Best Ways To Celebrate National Pancake Week In Chicago
By Elizabeth SanFilippo
During National Pancake Week, February 10 to 16, 2013, you may be tempted to whip up some pancake mix and call it a day. But why bother when you can spoil yourself silly with these five delicious pancake hotspots? At these five Chicago locales, you can forget all about plain pancakes and grab some of the most mouth-watering breakfast/brunch dishes ever with these creative options.
Babycakes Truck
Multiple locations; view calendar on website
Chicago, IL
(773) 517-4454
www.babycakestruck.com
If a food truck of pancakes -- in Chicago no less -- isn't enough to draw you in, the crazy wonderful flavor combinations will have you drooling during National Pancake Week. Whether you have a hankering for pancakes during breakfast or lunch, owner and chef Leah Wilcox has everything your heart desires. From savory pancakes like chipotle chicken tamale to deliciously sweet pancakes, like the signature maple bacon glazed (with maple pancakes, maple cream cheese glaze and candied maple bacon), you can't go wrong. Check out where to find the truck on the website (or just place a catering order).
M Henry
5707 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 561-1600
www.mhenry.net
Set the timer and go, because the bliss cakes at this Andersonville restaurant will disappear off your plate in seconds, despite the large serving size. That's because these fluffy hotcakes, priced at $9.25 -- paired with vanilla mascarpone cream and warm blackberries, as well as a topping of brown sugar and oat crust -- are just that delicious. And no, you're not going to want to share them. M Henry also offers plain hotcakes for $6.50; toppings can be added for $8.95.
Related: Best Brunch in Chicago
Orange
2413 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 549-7833
www.orangerestaurantchicago.com
Orange does breakfast/brunch best, and if you can't choose between its plethora of pancake options, there is an easy solution: get a pancake flight. This plate of four silver-dollar pancakes changes on a weekly basis and is considered a "chef tasting" for $10.99. If you're looking for something simpler, grab the buttermilk pancakes for $5.99, or for a big plate of sweetness, try the pumpkin, pecan and ginger cakes for $9.99. Additional toppings -- like strawberries, bananas, blueberries and chocolate chips -- can be added for 99 cents.
Southport Grocery & Cafe
3552 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 665-0100
www.southportgrocery.com
Part grocery store and part cafe, Southport Grocery & Cafe has one pancake option and one option only: the bread pudding pancakes. This dish, at only $10, is so perfectly gooey and delicious, in part because of the pudding and in part because of the cinnamon-sugar butter and vanilla anglaise, that you'll be licking your plate clean. Even better? You can buy this bread pudding pancake mix in the grocery store so you can make this delicious treat at home too.
The Bongo Room
1470 N. Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-0690
www.thebongoroom.com
"Seasonal" and "pancakes" don't seem like things that go together, but at the seasonal brunch spot Bongo Room, this combination works in its three Chicago locations. While the menu changes frequently due to seasonality, expect huge plates of pancakes, like the sweet cannoli hotcakes, which are made with ricotta and marsala-soaked cherries, for $9.95, as well as the surprisingly delicious Oreo raspberry hotcakes. Really, anything off the menu with a creamy topping will surely satisfy your sweet tooth as well as your pancake craving.
Related: Best Pancakes in Chicago
Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she's scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
