Opened in 2011 (and eventually inspiring a second location in Panama City Beach), The Pancakery in Destin is an unpretentious, diner-like restaurant serving big portions at a good deal. Don’t expect the very best pancakes you’ve ever had, but count on a tasty and filling meal that doesn’t put too major a dent in your pocketbook.
The Pancakery’s open seven days a week from 7 AM to 2 PM, so as far as breakfast and lunch goes it’s always there for you when you find yourself with a heavy-duty appetite on the Emerald Coast. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating in an overall fairly small space, so expect to wait a bit: particularly in the mornings, and especially on the weekends.
The gourmet pancakes are the top-draw attraction. They include everything from the Classic to the Gone Bananas plate (with both fresh bananas and the restaurant’s bananas foster sauce), the Destinite (pancakes packed with strawberries, bananas, and chocolate chips), and the Healthy Delight, a whole-grain alternative.
Actually, the omelettes here are just as worthy of mention, even though the place isn’t called “The Omelettery.” From the avocado-boosted California to the spicy Atomic Bomblette, which includes hot sausage and jalapeños, there are nearly as many omelette choices as pancake options.
Other breakfast items include Belgian waffles, French toast, the eggy Chorizo Burrito, Steak & Eggs, the Crabcake Benedict, and crepes, flavored either with Nutella or various fruit compotes.
The lunch menu, which also includes burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and a soup of the day, is maybe best known for its Over-stuffed Potatoes. Besides single- and double-loaded potatoes, those include both grilled chicken and shrimp options.
Alongside coffee, juice, soda, and the like, The Pancakery also serves mimosas, Bloody Marys, beer, and other adult beverages.
Read on for a few of our favorites off The Pancakery menu:
Strawberry Fields Pancakes
Among the most popular pancake options at this shrine of pancakes, the Strawberry Fields cakes come both filled with fresh strawberries and slathered with a strawberry compote. Aren’t your taste buds tingling just thinking about it?
Grilled Shrimp Omelette
Another Pancakery winner, the Grilled Shrimp Omelette combines grilled shrimp with onions, green and red peppers, and your preferred cheese for a zesty breakfast.
Bananas Foster
Though you can choose to have the Pancakery Bananas Foster with pancakes or Belgian waffles, we especially recommend going the French toast route with it. The bananas foster sauce in combination with freshly sliced banana, pecans, and whipped cream is a homerun!
Come hungry to The Pancakery, where you can nicely load up for a day of beach-hopping, sightseeing, or shopping on the Emerald Coast.
Insider Tip:
While waiting for a table is sometimes a drag at The Pancakery, it adjoins a beach shop that makes a nice place to browse in the meantime. The restaurant will text you when your table’s ready, so you might as well!