Piled high, covered in berries, dripping with syrup, finished with chocolate . . . there are a million recipes for this breakfast favorite. While you are studying English in San Diego or San Francisco, be sure to check out some of the cities’ delicious pancake houses.

The best pancakes in San Diego

Richard Walker’s Pancake House
Downtown San Diego
520 Front St
San Diego, CA, United States
When a restaurant calls itself a “pancake house,” you know there is one thing they do incredibly well! This breakfast restaurant is a staple of San Diego’s brunch scene, and is definitely the place to get delicious, traditional pancakes . . . although the Baked Cinnamon Pecan Pancake is a must-try menu item!

 

The Mission Cafe
East Village/Downtown San Diego
1250 J St
San Diego, CA, United States
The Mission Cafe rules when it comes to breakfast in San Diego. Banana-Blackberry Pancakes? Incredible! Perhaps a stack of those alongside the Chocolate Chip Pancakes . . .

 

Snooze
Hillcrest
3940 5th Ave
San Diego, CA
(619) 500-3344
The newest of all the restaurants on our list is also one of the trendiest. When you eat at Snooze, you will probably have to wait at least an hour for a table, so perhaps it is best to come NOT hungry, as you will gain an appetite while waiting! (Thankfully, they serve coffee, tea, and water to guests while they wait for their tables.) Once inside, check out the Sweet Potato Pancakes with Homemade Caramel, Pecans, and Ginger . . . or ask for their Pancake of the Day.

 

pancakes
The best pancakes in San Francisco

Outerlands
Outer Sunset
4001 Judah St
After waiting to get in (be prepared: there is always a line!) guests happily wait an additional twenty minutes for the Dutch Pancake to bake. Similar to a soufflé and baked in a cast iron skillet, this pancake is well worth the wait.

 

Potrero Hill
1299 18th St.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. We have no more words!

 

Zazie
Cole Valley
941 Cole St
Zazie’s pancake list changes often, and has featured everything from poppy seed to sour cream flapjacks. Yum! As much as we love traditional pancakes, we also love to “spice it up” a little and try their unique recipes.

 

What is your favorite place for brunch in San Diego or San Francisco? Check out our article on American Brunch to learn about the other menu items you might encounter.

Photos licensed from Shutterstock.