Some breakfasts get forgotten by lunchtime, and some get talked about for weeks. In downtown Spokane, there is a morning spot where the pancakes cover the plate from edge to edge, and families keep returning to see if they can finish them.
Kids order crepes, grandparents order the old favorites, and somebody at the table always asks for the syrup again. The menu leans on made-from-scratch recipes with roots going back to 1953, and the setting adds a bit of history of its own.
Read on to learn where it is, what to order, when to go, and the small tips that make a visit go more smoothly.
A Historic Corner on West Main
Downtown Spokane has plenty of old buildings, and one of them now serves breakfast all day long. The Original Pancake House sits at 245 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99202, in the heart of the city.
The restaurant calls a historic building home, which gives it more charm than a typical chain stop. Stained glass in the windows adds a decorative touch that guests often point out.
It is part of a well-known breakfast chain with locations in more than 30 states. Still, this Spokane spot has its own personality and its own loyal crowd.
The concept is simple. Signature pancakes and other American breakfast classics are served in a casual setting, with no need to dress up.
Families, couples, and solo diners all find a place here. Weekend mornings tend to bring the biggest groups, and the energy rises with them.
Main Avenue is easy to reach from most parts of downtown. That makes it a handy first stop before a day of exploring the city.
So what keeps people coming back to this particular address? The answer starts with a recipe tradition older than many of its guests.
Recipes Rooted in 1953
Long before brunch became a trend, this chain was already flipping pancakes. The brand has served made-from-scratch breakfast since 1953.
That from-scratch approach still shapes the Spokane kitchen. Servers often give guests a heads-up that every pancake is made fresh.
Some specialty items need extra baking time, up to 20 minutes. Patience pays off here, and regulars plan for it.
The recipes also cross borders. The menu includes Swedish and German pancakes, along with the famous Dutch Baby.
It is a surprisingly worldly lineup for a breakfast spot. Many guests come for buttermilk stacks and leave curious about the rest.
The Spokane location recently went through an ownership and management change. The new team has said it is working through a transition and improving the menu along the way.
Some guests have noticed fresh improvements, while longtime fans have spotted a few changes to older favorites. Either way, the core idea of scratch-made breakfast remains the anchor.
History sets the stage, but the real stars are on the griddle.
Pancakes That Hog the Whole Plate
Plate size becomes a running joke at this table. The pancakes stretch to the rim, and finishing a stack is a real accomplishment.
Buttermilk pancakes are the classic choice. They come out light and fluffy, topped with freshly whipped butter.
Pecan pancakes carry plenty of toasted pecans both inside and on top. Blueberry pancakes and chocolate chip pancakes are crowd favorites too.
The chocolate chip version is so popular with kids that some skip syrup completely. Buckwheat pancakes give grown-ups another option.
Seasonal choices show up as well. Pumpkin pancakes have appeared on the fall menu and earned plenty of fans.
Most main dishes come with pancakes on the side. Guests can even swap the flavor of those side pancakes to match their mood.
That flexibility turns breakfast into a little game. One person orders blueberry, another picks pecan, and everybody trades bites.
Families tend to treat a visit as a shared tasting. Nobody leaves without a favorite, and nobody leaves hungry.
The Dutch Baby Deserves Its Fame
Every menu has one dish that first-timers keep asking about. Here, that honor goes to the Dutch Baby.
The oven-baked pancake is a signature of the brand. It takes extra time to prepare, which explains the server warnings about wait times.
Guests trying it for the first time tend to come away excited. It often shows up on tables alongside other specialties, like pigs in a blanket.
The German and Swedish pancakes fill out the international corner of the menu. They give adventurous eaters a reason to return.
Ordering a Dutch Baby works best when the group is not in a rush. Settling in with coffee or green tea makes the wait easy.
Many tables split one as a starter for everyone. That way the kids get a look at it before their own plates arrive.
It is the kind of order that gets people pulling out their phones. A quick photo before the first bite is practically a tradition.
Big pancakes may bring families in, but specialties like this give them a reason to plan the next trip.
Crepes, Syrups, and Sweet Extras
Crepes get mentioned here more than almost anything else on the menu. Kids especially love them, and they arrive neatly presented.
Toppings like seasonal berries and hand-whipped house-made whipped cream make them feel like a treat. Banana Nutella crepes are also on offer.
Guests with allergies should speak up clearly when ordering. The kitchen can make swaps, and double-checking the plate at arrival is smart.
The syrup station is a quiet highlight. House-made flavors include apple, strawberry, and blueberry.
Many regulars suggest sampling every syrup on the table. The blueberry syrup pairs naturally with blueberry pancakes.
