5518 University Avenue


Average Overall Rating:

(3 out of 5)

Average Coffee Refill Rating:

(3 out of 5)

(3 out of 5)

Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 6/19/2008

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I'm not talking about the one on University Avenue, but the one in Monona. I don't know what these other people are talking about in terms of poor service, we have never had poor service. ONCE we had a table with stickiness on it, but good lord - you're in pancake house, with syrup and kids - get a life. It was immediately cleaned again when I pointed it out (and it was only in one spot) The food has been excellent, but I would like to see a scaled down version of the apple pancake or dutch baby - a bit too much food. Crepes are great as are the omlets. The quality has been consistently high from top to bottom - even the cream of wheat is yummy!

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #13972Review by: ilovefood123 on 12/15/2007

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I was excited to eat here after hearing great reviews. I can understand why this restaurant would we talked about considering the food was indeed delicious. However, the atmosphere is absolutely filthy. I immediately noticed this as my feet stuck to the ground as I walked to my table. In addition to this, my husband was served a coffee with a fly floating in it. I had to request new silverware because mine was filthy and there was some type of gunk on the table. I honestly wish this didnt happen because the food is tasty and it is hard to find breakfast.

If they clean up there act they will be in good shape. If not, costumers like myself, will not be returning due to cleanliness issues.



Award Nomination: Hugest Dump

Review #12166Review by: greeneggsnspam on 5/5/2007

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i wouldn't even give this ONE egg, but there's no ZERO egg option. I was reading other customer reviews because I went to the original pancake house and was treated so badly that i went out searching to see if it was "the norm." I read in one of the reviews that a customer was asked to leave. the SAME thing happened to me. They said people were waiting for a table but there were NO customers waiting. ? I will never go back. People have told me that the other location in Monona is just as bad.. really terrible service, they don't apparently care about returning customers or positive word-of-mouth advertising. I will never go back.

Award Nomination: Hugest Dump

Review #10293Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 3/23/2007

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I have been going to this restaurant for over 12 years. I have never had a negative experience there; always had found the portions huge, the coffee refills plentiful, etc. A couple days ago myself and 2 friends had a late breakfast there, we stayed after the meal chatting until it neared closing time. Out of nowhere, a woman who I'm assuming was manager or owner, because of the officious and pushy tone she took with us, came over and barked something to the effect of "my staff needs to clean back here so we need you to leave!" It was OUTRAGEOUS. Not only did she interrupt our conversation, loudly and without even excusing herself, but she didn't offer for us to even move seats (there were still at least 10 people still eating their meals). It was the rudest I've EVER been treated in an establishment and it was so baffling I was at a complete loss for words. She then proceded to check us out and NONE of us were even THANKED for our business. She wouldn't give me my receipt until requested. The entire ordeal was done in utter silence. I have no idea why we were treated this way, but I left no tip. I would definitely think twice before patronizing this establishment again... very sad after 12 years.

Award Nomination: Worst Service

Review #9961Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 8/10/2005

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Wow, this place rocked. The food was great, the people were friendly and it would have been hard for them to do better!

Review #5661Review by: handsomebaby on 4/8/2005

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I am shocked with the poor reviews. We love The Orginal Pancake House. I never liked pancakes before eating here. The service is friendly and efficiant. On a weekday you can get in and out in 20 minutes. Weekends they are so busy that you may have to wait up to an hour to be seated. Once seated you are out the door in 20 to 30 minutes. I love the silver dollar pancakes, I can feed two toddlers and myself, with a side of thick crunch baccon of course. There is only one breakfast place that tops The Orginal Pancake House and that is Lou Mitchels in Chicago.

Award Nomination: Best Service

Review #4797Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 10/12/2004

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Way too overrated...This place is not the best place to have breakfast...The service is horrible starting from the hosts and then rubbing off on the servers. The wait on a weekend is way too long and then when you do get a table, the food is just average...I would rather stay home. The coffee is served lukewarm and not very flavorful. I will never return...

Award Nomination: Biggest Ripoff

Review #3968Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 7/21/2004

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The food and Service at the Original Pancake House is not the best. I had to wait over an hour for a party of 4 on a Sunday. Now granted I know its Sunday but an hour and 15 minutes for a breakfast that was not that great??? The air must not have been running well it was hot in the place. I thought the food was ok once the server got it right. I don't think I will go back for an overrated too expensive not that great breakfast. Thanks for listening!!!

Award Nomination: Biggest Ripoff

Review #3635Review by: Ravendon on 7/18/2004

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I have no idea why the first review was so negative, since anyone who has ever gone to the restaurant would disagree.

The portions are immense and the service is inspiring.

The line is long because it is the most popular place to eat in Madison.

I've been going to it ever since 1989 when it was still near Hilldale Shopping Center off of Midvale Blvd.

The rich and powerful as well as the common man frequent this establishment because they treat everyone equally well and despite how busy the place gets, always comes to check on you and make sure your drinks are topped off and they ask you how the service has been.

My friend, President of the Senate Fred Risser and his lovely wife and my former spanish teacher at West High School, Nancy Risser frequent it often, as well as the Governor and the Dean of Regents at UW-Madison frequent the establishment often.

I highly recommend the restaurant and the Apple Danish in particular. Just be prepared for a 30+ minute wait and get there early in the morning if you want to find good parking.

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #3617Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 6/8/2004

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The Service is horrible, the food is lousy, and I cant talk about the service enough. The hosts are horrible when you first walk in to all the servers just being nasty. They must have a pep rally before opening in the back "who can be the rudest" I will never return!!!

Award Nomination: Worst Service

Review #3453Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 5/27/2004

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Nothing compares to The Original Pancake House - imitators everywhere, but nothing like the ORIGINAL

Review #3428


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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 Madison, Wisconsin - who are primarily responsible for the review(s) you see above for The Original Pancake House.