While I fancy myself a champion of all things breakfast, there’s no denying that pancakes are the best thing to happen to this morning meal since, well, always. (And bacon, let’s not forget bacon). After a long week, a stack of these hotcakes bring comfort and happiness.
Here are five local spots that serve up some of the best pancakes in the city. Let’s raise our bottles of maple syrup and savor the weekend.
Mugs Café, 515 Main Street, North Little Rock: The Argenta-based café offers up all-you-can eat pancakes every Saturday. For $5, Mugs serves up colossal, fluffy pancakes that so perfectly absorb butter and syrup, you will leave overstuffed and utterly satisfied. (Their coffee is amazing too.) What’s even better is the speciality pancake the café reveals on its Instagram each week. Recently, we’ve seen cinnamon roll pancakes and blueberry pecan. (!) Be sure to follow them here, and make sure you get there early. They serve these hotcakes until they’re gone. I’d recommend getting there no later than 9:30 a.m. as it fills up fast on Saturday mornings.
Saturday hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lost Forty Brewing, 501 Byrd Street: We have heard nothing but amazing things about the Sunday Beer Breakfast at Lost Forty, and therefore it deserves a mention on our list. Prolific Instagramers, Lost Forty also unveils its pancake of the week and drink specials on its feed. Last week, the eatery served up baked Barnhill Orchard apple and cinnamon pancakes and beermosas. Follow them here.
Sunday hours: Starts at 10:30 a.m.
Leo’s, 2925 Kavanaugh Boulevard: This Hillcrest staple, known for its Mediterranean-style fare, does not mess around with its breakfast menu. A top brunching spot, one of our favorite things to order are the triple berry pancakes. With this weather, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of its outdoor seating.
Saturday hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Root, 1500 South Main Street: The charming spot in SoMa serves up delicious buttermilk pancakes with real maple syrup and soft whipped butter. Don’t be deceived, there is nothing plain about these. They are fluffy and scrumptious and we want to go there right now. Who wants to meet up?
Saturday hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m
Red Door, 3701 Cantrell Road: We are also fans of the blueberry pancakes at Red Door, which are served up with warm syrup and whipped honey butter. If you’re an intrepid pancake connoisseur, you may want to go with the grilled pineapple, toasted pecans or caramelized bananas. And don’t be afraid to ask for a dollop of whipped cream because…yes.
Saturday hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (brunch hours)