From classic buttermilk short stacks to ube-infused silver dollars, we’ve scoured the city to find Chicago’s most indulgent pancakes.
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For over 50 years, this Gold Coast classic has served delicious fluffy pancakes that are definitely worth the trip to any one of its locations. This Original Pancake House's wide-reaching selection of blueberry, strawberry, Swedish, buckwheat and bacon-stuffed short stacks are not to be missed, and the oven-baked apple griddle cake is a must-try house specialty, crafted with fresh-sliced Granny Smith apples and a tempting cinnamon sugar glaze. 22 E. Bellevue Place
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If you’re a pancake traditionalist, Nookies is the place for you. Fluffy, simple and classic is the name of the game at this Old Town joint, where made-from-scratch buttermilk, banana-nut and apple cranberry crunch hotcakes are accompanied by an old-school vibe and family-style diner environs. Plus, the specialty can be made gluten-free with a blend of superfine rice flour, potato starch and tapioca powder. 1746 N. Wells St.
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In the heart of Lakeview’s buzzing Southport district, this cafe and grocery store serves up delicious pancakes that can also be made at home. Try the joint’s signature bread pudding pancakes, which are crafted with gooey bread pudding and topped with cinnamon-sugar butter and vanilla anglaise. Don’t forget to purchase the mix on your way out. 3552 N. Southport Ave.
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This Wicker Park resto serves classic pancakes with a twist, constantly keeping even the most devoted pancake enthusiasts on their toes. From traditional options like strawberry and banana to pineapple upside-down cake, white chocolate caramel pretzel, ube and gluten-free buckwheat rice flour pancakes, be sure to come hungry. 1470 N. Milwaukee Ave.
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This Tex-Mex diner is shaking up the Chicago breakfast scene one innovative ingredient at a time. Dove’s masa pancakes are the true incantation of this mission, a ground corn-based specialty topped with a combination of mole-spiced maple syrup and whipped agave butter. 1545 N. Damen Ave.
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M.Henry puts a fresh spin on American breakfast cuisine, incorperating globally inspired flavors and ingredients like tempeh, adobo sauce and sweet Cubano plantains. From the Simply Hotcakes to the famous Blackberry Bliss Cakes (layered with warm blackberries and vanilla mascarpone), you can’t go wrong with the Andersonville fave’s fluffy, fresh flapjacks. 5707 N. Clark St.
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Frequently packed with a line down the block, Batter and Berries is a Chicago mainstay, serving up delicious classic pancakes for its loyal clientele. On the menu, find mouthwatering buttermilk cakes crafted with a touch of lemon and garnished with seasonal berries, and a gluten-free option crafted with a buttermilk, buckwheat and spice batter. 2748 N. Lincoln Ave.
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A haven for all-day breakfast, chili crunch burgers and crisped-to-perfection tonkatsu, Stephanie Izard’s Southport diner, Little Goat, takes any pancake party to the next level. Opt for the savory okonomiyaki with bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, sweet soy, Kewpie mayo and bonito crunch, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the Chocolate Lover’s pancakes, featuring chocolate chips, choco malt butter and choco crumble. 3325 N. Southport Ave.
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Chef Brian Jupiter’s homage to his Southern roots is a Wicker Park staple for those seeking New Orleans flavors in the Windy City. Brunch bites are served every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m., including the spot’s plate of chicken and buttermilk pancakes. Two praline and vanilla custard-infused round cakes are topped with whipped sweet butter, hot honey and three golden-fried chicken wings. 1415 N. Wood St.
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With a brilliant blue exterior and colorful murals adorning the walls, this Rogers Park spot is hard to miss. Inside, sweet and savory pancakes take center stage, including full and half stacks of signature, buttermilk, banana crunch, strawberry shortcake and apple butter selections. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the “Nick’s More S’mores” pancake, an uber-decadent creation with chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, homemade marshmallow sauce, crushed graham crackers and whipped cream. 7036 N. Clark St.
See also: The 10 Best Brunch Spots in Chicago
Photography by: Robert Ingelhart/Getty