Here is a handy tip. Little to-go cups for syrup are available if you ask.
Fresh squeezed orange juice rounds out the sweeter side of the menu. It is a popular pick alongside coffee and other drinks.
Diners who prefer a meat-free sweet plate may want to mention it. One guest felt a crepe picked up flavors from the shared grill.
Small requests go a long way. A quick word with the server can shape the whole meal.
Savory Plates for Big Appetites
Not everyone wants dessert for breakfast, and the kitchen knows it. The savory side of the menu holds its own.
Biscuits and gravy is a frequent order, with a rich sausage gravy. Chicken fried steak, country benedict, and corned beef hash are other well-known picks.
The Bacon and Eggs Breakfast comes with thick-cut bacon, two eggs, potatoes, and buttermilk pancakes. It is a serious meal for a hungry morning.
Breakfast tacos and a chorizo burrito have also appeared on the menu. Classic Eggs Benedict and omelets fill out the list.
Opinions vary on some savory items. A few guests felt certain portions or seasonings fell short, while others called the same plates filling and well made.
Many guests cannot finish their portions. Taking leftovers home is common, especially with those side pancakes.
The menu also rotates seasonal specials. Summer and fall lineups have brought new dishes to try.
Asking about the current special is a good habit. It might become the next family favorite.
Roomy Tables and Lively Mornings
Quiet library vibes are not on the menu. Mornings here bring plenty of energy and conversation.
The dining room is airy and spacious. Tables are roomy enough for big families and large groups.
That layout makes it a strong pick for birthday breakfasts or reunions. Strollers and booster seats feel right at home in a space like this.
The atmosphere stays relaxed and cheerful. Nobody expects silence when three generations share a table.
The building is clean, including the restrooms. Guests have also said they did not feel rushed while eating.
Staff members tend to pitch in beyond their own section. Drinks, creamer, and syrups often get refilled without anyone asking.
Service can slow down when the room is packed or short on staff. Some guests have waited longer for food or the check during busy stretches.
On a calm day, though, plates come out quickly. Timing your visit can make a big difference.
The crowd is part of the fun. A busy dining room usually means the griddle is working hard.
Best Times to Grab a Table
Early birds have a clear advantage at this breakfast spot. Doors open at 7 AM every day of the week.
Monday through Thursday, the restaurant serves from 7 AM to 1 PM. Friday through Sunday, hours stretch until 2 PM.
Breakfast is served all day, but the day ends early. Late sleepers should not plan a mid-afternoon visit.
Weekends draw the biggest crowds. Wait times can grow, and quoted waits sometimes run longer than expected.
Weekday mornings tend to be calmer. Food often arrives quickly when the room is not full.
Online ordering is available through the restaurant’s ordering site. There is also a pickup door on the side of the building.
Groups should budget extra time for specialty pancakes. Those baked dishes can take up to 20 minutes.
A little planning keeps the morning stress-free. Arrive early, order the slow items first, and relax.
Parking, Access, and Budget Notes
Downtown dining comes with downtown parking. Street spots near the restaurant are available, and one guest paid about two dollars.
The main entrance has many steps leading up to it. Guests who need step-free entry can use an ADA access door on the side.
That side door sits by a parking lot also used for pickup. The lot is run by a separate parking company, so check posted signs carefully before leaving a car there.
At least one guest received a ticket despite displaying a disability placard. Confirming the lot rules ahead of time can save a headache.
Prices fall in a typical sit-down breakfast range. Some guests find certain dishes a bit pricey, with a few plates around 18 to 21 dollars.
Others feel the costs are on par with other breakfast restaurants. The large portions and included pancakes help balance the bill.
The previous rewards program is no longer active under the new owners. Old loyalty emails may not apply.
Knowing these details ahead of time keeps the focus where it belongs. That means on the plate, not the parking meter.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
Some places earn loyalty with gimmicks, but this one does it with pancakes. Big, scratch-made stacks remain the main reason families return.
The spot holds a 4.2-star average from more than 400 guests. Many call it their favorite breakfast stop in Spokane.
It is not perfect every day. Busy mornings, an ownership transition, and occasional kitchen slips have tested some patience.
Management has responded publicly and promised improvements. Several guests have already noticed positive changes in cleanliness and service.
What stays consistent is the variety. Kids get crepes and chocolate chip pancakes, adults get Dutch Babies and savory plates, and everyone shares the syrup.
The historic building and stained glass give the meal a sense of place. The roomy tables make group outings simple.
Families planning a visit should come early, ask about specials, and save room. Those pancakes really do fill the whole plate.
In the end, a good breakfast is about the people around the table. This downtown spot just makes sure there is plenty to pass around.
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