I paid another visit to one of my favorite brunch spots, the Pannenkoeken Cafe. They added an outdoor cafe this past summer to accomodate more customers and reduce some of the waiting periods



They have, in the works, a plan to open a second Pannenkoeken in the future, one that will be larger, with more tables and more offerings on the menu, in an area up further North and still keep the Lincoln Square location as well.

I really like the omelets here. I usually order a Denver with spinach, and I was afraid it was becoming my "usual". After talking to other patrons, I decided to expand my horizons and order something different, venturing into the "Pannenkoeken" side of the menu.



Before I ordered my entree, I ordered a Mocha Latte. I'm usually a straight coffee kind of guy, but the coffee they brew, with the chocolate and homemade whipped cream, make this a great starter



For my entree, I ordered the Apple, Raisin, & Cheese Pannenkoeken, and also asked for a side of the ginger preserves to use instead of syrup. The pannenkoeken arrived nice and warm, with the raisins baked inside the batter. The cheese they use is Havarti, and it tastes excellent with the seasonal Honeycrisp apple, which has a touch of cinnamon sprinkled on it





Also, I ordered a side of the extra large sausage links. This is the only breakfast spot I found, outside of the downtown hotels, that serve this style breakfast sausage link. Very high quality, thick and juicy, cooked perfectly



I mentioned that I ordered a side of the ginger preserves to eat with my pannenkoeken. I'd recommend trying the imported ginger preserves! It went so well with the apple and Havarti. The ginger is not overpowering, and it is not overly sweet. If ginger is not your thing, then I'd recommend asking for the Dutch syrup, called Stroop.



It is better than using maple syrup, which tends to lend flavors to some of the pannenkoeken that might not go as well with it. The stroop is plain, maybe more comparable to clear corn syrup, just not as sweet, but allows the flavors of the pannenkoeken to be up front and not masked, as would be the case with maple syrup. The maple syrup, however, accompanies the Bacon Cheese Pannenkoeken quite well.

So, this is the latest installment for sharing with you one of my favorite breakfast/brunch spots. Hope you get a chance to enjoy sometime!

TheWindyCity

Pannekoeken Cafe
4757 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
773-769-8800
7AM - 2PM - M W TH F
8AM - 2PM - S S
Closed Tuesdays

Recently moved out of the 'hood to Hyde Park. I definitely miss their good omelets and those terrific sausages. Just wanted to second that emotion. Also, their coffee is pretty good, and the service very friendly and gracious as they make the best of that incredibly tight space.
(Meanwhile, I am falling fast for Valois "see your food". But that's another time and another thread.)

I didn't know this place existed! I need to try it! I've been to Amsterdam and had the pannenkoeken there so let's see if they stack up !

mrbarolo wrote:Recently moved out of the 'hood to Hyde Park. I definitely miss their good omelets and those terrific sausages. Just wanted to second that emotion. Also, their coffee is pretty good, and the service very friendly and gracious as they make the best of that incredibly tight space.
(Meanwhile, I am falling fast for Valois "see your food". But that's another time and another thread.)

Haven't tried the Valois, but have heard nothing but good things. So lucky you, you are close to our beloved Medici! (My wife and I have been going here since (ahem) 1975, still bringing our own wine! Glad they haven't touched the BYOB policy. Also, love that Garbage Pizza!

chewonthat wrote:I didn't know this place existed! I need to try it! I've been to Amsterdam and had the pannenkoeken there so let's see if they stack up !

Here's a great story from the owner, along with a video from the Reader, you may enjoy.

http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/s ... ts/071011/

Thanks 'thewindycity'!!

Has anyone paid a visit to the Pannenkoeken Cafe lately? We went there this past Sunday morning. There as a small line to get in, taking about 20 minutes or so. We were there for about an hour and a half, and the place was full the whole time



with a few peple waiting most of the time. The table turnover was pretty efficient, with a busboy right on the empty tables, cleaning and getting it ready for the next set of diners.

We are still loving this place, and my guess is that others are too. We overheard many first timers there, and everyone seemed happy with their selections. I saw many varieties of pannenkoekens coming out to the tables, and they looked pretty tempting. The chocolate banana seems to be the most popular. The savory type are also doing well for them.

I started with a cafe mocha latte. It was great to look at and tasted even better



My wife had a capuccino, and it was excellent



They use "Dave's Blend" from the Coffee and Tea Exchange, whip up each drink fresh to order



My wife ordered the savory Veggie Pannenkoeken, and asked for havarti cheese, broccoli, spinach and mushrooms for the toppings. The vegetables were all fresh, and I really liked the flavors that the mushrooms lent to the whole dish



I ordered an egg white Denver omelet with havarti and spinach, a side of their large sausage links, and extra crisp hash browns, and also a side of marble rye. It was very flavorful and perfectly cooked. The hash browns were perfect!



