8600 SW Barbur Blvd.
(Portland Corner of SW 24th and Barbur)


Average Overall Rating:

(4 out of 5)

Average Coffee Refill Rating:

(3 out of 5)

(4 out of 5)

Review by: tktubby on 10/22/2010

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I always like to take out of town guests to this restaurant. If you don't want to wait during busy times sitting at the community table is always fun and a little faster. The food is expensive, but you can get pretty much any kind of pancake in the world you could ever dream of.

Review #21365Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 5/6/2010

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Tried this place out for the first time last weekend. The wait wasn't as bad I was expected and parking was pretty easy too. They don't take cards either which is kind of a pain, but at least saw the warning sign before we sat down. After sitting down and seeing the prices I expected not only a feast but amazing food. The insane price of 2 eggs (as a side) for 5.50 I believe should have warned me before I ordered. When I got my food I got neither. I ordered an omelette which was fluffed to a good size. The pancakes that come with them were very small. The omelette tasted just like the quiche I make (minus the crust) but the pancakes were good. The service was good once we had our order taken. Overall I wouldn't even consider going back. I left feeling like I way overpaid for what I got.

Award Nomination: Biggest Ripoff

Review #19970Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 1/14/2010

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Outstanding food everytime for the past 25 years. Divide the enormous portion in half or thirds and then it is well worth the higher prices. The next day it tastes just as good. Still willing to pay more to get a breakfast that we talk about several days later...and a breakfast that sets the standard for other breakfasts. The veggie cheddar omelette is my favorite. My hubby enjoyed the fruit waffle with fresh strawberries and real whipped cream. Heaven on a plate. Yes, these "heart attack on a plate" treats are not everyday food...they are memory makers.

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #19021Review by: margarine on 12/7/2009

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It is has HUMOUNGOUS portions! I ordered a plate of pancakes and could barely finish them! It is very historic because it is the first Original Pancake House. It is always jam packed so make sure you come with plenty of time. It is kid friendly, and has really nice staff. I have been there only once and I will go back again and again!

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #18740Review by: gloki on 10/6/2009

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Wait in line (standing room only) for 45 minutes with a bunch of church goers and business people (same thing), who smell like bibles and conceit (same thing), then sit in an uncomfortable booth or table in a dining room that sounds like you've covered your ears and started babbling at the top of your lungs. Loud, crowded, and uncomfortable...

Delicious coffee. Delicious food.

The prices are nothing compared to the inconvenience of trying to eat there.

Its really delicious though.

Sigh... it makes up for it.. cept on weekends.

Review #18225Review by: DivaDiner on 7/25/2009

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We just love The Original Pancake House! It has to be a special reason for a visit, since the prices are a little high, but the food is just DELICIOUS...
Place is small and unfortunately is really crowded all the time, but so worth the wait.
Try to go early....The pancakes melt in your mouth and the egg dishes are out of sight.


Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #17552Review by: Allenwoods on 4/23/2009

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I have gone to the restaurant 3 times in 15 years on days I am feeling masochistic and to reassure myself it is still the worst place in Portland to have breakfast or eat food in general. The food is way overpriced , oh and by the way folks they only accept payment IN CASH, NO debit or credit cards. Its cash only policy is engraved on a tiny brass plaque on the desk once inside the door and on the menu once you are seated which can take a minimum of 45 minutes. It is not worth the wait and the money. The help is surly, impatient, do not like to explain what the silly names of the food items are...what the heck is a "Dutch Baby"? Oh, it is actually what other places call a German pancake. The environment is not conducive to enjoying a meal. It is cramped, people seated elbow to elbow and sometimes forced to share a table with people I do not even know and who don't know me. Really folks the place is way over rated. If you want substantial breakfast at a decent price go to The Stepping Stone in NW PDX for good wholesome food in large quantities. It was good enough to be featured on the Travel Channel and you can feed yourself and your partner or a small family for the price of one breakfast at OPH....and they do not demand cash only. I will never go to OPH again...you couldn't pay me to.

Award Nomination: Biggest Ripoff

Review #16855Review by: masports on 3/30/2009

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Very uncomfortable hardwood seating, long wait(not sure why) and noisy. Love watching the dishwasher work, thanks for that. Apple pancake and dutch baby are great but just not worth it. My friend and I had the same thing, coffee, juice & breakfast........a mindbending $40.

