From ancient Romans to millennial brunchers, pancakes have long been a favorite breakfast-time tummy-warmer — and mimosa accomplice.
Pancakes are so popular, in fact, that there are several holidays that celebrate the dish. Shrove Tuesday, also called Pancake Day, is a Christian holiday that falls between February and March and involves a feast before the start of Lent. Also in spring is IHOP’s pancake day, on which customers receive a free short stack of pancakes, a tradition the breakfast chain started in 2006. And then there’s National Pancake Day on Sept. 26, just for fun.
Chefs all over Sonoma County are whipping up their own delectable versions of the breakfast classic. Here are nine of our all-time favorites to enjoy on National Pancake Day or anytime of year.
The Classic
Dierk’s Parkside Café, Santa Rosa: Simple, fluffy pancakes served up with eggs and bacon at one of Santa Rosa’s fave breakfast spots.
404 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-573-5955, dierksparkside.com
Sleeper Hit
Fandee’s Restaurant, Sebastopol: Rich, fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes are one of my favorites, served with berries and vanilla crème anglaise.
7824 Covert Lane, Sebastopol, 707-829-2462, fandeesrestaurant.com
Best Newcomer
Acorn Cafe, Healdsburg: The Acorn Cafe, opened last year in Healdsburg’s former Oakville Grocery, features a vegan lemon ricotta hotcake on its menu, served with house lemon curd, whipped ricotta, oat crumble and topped with a scoop of lemon lavender ice cream.
124 Matheson St., 707-955-7001, Healdsburg, acornhealdsburg.com
Big and Buttery
Jeffrey’s Hillside Cafe, Santa Rosa: Buttermilk pancakes as big as dinner plates, served with two eggs and choice of bacon, sausage or ham.
2901 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-6317, jeffreyshillsidecafe.com
Brunch Favorite
Verano Cafe, Sonoma: Plate-size lemon pancakes are fluffed up with cottage cheese, eggs and lemon for a unique take on the traditional stack at this favored Sonoma cafe. Grab a fresh mimosa (passion fruit is a favorite) or a well-made cup of coffee while you wait.
18976 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-931-6837, veranocafesonoma.com
Bavarian-Style
Brother’s Cafe, Santa Rosa: The owners behind Sebastopol’s popular Hole in the Wall opened twin restaurant Brother’s Cafe in 2022. The Santa Rosa cafe serves a similar breakfast menu to the Sebastopol outpost (all day). Don’t miss the Dutch Baby German pancake with caramelized sugar and apples.
3135 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-541-6345, brotherscafesr.com
Fill ’Er Up
Sax’s Joint, Petaluma: Open wide for a pancake the size of a pizza. Using a half-gallon of batter, it’s any child’s dream.
317 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma, 707-559-3021, saxsjoint.com
Farm-to-Table
Americana, Sebastopol and Santa Rosa: Pancakes hot from the griddle are top-notch. Choose from classic, blueberry or chocolate chip pancakes, served with housemade vanilla cider maple syrup, whipped cream and seasonal fruit.
162 N. Main St. Sebastopol, 707-827-3309; 205 Fifth St., Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-755-1548, americanasonomacounty.com
Best with Your Dog
Howard Station Cafe, Occidental: This dog-friendly, locomotive-themed cafe offers stacks of buttermilk, blueberry and banana walnut pancakes.
3611 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, 707-874-2838, howardstationcafe.com
Whether you love them fluffy, fruity, buttery, or big enough to share, Sonoma County’s pancake scene has something for every craving. Which stack will you try first? Tag us on social and let us know your favorite spot — and don’t forget to bring a friend (and maybe a mimosa) along for the ride!
