“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.”

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.

They’re fluffy and they’re available in nearly every area of Tucson! It’s easy to get a short stack, a tall stack, or one all by itself, which typically leads to ordering more because ordering only one is a rookie mistake.

“That Cinnamon Roll pancake is straight up dangerous. I’m not saying I licked the plate, but…I’m not NOT saying that, either.”

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!

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.

“It’s argued that the best seat in the house is right at the counter/bar. It’s the perfect opportunity to spark up a conversation with the staff, catch a whiff of whatever’s being made on the griddle. The pancakes aren’t crazy big or too small — they’re just right.”

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.

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.

“There’s something extra special about breakfast all day, especially when pancakes are involved. Throw some crispy house potatoes and freshly baked goods in the mix, and you’ll have the recipe for a good time. Cozy up on the outdoor seating, or sit in the art-filled indoor space.”

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.

Onion’s the name, but pancakes are their game! These flapjacks are so big that they hang over the edge of your plate. They’re thin, crispy, large, and in charge of curing your hunger.

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.

“These pancakes are so buttery and fluffy, you’d never believe they’re vegan!”

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.

El Chinito Gordo is a fusion restaurant that combines Mexican and Asian flavors. If you’re seeking something nontraditional, the Tequila Pancakes are a must-try. Made with a blend of traditional pancake batter and, yes, a shot of tequila, they offer a delightful kick (only available during Sunday brunch). Topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar, and fruit, they go great with, say, a Prickly Pear Meximosa or even some fish tacos.

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!

“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.”

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!

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.

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.

Happy Rooster Cafe is a charming, family-owned spot known for its friendly service and farm-fresh ingredients. Their pancakes are a local favorite, made from scratch daily, and can be ordered with blueberries, pecans, or even bacon.

Mmm….Bacon Cakes….

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

Toast 101 is a trendy breakfast and lunch spot that offers everything from French toast to burgers to bacon boards.

Their pancake options are some of the most unusual and decadent we’ve seen. We’re talking Fruity Pebble Pancakes, Oreo Pancakes, Maple Roasted Pecan, Churro, and for St. Patty’s Day, Lucky Charm Pancakes!

Can’t decide? Not to worry — you can even design your own Pancake Flight! I know, right?