Also known as Johnnycakes, griddle cakes or hotcakes, pancakes are a staple of a morning breakfast. They are typically made of a starch-based batter that may contain eggs, milk and butter.

Looking for the best restaurants in the area to celebrate on National Pancake Day on Sept. 26? Our guide below featuring the winners and finalists from our 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards can help steer you in the right direction.

Enjoy a homestyle breakfast at Dad’s Restaurant. Dad’s customers enjoy great omelets or Belgian Waffles, but pancakes got them voted as the winner. Readers voted Dad’s Restaurant the winner for Pancakes & Best Breakfast in the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.

They offer a short stack or three Buttermilk pancakes topped with peaches, blueberries, chocolate chips, apple brown sugar, cranberries, bananas or nuts. Their Hungarian pancakes come layered with butter, sugar, cinnamon and walnuts. The Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes get served with a cinnamon swirl topped with powdered sugar.  

You can enjoy your pancakes in their dining room or take it to go. They even offer catering options so you can host a brunch as well. 

Hours: Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Breakfast and Lunch); and Saturday & Sunday 6 a.m. -1 p.m. (breakfast only)

Address: 740 North Colony Road, Wallingford 

Colony Diner & Restaurant has an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. With breakfast served all day you can enjoy a stack of pancakes at any time. Our readers voted them as finalists in the pancakes category and the winner in the dining category of the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.

They offer pancakes in an array of ways including three light & fluffy buttermilk, whole wheat or gluten free pancakes; fresh strawberry pancakes which is three buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh sliced strawberries; fresh blueberry pancakes which is three buttermilk pancakes cooked with fresh blueberries, topped with more fresh blueberries; chocolate chip pancakes; silver dollar pancakes; and potato pancakes served with applesauce & sour cream. You can also add your favorite ingredients and spreads to them.

Dine-in for the best dining experience in a cozy, family atmosphere or take it to-go.

Hours: They are open Sunday - Thursday: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday: 6 a.m. - 3 a.m.

Address: 611 North Colony Road, Wallingford

Though Huxley’s Bookmark Cafe was recognized for their breakfast sandwiches, the restaurant has spent over 21 years serving Meriden patrons an array of  breakfast items including pancakes. Readers picked Huxley’s as the top breakfast sandwich in the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.  

They serve pancakes topped with your favorite fruits like strawberries, bananas, and blueberries.

Hours: They are open Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Address: 1376 East Main Street, Meriden

chooks@record-journal.com203-317-2279