'Tis the Season to Spread Pancake Cheer!
With Christmas just a few days away, we’re all bustling around with last minute gift shopping. If you are like us, you may have a few elves left on your list. What do you get your favorite babysitter, or your hair stylist? What about your boss? Or that wonderful neighbor who watches your house when you are away?
Don’t stress Denver! Join us for breakfast and finish up your holiday shopping in one trip. This year, spread the gift of pancake cheer with an OPH gift card. They are perfect for any person, any age, and especially for all those tough-to-shop for folks. We’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like to go out for breakfast!
From all your friends at The Original Pancake House in Denver, we wish you a very merry Christmas! Remember, we will be closed on Christmas Day to celebrate with our families. We look forward to seeing you and yours over the holidays! Cheers!
How to Find the Best Breakfast Restaurants Near Me
When looking for breakfast restaurants near me, who should I turn to?
It’s not that hard to find breakfast restaurants near me. The internet places all the information we could ever need right at our fingertips. A simple search will result in plenty of options. But most of the time we’re not just looking for a nearby place, but the best place. How exactly are people doing this today?
There are other factors that go into determining the best breakfast restaurants near me. And naturally this is a very personal decision as everyone has different tastes and priorities. Some of us are strictly about the food, while others take other factors into consideration. Restaurant industry statistics (according to the National Restaurant Association) tell us that the majority of people prioritize great food when choosing a place to eat, with quality of service being the second most important factor.
Technology is a big factor in finding the best breakfast restaurants near me. People are using social media more than ever. Websites like Yelp and OpenTable are also big resources. Here are some interesting statistics about how we are choosing restaurants in this day and age.
- Millennials spend 44% of their food budget, $2921 annually, on dining out.
- 18-35 year olds spend a total of 5 days per year browsing food images on Instagram. 30% of them would avoid a restaurant if a restaurant has a week Instagram presence.
- 75% of respondents in a Zagat survey say they have chosen a place to eat based on social media.
- 73% of diners agree that restaurant technology improves their guest experience.
- 70% of diners say they are more likely to choose a restaurant that has healthy menu options.
Looking for the Best Breakfast in Cherry Hills?
If you ask someone what they think is the best breakfast in Cherry Hills you’re probably going to get a variety of answers. Someone may recommend an omelette at one particular restaurant, and many others are likely to tell you the pancakes at The Original Pancake House.
When it comes down to the numbers, statistics show that the most popular breakfast food in the country is ready-to-eat cereal. $8.78 billion was spent on cereal in the U.S. in 2016. But just because Americans are spending a LOT of money on cereal doesn’t necessarily make it the “best” breakfast. It may just be the most convenient, or the most affordable. What makes something the best is subjective. 
If you’re looking for the best breakfast in Cherry Hills we humbly recommend you visit us at The Original Pancake House. You really can’t go wrong with anything on our menu, but here’s a quick list of some of our favorite dishes.
Pancakes – Of course! And if you’re in the mood for something a little different, try our Apple Pancake or Dutch Baby.
The Mile High – This one lives up to its name! We pile a grilled biscuit with sausage, eggs and homemade sausage gravy.
Strawberry Belgian Waffle – Crispy waffle perfection topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Corned Beef Hash and Eggs – A hearty classic made with freshly ground corned beef topped with basted eggs.
Call ahead, we’ll save you a spot in line!
Our holiday gift to you Denver - now you can call ahead and save a spot in line at The Original Pancake House in Denver! Starting Monday, December 11th, you can now call ahead and we’ll put your name on the waiting list.
Its as easy as…
- Call when you are on your way!
- We will let you know the current wait time and add you to our waitlist.
- Check in when you arrive and we’ll update you on the status of your table.
We now offer our call ahead wait list every day of the week. Because less waiting means more time to enjoy breakfast with friends and family!
Be sure to add our two locations to your phone:
The Original Pancake House Cherry Hills - University at Orchard Road
Call: 303-795-0573
The Original Pancake House Denver Tech Center - 8000 E. Belleview Ave.
Call: 303-224-0093
We hope to see you soon, Denver! Happy holidays!
The Syrup is Flowing at Pancake Restaurants Near Me
All breakfasts are not created equal but you can count on maple syrup on the table at pancake restaurants near me.
