Birmingham, Alabama 35205
For years, I have heard about how wonderful the food is at the Original Pancake House in Portland. Even so, I never have set foot in one.
Until I was in Birmingham, Alabama.
That’s right. Rather than go to the one a few miles from my house, I waited until I was on the other side of the country to try one.
My breakfast was scrambled eggs and Canadian bacon. So tasty.
I never get my hopes up when it comes to scrambled eggs in a restaurant knowing they can be cooked from dry to runny.
These eggs were perfection. Scrambled light and fluffy. I wish I had some right now!
My companions had pancakes, over easy eggs, and corned beef hash.
They were pleased with their food also. We all belonged to the “clean plate club”!
The service was excellent too which made it a perfect place to eat.
It Started in Portland
I was curious as to the difference between the two restaurants.
Could both just happen to have the same name?
I looked up the Portland one on the Internet.
“The Original Pancake House was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke. Drawing upon their many years of experience in the culinary field, and their extensive working knowledge of authentic national and ethnic pancake recipes they were able to offer without compromise this unique and original menu which has gained national acclaim. The Original Pancake House is a second and third generation family business, which takes great pride in maintaining the high standards that make our food so outstanding. We now have over one hundred franchises from coast to coast, which have won local and national acclaim. Our recipes demand only the very finest of ingredients, such as 93 score butter, pure 36% whipping cream, fresh grade AA eggs, hard wheat unbleached flour, and our own recipe sourdough starter. Our batters and sauces are made fresh in each restaurant’s kitchen.” Original Pancake House
The Birmingham one was listed as part of the chain.
So, now I will have to try the local one and see if it measures up to its satellite in Birmingham. I hope so.
As much as I liked Birmingham, it is a long way to go for breakfast!
Lori Greer in Portland 
Hi Lori!
Your post about pancakes made my mouth water. Isn’t it funny how we often travel miles for something even when we can find it in our own backyard? I have done this many times and by the time I finally come around to trying something new I often wonder, “why did it take me so long?” Thanks for sharing you breakfast adventure!
❤ Alana
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Sounds good but not my choice for breakfast. Interesting post.
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Oh I do love a good breakfast! The Original Pancake House sounds like just the ticket. But for me, it is a long way to go for breakfast…. 😉
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Wow. I’m in your boat here…I had no clue that this culinary phenom began in PDX. And I’m a native Portlander! Makes me feel like a slacker since it’s been 15 years since I’ve been to it.
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Portland seems to be the culinary heart of the country. Good fortune for you, Lori.
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We’ll be interested to hear how your local pancake place compares.
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I love the place. Try their strawberry pancakes!
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We’ve enjoyed the chain here in the Seattle area.
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Thanks for letting me go down memory lane… I used to go to the one in Upstate New York with my mom, just the two of us. We didn’t go out to eat very often, so it was always a special treat to go to the Original Pancake House with her. The place was always packed!
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