Overview:

What began as a family-owned cafe in Wisconsin back in 1998 has grown into a breakfast favorite across the Midwest. With locations in Wisconsin, Chicago, and now Hoffman Estates, this brunch restaurant has been built on tradition and family values over the past 25 years. The newest location in Hoffman Estates is located right on Barrington Road near the border of South Barrington and Hoffman Estates, where it has replaced the old Apple Villa pancake restaurant. 

When you walk in, you are greeted with nothing but smiles as you have the option of tables, booths, and even bar seating. The large windows and bright lighting offer a friendly atmosphere, and the decorum give the cafe an upscaled look to it. This place, from the moment you walk in to when you leave, will already want you coming back!

My Experience:

During my lunch break one Friday, I had a craving for some breakfast food and was trying to find a place in the area that was both reasonably priced and a reasonable distance from the office so that I could eat and be back in a timely manner. When I looked on Google Maps, I saw that this place was only a five-minute drive from my work, so I decided to go and check it out. Little did I know, at the time I went, they had only been open at this location for six weeks! I was thrilled to be able to eat here so close to its opening date, as it felt as though I was able to go in with no expectations.

Pancake Cafe is famous for their fluffy pancakes (hence the name) and their sizzling skillets, and with many options on the menu on the menu that also included burgers, sandwiches, and even a Lox & Bagel, it was so hard to choose. After long consideration though, I decided to settle on the “Breakfast Quesadilla”. The quesadilla consisted of: three scrambled eggs, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, bacon, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese in a grilled tortilla, and then served with salsa and sour cream and a side of hash browns. 

This quesadilla was DELICIOUS! With every bite, it was as if I could taste every flavor and there wasn’t anything that overpowered one another. The tortilla was grilled perfectly so that it wasn’t too crispy, but crispy enough so that it had a nice little crunch with each bite. I think my favorite part about it was the jalapeños added in there because it added that little bit of kick to it that it needed. The hash browns on the side were also cooked very well and had some good flavor to it. There was nothing fancy about the hash browns, but they were exactly what I needed them to be. I will say, the salsa on the side wasn’t my personal favorite, but it didn’t impact me enough to lower my rating of the food because the sour cream on there was a perfect combination.

Overall, this place was great. The food was good, the ambiance was lovely, the staff was very kind and inviting, and the music that they played really set the tone for a good atmosphere. If you are looking for a quick bite in the area, I would recommend going here.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

I would love to hear your thoughts on some of your favorite foods and restaurants! If you like this place or are eager to try it, please comment below.