We left satisfied and happy. The service was great, and I never had an empty cup of coffee. Can't wait to return yet again!

Glad this place remains successful, and is getting some LTH love.
Last time I was there, I had no trouble getting a table, so I was
a little worried, as it only takes about 8 people to make this joint
feel packed. Hoping they can expand once the creepy Russian
"audio / video repair" store finally closes shop next door.

pannenkoeken cafe looks like it's opening a second location on north avenue, about 2300 west. it's the former korean place; cant remember it's name. it's not open yet. justjoan

justjoan wrote:pannenkoeken cafe looks like it's opening a second location on north avenue, about 2300 west. it's the former korean place; cant remember it's name. it's not open yet. justjoan

The former Korean spot you think of: Su-Ra Rice and Mix.
Pannenkoeken does indeed look like it's on the verge of opening. I had no idea this place was doing so well in Lincoln Sq. that they were ready for expansion!

-M@

They will be keeping both places open. They opened the first small location in Lincoln Square because pannenkoeken was something new and unfamiliar in the U.S. - Linda Ellis was being cautious, not sure if they'd be well received here, hence the seven table restaurant. I'm looking forward to the new, spacious location. It also has a small outdoor garden in back. Should be nice!

TheWindyCity wrote:They will be keeping both places open. They opened the first small location in Lincoln Square because pannenkoeken was something new and unfamiliar in the U.S. - Linda Ellis was being cautious, not sure if they'd be well received here, hence the seven table restaurant. I'm looking forward to the new, spacious location. It also has a small outdoor garden in back. Should be nice!

I'm not sure but I could have sworn I've eaten Pannekoeken in Minneapolis before. In fact, I'm 99% sure the name of the place was even called Pannekoeken. (and this was 15 years ago)

Eric wrote:

TheWindyCity wrote:They will be keeping both places open. They opened the first small location in Lincoln Square because pannenkoeken was something new and unfamiliar in the U.S. - Linda Ellis was being cautious, not sure if they'd be well received here, hence the seven table restaurant. I'm looking forward to the new, spacious location. It also has a small outdoor garden in back. Should be nice!

I'm not sure but I could have sworn I've eaten Pannekoeken in Minneapolis before. In fact, I'm 99% sure the name of the place was even called Pannekoeken. (and this was 15 years ago)

I probably should have said "in Chicago".

justjoan wrote:pannenkoeken cafe looks like it's opening a second location on north avenue, about 2300 west. it's the former korean place; cant remember it's name. it's not open yet. justjoan

A friend and I just attempted to have breakfast at the new Pannenkoeken Cafe on North Ave. Unfortunately they seem to be having serious kitchen issues --- 2 tables walked out before we were seated, another left after we ordered and we left after we were told it would be another 15-20 minutes after waiting 35 for two orders, with 7 of the 10 tables having no food. Everyone who was waiting left as well, in addition to 4 others who followed us soon after at Birchwood Kitchen.

It's unfortunate as well that the lady who seemed to be the manager/expediter didn't seem to be doing much at all. One could see the three cooks (1 older lady, 2 younger guys) with their hands on their heads at various times.

Hopefully they get their act together as it's a block from my house and I'd love to try it.

My wife and I were hosting my mom for the weekend and we decided to take her to the new Pannenkoeken on North Ave. Maybe I just don't get the concept but overall, I wasn't very pleased with my breakfast. My wife, who loves thin pancakes (Swedish style) was even more disappointed. My mom played it safe by getting two eggs, bacon and hashbrowns.

I ordered the fried salami and havarti pannenkoeken and my since my wife was craving pancakes, she ordered the buttermilk pancakes (3 pancakes). Our waitress was nice but man, the service was slow. It took about 30 minutes to fill our order and that's with only 4 other tables occupied. What I received was a very large, bland pancake with three pieces of fried salami covered with three pieces of havarti. I had to ask the waitress how I should eat it and she said that many people roll it up but the salami sort of prevents one from being able to do so. Fair enough, I started to eat by cutting out my salami while trying to incorporate some of the pancake with each bite. When I was finished with my three slices of salami, I had a plate of cold, rubbery pancake pieces on my plate to throw away. Who would eat this plain? My wife commented that clearly, the way to go is with the sweet pancakes (even though our waitress mentioned that she was a fan of the savory).

My wife got through one of her three buttermilk pancakes and gave up. She thought they could be the worst she's had in a restaurant. I didn't try them but she mentioned that they were bland and thick and it took way too much butter and syrup to enjoy.

