Luckily for us, Indianapolis is not short of great restaurants, from brunch spots to pizza places to fine dining restaurants. However, pancakes are the quintessential breakfast food that never goes out of style. Although, if we’re honest, you can have them at any time of day and one thing is certain: you’re sure to find yummy pancakes in Indianapolis.
Whether you prefer classic buttermilk pancakes, drenched in syrup, chocolate chip with whipped cream, or more unique flavors, there’s no denying the comforting appeal of pancakes. We’ve come up with some of the best options to satisfy your pancake cravings that feel like they give you a warm hug.
1. Milktooth
Milktooth is a popular brunch spot famous for their unique pancake toppings and continuously changing flavors that are sure to satisfy any pancake lover’s cravings. Don’t be surprised if you encounter Sauerkraut pancakes covered in pastrami beef or Chana masala dutch baby. Their ham & gruyere dutch baby pancake is salty, sweet and so delectable, topped with fresh and fragrant grapes.
One of the most popular pancakes on their menu is the Lemon Blueberry pancakes, but the Pumpkin Spice pancakes also can’t be beat. They’re made with spiced pumpkin puree and topped with candied pecans and whipped cream. These pancakes have a warm and comforting flavor, perfect for colder days, which adds to the restaurant’s atmosphere.
📍 534 Virginia Ave
2. Conner’s Kitchen Bar
Located in downtown Indianapolis, this restaurant is known for its extensive menu that features a variety of American cuisine dishes, as well as its lively atmosphere and the staff’s attention to detail. The restaurant is very welcoming and a great spot for breakfast and brunches.
While customers often go for their Fried Chicken and Waffles, their pancakes are also mouth-watering, come in generous portions and make them the perfect hearty breakfast or brunch option. Their Banana Nut pancakes are made with sliced bananas, which add a sweet and fruity flavor, chopped walnuts, that provide a satisfying crunch, and are served with warm maple syrup and whipped butter.
📍 350 W Maryland St
3. First Watch
First Watch is a popular breakfast and brunch chain with several locations in Indianapolis. The restaurant is noted for fresh ingredients, healthy options and friendly service. One of their standout dishes are their Blueberry pancakes, which are made with blueberries that add a burst of sweetness and are served with whipped butter and warm syrup. In addition to pancakes, they also offer a variety of healthy breakfast options, but the pancakes are the choice that has really won our hearts.
4. The Original Pancake House
This national chain has a location in Indianapolis and is famous for its fluffy classic pancakes, and most importantly its signature Dutch Baby. A baked bundle of goodness, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s topped with powdered sugar and lemon. They offer other flavors, like the Bacon pancakes, served extra crispy, and the Coconut pancakes, which are loaded with shredded coconut.
📍 1518 W 86th St
5. Le Peep Indy
Le Peep is an inviting restaurant chain with seven locations in Indianapolis that offers a wide variety of breakfast and brunch options, but one dish that stands out, in particular, is their pancakes. These pancakes are a crowd favorite and for good reason. They are fluffy, buttery, and cooked to perfection. The restaurant offers classic buttermilk, blueberry, and chocolate chip. Each pancake stack is served with a dollop of whipped butter and a side of warm syrup. The restaurants have plenty of seating options making it a perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast or brunch with family and friends.
6. Good Morning Mama’s Café
If you’re looking for a charming and cozy breakfast spot, Good Morning Mama’s Cafe is a must-visit. Located in downtown Indianapolis, it’s a family-friendly restaurant that specializes in breakfast and brunch. They offer a wide variety of pancakes including buttermilk, blueberry, and chocolate chip. Their Cinnamon Roll pancakes are a popular choice, featuring—you guessed it—fluffy pancakes swirled with cinnamon and drizzled with cream cheese icing.
📍 1001 E 54th St
7. Art’s Skillet
Art’s Skillet offers unique pancake flavors, like the Chunky Monkey, which are drizzled with syrup and topped with whipped cream cheese. Other popular choices are the Banana Nut pancakes, and the Apple Pie pancakes, all served with whipped butter and warm syrup. Overall, Art’s Skillet is a must-visit spot for pancake lovers looking to try something different and delicious.
📍 8255 Pendleton Pike and 9976 E Washington St
8. The Garden Table
We love a farm-to-table restaurant that offers delicious breakfast options and an extensive brunch menu that includes pancakes! The Garden Table prides itself on using high-quality and locally sourced ingredients. Their pancakes are made with spelt flour, a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional wheat flour. But what makes this restaurant unique is the attention to detail in the preparation of their dishes.
If you’re looking for some killer pancakes, check out their Carrot Cake pancakes. Flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg and filled with shredded carrots, these pancakes will give you some extra beta carotene to start your day. They’re then topped with a heavenly maple cream cheese drizzle that’ll make your taste buds dance.
📍342 Massachusetts Ave and 908 E Westfield Blvd
9. Cafe Patachou
This restaurant is known for its delicious and creative breakfast dishes, like their Croissant French Toast, and best of all, their ingredients are locally sourced. Founded in 1989 and long described as “a student union for adults”, their pancake list is quite impressive. From fluffy buttermilk to savory ham and cheese, there’s something for everyone. One of Cafe Patachou‘s standout dishes is the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, which are light, tangy and finger-licking delicious, and come with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.
10. Eat Yolk
The restaurant’s pancake options include the Oreo pancakes, which are loaded with chunks of Oreo cookies and drizzled with chocolate sauce, and the Lemon Blueberry pancakes, which are made with fresh blueberries and lemon zest for a bright and refreshing start of the day. In addition to these unique flavors, Eat Yolk also offers gluten-free and vegan options. The restaurant has a trendy and modern atmosphere, with friendly staff and a wide range of brunch dishes to choose from, making it a great place for pancake lovers looking for a flavorful breakfast experience.
11. Lincoln Square
With multiple locations throughout the city, this popular breakfast spot has been serving up delicious pancakes for over 60 years. This is your go-to spot, if you’re into classics. Their menu boasts classic buttermilk pancakes, as well as specialty varieties like banana nut and apple cinnamon for the more indulgent folk. You can also try their Blueberry pancakes, made with fresh blueberries and served with whipped butter and warm syrup, so it’s not for the faint of heart.
12. Another Broken Egg Cafe
This warm restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and is the perfect meeting place with your family or friends. With Southern-inspired flavors, there’s a variety of breakfast options, and by all means, pancake options, including sweet potato, cinnamon roll, and blueberry lemon. Try their Bourbon street pancakes for gooey pancakes with bananas and pecans, drizzled with a rum butter sauce and topped with freshly whipped cream. Located at 9435 North Meridian Street, this Indianapolis gem is definitely worth a visit.