Contrary to Jack Johnson’s advice, don’t sleep in (past 2 p.m.) or you’ll miss out on the legendary banana pancakes from Bobo’s Restaurant.
The eye-catching pancakes at Bobo’s are monumental in size and too big for their plates, but look in the open kitchen to catch an inevitable glimpse of a cook whipping up a banana pancake.
It starts with a pour of pancake batter on the flattop griddle. Slices of banana are scattered on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and ladle of butter.
After a flip and a patient wait, the pancake is flipped banana-side-up onto the plate to reveal the caramel-laced surface. It’s not conventionally pretty, but you can’t look away.
Once you snap out of your buttery cinnamon aroma-induced trance, you’ll realize your fork and knife are already eager in hand.
If you’re not in the mood for something sweet, Bobo’s offers plenty of options under $10.
Having served Tucson for over 40 years, Bobo’s maintains a loyal following. Arrive early to minimize your wait.
Bobo’s Restaurant is located at 2938 E. Grant Rd. and can be reached at (520) 326-6163. For more information, visit bobostucson.com.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