Overall, we were glad we tried it but we really don't have a reason to go back. I do have one question about pannenkoeken though - Am I missing something? Are you supposed to roll these things up or add any condiments or something? They seemed really bland by themselves (unless you go with the sweet v. savory) so maybe I should have added something?

tyrus wrote:My wife and I were hosting my mom for the weekend and we decided to take her to the new Pannenkoeken on North Ave. Maybe I just don't get the concept but overall, I wasn't very pleased with my breakfast.
. . .
Overall, we were glad we tried it but we really don't have a reason to go back. I do have one question about pannenkoeken though - Am I missing something?

Sadly, I don't think you're missing a thing. I find the pancakes bland and the toppings sparse. I tried the one in Lincoln Square a few times but I've now given up.

tyrus wrote: I had to ask the waitress how I should eat it and she said that many people roll it up but the salami sort of prevents one from being able to do so.
I do have one question about pannenkoeken though - Am I missing something? Are you supposed to roll these things up or add any condiments or something? They seemed really bland by themselves (unless you go with the sweet v. savory) so maybe I should have added something?

BR wrote:
Sadly, I don't think you're missing a thing. I find the pancakes bland and the toppings sparse. I tried the one in Lincoln Square a few times but I've now given up.

My wife and I visited the Lincoln Square Pannenkoeken on Saturday, 20Oct09, and had a great experience, and so I would also like to add my two cents regarding the quotes above as well. I also think when I do visit the new Pannenkoeken Cafe on North Avenue sometime in the future, I would like to start a new thread for that particular location, in all fairness, since THIS thread really began regarding only the Lincoln Square location when it first opened. It appears that Linda Ellis, the force behind the idea of offereing Pannenkoeken to Chicagoans, is in the kitchen at Lincoln Square, so I'd assume she is running this location, and the North Avenue location is being managed by someone else.

We arrived about 9:45AM, and grabbed the last table for two. There were people waiting for one of the three larger tables to open. The Pannenkoeken still does a brisk weekend business.



We began with a great Mocha Latte with whipped cream...the coffee here is still consistently excellent:



My wife ordered an apple and Havarti cheese Pannenkoeken, and asked for the addition of ham as well. The ham has a nice slightly smokey, slightly salty flavor.



I had a hard time deciding between sweet or savory, so I thought I would ask for a split of both. It was not a problem! I ordered a veggie Pannenkoeken with broccolli, tomato, mushroom, and Feta; for the other half, I ordered an apple and Havarti cheese.



I thought the topping quantity to be anything but sparse on this visit. It seems to be pretty consistent with my past visits as well.



Regarding how to eat these Dutch pancakes, I find it easy to cut a small wedge, and roll it onto your fork, thus getting all the topping flavor rolled into the base dough. The dough is supposed to be bland, and compliment whatever topping you choose. It takes a background role, and lets the flavors of the topping come forward:



As far as adding something...in Belgium, they use Stroop syrup. It is comparable to dark corn syrup. They also have a light Stroop available as well, but the dark is better, in my opinion. The Stroop is something you have to ask for at the Pannenkoeken, as they are trying to find an importer here in the USA. Usually, their customers familiar with this cuisine know to ask for it. Currently, the owner brings it back from her visits there, so the supply may be tight. I would NOT recommend maple syrup, as the maple flavor is overpowering, and takes over and distracts from the topping flavor.
( I used the last of this bottle of dark Stroop!)


With Winter's inevitable approach, I see us heading back very soon to the Pannenkoeken to try more varieties of toppings. I'd still recommend the Pannenkoeken to those who want to try something different and very tasty!

TheWindyCity wrote:My wife and I visited the Lincoln Square Pannenkoeken on Saturday, 20Oct09, and had a great experience,

TheWindyCity,

Thank you for all of your reports. I'm always curious to hear from someone who is such a big fan of a place--is there anything at all you'd change/or improve with Pannenkoeken?

Dutch pancakes aren't my favorite food in the world, but I would like to make a visit to Pannenkoeken eventually to check it out.

Sharon

happy_stomach wrote: TheWindyCity,

Thank you for all of your reports. I'm always curious to hear from someone who is such a big fan of a place--is there anything at all you'd change/or improve with Pannenkoeken?

Dutch pancakes aren't my favorite food in the world, but I would like to make a visit to Pannenkoeken eventually to check it out.

Sharon

As far as improvements: For a new customer, it looks like it's hard for them to chose which Pannenkoeken to get...it was for me on my first visit...so I would say a menu or table card with photos of the different varieties would be helpful for customers to make a choice.

I never had a Pannenkoeken until this place opened, but my wife traveled to the Netherlands and had them, so she was excited when this breakfast/lunch cuisine was brought here. She says they are pretty authentic from what she had in Europe. Now I'm hooked to the point where I get a taste for them now and then.

