IHOP, I HAPPY!!
Written: Feb 05 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Consistently the same in good breakfasts and service.
Cons: Small booths.
The Bottom Line: It ain't just pancakes.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: IHOP |
The International House of cakes had its name one it was a one restaurant facility in Toluca Lake, California. I believe the name was a terrific marketing strategy and the IHOP is catchy and easy for the kids to remember and say.
IHOP is a place where you know exactly what favorites are on the menu and at the same time they try to keep on the cutting edge with different specials.
In my last visit, just a couple of days ago they were featuring Fruit Pocket Pancakes. There were hanging signs all about and a special smaller menu, with the pocket pancakes featured, was given with their usual immense six page laminated menu. They are also page one on the IHOP website. OK so IHOP is only on the cutting edge in the pancake business. Well that's fine by me.
Latest Special
Here's what they state that these are Pocket Pancakes
-For a limited time only IHOP is combining our award winning buttermilk pancakes with your favorite fruits in breakfasts you are sure to love. Choose your favorite Fruit Pocket Pancakes
-Strawberry-Banana Fruit Pocket Pancakes explode with the fresh flavors of cool, juicy strawberries and bananas. These delicious pancakes are topped with sweet glaze and powdered sugar.
-Caramel-Apple Fruit Pocket Pancakes are drizzled with sweet caramel sauce and crowned with a gentle dash of powdered sugar. On the inside you will find IHOP's warm cinnamon apples.
-Blueberry Fruit Pocket Pancakes IHOP's famous buttermilk pancakes folded around warm blueberry compote, topped with sweet glaze and powdered sugar.
-Peaches and Cream Fruit Pocket Pancakes packed with warm peach compote and crowned with whipped topping and powdered sugar.
-You can order any of the new Fruit Pocket Pancakes ala carte or as part of a complete breakfast with eggs, hash browns, bacon or sausage.
The place I went to in Oceanside on Long Island happens to have a senior citizens special of 25% off on Wednesdays and Sundays after 4PM. There are some restrictions, but I'm confident those folks know how to get the best deals. No pouring maple syrup into flasks to take home.
Atmosphere
Though there may be some differences in the decor of IHOP, when see one I think of a high and sharply peeked blue roofed building that gives a sort of Swiss Chalet feeling. The bottom is bricked and you can see in through the windows that are just above table height.
In entering the blue continues as the predominant colour of the interior and the waitstaff has blue aprons and are neatly trim and sharp looking.
I find I am always greeted with an enthusiastic smile and, though there is sometimes a wait for a table, they are truly trying to expedite service for the customer. They always seem to be looking for a table to clear but at the same time I have NEVER felt rushed while I was still eating.
The restaurants I've been is are a sort of Friendly's type atmosphere of mostly booths in long straight rows. The booth cushions are comfortable but TOO CLOSE TO THE TABLE for this big guy. I suppose I am the limit in size that can fit and that is not a comfortable fit either. There were a couple of tables and chairs if needed but the those chairs didn't look too strong for my...my ..never mind, most people should be quite comfortable.
They do keep the place clean. With all the syrup that is used, you might think there may be some sticky areas. Not at all, they do clean the tables well between use and the carpeted floor was reasonably clean considering all the people that pass through.
The larger tables had four different syrups cradled together. Hot maple syrup is brought to the table with your order.
Rest rooms seem to be clean enough, well stocked and small.
Menu
Did I say Pancakes? Yes, there are more pancakes offerings and flavored syrups than there are scouts around a campfire toasting marshmallows. Some names are Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Banana Nut Pancakes, Pecan Pancakes Harvest Grain n' Nut Pancakes, Potato Pancakes and on. I shouldn't forget Silver Dollar Pancakes. My wife likes those. You get ten of these little babies for $4.69 on Long Island.
Like the pocket pancakes you can get assorted fruit on them too.
Many egg specials are available with different combos of meats, (bacon, ham, sausage and T-Bone Steaks) hash browns, and multi-types of pancakes. These are priced from about $4.00 up to the large mixed combos that are $11.00 and change.
The omelettes they serve are huge and fluffy. I counted 12 different styles on the menu.
Now me, I happen to be a French toast sorta guy and IHOP does make me HAPpy. They make the best around. A thin crisp outside and soft inside with hot maple syrup and enough tasty butter to make a sleigh hill out of.
Their bacon is good and the sausage, though skinny little things are very tasty and relatively fat free.
One of the samplers has pancakes made in French, Swedish, or German style. I had no idea as to what made them so. After asking I found out that the French as an orange sauce, Swedish with Ingon Berries and Ingon Butter(whatever Ingon is) and the German has lemon butter. These are thinly made like crepes.
Side breakfast type dishes are also available like corned beef hash, Pigs in a Blanket, ( These are sausages wrapped inside pancakes), cornbread cake, garlic cheese bread and more.
But That's Not All
Though you can order any of these breakfast items all day long, there is a menu of more traditional lunch and dinner items.
Check out the menu for Appetizers, Hamburgers and melts, many sandwiches, (the Philly Cheese are excellent), salads as sides and meals, and a full list of entrees.
They offer items like Chicken Parmagiana, Spaghetti, Cooked Liver, Grilled Cod, Seafood Sampler, Pot Roast, and even a T-Bone Steak dinner with Fried Shrimp and Onion rings that goes for the whopping $14.00 as the most expensive item on the menu.
A Bit More
The place is definitely kid friendly. They have boosters and high chairs for them and a special menu too. These are pretty much just smaller versions of the regular items but have IHOPpy or is that Happy names like Funny Face, and Rooty Jr.
They do have desserts too. I never even look them over. There's enough sweets and butter with the regular items for me.
Closing Thoughts
I love their French Toast, there isn't better anywhere. I have always found the service to be friendly and efficient. The place is kept clean and I know the basics of the menu.
IHOP is known for their pancakes and people are ordering them constantly. You are not going to get out of this place on the cheap. It adds up quickly.
Coffee was $1.45, but they give you a cup and an insulated pitcher at your table. Plenty of milk and Half and Half are at the table too. You don't have to keep asking for the stuff. I like that.
I've been going to IHOP for years on and off. Every time I've been there they are "ON".
Cheesecake Factory / McDonald's / Checkers Burgers / Red Lobster / The White Castle / Dunkin' Donuts / Starbucks / Ralph's Famous Ices / Cold Stone Creamery / CARVEL Ice Cream / Boulder Creek Steakhouse / Waffle House / Krispy Kreme / Friendly's / jumba juice / Ruth's Chris Steak House
Recommended:
Yes
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