Nothing says good morning like a light and buttery flapjack. The simple combo of flour, eggs and sugar creates a dish that brings back childhood memories of Sunday mornings and is still worth indulging in, even at the peak of swimsuit season. No matter how you stuff, shape or top it, six Long Island eateries are on the short stack of spots to find great pancakes. Pro tip: take the savory route and share the fork with bacon and egg favorites.
Toast, Port Jefferson/Patchogue
Flapjack fanatics and those who never met a Cinnabon they could resist are sure to go crazy over the Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes.
Ice cream lovers rejoice—you’ll find some of your go-to flavors baked into a slightly gooey and fluffy shell. Try the raspberry cheesecake, chocolate chip cookie dough or apple cinnamon crumb to get your day started off on the right track. Go.
Painters’ Restaurant, Bellport
S’mores and strawberry pancakes take diners to those feel-good summer days. The trendy floor-to-ceiling art and contemporary décor are just as colorful as the weekend pancake toppings offered from 11am-4pm. Blueberry, apple, banana and chocolate chip—taste the rainbow or draw one with crayons on the paper tablecloth at your seat. Go.
Love Lane Kitchen, Mattituck
Nestled along charming Love Lane, this upscale yet comfy kitchenette lets visitors sleep in without the guilt by serving up pancakes every day until 2pm. Check the blackboard for ever-changing seasonal pancake selections, but be sure to put the lemon ricotta pancakes on your foodie bucket list. Go.
Maureen’s Kitchen, Smithtown
image: nicolebranan
If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, consider Maureen’s Kitchen your new stomping ground. This cow-adorned morning mecca cooks scrumptious pumpkin walnut, pistachio and Oreo cookie pancakes all day long. Get there early if you want to avoid the wait. Customers travel far and wide for the dinner-plate sized portions. Pro tip: bring cash. Maureen’s doesn’t accept cards. Go.
Diner By the Sea, Long Beach
It was only a matter of time before Diner by the Sea’s famous tie-dyed milkshake found a faithful sidekick. Meet the fluorescent flapjack, a rule breaker prepared on a hot griddle and mixed with food dye to match every color in a pack of Skittles. Go.
Hampton Maid, Hampton Bays
image: hampton maid
This cozy, unpretentious hideaway is the perfect way to start a lazy morning. Dine on the covered patio overlooking the Shinnecock Bay while feasting on a tasty short stack served with scrambled eggs and home fried potatoes. The mango pancakes are reason enough to make this a traditional visit. Go.