Sweet Life: NYC’s Finest Pancakes
What’s more simple, sweet, and satisfying than a morning stack of pancakes? Whether you prefer them dressed the old-fashioned way with butter and syrup or punched up with fresh fruit and other toppings, here are six spots across New York serving up some of the city’s finest.
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If you’re staying at the Soho Grand Hotel, Soho Diner is awfully convenient. Tucked just next door to the hotel, Soho Diner is one of the most popular brunch spots in Soho. Pancakes are one of their main attractions—serving vegan, banana pancakes (that use bananas in the batter itself!) as well as regular, buttermilk pancakes drizzled with real maple syrup and whipped butter. They’ve become a fan-favorite and a social media phenomenon.
320 W Broadway, New York; T. 212-965-3011
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When it comes to weekend brunch, few spots nail it better than this beloved 32-seater in the Lower East Side owned by DeDe Lahman and Neil Kleinberg. Though there are no misses on the menu, it’s the signature pancakes that have top billing. They’re subtly golden, extra fluffy—thanks to egg whites being folded (as opposed to mixed) into the batter—and piled high, before getting smothered with wild Maine blueberries and warm maple butter for an addictive sweet-salty finish.
4 Clinton St, New York,; T. 646-602-6263
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Golden Diner has built a loyal following by taking familiar comfort foods and layering in influences from the surrounding community. Among the many standout menu items from Chef Sam Yoo are the honey butter pancakes—a signature dish that feels nostalgic yet new, and which perfectly captures the restaurant’s approach to elevated diner fare. These pancakes are thick and irresistibly fluffy, generously slathered with a rich honey maple butter that infuses each bite with a deep, comforting sweetness. A touch of freshly grated lemon zest on top adds an unexpected brightness that cuts through the richness, lending the dish a hint of citrusy goodness. Opt to add a house-made berry compote, bringing yet another layer of texture and flavor complexity.
123 Madison St, New York; T. 917-472-7800
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What’s the secret to the popular pancakes at this charming French eatery in Greenpoint? Why, the humble cast iron skillet. Because it conducts heat more evenly than a traditional pan or griddle, the morning treats develop a uniquely craggy, dark crust, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. Extra egg yolks in the batter lend even more richness and almost a cake-like effect, while Normandy butter and Vermont maple syrup root the dish in familiar territory.
90 Calyer St, Brooklyn; T. 718-389-3606
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The indulgent, over-the-top Banana Hotcakes Foster doled out during weekend brunch at this snug but adorable Japanese cafe in the East Village are where brunch and dessert collide. The cakes are done Japanese style, so they’re incredibly thick and fluffy, and generously crowned with bananas, black sesame, black sugar syrup, rum, and salted miso caramel ice cream. The dish is as rich as you imagine, so you’ll definitely require a nap posthaste.
25 11th Ave, New York
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This bustling SoHo bistro turns out elegant, yet approachable cuisine day into night, but it’s the lemon ricotta pancakes that locals can’t get enough of. They’re extra thin, pleasantly chewy, with a subtle citrusy tang. Each serving arrives with four and is capped with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar and assorted colorful berries, making the plate as easy on the eyes as it is on the palate.
380 Lafayette St, New York; T. 212-533-3000
PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Dagonakis on Unsplash