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Atrium — Atrium’s buckwheat banana pancakes

17 Mind-Blowing Pancakes in Los Angeles, 2019 Edition

Where to get the best griddled flapjacks in Los Angeles

by Crystal Coser and Mona Holmes Updated Feb 19, 2019, 2:35pm PST

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Atrium’s buckwheat banana pancakes

| Sydney Yorkshire

by Crystal Coser and Mona Holmes Updated Feb 19, 2019, 2:35pm PST

There’s nothing quite like a leisurely morning with a heaping stack of flapjacks and all the nostalgia that comes with it. Luckily for the breakfast lovers of Los Angeles, the city is full of some pretty outstanding pancake varieties.

If it’s classic buttermilk stacks on the radar, old school diners like The Original Pantry fit the bill, and with 24-hour service at that. The City of Angels is also home to some outrageously decadent versions, most notably from West Hollywood’s iconic The Griddle. Here now are the very best pancakes in Los Angeles.

Added: Atrium, CJ’s Cafe, Lincoln, S&W Country Diner, Tesse

Removed: A-frame, Blu Jam, Cici’s Tarzana, Joan’s On Third, Jacks N Joe, Jist Cafe, Little Ruby, Musso & Frank’s, Pie & Burger, Poppy & Rose, Rossoblu, Square One Dining, Sycamore Kitchen

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

John O'Groats

This down and dirty family-run restaurant has been serving West LA since 1982. That homey feel comes across in the pancakes, the no-nonsense buttermilk flapjacks that come golden and relatively thick.

Open in Google Maps

10516 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Visit Website

John O’Groats

Uncle Bill's Pancake House

There’s nothing quite like the quaint beach bungalow-turned pancake house Uncle Bill’s. The Manhattan Beach mainstay is quite the local hangout, with serious weekend lines. But when pancakes come with ocean views, who can really complain.

1305 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Visit Website

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House — Banana nut pancakes

Also featured in:

S & W Country Diner

The family-owned S&W Country Diner operates in Downtown Culver City, and is completely retro with the 1950s-esque counters, decor, and longtime cash-only policy. Its old-school feel even filters through the menu with the pancakes. Four fluffy platter-sized cakes come in one stack, and it might be best to share unless truly hungry.

Open in Google Maps

9748 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Visit Website

S & W Country Diner

The Original Pancake House

While all the pancakes at the Original Pancake House are excellent (shout out to the extremely popular chocolate chip), the real specialty here is the oven-baked Dutch Baby. This airy pancake somewhat reminiscent of a crepe is about the size of your face, and comes with lemon and powdered sugar.

1756 Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Visit Website

The Original Pancake House

Also featured in:

Tesse

During weekend brunch at West Hollywood’s hit charmer, Tesse, order chef Raphael Francois and pastry chef Sally Camacho Mueller’s Limoncello pancakes. The pair combined the Italian lemon liqueur with marscapone, maple syrup, and chantilly cream.

8500 Sunset Blvd ste b, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Visit Website

Tesse — Tesse’s Limoncello pancakes

Also featured in:

The Serving Spoon

Drive past this Inglewood institution, and find hoards of locals trying to get a fix of South LA food staples. It’s best to avoid the place on Sundays after church, when the 1982-born restaurant is especially swarmed with hungry diners looking to get their hands on the butter-laden flapjacks.

1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302

Visit Website

The Serving Spoon

Also featured in:

The Griddle Cafe

The Griddle is the king of outrageous, Frisbee-sized pancakes. The menu has nearly twenty varieties of cardiac arrest-inducing options, from the Black Magic filled with crushed Oreos to the Saturday Morning Fever with Bailey’s and Kahlua batter. The Saturday and Sunday morning lines are no joke, but is worth the wait after one bite of these cakey monstrosities.

7916 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Visit Website

The Griddle Cafe

Also featured in:

Jon & Vinny's

Loaded with more butter than one really wants to think about, Jon & Vinny’s has made itself a serious contender for best pancakes in LA. They’re as straightforward as they get with light, fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with the usual accoutrements of maple syrup, a generous helping of salted butter and berries. The real feat is the mastery of such simplicity.

412 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Visit Website

Jon & Vinny’s — Buttermilk pancakes

Also featured in:

Du-par's

These are LA’s true OG pancakes. Nicely crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside with conspicuous buttermilk flavor, these are pancakes prepared just right. It doesn’t hurt that they are served with a side of salted clarified butter that facilitates a solid drenching.

