The Original Pancake House

Pay attention to this blog post, for it will change your life.

The Original Pancake House of Charlotte, NC is a  gold mine. The 3 page menu is packed wall to wall with everything "breakfast." From pancakes to dutch babies and crepes to bacon waffles; everyone in your group will be satisfied.

Even when the lot is full and you have to park across the street, you are still going to be seated in about 15 minutes.

You immediately feel comfortable as soon as you sit down. The high vaulted ceilings make the restaurant feel larger and more open than you'd expect from the outside.

Out of the many times we have eaten here, we always have some of the friendliest and most attentive servers.

The Original Pancake house is the best way to start your day.

Exhibit A
The freshly squeezed orange juice.

I usually don't choose orange juice with pulp, but this OJ makes it work. Without the acidy bite, this orange juice goes down smooth.

Exhibit B 
French Crepes
(Sean)

I usually get the (wonderful) Western Omelette, but decided to mix it up this time. A life-long crepe fan, I had high expectations for these. OPH didn't let me down. Simple, yet delicious, with fresh strawberries and perfect crepe-titude, this is a real winner.

Exhibit C

Strawberry Waffle

(Ashley)

I'm getting excited just looking at this picture. It seems average, a waffle and strawberries, but trust me, this waffle will blow your mind. It is what I dream heaven will be like for me...swimming in an ocean made of strawberry syrup (which they make themselves..see picture below!) and waves of whipped cream. I may have taken this too far, but I am not sorry.

Cost: $$$        Quality: *****
The Original Pancake House
915 Charlottetowne Avenue, Charlotte, NC

El Dorado Mexican Retaurant

This off-kilter little gem is located on the outskirts of Fuquay-Varina, NC. Although there are many mexican restaraunts in the area (7 as of this writing), El D's is the “real” Fuquay mexican restaurant.

Upon entering this quaint building, you are immediately greeted by the zany and sarcastic waitstaff, who seat you immediately and provide the required chips and salsa. We both had the sweet tea, as we always do, and it is one of the best sweet teas to be found. The salsa is pleasantly spicy, with the fresh chips bringing a good crunch as you peruse the menu.

(Sean)
The Famous Speedy Gonzalez

One beef taco, one beef enchilada and rice. 

Hard to mess up, but also hard to perfect. This is my most often selected menu item at El D's, and this occasion did little to convince me otherwise. Best beef in the business, with a soft rice and a delightful red sauce that cuts perfectly under the cold white queso. A cheap, delightful meal, worthy of any refined taste buds.

(Ashley)
Lunch Special #9

One chicken quesadilla, rice and beans. 

It is especially important to order the quesadilla from the lunch menu; it is shredded chicken, unlike the dinner quesadilla, which is a fajita style chicken (honestly it is not as good).

I dream about this quesadilla. It practically melts in your mouth with every bite and is a great pair with the beans and rice. I once had the quesadilla twice in one day (for lunch & dinner)...yes, it is that good.

Do we recommend El Dorado's to you? Heck yes. Just don't be surprised if the wait staff pokes fun at you.

Cost: $$        Quality:****


El Dorado Mexican Restaurant
112 E Vance St, Fuquay Varina, NC