Review #16663Review by: nojam75 on 2/11/2009

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Unbelieveably long wait for average, diner breakfast.

This small house's waiting area is nearly as big as its tiny seating area. Besides tradition, I don't understand why its older customers continue to wait in line.

Overall, not worth the wait.

Review #16213Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 3/22/2008

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The wait is not so terrible. Overall Friendly staff. The drinks and food are exceptional. Freshly squeezed OJ is awesome! The downsides are that they cannot really make any subsitutions for things and not much or a selection of veggies for any omlette. Also you can only pay with cash or check... for some odd reason, in 2008, no less. But I will definately recommend it to my freinds and family.

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #13131Review by: Voidman on 3/31/2007

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This is the only place for Breakfast. Although you'll probably have to skip lunch. We have to drive there from Vancouver, WA because we don't have one. The OPH is flat out awesome, with a unique dining experience. Yes, there is usually quite a wait but it is worth it. Otherwise we wouldn't all be waiting would we? One thing: don't order the omlette unless you really love cheese. I swear they use like a brick of it in each one. GO THERE NOW!

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #10032Review by: daawgon on 2/1/2007

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The Original Pancake House has to be the most underrated place on this list. This place is simply awesome with top-notch service. Yes, there is a line on weekends, but more than well worth the wait.

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #9506Review by: squidderz on 6/13/2006

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Most overrated breakfast in Portland, at least on weekends. I can't figure out why people stand in line for this place on Saturday and Sunday - as you might imagine, it's hellishly crowded, the waitstaff are frazzled, and the whole experience is a drag.

Review #7748Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 10/30/2005

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I love the OPH. I used to live a few blocks away and would go at least once a week. Their pancakes are awesome, undescribably yummy! Yes, the atmosphere leaves a little to be desired...but c'mon people, it's a DIVE, a greasy spoon, a gem! I've never found the waitstaff snooty. Everyone I have sent there has loved it and they have kick ass flame t-shirts with the OPH logo that you can purchase. I am sad that I no longer live nearby.

Award Nomination: Best Bargin Breakfast

Review #6164Review by: loy2scully on 5/1/2005

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The wait here is not worth it. The food was ok, but the people seem snooty and the atmosphere and tables are both unappealing. The one time I've been there, they put us at a table in a corner. I couldn't even really look around, except at the person I was with and the wall. Oh, and the dishwashers. Don't waste your time or money here.

Award Nomination: Worst Service

Review #4927Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 3/25/2005

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I've been to the OPH several times over the years and have always walked away unimpressed. Generally, you can expect a 20-45 minute wait before you are seated. Next you are crammed into a crowded noisy dining room, onto a hard wooden chair or bench. I found the service to be slow and unfriendly on each of my visits. Pancakes are good but more often then not the food was cold and the bacon tasted like it was cooked yesterday. One of the most over-rated dining experiences in Portland.

Award Nomination: Worst Service

Review #4733Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 1/20/2004

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I don't know how anyone could possibly think that this resturant was not WONDERFUL. The apple pancake is delicious! I lived just around the corner from the Pancake House and always thought the wait was worth it. There were many time I would encourage travelers to stay and they always thanked me.

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #2826Review by: pretermit on 10/2/2003

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Uncomfortable wooden tables & chairs are strewn about a small dining room with a beautiful view of the kitchen's dishwashers. Thoughtless wait staff toss you a menu and point vaguely at a table on their way into the kitchen. When your food finally arrives, half your order will be missing, your silverware will be dirty, and your food will be undercooked, barely warm, and sickly sweet. Even Denny's does it better (and for a quarter of the price)!

Award Nomination: Worst Service

Review #2377Review by: peter on 5/9/2003

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What every restaurant should aspire to be! The wait can be a little dear, but it is worth the wait!.. Try the Dutch Baby.

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #1692


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Reviews submitted here are meant to pertain to breakfast only. While Mr Breakfast cannot vouch for the validity of each restaurant review, he feels pretty good vouching for the excellent character of the residents of Portland, Oregon - who are primarily responsible for the review(s) you see above for Original Pancake House.