Original Pancake House
(513) 745-0555
9977 Montgomery Rd
Cincinnati,
OH
45242
39.2387
-84.3494
Neighborhood: Montgomery
Reviews & Ratings for Original Pancake House
15 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 15 reviews
Made-to-order breakfasts---including over a dozen unique flapjacks---stack the odds in this restaurant's favor.
by Contributor
August 03, 2008
In Short
Founded in Oregon circa 1953, this simply-furnished spot owes its success to its creative menu and fresh ingredients. Batters are made on the premises; a special "sourdough starter" keeps treats from tasting overly sweet. Patrons choose from eggs, waffles, crepes and oven-baked omelets, as well as signature plates like blueberry pancakes (served with or without compote), giant cinnamon-glazed apple pancakes, thin and chewy "49-ers" and the air-filled, lemon-and-sugar-topped "Dutch Baby."
You'll have to wait, but the food is great!
by dschissler
May 29, 2008
Far and away my favorite breakfast joint, period. I used to like First Watch, but recently their food has been, I don't know, bland. The OPH has the most delicous breakfast food around. Their Banana Crepes are out of sight. I've never had a bad meal at the OPH, so I'm a little confused seeing a few have. If you have never been here, do yourself a favor and go.
- Pros: The food, quick for the # of people there
- Cons: The wait is a little longer than other places
No longer our favorite
by sailingjunkie
July 08, 2007
We have been regular customers since 1997, and in the last six months, we have noticed a change in the once exceptional customer service.
A case in point; I try to limit my intake of carbs. Although it's a "pancake" restaraunt, all of the food is great (the best bacon in town). When I asked the server if I could substitute sliced tomatoes for the pancakes, she stated, very coldly, as if annoyed by the request, that they would not, and she would have to charge me for them. So, I ordered the tomatoes and the pancakes, then, just left the pancakes. When we received the bill, there was an additional charge of $1.50 for three, very thin slices of tomato. (For the record, I deducted the $1.50 from her tip)
Clearly it makes no sense, and certainly goes a long way on promoting poor customer relations. So, to the "powers that be" at this location, you are likely losing a regular customer (a local resident)...and one that not only shares experiences like this with neighbors, friends and colleagues, but also has an email list consisting of over 1000 people. Remember, today's success does NOT guarantee that you won't fail tomorrow, and most importantly, word of mouth can make or break ANY business.
In closing, my rating is for the service and lack of proactive thinking on the part of management.
Now, for all of you...for a fabulous breakfast at a place where you won't be charged for substitutions, a warm and friendly environment and customer service, beyond reproach, try the National Exemplar in Mariemont or the First Watch, just up the road in Kenwood.
- Pros: Great food
- Cons: Decling customer service
Are you kidding me?
by cincymitch
June 09, 2007
I tried this place for the second time and was hugely disappointed yet again. The first time I tried it was more than 10 years ago because I always saw a line there so I figured it must be great. It was a long wait for my friends and I for average food. We were so disappointed we never went back. After reading the reviews on here I thought I'd give it a second try....wish I had not. Again, much ado about nothing. While I was there the table next to me were discussing how disappointed they were too. I understand the food takes a while to prepare, but for the lenght of time it took you'd think it would taste good. Our server never spoke to us except to ask what we wanted, the rest of the time she frowned and treated us as if we were a bother.There are much better places in this city for breakfast, thank goodness. Thumbs down!
- Pros: Cant think of one
- Cons: Too many to list
THE BEST
by dolemike77
December 27, 2006
I HAVE TO THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE TWICE KNOW.THE FIRST TIME I LOVED IT , I GOT THE WESTERN OMLETE.IT WAS SOOO GOOD AND BIG IT IS HARD TO EAT EVERYTHING THEY GIVE YOU. THE SECOND TIME I WENT I TOOK FRIENDS AND FAMILY ,THEY ALL LOVED IT ALSO. THEY WERE AMAZED AT THE TYPE AND QUALITY OF FOOD SERVED THERE.A++
- Pros: LOTS OF FOOD FOR YOUR MONEY
- Cons: SOMETIMES A WAIT TIME, SOME DISHES TAKE 15 TO 20 MIN TO COOK
Delicious food and great people by Sarah O. at InsiderPages
Contributor
December 20, 2005
This place is Awesome!! They have very large prtions, and the food is to die for! The pancakes are great, but the omlets are the best-extremely light and tons of ingredients.
PROS: Delicious food, decent prices
CONS: VERY busy-be prepared to wait
Great but expect a wait by Sue M. at InsiderPages
Contributor
November 06, 2005
This is a wonderful pancake house! They have a great variety on their menu. The portions are huge and the prices are good. The employees are friendly. The only downside is the wait and the hours. If you go on a weekend then it's really croweded and they are never open after lunch.
#1 Breakfast in Cincy
by catsnfrogs84
February 12, 2004
This place is AWSOME! Though you may have up to an hour wait, it is so worth it. Get there early and be one of the first in line. The food is great!!!! It takes a while to make so, I suggest to read the menu while waiting in line so you know what to order when you get seated. I would highly recomentd OPH to everyone. HUGE portions of food you don't go home hungery. Yummy!!!!
- Pros: Affordable, Family Atmosphere, Great Food
- Cons: , Service is average
Principle, not Policy
by ebarber
May 20, 2003
My pregenant wife enjoyed the food so much that, after giving birth early on May 2 (at Bethesda North Hospital), she requested I get her an TOPH omelete. After standing in line for over thirty minutes, the manager informed me their policy was not to do "to-go-orders" when busy. I could sit and eat, but not place an order for my wife.
I explained my situation, and was appalled he insisted she would not get anything to eat from them. I went down the road to First Watch and was in-and-out in 15 minutes.
I understand the concept of a "policy", but the basis of any good business (especially in the service industry) should be "Principles". Things such as "the customer is always right", or "making an exception in a special situation".
I have a "Principle" : 'You don't want my business, you don't get it'
- Pros: inexpensive
- Cons: crowded, no reservations
Must visit!
by jnk2f
January 01, 2003
This definately deserves to be number one on the list. The menu is exceptional! They have a whole host of unconventional breakfast pancakes like apple smothered and dutch boys, which I highly recommend! This is a must visit!
- Pros: amazing food, excellent environment
- Cons: slightly pricey, longish wait



