Alps Pancake House

Classic diner with great food and incredibly friendly staff. Smash burger was greasy in a good way. Perfect breakfast or lunch spot on Irving Park. Wait can be long during busy hours but it’s worth the wait. Highly recommended.

It was great, especially after a flight! I landed a little later than expected and was hungry, and Alps Pancake House delivered! They have a great seasonal menu that includes a skillet with sweet potatoes and sausage and wow it was good! The staff are super kind and attentive. Great diner feel, as well as free parking in the back!

I came here with my uncle on Veterans day! I absolutely love breakfast food. I got the big man special instead of pancakes, I got french toast! My uncle got a Cob chicken salad with a side of pancakes! Our meals both where so fresh and delicious! We loved the service and our waitress was so friendly! She always checked on us and made quick conversation with my uncle about his service in the military and gave us some lovely recommendations! A very warm and peaceful ambiance! We will definitely be coming back!

Our brunch was fantastic! Although they didn't have mimosas they made up for it with customer service and great food. The sea bass was tender and my blueberry cheese filled blintze was like dessert. The waffles with the rum sauce which is not pictured was so yummy. Special thanks to our waitress for anticipating our every need ❤️ 💙

Wow, this is our new favorite breakfast goto. The orange juice is freshly squeezed and to die for. MAUREEN, our waitress, was so sweet and quickly took our order. She was great and responsive.The country chicken steak with gravy was AMAZING. The chicken was mouthwatering and the gravy had such a great yet unique flavoring. I can't imagine anything better. I had it with the yummy pancakes. The atmosphere is bright and happy(even on a cloudy day). The best part besides the awesome food is the people who work there. You can tell they love what they do and are so friendly and happy. Overall an amazing experience

New owners with a bit of a refresh on the menu. I got the French toast which had extra spice - probably cinnamon rather than just plain. The server asked if I wanted powdered sugar and or whipped cream rather than assuming which I appreciated. My sister got the potato pancakes which she’s had before and likes. However she felt they were a bit thicker this time and therefore not cooked fully inside. I had a bite and the flavor is excellent. - oniony. But too undercooked for me. So maybe they’re still working through some inconsistencies. Service was excellent. Host greeted us as we arrived and we had no trouble getting a booth at 1:15 p on a Sunday. Someone brought us drinks right away even before our server got to us. And after we finished, the check was brought immediately although with no expectation that we had to leave. Very comfortable atmosphere.

Great place. The staff here are fantastic. We were greeted quickly and the service staff were fantastic. Plenty of offers for more water and coffee refills plus they offered me sugar free syrup for my pancakes after I had asked for coffee sweetener. Apple and cinnamon pancakes were light and fluffy and the apples were cooked perfectly. French toast was enjoyed thoroughly by my husband. Prices are reasonable and we never felt rushed. Highly recommend

Haven’t had a steak skillet in awhile, let’s just say I’m very pleased so delicious. Thanks

My friend choose this place Pretty good she order bisquits & gravy for me pancakes and ham & Swiss crepes And coffee Was good service on point See you next time

Great service even though very busy. Must try their signature French toast made with Tsoureki bread. The best I have ever had !!! Ample parking in their lot just south of Irving Park Rd. (behind the restaurant) Definitely everyone should try this restaurant !!!

New owners with a bit of a refresh on the menu. I got the French toast which had extra spice - probably cinnamon rather than just plain. The server asked if I wanted powdered sugar and or whipped cream rather than assuming which I appreciated. My sister got the potato pancakes which she's had before and likes. However she felt they were a bit thicker this time and therefore not cooked fully inside. I had a bite and the flavor is excellent. - oniony. But too undercooked for me. So maybe they're still working through some inconsistencies. Service was excellent. Host greeted us as we arrived and we had no trouble getting a booth at 1:15 p on a Sunday. Someone brought us drinks right away even before our server got to us. And after we finished, the check was brought immediately although with no expectation that we had to leave. Very comfortable atmosphere.

