Put your morning green juice back in the fridge, cancel the trainer, and don’t even think about counting carbs—it’s National Pancake Day! In honor of this most delicious occasion, we challenged our activities editor Melanie Amber, to find the perfect family-friendly flapjack joint to celebrate. Her choice: Brownstone Pancake Factory, of course- and she was floored by the options (including some very healthy surprises) on the menu.
This family owned and operated pancake house has been serving up stacks of its gourmet-quality griddlecakes for more than 45 years, first at its original location in Jersey City, and more recently at its new Edgewater outpost. With a full menu of comfort food and down-home diner fare, Brownstone is a pancake lover’s paradise, and its legion of fans runs thicker than fresh-tapped maple syrup, but the new Edgewater locale has got a distinct city-vibe, valet parking and a menu to match.
Let’s start with the digs. Celebrity Interior Designer Vanessa DeLeon (wife of owner Bobby Bournias) styled the place. So think vintage- but chic and upscale, then add in an upside down room and juice bar and you’ll get the idea. Cozy booths perfect for fidgety toddlers flank the walls and a picky-eater-proof kids menu is presented to all young diners. Our two year old devoured the Chocolate Chip Pancakes- served Mickey Mouse style but wasn’t afraid to sip from the Green Juice we ordered either. We also tried (and loved) the perfectly seasoned Lox Benedict (with organic eggs) and the Almond Butter Acai Bowl (yes, acai), which was reminiscent of a velvety chocolate shake served with a generous topping of nuts for that extra energy boost. Last dish was the Peanut Butter Bacon Pancakes and then a Short Stack of Buttermilks to go- both yummy. And then we thought why not just try, try, Guy Fieri’s Triple “D” Buffalo Chicken Pancake Wrap: Buffalo fried chicken, mozzarella cheese, roasted peppers & bleu cheese, wrapped in an oversized pancake, made famous by “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”?
But then we thought, let’s save that for a post-labor day visit.
Melanie Amber Ruane is the activities editor for Bergen Mama. When she’s not running around after her toddler Vance she reports on kid-friendly activities and more.
Brownstone Pancake Factory
Official Website
860 River Road, Edgewater
201-945-4800
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