Open in Google Maps

6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Visit Website

Du-par’s

CJ's Cafe

For over 20 years, CJ’s Cafe does a daily and hearty breakfast and lunch. With two locations in Baldwin Hills and on the south end of Mid-Wilshire, CJ’s has the most reasonably-priced breakfast on this list, with three well-sized pancakes for $5.51.

3655 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Visit Website

CJ’s Cafe

Breakfast by Salt's Cure

The Salt’s Cure saga is one of musical chairs. The once-beloved breakfast spot moved to a more expansive location in Hollywood, but later reopened a breakfast spot right back in its original Santa Monica Boulevard address. But the cult favorite oatmeal griddle cakes remain, still slathered in maple cinnamon butter, and as delicious as ever.

7494 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Visit Website

Salt’s Cure

Also featured in:

Olympic Cafe

Long considered one of the best pancakes in town, the incredible griddle produces some of the crispiest, fluffiest pancakes you’ve ever tried. A Mid-City legend.

3728 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Olympic Cafe- House of Breakfast

Also featured in:

26 of the Best LA Breakfast Restaurants by Neighborhood, Winter 2018

Atrium

Atrium’s creative duo chef Hunter Pritchett and pastry chef Gregory Baumgartner experimented and developed a platter of buckwheat banana pancakes with french butter and maple syrup. It’s a solid addition for everyone, even those adhering to a gluten-free diet.

1816 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Visit Website

Atrium — Atrium’s buckwheat banana pancakes

Also featured in:

Little Dom's

Blueberry ricotta pancakes are the name of the game at Little Dom’s. Albeit their relatively petit size, these flapjacks pack a punch.

2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Visit Website

Little Dom’s — Ricotta cheese and blueberry pancakes, maple syrup

Also featured in:

The Original Pantry Cafe

Those who like their pancakes served with a side of nostalgia will find a happy home at The Original Pantry Café. This no-fuss 24/7 diner opened back in 1924, and has probably been serving these straightforward buttermilk pancakes since its opening day. There’s not much that needs to be said about these flapjacks – eating them at the restaurant’s worn counter just feels right.

877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Visit Website

The Original Pantry Cafe — Buttermilk pancakes

Also featured in:

Kitchen Mouse

The vegan and gluten-free pancakes at this Highland Park cafe come with toasted coconut and a dram of Vermont maple syrup. Light, flakey, and topped with fresh berries, the butter won’t be missed.

5904 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Visit Website

Kitchen Mouse

Also featured in:

Lincoln

Owner Christine Moore pumps out casual breakfasts and lunches at both Lincoln and Little Flower Candy Co. in Pasadena. At Lincoln, buttermilk pancakes are permanent menu favorites, but the black sesame coconut pancakes with black sesame whipped cream, coconut caramel, and toasted coconut are a balanced seasonal addition.

Open in Google Maps

1992 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

Visit Website

Lincoln — Lincoln’s buttermilk pancakes

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John O'Groats

10516 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

This down and dirty family-run restaurant has been serving West LA since 1982. That homey feel comes across in the pancakes, the no-nonsense buttermilk flapjacks that come golden and relatively thick.

Open in Google Maps

10516 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Visit Website

John O’Groats

Uncle Bill's Pancake House

1305 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

There’s nothing quite like the quaint beach bungalow-turned pancake house Uncle Bill’s. The Manhattan Beach mainstay is quite the local hangout, with serious weekend lines. But when pancakes come with ocean views, who can really complain.

1305 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Visit Website

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House — Banana nut pancakes

S & W Country Diner

9748 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

The family-owned S&W Country Diner operates in Downtown Culver City, and is completely retro with the 1950s-esque counters, decor, and longtime cash-only policy. Its old-school feel even filters through the menu with the pancakes. Four fluffy platter-sized cakes come in one stack, and it might be best to share unless truly hungry.

Open in Google Maps

9748 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Visit Website

S & W Country Diner

The Original Pancake House

1756 Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

While all the pancakes at the Original Pancake House are excellent (shout out to the extremely popular chocolate chip), the real specialty here is the oven-baked Dutch Baby. This airy pancake somewhat reminiscent of a crepe is about the size of your face, and comes with lemon and powdered sugar.

1756 Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Visit Website

The Original Pancake House

Tesse

8500 Sunset Blvd ste b, West Hollywood, CA 90069

During weekend brunch at West Hollywood’s hit charmer, Tesse, order chef Raphael Francois and pastry chef Sally Camacho Mueller’s Limoncello pancakes. The pair combined the Italian lemon liqueur with marscapone, maple syrup, and chantilly cream.

