Written by Karen Pacifico

f you have a love affair with foods that are generally associated with breakfast, the name of this new eatery, open just four months, is everything its name implies and more. As expected, pancakes are a highlight of the menu — everything from the fluffy-light buttermilk, buckwheat and sourdough to banana, blueberry, pecan, coconut and even bacon; all come served with fresh whipped butter and warm syrup. Although they serve omelettes and crepes, and there is a lunch menu composed mostly of sandwiches and salads, this restaurant specializes in spectacular plates of pancakes cooked on a griddle and then baked. The large portions are amazing. In fact, when pancakes arrive there are so many they almost extend beyond the plate.

Founded in Oregon circa 1953, this franchise 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. You can choose from eggs, waffles, crepes, sourdough French toast and oven-baked omelettes, as well as signature plates like blueberry pancakes (served with or without compote), giant cinnamon-glazed apple pancakes, and the air-filled, lemon-and-sugar-topped “Dutch Baby.” Even the Dutch Baby can be enhanced to a “Dutch Treat” by adding fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, and strawberry syrup. It’s light and eggy, but also creamy-smooth and custardlike in the center and oven baked to golden perfection. The apple pancake is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s a beautifully bronzed upside-down creation made with Granny Smith apples and a cinnamon-sugar glaze. This apple pancake is huge, virtually impossible to finish at one sitting and a taste extravaganza.

The menu states that all the food is made to order and that “in order to ensure superior quality, we may take a little extra time to prepare your meal.” Any specialty items can take 20 minutes to prepare so bring a friend for good conversation.

But what sets The Original Pancake House apart is not merely the good food. Our Bluffton franchise owned by Eric Jim and his sister Juana Jim (known as JJ) and her husband Eddie along with their very enthusiastic staff including Eric’s brother Charles (who does all the prep work) and Judy, Shannon and Tammy create a more than welcoming environment for enjoying their creative dishes. One gets the impression that the staff loves the part they play in this new restaurant and all are working to make your eating experience an enjoyable one.

There are little touches, like freshly squeezed citrus juice, thick with pulp, and condiments that arrive at the table decanted. And, on the savory side, the house-made hash is a rich blend of fresh brisket of beef, potatoes, and onions. Omelettes start with eggs in a blender and then mixed with other ingredients, rolled in a skillet then finished in the oven, yielding a moist tenderness to the eggs and ingredients inside. Meats include the usual ham, bacon, links, and ground patty sausage. And all the egg specialties come with a short stack of pancakes, because, after all, this is the Original Pancake House. You can opt to have toast if you’d prefer.

Another favorite dish is the chocolate chip pancakes ($5.95). Chocolate chips are plentiful throughout the batter and then more are on top, along with a big helping of whipped cream and a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

I selected the Western Omelette, which was delicious, fluffy, and a colorful presentation ($7.75). Donna chose another favorite, the Georgia Pecan Pancakes which was a beautiful presentation filled and topped with toasted pecans and lightly dusted with powdered sugar and served with whipped butter ($6.25). There’s a Junior Plate ($4.25) for those under 12 that includes three buttermilk pancakes, choice of two strips of bacon, two links, one patty sausage or one basted egg.

I love when we spot friends enjoying themselves. Sitting nearby were Bob and Riette Boxer who live in my community. Riette selected the Garden Dutch Baby ($8.50) which is oven baked, filled with fresh broccoli, onions, green pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes, and topped with Gouda cheese from the Netherlands. “Absolutely delicious! Looks good but taste is even better. Yummy!” Bob enjoyed ham and eggs that were “delicious! Better than any I’ve ever had.”

The new Original Pancake House is a great neighborhood spot to enjoy a breakfast feast with the whole family and should be on our local food scene for years to come. You’ll come to realize that their very generous dishes shout; “Food is love.”

Located at: 1540 Fording Island Road, Hwy 278, Bridge Center
Hours:
6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Every day but Christmas
Early Bird:
6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Directions: You can enter off 278 East into the Bridge Center or 278 West make left turn at Moss Creek. 2nd Drive Way turn left.