Father's Day 2024 - mission - have lunch at Original Alps with my mother, wife, and son. We arrived at 11:30 and the place was full. But we waited less than ten minutes to be seated. Everything started well, two people came by to ensure we had drink orders, setups, menus, and water. The server came by quickly to see if we had any questions and were ready to order, which we were. Two of us split a vegetable omelet, one ordered green chilaquiles, and I ordered a chopped steak with a salad and fries. The turnaround was fast, but the only item correct was the omelet. She delivered red chilaquiles and a hamburger. I sent back the burger since I can't eat gluten. She said she'd rush so we could eat together. Almost 15 minutes went by. Everyone was done eating when a cold chopped steak was delivered. I said something and heard excuses about how busy they were. I'm sorry and I empathize with how hard servers work, but an apology would have been nice. I cut into it and it was almost raw. So much for my Father's Day lunch. At least I got to spend it with my family. But, I would not recommend or go back to the Alps after this experience.

I've been coming to this restaurant since the late 90's. Always loved the quality of the food, plating, and how my order was. But was very disappointed on my last visit on a Saturday 1/11/25. I ordered a Southern Benedict. Which consists of two biscuits topped with a sausage patty, two poached eggs and country gravy. The biscuits were hard, the patties were not hot. The poached eggs were the right consistency, and the Southern white gravy was a bit on the mild side. But my bigger disappointment were the American potatoes that were supposed to be hashbrowns. They were potatoes that one would normally be served at one of the few greasy spoon fast food restaurants one used to find in the city. With the price of my breakfast, I would expect better potatoes. Think in the future, I will order a breakfast that doesn't come with potatoes.

Amazing how you find a place just by driving around the city, we had the omelette and it was delicious, the cheese nicely melted in every bite

Food always good, staff very pleasant. However menu has changed and is much more limited. Yes, if you ask for something and they "can make it" ie they have the ingredients they will. But when you are hungry for a french dip and there's no french or dip, bummer. Sad Not sure I'll be back unless it was for breakfast foods.

Meh it was alright. Typical dinner food. Dated set up as you'd expect but generally affordable

Worst customer service I ever experianced. The takeaway guy never clear understand because his mind is in many directions. Twice messup with our order and again third time gave the wrong order, even after all that he have a attitide which is unbelieveable. No matter you order while you dine in or order online its take hour to get your food. Would definetly not recommend this place. Also I never know that hashbrowns are the boiled slices of potatos with no crisp part until I ordered those from here.

Was in the neighborhood visiting a local school and needed coffee to wake up a bit. Saw this pancake house on the corner and decided to have breakfast with my coffee. It was busy but we were warmly greeted and seated immediately (party of 4). My coffee was served right away. Nothing beats a good cup of restaurant coffee! Menu was robust. Wasn't hungry so I went with the lumberjack breakfast. It was enough for two people! Eggs cooked perfectly. Kids had pancakes eggs and bacon. Wife had the chilaquiles skillet. Our server was very polite and attentive. She checked in regularly to top off our drinks. If you're in the neighborhood and need a good hearty breakfast you can't go wrong with the Original Alps!

We're staying at an Airbnb in Irving park and needed a close place for breakfast. Found the Original Alps Pancake House and was pleasantly surprised. Service was great, staff was friendly, and the food was fresh and delicious. The restaurant was clean and comfortable. Ample seating, no wait on a Thursday morning. I ordered the lumberjack which was huge, fresh, and delicious. Others with me ordered the blintzes and crepes, and they were very happy. We'll be back while we're here in Chicago.

About 30 of us showed up in the morning after attending a funeral. They were able to seat us close together. Our wait help, Maureen was great! Our food came out in a timely fashion and was also hot! Everyone was gracious and accommodating! A great place to visit.

I hadn't been here in a while, but when I did the menu had changed for the better. I had the potato pancakes which were excellent! They have upped their game here and I was very impressed! I'll be back soon!!

Finally got it's needed facelift. My Son lives across the street, and I see this place every time I visit. He's always said it's not good. Today, we all went there for breakfast. People are friendly, and food was very good. I also felt it to be a very good value for what we ordered. My Son's opinion was changed. Even he said he would definitely return. Breakfast is both difficult to ruin, and even more difficult to make extraordinary. I'm happy when it better than expected.

Did they change their recipe for the southern Benedict or is it just because the gravy is way too SALTY. Personally this use to be my favorite place to eat at but it FELL OFF really badly. And their service is good the waiters are nice and the overall ambience is like a a normal dinner. Also why are sausage patties RUBBERY like brother ew what's that brother?. Alps do you care to explain WHY THE HELL MY GRAVY IS YELLOW I want to throw up just thinking about it.

