Made-from-scratch recipes and fresh ingredients have been setting The Original Pancake House apart from its breakfast-spot competition since 1953. That's when its owners established an empire committed to ingredients such as pure hard-wheat unbleached flour and butter made from fresh sweet cream.

Today, The Original Pancake House cooks across the country still construct scrambles and omelets from fresh Grade AA eggs. Powdered sugar lines the rims of oven-baked dutch baby pancakes, and granny-smith apples simmer in oven-baked pancakes (two of more than a dozen styles of pancake on the menu). Even the toppings are made in-house, including whipped cream, specialty syrups, and sauces. To complement these flavors, staff fill cups with fresh hand-squeezed orange juice and coffee blended specially to match the Original Pancake House's menu and upholstery. Although each location takes on the local charm of its surrounding city, all of them share in common a homey atmosphere that welcomes families with perks such as color-in place mats and kids' menus.

Name aside, The Original Pancake House isn't just a breakfast spot—lunch is served until 2 p.m. The small savory side of the menu holds sandwiches piled with thick-cut meat, and savory crepes. The menu also offers a selection of healthy options, as well as gluten-free pancakes.