The Best Pancakes in Tucson

Guide

The Best Pancakes in Tucson

by Max WingertSep 23, 2023Updated Feb 27, 20257 min read
Are you a pancake aficionado looking for the fluffiest, most mouth-watering pancakes in Tucson? Look no further! We've scoured the city's breakfast spots and diners, from down home to upscale, to bring you a curated list of the best pancakes in Tucson. From classic buttermilk stacks to innovative creations that push the culinary envelope, our guide covers it all.
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21 spots

5 Points

756 S Stone AveDowntown

Five Points is a trendy, farm-to-table restaurant that prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients. Their pancakes are no exception, made fresh with organic flour, clarified butter, Saigon cinnamon, and natural syrup. Add berries, bananas, and/or toasted walnuts if you like, or leave it simple and fluffy.

Watch out for special and seasonal offerings that keep the menu exciting and ever-changing!

Baja Cafe

7002 E Broadway BlvdEastside

Baja Cafe offers inventive breakfast and brunch dishes, and you better believe that includes their pancakes, too. Grab yourself a Pineapple Express, loaded with pockets of orange brown sugar butter and pineapple chunks, or a Two Pan Sam Lemon Blueberry (emphasis on the blueberry). For some of us, the Snickerdoodle Pancake is the way to go. It's huge and rich, topped with a vanilla bean cream cheese glaze and covered in a snowstorm of cinnamon sugar.
"Baja Cafe is a must! The blueberry pancake must have a pint of fresh blueberries in it and it's as big as the plate."
— Rita Connelly’s favorite

Blue Willow

2616 North Campbell AvenueMidtown

Blue Willow is renowned for house made comfort food, including an impressive breakfast menu served until 3pm every day. Grab one of their plate-sized pancakes which come in either the Buttermilk or Cinnamon Roll variety, the latter filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with cream cheese icing. Whichever way you go, don't forget to load it up with add-ons -- blueberries, chocolate chips, Nutella, you name it!
"That Cinnamon Roll pancake is straight up dangerous. I'm not saying I licked the plate, but...I'm not NOT saying that, either."
— Max Wingert’s favorite

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Bobo's Restaurant

2938 E Grant RdUniversity & 4th Ave

Bobo's is a local favorite known for its homey atmosphere and generous portions. Their pancakes are no exception.

Get a short stack of classic buttermilk or grab a giant specialty pancake or two (chocolate chip, banana, apple, or blueberry) -- but be careful, they're almost bigger than the plate they're served on.

For extra pizzazz, add chopped pecans to any pancake or turn it into a hearty meal with eggs, sausage, and bacon.

Buendia Breakfast and Lunch Café

2530 N 1st AveMidtown

With all of the warm smiles, brightly-colored dining room, and incredible food that makes you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside, it’s no surprise that the cafe is a favorite here in Tucson. If you’re looking for a nifty breakfast experience, there’s plenty to choose from on the menu, but if you’re in the mood to go old-school... you must order the pancakes! There's enough fluff to put anyone in a good mood.

Cafe a la C'Art

150 N Main AveDowntown

Nestled within the historic Stevens House, Cafe a la C'Art is more than just a cafe; it's a culinary experience that combines art and food in a beautiful setting. Their pancakes are a work of art in themselves, made with high-quality ingredients and a touch of culinary flair.

For those looking for something a bit different, their seasonal pancake specials often feature unique ingredients, so you'll have to keep coming back to find out what's new.

(Photo Courtesy of Cafe Santa Rosa)

Cafe Santa Rosa

2615 S 6th AveSouth Tucson

Cafe Santa Rosa offers a fusion of traditional American and Native American cuisine. They make everything from scratch, and use indigenous ingredients whenever possible.

The pancakes themselves, which come in plain, blueberry, or banana pecan versions, are warm, fluffy, and delicious. Order the combination plate and you'll get two of them with eggs, potatoes, and either sausage or bacon.

Cup Cafe

311 E Congress St #1811Downtown

Located in the historic Hotel Congress, Cup Cafe whips up some nifty pancakes! Order The Deposition, which is two buttermilk pancakes, eggs your way, bacon, butter, and maple syrup — drizzle that syrup over everything, too. Go ahead, make a big mess.

Del Cielo Tamal Restaurant

3073 N Campbell AveMidtown

If you’re looking for a taste of Mexico in Tucson, look no further than Del Cielo Restaurant. This colorful, casual eatery offers a menu with a section of vegan dishes, including tamales, vegan omelets, burritos, cheesecake, and more.
"These pancakes are so buttery and fluffy, you’d never believe they’re vegan!"
— Hannah Hernandez’s favorite

Frank's Restaurant

3843 E Pima StMidtown

With a claim to some of the best breakfast in Tucson for over four decades, Frank's provides the American diner experience with a Mexican twist. Their pancakes are thick, fluffy, and large enough to only be served one or two at a time (with blueberries or without). Throw some bacon or hashbrowns on the side, grab a cup of Joe, and dig in!
“The pancakes at Frank’s take me back to mornings at my grandma’s. Those crispy edges and fluffy centers, perfect for collecting that melted butter to ensure no bite gets skimped, leaving me longing only for music videos from the 90’s in the background.”
— Sam Jump’s favorite

Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/Bistro

5845 N Oracle RdNorthwest

Whether or not you have strict dietary restrictions, you'll enjoy Gourmet Girls' gluten-free pancakes. They use their own special batter that doesn't compromise on flavor. Try their regular pancakes, blueberry pancakes, or, best of all, a Pancake Sandwich with sausage and eggs.