I asked if the walnuts were inside the crepes, I was told "only on top", They were all throughout. Extensive menu. Over priced for the quality. The service was not good. I wouldn't recommend. Outdoor seating and only street parking. Establishment didn't seem to support BLM!

My favorite stop for pancakes after an overnight shift. Always hot, delicious and ready when I pick up.

My newest discovery, this has been my second time there. The service is on point the food excellent but what most impressed me is the service and how clean the place is,you can tell whoever runs and owns this place understands the business, and they keep it spotless and almost perfect! Chicken soup, chicken avocado panini and a French dip. Delicious!

Legendary breakfast spot thats serves high quality breakfast meals at an affordable price. Family owned and is a neighborhood staple.

Could not enjoy my breakfast with FOX "news"propaganda on the TVs. I have been coming to this place for many years but will no longer support this establishment.

I would give this restaurant no stars if I could. Food is good, but the owner is a bitter old fart. He is mean and yells and not only his employees but the customers. Definitely not a place I will be going to again!

This is awesome comfort diner food done well - very clean, friendly, and consistent. Family favorite, and as the name suggests, the pancakes are always spot on. Roomy, great for big families, and is always busy without being loud or slow with service. The team genuinely cares about their restaurant and recognize their repeat customers. Highly recommend paying a visit to this gem on the northwest side for hearty breakfasts and lunches!

Well, we didn't run into any cantankerous hosts, but my wife and I tried them for breakfast/lunch and were quite pleased. Staff was professional, warm, inviting, and the shops cleanliness is a draw. The food is just fine, and while this is a dollar or two more than most diners, their overall impression made it easily worth it.

I tried Alps for the first time today, and it was surprisingly great! Walking by, we noticed that the restaurant was pretty packed, and funnily enough our Uber driver has recommended it, so we decided to stop by for brunch. I ate the stuffed French toast. It was so good! It's regular French toast but stuffed with cream cheese and strawberries (with or without the glaze - I said yes to glaze), and optional whipped cream on top (obviously I had to get it!!). It was so yummy. Like dessert for breakfast! Their bacon was great too - wonderful texture! Our service was very fast and our waitress was so kind. We'll definitely be returning for brunch again!

Hands down the best diner in Chicago. Family owned business makes you feel like youre in their home. Huge portions easily big enough to share. When with my friends, we order up a table's worth and share several yummy dishes. Outdoor seating and free parking is a plus.

We had a late breakfast here on a Thursday. Food and service was great. Good social distancing of tables and all employees wearing mask. The place was spotless and bathrooms very clean. The French Toast was amazing. Highly recommend and we will be coming back .

Decided to try this gem today as I scrolled through yelp looking for a suitable breakfast spot and this was a good one! I think the manager must have seen my husband me and the 2 babies coming from the window because as soon as I walked through the door he greeted me with menus and walked us to a booth. I was on diaper duty so I made my way to the ladies room to change a diaper and was pleased to see a baby changing table in there. Super clean restroom. As soon as I got back to the table the coffee was hot n ready with endless bowls of creamer. I never once asked for a refill for my coffee, it was always to the top, hot and very delicious. I ordered American stuffed French toast. It was amazing. He ordered a southern style dish with country biscuits that were so soft. Julian our 14 month old son approved of everything, and he is the pickiest of all. The restaurant was pretty busy but our service never lacked. The manager was seen helping bus tables, seat tables and run the restaurant. I love that. Our server was an older blonde woman, extremely nice and man was she on it! I'll definitely return. I wouldn't change a thing about my visit today.

Best pancakes house in the old Irving park neighborhood, very kindly service and staff delicious food my wife and I love this place Highly recommend!!!

When I moved in the area I was told this place was a classic and that I must eat here. When my parents helped move me in we ate breakfast here and I was mega pumped for it. Unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. Breakfast here was fine, and also cheap which is always a plus. Service was great. I was disappointed in that it was just average. It's your standard diner with standard diner food. It's unseasoned, so you'll get a plate of hash browns, eggs, and pancakes all cooked fine, but with no seasoning. So personally it's not my preference or what I'm looking for when I go out for breakfast. But some people just want simple, classic breakfast with nothing crazy going on. And that's fine! If so, this is definitely your place. I will say, their French toast is delicious. The place is big with a mixture of booths and tables. Definitely family friendly. As I mentioned it gives off an old diner vibe. Adventurous, well-seasoned, one-of-a-kind options? Not really. Classic American breakfast staples, quick and kind service? Definitely.

