Pancakes near San Francisco, CA

“This was our first time trying House of Pancakes, and let's just say--the name is definitely misleading in the best way. While you might expect a traditional breakfast spot, this cozy, mom-and-pop-style restaurant serves up hearty Northern Chinese dishes packed with flavor.

We came with a large group of extended family and were impressed with how accommodating and friendly the staff were. They even made thoughtful dish recommendations based on our group size and preferences, which made the experience even better.

We ordered quite a bit to share:

Beef Pancakes (a house specialty)
Lamb Skewers (spicy and non-spicy)
Lamb Dumplings
Pork Dumplings
Lamb Stir-Fried Hand-Pulled Noodles
Fresh Cucumber Salad

Overall, the food was delicious and flavorful. That said, if you're not a fan of lamb (like me), just be aware that the lamb skewers and dumplings can be a bit gamey. The spicy skewers helped mask it a bit, thanks to a generous sprinkle of paprika.

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed the lamb stir-fried noodles--the lamb in that dish was melt-in-your-mouth tender and tasted more like beef than lamb to me. Unfortunately, I couldn't try the beef pancakes due to dietary restrictions, but my cousins absolutely loved them and said they were a must-order.

The pork dumplings were a standout for me--juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. And the cucumber salad was refreshing and balanced everything out nicely.

The restaurant has a small, casual diner vibe that gives it local charm--nothing fancy, but welcoming and perfect for sharing a flavorful meal with family or friends.“

“The food here is absolutely delicious and the staff is so friendly and accommodating. I can't recommend this little gem in the Lakeside neighborhood enough. Reasonable prices as well as many menu choices. Do yourself a favor and go there and sample everything, you will be very glad you did.“

“Been wanting to try this place out for awhile now, but it’s always been packed or no where to park. Finally had the chance to give it a shot. Staffs were friendly and you can either order from the kiosk or counter. Tons of exciting choices to choose from and they also have snacks. Definitely a hidden gem/underrated boba spot in the area. Definitely will be back!“

“I appreciate when a restaurant gives you a reasonable amount of food on your plate. My breakfast was the right size to feel satiated and not overly full. The potato wedges were well cooked and tasty. Coffee is self serve, so no worries about cups being empty. It's a bit small inside, so seating might be an issue if they are busy. Definitely a great breakfast place“