The Original Pancake House | Facebook | IG: @ophcentralohio
1633 W. Lane Ave. (map it!)
Upper Arlington, OH 43221
(614) 695-6810
Open Mon-Fri, 7a-2:30p; Sat & Sun, 7a-3p
Vegetarian/vegan/gluten free? Y/N/N
Kid-friendly? Y
We’ve made a few visits to the Original Pancake House over the years, the first time in 2017 shortly after they opened. In those two years, the locally owned franchise of a national chain (originating out of Portland, Oregon) has built a loyal following, and seems to be running like a well-oiled machine.
We’ve brought family there a couple times throughout the years, but were excited when they invited us back on Christmas Eve to see what they’ve been cooking.
Maybe because it was a holiday, or maybe because any day is good for a family breakfast, the place was humming. Most of the booths and tables were filled, with solo diners and couples spread out along the big counter.
We were seated in a booth, but the next time I visit, I want to sit at the counter. It’s always fun seeing the kitchen in action. You can whet your appetite by watching them on Instagram, making omelets, plating apple pancakes, and sliding Dutch babies through the pass.
In addition to their greatest hits (pancakes, French toast, corned beef hash, omelets), they’ve been rotating through more seasonal specialties.
I know it’s mean to talk about past seasonal specials, but it’s worth highlighting some of the things they’ve done recently: peppermint hot chocolate, eggnog French toast, gingerbread pancakes, cinnamon roll pancakes. I’m sure these will come around again.
They’ve also started featuring more Mexican-inspired breakfasts: chorizo omelets, a Mexican skillet, fresh salsas. Pictured here is the smartly executed huevos rancheros.
It’s hard to argue with the classics, too, like their corned beef hash and potato pancakes.
We love making Dutch babies at home, but it’s also nice having someone else do the work.
The Original Pancake House is one of the few places in Columbus that serves Dutch babies. Sometimes referred to as German pancakes, they’re a simple batter that’s cooked in a cast iron pan. It puffs up and gets the edges all crispy.
The OPH sweetens the deal by whipping up a lemon frosting tableside when it’s served. When they bring it over, the server will mix together whipped butter, fresh lemon juices, and powdered sugar.
It’s really hard to beat!
It’s good to see that breakfast keeps cranking along at the Pancake House. Thanks to the team for having us in!