The Alps is legit my go to in this area. Is it fancy, no. Is it gourmet, no. Is it super solid delicious diner style food, 100%. I've never had a disappointing meal here + the staff is always warm and friendly.

First of all I but into my eggs and tasted egg shell ? I thought most restaurants used like pre whipped eggs, secondly the fruit is terrible they give you 3 giant chunks 1 of each cantaloupe, honey dew , and pineapple the roast they could do is cut. Them down make it look like something and lastly but not least what kind of restaurants does not have grits are you serious ? And the toast is bread not toast it's not toasted

The food from here has been always amazing. Been coming here for years with family and whenever a friend or family visit, this has been our go-to place to eat and enjoy. Service and staff is great, and the food has always been delicious to our experience. Now that the C-Virus pandemic has been happening, we have been ordering out and the food quality is still great to us.

I had high expectations from all the rave reviews and positive feedback I've gotten from friends. Now that I finally got to try it, Alps is your average breakfast restaurant. They have your traditional breakfast menu with a selection of a few breakfast specials. They specialize in breakfast items but also carry sandwiches, salads, steaks, and more. I got the potato pancake special listed on the menu w/ bacon and sour cream which I did enjoy. I do like the atmosphere of the restaurant. They do provide a good amount of serving to their dishes. I guess I was just expecting a bit more on the food but I'm willing to come here again and try something different.

First time here to meet with my friend for breakfast. Have a variety of choice...they serve lunch. Love their choice of omelettes and skillets. The environment is very nice and servers are friendly. There is a parking lot. That's a plus.

This is an old school breakfast place but I'm a fan. There isn't anything fancy about what they are doing but it's delicious. Some of the best restaurant pancakes I've ever had. Highly recommend for some good food and fast service!

Excellent breakfast spot!! All the egg specials are delicious!! This place has been going strong since 1970! There is a reason why!! They make a great breakfast!!! Highly recommend!! Took my wife here on our 1st unofficial date!

This is one of those Greek American diners where the owners think his employees and customers are like family. One of my best friends lives near here and he's been a regular for over a couple of decades...and he's not anywhere near one of the oldest longtime regulars. Recently remodeled it's much nicer than most family diners, it's sunny and comfortable. Breakfast is the best meal, but all the usual diner choices are great, the service is always excellent, but the best thing about the place is how community oriented the owner is. He always donates to the neighborhood for the park and such. He knows scores of regulars by name and the whole staff seems to love what they do. I guarantee you'll feel better and yet be uncomfortably too full when you leave here.

I've been to this place twice now and it's been added to my breakfast/brunch rotation. It's a bit out of the way, but you can always rely on the quality. I'm a sucker for non-chain breakfast/brunch diners and this is one of them. Food is great. It's fresh. I usually have the waffles because I love how fluffy they are. I hail from the east coast and this place reminded me of the countless Italian diners in South Jersey and Philly. Of course this was a perfect spot to take mom and cousin visiting for the Labor Day Weekend Holiday. They absolutely loved it and we couldn't help having conversations about home. They're also fans. I strongly suggest the ham. It's either a ham steak or carved off the bone, but one thing is that the meat is always fresh here. Pancakes are consistently fluffy and I absolutely love the waffles. It's standard fare and you're not going to get gourmet, but if you looking for a reasonably priced breakfast on a weekday or weekend well into the afternoon (because often on weekends I feel like doing NOTHING, not even cooking), and you can pass on the lines and reservations at "chic-brunch-place-du-jour" this is your spot. They keep the coffee mug full and the water glass at the brim.

Large portions of good food, but not great food. Breakfast cooked to order and served fresh and hot. Just wish there was a touch of something - je ne sais quoi.

I only called in. At first I spoke with a young lady, I said the website's contact page still says GRUBHUB but when I go to grubhub it doesn't come up, after she starts saying they use DoorDash now another person interrupts and starts asking who I am. This is I assume the owner and I start to get grilled like I'm trying to sell something. I just wanted to avoid the rain. I tell him I'm new to the area and wanted to order delivery. He tells me the troubles with GRUBHUB. I ask about DoorDash, he says "no". I tell him GRUBHUB is still listed on his website, he says "I don't think so". I suggest to not call in and to avoid the owner. I'm sure the food and staff are great but I won't know.