They're only too happy to accommodate food allergies, so don't hesitate to ask.

Pancakes at Joe's Pancake House (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Joe’s Pancake House

2532 S Kolb RdEastside

No matter what scope of pay grade, theological leanings, or political preference, a good old-fashioned coffee shop is a place of refuge for everybody. It’s just that feeling of walking in, being greeted by a friendly staff that has the patina of having worked there long before you received your driver’s license, booths filled with locals and travelers tucked deep into hearty plates of comforting goodness and the ever-present counter.

Le Buzz Caffe

9121 E Tanque Verde Rd #125Tanque Verde & Sabino

The European-style Le Buzz Caffe offers an incredible all-day breakfast menu. Their pancakes are a sophisticated affair, featuring high-quality ingredients. Although the buttermilk pancakes are good, we recommend the Blue Corn Blueberry Buckwheat pancakes: Hearty and healthy, with a slightly crunchy texture, these bad boys are beautiful.

Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant

2990 N. Campbell Ave. #120Midtown

In April 2024, Lovin' Spoonfuls debuted a new breakfast menu and you can bet your biscuits there are pancakes on it. You can order a stack "traditional" or with gluten-free buckwheat. Toss some powdered sugar on 'em to make 'em extra sweet.

Millie's Pancake Haus (Phokto by Dillon F. on Yelp)

Millie's Pancake Haus

6541 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

It's not the International House of Pancakes — it's better! There's a whole arsenal of pancakes to choose from: buttermilk, blueberry, chocolate chip, strawberry, banana, French (crepes), and Swedish Pancakes, which are thin, egg-rich pancakes similar to crepes. Plus, it's always fun to walk around Trail Dust Town before or after your meal.

Nook

1 E Congress StDowntown

A modern, cozy eatery that specializes in American comfort food with a contemporary twist, Nook offers some of the best pancakes in Tucson (although they call them griddle cakes) -- soft and sweet, stacked up so you can chow down. The only catch is you have to decide between Cinnamon Roll or Chocolate Chip griddle cakes...and they're both too dang delicious.
“The cinnamon roll pancake at Nook is the fluffiest, sweetest, and most delightful pancake in Tucson. They ran it as a special once and everybody demanded it, so they put it on the menu. I daydream about this pancake.”
— Shane Reiser’s favorite

Prep & Pastry

2660 N Campbell AveMidtown

Despite, the name or Prep & Pastry's pancakes (Plain Jane), there's a lot of love about their short stack. These flapjacks are buttermilk with macerated berries and whipped cream — a nice way to start your day here in lovely Tucson.

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@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park!🌙 

Vendors apply in bio! App deadline is October 26. 

Photos by @astra1wanderer@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park!🌙 Vendors apply in bio! App deadline is October 26. Photos by @astra1wanderer
@Jundynasty has served Sichuan dishes on Grant Road for 13 years.🌶️ 

General manager Jacob Yeung credits one idea above all: “We’ve grown since then, but the key has always been consistency.”

Stop in for Flaming Chili Oil, Walnut Shrimp, chow fun, or sautéed green beans finished with Sichuan peppercorns. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. 

2933 E. Grant Road

Read the full story at tucsonfoodie.com@Jundynasty has served Sichuan dishes on Grant Road for 13 years.🌶️ General manager Jacob Yeung credits one idea above all: “We’ve grown since then, but the key has always been consistency.” Stop in for Flaming Chili Oil, Walnut Shrimp, chow fun, or sautéed green beans finished with Sichuan peppercorns. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. 2933 E. Grant Road Read the full story at tucsonfoodie.com
@Lovinspoonfulstucson is closing after more than 20 years in Tucson. Its final day of service runs on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Customers can stop in between now and Saturday for one last meal. The team plans to sell down its inventory, though it hopes to have favorite dishes available. Regular hours remain 9am-3pm through the final day.

“Running this kitchen has been a labor of love, but the numbers just aren’t adding up anymore, and as parents, we have to make the hard choice to step back and take care of what matters most at home.” 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com@Lovinspoonfulstucson is closing after more than 20 years in Tucson. Its final day of service runs on Saturday, Oct. 24. Customers can stop in between now and Saturday for one last meal. The team plans to sell down its inventory, though it hopes to have favorite dishes available. Regular hours remain 9am-3pm through the final day. “Running this kitchen has been a labor of love, but the numbers just aren’t adding up anymore, and as parents, we have to make the hard choice to step back and take care of what matters most at home.” Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
A little love for the chefs who make Tucson’s food scene so special. These are just some of the many talented chefs who make our city what it is.

Happy International Chefs Day to the talented people behind the plates, the creativity, and the meals we keep coming back for. We’re grateful for all you do!💐A little love for the chefs who make Tucson’s food scene so special. These are just some of the many talented chefs who make our city what it is. Happy International Chefs Day to the talented people behind the plates, the creativity, and the meals we keep coming back for. We’re grateful for all you do!💐