicious pancakes that are doused in syrup and topped with a serious amount of butter.
Overall, these are some of the best pancakes in NYC since they are made with more egg yolks and are just PACKED with flavor.
I just wish they cooked them more consistently since I have been many times and some days the pancakes are better than others.
11. Cafe Sabarksy
The first thing you need to know about Cafe Sabarksy is that this charming Viennese cafe is located on the first floor of the Neue Galerie.
It literally sits right across the street from Central Park and is always packed with people.
However, if you can time it right then be sure to stop by for breakfast. In particular, the Kaiserschmarren is absolutely delicious.
It is a super fluffy, caramelized pancake that is chopped into pieces and served with roasted fruit. I also like that it is totally different from any other pancakes on this list.
Other great things to order here are the Sachertorte, the Apple Strudel, and the Einspänner (or espresso with whipped cream).
Local Tip: If they do not have the pancakes then try the Marillenpalatschinken. It’s a really nice crepe with apricot sauce.
12. Leo
Stop by Leo’s in Williamsburg and you’ll get one giant pancake served to you on a plate. This pancake is super thick, served with a giant pat of Normandy butter, and looks well done on the top.
TBH, it’s one of those pancakes that I wasn’t super excited to eat. But, once I started eating I honestly could NOT stop.
They are fluffy/cakey pancakes that are a bit denser than some of the other options on this list. However, they come with lots of maple syrup and are just a great, classic pancake.
I also kind of love that an Italian restaurant/pizza place is serving such amazing pancakes. Definitely unexpected.
13. Mom’s Kitchen
Not gonna lie, I thought these mac and cheese pancakes were gonna be so weird that they were good. Well, they were so weird that they were weird.
However, the pancakes themselves were really big, light, and cakey. They basically tasted like great diner pancakes that I wanted a lot more of.
I also loved that they were pretty classic and simply served with delish maple syrup on top.
Personally, the next time I’m here I’m gonna order the fruity pebbles pancakes with berries, berry maple syrup, and whipped cream.
However, they also have a savory mushroom and gouda pancake if you are not a big dessert person.
Also, do not leave without ordering one of their Mom’s Bigmouth Shakes. They are pretty expensive at $15.00 each. However, they are huge and so stinking good.
The last time I was at Mom’s (FYI they have a location in Midtown) I got the Cookie Stand shake with cookies and cream ice cream, oreo cookie crumbles, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chip cookie.
10/10 would recommend this shake to anyone who likes milkshakes. Just be sure to split it with a friend since it is quite big.
14. Vinegar Hill House
Located in DUMBO, Vinegar Hill House is a small restaurant inside a historic building with some serious Colonial vibes.
If you can, be sure to stop by for brunch and order their Apple Sourdough pancakes.
They are served with a generous amount of butter and whipped cream and are some of the most unusual pancakes in the city.
After all, they are presented to you piping hot so that the butter on top actually melts into the pancakes.
Plus, the center of the pancake has almost a custard-like texture and is served with sweet syrup/a dash of salt that perfectly compliments the tangy pancakes.
Finally, I adore that they have a seasonal menu where pancake flavors reflect the fruits that are currently available. So, go here now and be happy devouring their mega epic pancakes.
15. Sunday in Brooklyn
I ADORE the pancakes from Sunday in Brooklyn. They are super thick, moist, and have an almost cake-like consistency.
I also love that they have these crispy edges and are served with a beautiful chocolate hazelnut sauce on top. I did find the sauce to be a bit sweet, so I am glad I only ordered one pancake.
However, you can order two or three pancakes in your pancake stack if you’re feeling extra hungry.
Another thing I love is that these pancakes are served warm, with a giant pat of butter on top.
As a result, the salty butter melts into the pancakes and balances out the sweetness of the chocolate sauce.
Overall, this place definitely lives up to all the hype and I would happily come back for some more pancakes.
Map of the Best Pancakes in NYC
Conclusion
That wraps up this guide to the best pancake places in NYC. I hope you found this post useful and now know where to go for breakfast in NYC.
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