I was hesitant to give this place a review. The food is fantastic, my favorite thing to order is a spinach and feta omelette with an ice coffee. So why the low rating. Well, the protocol for Covid-19 is non-existent. Where to start... when you walk in a mask is required, which is great. However, there are no notices requiring a mask. No temperature is taken when guest come in. They still have menus that are not wiped down. I observed this while waiting for a table. Tables were reduced but are not 6 feet apart. Also, booths are x'ed out with blue tape but you are still seated on them. I was seated into one. Basic items are still on tables including salt, pepper, sugar etc. also these are not wiped down after a guest leaves. There is basically no measures taken to properly protect against the spread of Covid. Very disappointing, as I will not be a returning customer.

We came here last Saturday in the early afternoon with a crowd of 10 people. We didn't have to wait long before they seated us. That was a plus. We ordered breakfast, mostly. I looked at the menu ahead of time and found the skillet I wanted. It had corned beef hash, potatoes veggies and eggs and did not disappoint. However, I think the rest of the group thought it was just okay. The salsa with one of the Mexican entrees was just gross. Our waitress bordered on surly (arguing with one of our guests about what comes with a particular meal). I would go again to eat the skillet, but there are many places that serve something similar - nothing makes this place stand out.

The first time I ordered here I had my food to go, and even tho I arrived 20 minutes before closing they were extremely nice. I had a Mexican burger which was fantastic, and my bf had the house special which was extremely filling. Yesterday we ordered our food to go as well, and I got a bacon cheeseburger which jalapeños which was THE BEST BURGER EVER and my bf had the chicken breast and hash browns. This is my new favorite place. Looking forward to dining in, and trying more items.

Stopped by The Original Alps for a quick Sunday morning breakfast while visiting friends in Chicago. The interior was nicer than I expected as I had thought it may be a little run down. Service was friendly and quick. Husband had the Irishmans Skillet (which came with pancakes) and loved it! I had the Ladies Special #2 (pancakes, eggs, sausage, hash browns). Food was served fast and fresh. And lets just say there was a lot there! I finished my special (barely) and was not hungry the rest of the day. Husband ate half of his and took the rest for later. When we are back in the area will stop by for another breakfast. Large portions for a reasonabel price!

The alps is a staple for me. A family run pancake house/diner just around the corner. They are always quick and friendly! The food is good, not mind blowing, although I don't usually stray from the omelette and breakfast skillet selection, so I can't help you much further. Rosa is an efficient, no nonsense server, and I definitely appreciate that! Although there is a line every weekend, it usually moves super quick, and they even have a counter if you don't want to wait for a table.

I live around the corner from this place and regret every time I go in... I feel like their staff is punishing me for showing up. Today when I came in last min. breakfast decision, I received some of the worst service I've had in years. The waitress was harsh and unwelcoming from the moment we sat down. She even gave us to-go boxes before our food even came out. I too work in the service industry and understand that it's hard to be nice sometimes, but it is literally your job. Management, how hard is it to make sure your staff is performing properly and giving good service?? Maybe good service is too much to ask for from this establishment, but at least some common decency would be nice. Good luck with your sister restaurant, counter service seems like the way to go considering...

I love breakfast. And I love breakfast even more if: - the pancakes are fresh, fluffy, and with a hint of vanilla - the place is busy yet efficient with seating people who are waiting - there's a great selection of combos (eggs/bacon/hash browns/pancakes) - coffee tastes good and flows liberally - staff are friendly yet not over the top. I love Alps because they check everything off this list. Plus there's parking in the back and easy street parking, too.

My husband and I stop here a month ago and we loved Alps. We come for breakfast. The service is fast. Even when we waited it was very short wait. Family owned excellent for breakfast. Lots of reasonable price food. The service was very fast and we are in and out within 45 mins. They have lots of specials for breakfast. Great for singles - family and groups. Everything is cooked to order.

Free parking in the back of the restaurant. The food is pretty good and imho taste just like what you expect in a diner. I had chicken rice soup and the Alps burger and the burger may be a little bland but I don't mind. Guess everyone taste is different but I'll come back one day to try their breakfast deal at $5.99 from 6-9am. Friendly workers who constantly check on you for your needs and when you pay you pay up front at the cash register.