I'm a firm believer in trying very hard not to review chain restaurants, because 1) they're always going to be around, much like cockroaches and sea turtles, so what's the point in giving a one star review, and 2) I'm pretty sure no one wants to read about the local McDonalds unless a knife fight broke out over the last packet of French fries. But see: Bodos, Raising Cane's, TGI Friday's, and Ruby Tuesdays.
Last year post-journal try out competition (one of the many hellish hazing rituals that law school brings) was the first time I've ever been to an IHOP's. The original founders must have really loved their pancakes, because they wanted a restaurant devoted to the pancake as an art form, in that they hoped to feature more exotic versions of pancakes, like blintzes and crepes. There's also the four different kinds of maple syrup, but I'm still waiting for the bacon-flavored one to come out any day now. I I think I'll stick with the breakfast foods and skip the regular dishes - I had the crispy chicken salad once, and they must have transferred the chicken right from the fryer onto the salad, because I was left with a disarmingly hot salad. The 2x2x2 is a big favorite, especially when it's only $5. Also, yes, it's dingy and worn around the eyes, but it's bright and clean for the most part, and the waiters are always very chipper.
Thursdays are UVA student discount days. I'm not sure exactly what the discount entails but pancakes are somehow involved.
The IHOP threshold should not be crossed unless you're 1) under 25 and don't know any better, 2) over 60 and don't know any better or 3) nursing a wicked hangover. Â I took my mother today who happens to love this place and falls under category #2. Â I have to admit, I do love the Harvest Grain and Nut pancakes. Â And our waitress Isobel couldn't have been friendlier or more attentive, but the sunken booth, the dingy lights... IHOP seems to be going the way of Denny's.
Review Source:I stopped in here at 11:45 pm about a week ago and has a decent cheesesteak. I was surprised by how fast the food arrived as well as it's presentation. I took my daughter here for breakfast today and they have consistently good breakfasts with really nice service and wait staff. You definitely won't go wrong stopping by for a quick bite to eat.
Review Source:Yayyyy PANCAKES!
Last night during the flood warning, all I could think about was pancakes. Â Buttermilk, maple syrup, maybe a fried egg or two...perfect thing to cook up in the gloomy weather - wait! Â I have no syrup!! Â FAIL!
Thankfully hubs was up for driving me literally 5 min down the street so we could have a good 'breakfast for dinner' meal. Â I am personally a big fan of iHop - but he was a little reluctant.
Once inside, I was pleased to see a very open and inviting space. Â We were greeted with a smile and were seated immediately! Â Our server's name was Elvis and he was great - very friendly and expeditious.
Hubs and I both ordered the 2x2x2 - great deal at around $5 for two pancakes, two eggs and two meat (bacon, sausage or ham.) Â Along with that, I ordered their (unlimited!) iced coffee which is also very yummy.
Definitely would return next time the craving hits!
So far, I've been to this IHop twice and it's been great each time! Props for being a 24 hour Ihop. There's nothing like a big Omelette at 3:00am!To me, Ihop is Ihop and I really don't expect them to be that much different. This one has an edge over others I've been to, however. Their customer service is excellent! The last time, my waitress took great care of me. The coffee was hot and never ending, the food was prepared great and served in great timing, despite the restaurant being a bit busy. My waitress was kind enough to get some honey for me since I like it in my coffee. She also just had a very nice charm about her. I could probably sit and chat up a storm with her! Great job!
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