What do all the pancake restaurants near me have in common? Well, pancakes are the obvious answer. But what about maple syrup? What would our pancake breakfast be without this sweet, tasty topping? Not nearly as delicious, that's for certain.
Indigenous people living in northeastern North America were the first to tap trees and produce maple syrup. This practice was continued by European colonists. Somewhere along the line some ingenious person had the idea to use maple syrup as a topping on pancakes and now the combination is iconic. It would be a challenge to find pancake restaurants near me, or anywhere around the globe, that isn’t serving maple syrup.
Here are some fun facts about maple syrup to ponder over your next stack at The Original Pancake House in Denver.
- 75% of the world’s maple syrup is produced in Quebec, Canada. In the U.S. New York and the New England states also produce a large amount.
- It takes 40 GALLONS of raw sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup.
- “Sugaring season,” when sap is harvested and made into syrup, only lasts for about six weeks in late winter and early spring.
- The building where the sap is boiled down to syrup is called the “sugar shack.”
- The Sugar Maple is the best tree for producing syrup.
- The tree must be 10 inches in diameter and 40 years old before it can be tapped to collect sap.
- Once a tree has been tapped, that same hole can’t be used again. Trees have a natural healing process called “walling-off” that prevents a hole from being used a second time. The tree can be tapped again, but in a new spot.
- Tapping a maple tree does not harm it and some have been tapped for more than a century.
- Maple syrup has more calcium than milk (per unit volume) and more potassium than bananas (per unit weight). It also contains manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, and iron, as well as several vitamins. How about that for a healthy breakfast!
‘Tis the Season to Give Thanks
With the holiday season in full swing, we want to take a moment and give thanks for all the people who touch our lives
through The Original Pancake House. We could not celebrate our many years of serving breakfast in Denver without our amazing customers and staff.
First, we’d like to thank our staff. From our chefs, to our line cooks, to our dishwashers and everyone behind the scenes creating the breakfast magic, we are so grateful for your talents and for the delicious food you help prepare each day. We also thank our servers, hosts and hostesses, managers and assistant managers for your friendly smiles and hard work to ensure each customer has a pleasant experience at OPH from the moment they
walk in our doors.
To our customers, we’d like to express our gratitude for your loyal support over the years. Your patronage helps us keep the tradition of
serving delicious breakfasts going year after year. We have developed
friendships with many of you over the years, and we are so happy to share our mornings with you all. Thank you for bringing joy into our lives each day.
From all the staff at The Original Pancake House, we wish you a very happy holiday season, Denver!
Is Coffee Your Favorite Dish at Breakfast Restaurants?
Is a cup of joe your go-to dish at breakfast restaurants?
While it is generally agreed upon that eating breakfast is the best way to start your day, many might argue that the best dish at breakfast restaurants or at home is a mug of hot coffee. The numbers seem to agree with this idea when you consider that that 65% of the total coffee consumption in America takes place during breakfast hours. The first literary reference to coffee being consumed in North America was in 1668 and the rich, aromatic beverage quickly became the drink of choice.
It is no secret that Americans are addicted to coffee. We spend $18 billion dollars a year on specialty coffee in this country. Not only do we love the caffeine kick-start, the drink has become a ritual and experience all on its own. Just how much do American love coffee? Here are a few statistics to think about while enjoying a cup at breakfast restaurants, at home or on the road.
- 54% of Americans over the age of 18 drink coffee every day
- The average drinker consumes 3.1 (9-ounce) cups per day
- 30 million daily drinkers consume specialty beverages (latte, mocha, etc.)
- 60% of American coffee drinkers claim to need a cup to start their day
- 54 % of coffee drinkers say it makes them feel more like their self
- 68% of coffee drinkers have a cup within the first hour of waking up
- 30% is consumed between meals
- $4 billion a year is spent importing coffee into the United States
- 65 % of coffee drinkers add cream and/or sugar
Veterans Day - Honoring Those Who Serve
What is Veterans Day? Veterans Day falls on November 11 every year. Originally called Armistice Day and marking the end of World War I, the date was first observed in the US on November 11, 1919 on the first anniversary of the end of the first World War. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day which is the national holiday that we observe each year on November 11.