8500 Sunset Blvd ste b, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Visit Website

Tesse — Tesse’s Limoncello pancakes

The Serving Spoon

1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302

Drive past this Inglewood institution, and find hoards of locals trying to get a fix of South LA food staples. It’s best to avoid the place on Sundays after church, when the 1982-born restaurant is especially swarmed with hungry diners looking to get their hands on the butter-laden flapjacks.

1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302

Visit Website

The Serving Spoon

The Griddle Cafe

7916 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

The Griddle is the king of outrageous, Frisbee-sized pancakes. The menu has nearly twenty varieties of cardiac arrest-inducing options, from the Black Magic filled with crushed Oreos to the Saturday Morning Fever with Bailey’s and Kahlua batter. The Saturday and Sunday morning lines are no joke, but is worth the wait after one bite of these cakey monstrosities.

7916 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Visit Website

The Griddle Cafe

Jon & Vinny's

412 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Loaded with more butter than one really wants to think about, Jon & Vinny’s has made itself a serious contender for best pancakes in LA. They’re as straightforward as they get with light, fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with the usual accoutrements of maple syrup, a generous helping of salted butter and berries. The real feat is the mastery of such simplicity.

412 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Visit Website

Jon & Vinny’s — Buttermilk pancakes

Du-par's

6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

These are LA’s true OG pancakes. Nicely crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside with conspicuous buttermilk flavor, these are pancakes prepared just right. It doesn’t hurt that they are served with a side of salted clarified butter that facilitates a solid drenching.

Open in Google Maps

6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Visit Website

Du-par’s

CJ's Cafe

3655 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90016

For over 20 years, CJ’s Cafe does a daily and hearty breakfast and lunch. With two locations in Baldwin Hills and on the south end of Mid-Wilshire, CJ’s has the most reasonably-priced breakfast on this list, with three well-sized pancakes for $5.51.

3655 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Visit Website

CJ’s Cafe

Breakfast by Salt's Cure

7494 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

The Salt’s Cure saga is one of musical chairs. The once-beloved breakfast spot moved to a more expansive location in Hollywood, but later reopened a breakfast spot right back in its original Santa Monica Boulevard address. But the cult favorite oatmeal griddle cakes remain, still slathered in maple cinnamon butter, and as delicious as ever.

7494 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Visit Website

Salt’s Cure

Olympic Cafe

3728 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Long considered one of the best pancakes in town, the incredible griddle produces some of the crispiest, fluffiest pancakes you’ve ever tried. A Mid-City legend.

3728 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Olympic Cafe- House of Breakfast

Atrium

1816 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Atrium’s creative duo chef Hunter Pritchett and pastry chef Gregory Baumgartner experimented and developed a platter of buckwheat banana pancakes with french butter and maple syrup. It’s a solid addition for everyone, even those adhering to a gluten-free diet.

1816 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Visit Website

Atrium — Atrium’s buckwheat banana pancakes

Little Dom's

2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Blueberry ricotta pancakes are the name of the game at Little Dom’s. Albeit their relatively petit size, these flapjacks pack a punch.

2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Visit Website

Little Dom’s — Ricotta cheese and blueberry pancakes, maple syrup

The Original Pantry Cafe

877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Those who like their pancakes served with a side of nostalgia will find a happy home at The Original Pantry Café. This no-fuss 24/7 diner opened back in 1924, and has probably been serving these straightforward buttermilk pancakes since its opening day. There’s not much that needs to be said about these flapjacks – eating them at the restaurant’s worn counter just feels right.

877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Visit Website

The Original Pantry Cafe — Buttermilk pancakes

Related Maps

Kitchen Mouse

5904 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

The vegan and gluten-free pancakes at this Highland Park cafe come with toasted coconut and a dram of Vermont maple syrup. Light, flakey, and topped with fresh berries, the butter won’t be missed.

5904 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Visit Website

Kitchen Mouse

Lincoln

1992 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

Owner Christine Moore pumps out casual breakfasts and lunches at both Lincoln and Little Flower Candy Co. in Pasadena. At Lincoln, buttermilk pancakes are permanent menu favorites, but the black sesame coconut pancakes with black sesame whipped cream, coconut caramel, and toasted coconut are a balanced seasonal addition.

Open in Google Maps

1992 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

Visit Website

Lincoln — Lincoln’s buttermilk pancakes

Related Maps