Pancakes, like much of Western civilization, can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. The earlier word for pancakes in Greek, tagenites, derives from the word, frying pan. In early recipes tagenites are described as being made with wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk, and were served for breakfast. While today’s recipe has been tweaked quite a bit, pancakes are as popular as ever. Where better than the world’s biggest melting pot and cultural hot-spot, New York City, to find the best pancakes? It’s no easy feat to narrow the search down, but we’ve selected five restaurants who serve up Instagram-worthy, drool inducing pancakes that even the ancient Greeks would be clamoring for.
Sunday in Brooklyn
In trendy Williamsburg, brunch spots are a dime a dozen but none quite achieves the relaxed atmosphere or perfect neighborhood-vibe quite like Sunday in Brooklyn. The sunlit, corner eatery is the creation of three restaurant veterans, who relished their single day off each week. Sunday in Brooklyn is known for its malted pancakes. They’re served with hazelnut maple praline sauce and a pat of brown butter. What the cakes lack in diameter (they’re six inches wide) they make up for in height with their mouth-watering fluffy demeanor. Sunday in Brooklyn serves breakfast, brunch and dinner 7-days a week.
348 Wythe Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11249
(347) 222-6722
www.sundayinbrooklyn.com
Bubby’s
The name means ‘grandma’ in Yiddish, but as pancakes go, Bubby’s is the coolest spot on the block. There are two styles of pancakes to choose from: the James Beard, (adapted from a recipe by the famed food writer) which is fluffy and sweet; or the 1890 Sourdough that is almost tangy and thin, more like a French crêpe. Once you’ve chosen a style, there’s the even more arduous decision of selecting from four different toppings — caramelized banana and toasted walnut, blueberry, whipped cream and chocolate chip, Nutella with berry jam, and fried chicken with bourbon maple syrup. Can’t decide? Order the pancake flight: for $25 you get three James Beard pancakes, caramelized banana and toasted walnuts, blueberry, Nutella, mixed berries, and whipped cream.
NB: Bubby’s Tribeca location will be closed until early October, 2019. Please visit their Highline location on Gansevoort Street.
73 Gansevoort St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 206-6200
Cafe Luluc
This cozy and popular French café is a neighborhood staple for pancake lovers who like to keep things classic and timeless; why mess with perfection? You won’t find the latest trendy condiment on the list of pancake toppings at this cash-only café. Luluc’s is known for its high quality pancakes, served daily. They’re cooked in cast-iron pans, giving the pancakes an almost crispy exterior and warm and fluffy inside. One guest praises Luluc as “pancake heaven”. It’s well worth the trip to Brooklyn to indulge in an unforgettable breakfast or brunch.
214 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 625-3815
www.cafeluluc.com
Mom’s Kitchen & Bar
This Hell’s Kitchen diner serves up large portions of comfort food with tongue-in-cheek flair. Mom’s was voted one of the top 12 brunch spots in New York city by Yelp, and it’s easy to see why with all-day brunch options that step outside of the ordinary. Mom’s has outdone itself with three jaw-dropping pancake options on the menu. The first is mac ‘n cheese pancakes with choula honey drizzle. Next up: the pancake burrito where eggs, sausage, bacon, cheese, and maple syrup mingle inside a giant flapjack shell. And last but not least is the Bedrock pancake, a creation made from the Flintstones-themed cereal Fruity Pebbles, topped with fruit, berry maple syrup and whipped cream. If nothing else, Mom’s menu will pique your curiosity!
701 9th Ave
New York, NY 10019
(646) 657-0080
www.momsmidtown.com
Clinton Street Baking Company
It would be remiss to talk pancakes in New York City without a shout out to the Clinton St. Baking Company. The pancakes at this Lower East Side eatery are legendary, as can be attested by the long lines on Sundays. Chef and co-owner, Neil Kleinberg is the mastermind behind the glorious pancakes that are stacked with warm maple butter and a choice of toppings: wild Maine blueberry (arguably the biggest crowd pleaser), banana walnut or chocolate chunk. But for true die-hards, February is the month to visit the Clinton St. Baking Company. For national pancake month, the restaurant serves up 28 different pancakes that run the gamut from German chocolate to Japanese pumpkin.
4 Clinton St
New York, NY 10002
(646) 602-6263
www.clintonstreetbaking.com
Staying in New York City – About The Lombardy Hotel
The Lombardy Hotel is just as iconic to Midtown Manhattan as many of the other historic and cultural attractions in the area. Not only are our rooms comfortable and tasteful, we provide amenities such as a full salon, coffee shop, and exercise room. We also host the American Cut Midtown steakhouse, perfect for a business lunch or dinner on a special occasion. We look forward to hosting you.
