IHOP - I'll Be Back
Written: Nov 30 '00 (Updated Jan 18 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very good dining experience.
Cons: None this visit.
The Bottom Line: After reading other Epinions and comments, it would appear that IHOP's can vary a lot by location. Epinions would be a good source for checking specific locations.
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| partners's Full Review: IHOP |
My wife and I had been shopping, and running errands for a couple of hours. Since it was getting close to supper time, she suggested we go to "Soup and Salad" to eat. She had been to S&S before, and liked it, but I was hungry, and unsure about going somewhere that just had soup and salad. I remembered having read an Epinion on IHOP, and that IHOP had a fairly high member rating. I can eat a breakfast meal almost any time and be happy with it, so I suggested we try IHOP. The last time we were at an IHOP, it probably was better know as "International House Of Pancakes."
The IHOP in our area is relatively new. Numerous times when driving by it, I noticed they were busy, which I took as a good sign. We arrived there shortly past 5:00 P.M., and the dining area was a little less than half full. Since this was a Monday, that probably would be normal.
The decor was, well, pancake house like. A lot of beige painted wood, small paned windows, well lighted, with maroon accents. I would describe the dining area as bright, airy, and clean. Over all, the first impression was very good. Our waitress was helpful, friendly, and attentive, without being overbearing. In other words, she was an exceptionally good waitress, by any standard.
After our waitress saw that we were looking at breakfast meals, she brought us a supplemental, holiday breakfast, menu. This included:
"IHOP's Holiday Pancakes feature two unique pancakes that are sure to make any holiday bright. The first is our always-popular Pumpkin Pancakes a unique recipe that combines real pumpkin with our delicious buttermilk batter.These pancakes are crowned with powdered sugar and whipped topping. Since being introduced in 1994 Pumpkin Pancakes are an annual favorite of our customers." Courtesy of IHOP’s website.
$3.99 regular, big $4.99, jumbo $5.99,
Our waitress said the pumpkin pancakes were really good, but I told her, I did not know if I was in the mood to try something new. Her response was that if I tried them, and did not like them, I could replace them with regular buttermilk pancakes. With zero risk, I gave them a try. IHOP’s says they are made from real pumpkin and buttermilk batter. My impression was they tasted a lot like pumpkin spice, and I would have said whole-wheat batter. Regardless they were very good. If I get this in the future, I may get one pumpkin and one regular pancake.
The rest of the regular meal, $3.99, includes, 2 eggs, 2 sausage or bacon, and hash browns. I did not see it on the menu, but I was also served, a small bowl of cooked apple slices, with a dollop of light whipped cream on top. That was a nice touch. This was plenty to eat, unless you have a very big appetite or are an above average eater.
My wife got the steak omelette, which I initially though was a bit pricey, at around $7.00. The steak is piled on top of a large omelette. After seeing the quantity of steak, and size of the omelette, I thought the price was reasonable. My wife said the omelette, and the rest of the meal were excellent.
Other Epinions have mentioned greasy food. I noted just the opposite. There was no evidence of excess grease at all with my meal, which surprised me. I ordered the eggs over easy. The white was partially browned, but the yoke was not hard. The hash browns were nicely browned on the outside, and moist on the inside. Even the sausage was not greasy. They were actually a somewhat on the dry side. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I relish a little of that fat, with some items.
All together our visit to IHOP was an excellent dining experience; almost perfect. Do I have one pet peeve? Yes. Just about every restaurant, that I know of, charges over a dollar for coffee. Actually IHOP’s was relatively inexpensive, at just over a dollar, but I would like to see a restaurant charge about fifty cents for coffee, when accompanied by a regular meal. "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride."
If you are passing through Wichita, KS, this is the IHOP at Ridge Rd. and US 54/Kellogg Ave. This is just north of the airport and easy to get too.
Food: Very good.
Service: Exceptional.
Decor: Nice and airy.
Special Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations: Try the holiday pancake special.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID: partners
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Location: Kansas
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 83 members
About Me: No matter where you go, There you are.
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