Here are some interesting facts about Veterans Day:
- Whereas Memorial Day serves as a day of remembrance for those who died in service, Veterans Day is a day to honor those who served honorably, both living and dead.
- Veterans Day occurs on November 11 every year in the United States.
- In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
- Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World War I and World War II on or near November 11th: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November).
- In Europe and Great Britain it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11 as World War I formally ended on November 11th, at the 11th hour.
- Arlington Cemetery hosts a memorial ceremony on Veterans Day each year to honor all who died in war.
- Today there are about 24 million veterans living in the United States.
- Of those veterans, 35% served in the Vietnam War and 8% are women.
At The Original Pancake House in Denver, we are so thankful for the service of all our Veterans. On November 11, we will honor our Veterans and salute their valiant efforts to protect our country. Here’s to you, Veterans! Happy Veterans Day!
Breakfast Warmer - What will it be? Coffee versus tea!
The coffee versus tea debate has been percolating for decades - which is healthier, which should you choose, which is the best breakfast beverage? Studies show that both beverages contain many health and energy benefits, here is the break-down.
Caffeine - Coffee typically has about 100 mg of caffeine per cup, whereas tea contains 25 - 75 mg per cup depending on the variety (black teas typically have more caffeine than green teas). Depending on time of day (or just how sleepy you are feeling!) you may opt for one beverage over the over. Coffee releases caffeine in a quick burst, whereas tea is more a slow, sustained release of energy over a longer period. 
Health benefits - Coffee contains key nutrients like potassium, niacin, manganese, and magnesium. It also may protect against certain types of cancers, reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes, and protect your liver. Further, coffee supports brain function and helps prevent Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and can help ward off depression. Tea, on the other hand, reduces inflammation, promotes mouth health, reduces risk for certain cancers, and improves insulin sensitivity. Tea may help prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and may decrease the risk of heart disease.
Taste - Both coffee and tea come in a variety of flavors sourced from around the world. Different coffee beans will have different flavor profiles due to the unique terroir of the growing environment. Further, the brew can vary greatly depending on how the coffee is roasted and if any spices such as vanilla or cinnamon are added. Tea comes in a wide variety of flavors as well, though most are derived from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. Tea flavors vary greatly depending on how the tea leaves are processed.
Whichever breakfast beverage you favor, you are sure to get a boost of energy, many health benefits, and of course something to warm you on a cold morning. We serve both hot coffee and tea at The Original Pancake House in Denver, so the next time you are out for breakfast, stop in and let us know which one you prefer. Cheers!
How To: Make Your Own Perfect Crispy Home Fries
There is nothing better than crispy, flavorful home fries with a savory breakfast. Home fries are one of our favorite breakfast staples at The Original Pancake House in Denver - dip them in a runny egg, enjoy them with hot sauce, or just eat them straight-up! Though we can’t share our own secret recipe, we can give you a few good tips for making delicious home fries in your own kitchen! 
To start, make sure you select the right potato. We like russet potatoes as they are more starchy, like to soak up butter and flavors, and will give you a nice creamy center. Red, new, or fingerling potatoes won’t give you the same smooth and buttery center as a russet.
Next, parboil the potatoes to get the right texture. After you cube your potatoes, add them to a pot with cold water just deep enough to cover the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil and cook for just a couple of minutes once boiling. This cooking method will yield the soft creamy inside; be careful not to overdo it as boiling too long will result in mushy and crumbly potatoes.
If you like onions in your home fries, dice and cook them separately while the potatoes are boiling. Cooking onions on their own will ensure they have proper time and space to saute properly. Cook onions until they are translucent and fragrant, then set aside.
Now it is finally time to cook those potatoes! Add both oil and butter to the skillet or cast iron pan and arrange potatoes in a single layer. It is important not to overcrowd the pan as you want to make sure each potato is seared. As you are searing the potatoes, add in your seasonings. We like paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic. Once you get a nice golden brown, crispy edge on your spuds, flip them and sear the other side(s). When you have a nice crispy crust on all sides, add your onions back to the pan for a final saute and serve immediately!
And of course, next time you are out for breakfast in Denver, let us share our own homemade home fries with you! Bon Appetit!
