39222 Fremont Boulevard
510-744-1957


Average Overall Rating:

(4 out of 5)

Average Coffee Refill Rating:

(3 out of 5)

(3 out of 5)

Review by: jsnitkin on 6/20/2010

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I was joined by my girlfriend and my adult daughter as we made the hour plus trek from north Marin to Fremont to have my Father’s Day brunch at the Original Pancake House – for a meal I had been remembering for 15 years – and we were not disappointed!

From 1972 to 1995 I lived in Chicago and enjoyed breakfasts and Sunday brunches at one of the four Original Pancake Houses at least once every month or so – always struggling over whether to indulge in their 49er Flapjacks – simply the best pancakes with butter and pure maple syrup I’ve ever had – or the Dutch Baby – baked crispy custard-like with powdered sugar, butter and fresh lemon wedges and as good as in Amsterdam.

After a decade and a half without a decent pancake breakfast, I discovered a branch of the OPH in Fremont, only a little more than an hour from Novato, and my girlfriend and daughter agreed to join me for Father’s Day and indulge me in both of my favorites.

Each bite of each dish was, if possible, better than I had remembered them to be.
The restaurant was clean and pleasant, the service friendly and efficient, and Sam, the host, was a great help, asking me to call a bit before arriving so he could have a table ready for us, as he did. The prices, as always, are on the higher end for breakfast, but more than reasonable for the quality, quantity and taste. One does not quibble over the price of perfection.

Other reviewers who compare this place to IHOP are essentially comparing the Louvre to The Wax Museum – Harris Steak House to Sizzler. If you wait for a table, it’s because of the quality. Arrive late on Sunday (2pm) as we did and sit down immediately. If you order one of the dishes that make this place great, like the Cinnamon Glazed Apple Pancake or the Dutch Baby, expect to wait 20 or 25 minutes. Have a first course, or call ahead with your order to speed things up.

It is impractical for me to drive over an hour for a meal except on special occasions. Otherwise, I would probably eat here every week.


Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #20375Review by: tasukisangel on 7/30/2007

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The Original Pancake house is my favorite breakfast place to go! =)I love it. It's where my boyfriend and I go to eat breakfast together. Everytime I go, I'm always satisfied. IHOP don't got NOTHING on The Original Pancake house! I love the food! I'll be so sad to part though, since I'll be going down to L.A. for schooling... =( This place better be here when I come back for the winter!!!

Review #10966Review by: kevbob on 12/22/2006

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Original Pancake House has never disappointed me in 20 years or so no matter which location. The Fremont one is no different. I do have a quibble, in that the price of the side meats is pretty high.

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #9195Review by: kathleen912 on 8/9/2006

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It's pretty good, pancakes aren't bad. Good breakfast for the price.

Review #8203Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 8/1/2005

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What a crap hole. Pancakes tasted like yeast cakes. Water smelled and the waiter was a perv...

Award Nomination: Hugest Dump

Review #5593Review by: dimpleman on 8/12/2004

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This has got to be one of the best chain restaurants. If you are familiar with this chain, you know what to expect, a bit of a wait to be seated at prime breakfast time and great selections.

The food is great, the portions large and the service has been good so far. You never know if you will get someone having a bad day, but that goes both ways. Be pleasant and expect pleasant and polite service.

If nothing else let this be know that There is an Original Pancake House is in Fremont.

Review #3718


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