I watched the kitchen make these through the service portal. They have special pans made specifically for them that turn the edges up a bit. The batter has only four ingredients, and no leavening agent, so this could be why they don't appeal to everyone. The pan is then coated with pure butter, which is why I love the taste of the pancake so much!! (at home we use nothing but olive oil for cooking, so when I go out, this is a great break for me!) The special pan and the butter make for a buttery, slightly toasty flavor of the final crepe-like pancake that compliments the topping so well (in my opinion).


Hope you enjoy your first stop there in the future, Sharon!

Paid a visit to the Pannenkoeken Sunday after we heard good things about a new seasonal menu item. They have been offering a seasonal special: Pumpkin Pancakes with Mascarpone / Pumpkin Butter. I'm not a fan over overspiced and artificial flavors, so knowing that the owner is fussy on ingredients, I was looking forward to trying them.


They were awesome! The pumpkin for the pancakes are oven roasted in the early morning to render the pumpkin for the batter. The topping is mascarpone and a lightly spiced pumpkin butter that is whipped together as one. It was a flavorful combination that had a nice, natural taste of the pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon, without any one flavor overpowering the other. I'd highly recommend giving these a try - call first to make sure they are being offered that day. Pannenkoeken Cafe - 4757 N Western Ave, Chicago - (773) 769-8800

Windy,

I have never been to this place, because I always envision it wildly busy with a line out the door. How was your wait when you went recently? Is there a low tide time you would recommend?

Thanks!

Regards,

We went before 9 A.M. on Sunday, and there were a few tables still open. Around the time we left, it was consistently full, and a group of four was waiting outside. Most of the time, I'll stop during the week when I'm in the area on business, and usually get a table right away. On weekends, if my wife wants to go, we'll go early, for both the line and traffic reasons.

If anyone is interested, Groupon has a deal on the Pannenkoken Cafe in Lincoln Square today. You know I bought mine! Good way to give them a try on the cheap!
Goupon Deal

Pannenkoeken Cafe - 4757 N Western Ave, Chicago - (773) 769-8800

TheWindyCity wrote:If anyone is interested, Groupon has a deal on the Pannenkoken Cafe in Lincoln Square today. You know I bought mine! Good way to give them a try on the cheap!
Goupon Deal

Pannenkoeken Cafe - 4757 N Western Ave, Chicago - (773) 769-8800

I haven't been yet to Pannenkoeken Cafe, but knowing it's such a small spot and they sold over 3700 Groupons when I looked yesterday, it seems it will be a long time before I go.

The GP wrote:

TheWindyCity wrote:If anyone is interested, Groupon has a deal on the Pannenkoken Cafe in Lincoln Square today. You know I bought mine! Good way to give them a try on the cheap!
Goupon Deal

Pannenkoeken Cafe - 4757 N Western Ave, Chicago - (773) 769-8800

I haven't been yet to Pannenkoeken Cafe, but knowing it's such a small spot and they sold over 3700 Groupons when I looked yesterday, it seems it will be a long time before I go.

Your best bet would be a weekday, or an earlier time on the weekend. I very rarely wait at these times.

Pannenkoeken Cafe in Bucktown is now Yuca Cafe.

EDIT: Added location.

nsxtasy wrote:Pannenkoeken Cafe is now Yuca Cafe.

The North Avenue location is no longer Pannenkoeken. It was sold. The original location at Lincoln Square on Western will go back to being their only location


.

Made a quick stop at the Pannenkoeken today, and decided to try something different. I ordered the French Toast with Mascarpone and Blueberries.
Oh my God! The hallah bread and mascarpone make this so decadent! It is ever so slightly sweet, and I didn't want, or need to add, sugar via syrup...it was so good as served. Highly recommend this one:

Me and the wifey visited The Pannekoeken recently on a Saturday morning. We arrived around 8AM and didn't have to wait for a table, which was not the case for new patrons when we left a little over an hour later. We ordered two special entrees not on the menu, but on the "Specials" board, and shared them.

For a savory item, we got the sun-dried tomato veggie omelet with sun-dried tomato olive oil and goat cheese. I subbed for egg whites as well. The sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese worked well together, and we really enjoyed the flavor the tomatoes added to what would otherwise be a typical vegetable omelet anywhere else.









For a sweet item, we ordered the Chocolate Chip Challah Bread French Toast. This bread is incredibly decadent in itself, but now they build on that by adding bananas and Nutella! Have mercy!







A few weeks prior to our visit, I had some business to attend to that took me up to the Northside, so I stopped in on my own. They had another "special" going on with the seasonal item at that time, and I gave it a shot. It was a Mango Pannenkoeken with Strawberry Glaze and Whipped Cream.



It worked really well together, and I enjoyed it. Gotta give them credit for always adjusting the specials and trying something new and appealing. Can wait to visit again in a few weeks to see what's new.




.

I was surprised to see this closed after all the rave reviews. Now it's Famous Dutch Pancake Huis.