Back to School Breakfasts
Here we go again! The kids are heading back to school and suddenly the leisurely summer mornings are replaced with rush, rush, go, go, get to school on time! But wait, we all need to eat something healthy and nutritious to give us energy for the day and to help our brains get ready to learn! We’ve compiled a few of our favorite back to school breakfasts. These are healthy, nutritious, filling, and easy to prepare in just a few minutes!
Easy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
- 8 slices thick-cut Texas toast
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- Unsalted butter, for cooking
- Maple syrup, for serving
Directions:
Cut each slice of Texas toast into four sticks. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. Dip each piece of bread in the egg mixture, turning to coat it on all sides so that it's well-saturated with the custard.
Shake off any excess and place the coated bread on a large plate or baking dish. Repeat the dipping process with the remaining pieces of bread.
Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, place several of the coated sticks in a single layer in the pan. (Do not overcrowd the pan.) Cook until golden brown on one side then flip and continue cooking until the sticks are golden brown and slightly crisped on all edges. Serve immediately with maple syrup for dipping.
No Bake Breakfast Balls
- 1/4 cup of almonds
- 1/4 cup of cashew pieces
- 1/4 cup of dried fruit (we used dried cherries, but I bet any dried fruit would work)
- 1/4 cup of almond butter (+ 1 teaspoon of coconut oil – omit the coconut oil if you decide to substitute with peanut butter).
- 2 Tablespoons of dark chocolate pieces
- 1 cup of toasted granola
Directions:
Throw all the ingredients except for the almond butter and the granola into the food processor and chop finely. Mix in the granola and the almond butter and coconut oil (or butter). Make sure that everything is well coated, then put the bowl into the fridge for about 3 hours. You want the nut meal to soak up some of the healthy fats from the almond butter. Once chilled, form batter into balls and either eat immediately or store in the fridge or freezer for a morning on the run!
Potato Omelet Breakfast Bites
- Frozen Tator Tots
- Ham, Sausage or Bacon
- Red or Green peppers (or substitute other veggies)
- 8 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- Shredded cheese for topping
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and make sure you grease your muffin tins really well, making sure to get both the sides and bottom Throw your tater tots in the microwave for a couple minutes to thaw. Then, place 3 in each standard size muffin tin. Take a small cup and squish them flat into the bottom of each tin. Bake your tater tots for 10 minutes.
While you are waiting for them to cook, you can gather and chop up your breakfast meat of choice and veggies of choice. If you don’t like peppers, you can substitute with spinach, mushrooms, onion, tomatoes, basil, zucchini, squash, etc. Just be sure to pre-cook or purchase pre-cooked meats. After removing your tots from the oven, lower oven temperature to 350 degrees. Sprinkle your toppings over each cup. Whip together 8 eggs and 1/4 cup milk with a fork. Pour egg mixture in and sprinkle cheese mixture on top of each cup. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until the egg is cooked through. Enjoy!
Good luck this school year, Denver! And don’t forget to visit us at The Original Pancake House when you want to go out for breakfast in Denver on the weekends!
Peachy Keen!
August is National Peach Month and we’re loving all the delicious peaches coming into Denver from Colorado’s western slope. If you went peach picking in Palisade, or your local farmer's market, you may be wondering how you can incorporate peaches into every meal, including breakfast! Here are a few of our favorite ideas for a peachy breakfast in Denver.
Peach, Banana & Pecan Pancakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 and 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 medium banana - mashed
- 1 medium peach - peeled and chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
Combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients in separate bowls. Combine both wet and dry to form batter and cook on a frying pan or griddle using the same methods as traditional pancakes.
Tropical Peach Smoothie
- 1 large ripe peach - sliced
- 1 cup coconut yogurt
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- Ice to taste
Combine all ingredients in a blender and enjoy! You can add more fruit such as banana or use different yogurt such as vanilla or peach to create variations to this recipe.
Peach Pecan Muffins
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter - melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 medium peaches - peeled and diced
For The Topping:
- 1/2 cup pecans - chopped
- 1/3 cup brown sugar - packed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons butter - melted
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease and flour 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin cups. Combine topping ingredients until mixture is crumbly; set aside.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together butter, milk, and egg in a separate bowl. Stir milk/egg mixture into the flour mixture and blend just until moistened. Fold in diced peaches. Spoon into muffin cups; sprinkle evenly with topping mixture.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan.
Happy peach season Denver!