Gilchrist Downbeach Restaurant

Luncheonette-style GREAT pancake + house. This is an outgrowth of the original Gilchrist's in the Marina District in Atlantic City, near Harrah's Casino. The pancakes are thin, light and crisp. They go down easily and I'm not a big fan of pancakes anywhere else. At fancy restaurants they would be called crêpes and you would be charged five times as much. Good coffee. Reasonably priced. Ground floor of a high rise. Street parking available.

Prices are very reasonable. Their specials are great! I got a crab omelette! Order the home fries with caramelized onions! Service was friendly and attentive. Portion is large!

Best pancakes on the island and friendly staff. Thin and fluffy pancakes priced reasonably. This place doesn’t take advantage of other resteraunts ridiculous prices. U can have breakfast here for $10. Indoor and outdoor seating. A block from the ocean. Well run business with good quality food! Come here 4-5 times every season.

We live across the street and seem to always have the same issue . Service. Food is always ok, good but the service is absolutely horrible. As you can see from the picture we never received silverware. We also never saw our waitress after we received our food. No drinks after 5 minutes so we were thirsty. We never saw her actually ever after that. Did she quit? Did she get fired? Is she missing? I don’t know but her service is. Our tip will reflect going forward. This is unacceptable.

Best pancakes in South Jersey hands down! Not many people know about this location in Margate so this one is generally less busy than the others. Still the same Gilchrist quality and the staff are all very nice. I take my mom here all the time!

Great food and service. The blueberry pancakes were excellent

I like a good light and fluffy pancake and this did not meet those expectations. But to each their own. They seemed understaffed and the servers were hustling. Enjoyed the outdoor seating.

Never a bad breakfast, my go to is the short stack! More like a griddle cake thing and crispy on the edges!

This morning I arrived at Gilchrist with an empty stomach and I ateeee. I purchased the hungry man combo #2 and it was scrumptious. You can only purchase these delicate pancakes at Gilchrist. There's nothing quite like it! I love the eggs and bacon and grits too. When I was eating the restaurant was empty but still flowing with positive energy. Our food arrived instantly and served to perfection. The atmosphere was fun with a chill beach vibe blending perfectly with the food!

Good basic brunch place. + My 2 favorites were the Spinach Omelette and Hot Chocolate. At most of brunch restaurants I get omelette with spinach, and this was one of the best I had. Lots of butter. + Each dish was cheaper compared to other brunch places, and the portions were just right (no leftovers). - They advertised their hot cakes (basically thin pancakes) as their best dishes, so we ordered one for the table. None of us thought it was super. - We wished their drink menu had more caffeinated beverages. It was limited to hot/ice coffee.

...without the pancakes though, this place is skippable. Just ate breakfast here, and I have to say that this location is EASILY the worst of the 3 I've been to. The pancakes are still amazing, but the service at this place was terrible, and the parking situation is less than ideal. The Misses, the little one and me pull up for some pancakes, and I go inside to see what's what. There's no one working the front, and an employee walked past me thrice before telling me to "just sit at anywhere that is set up." We sit, and a waitress makes it over and asks for drink orders. No hi, no name....all business. She brings the drinks over and takes the food order. Hungry man combo and a veggie omelette. She goes away and when she comes back, she drops off the food, (including a wrong order) and the check, annnnnnnnnd.......that was the last time we saw her. She never came back to check on us, never asked if we needed anything, or if everything was ok; she never even said bye. Just dropped the food off, and considered out table done. We had to ask a different waitress for butter, which wasn't given with my pancakes; the wrong pancakes mind you, and *I* just decided to eat my chocolate chip pancakes, (which I DID NOT ORDER), instead of track her down to get my correct order. At this location, the place was a little more modern, and spacious, but the parking situation was a problem, as the street parking is hard to come by. Gilchrist pancakes are seriously heavenly, but even they weren't enough to overcome the atrocious service.

Had Brunch with a party of 6 at this place, and it was a pleasant experience. The food was not anything life changing or spectacular, but it was nice. The hot chocolate tasted a little like the powder that can be mixed with milk- so that wasn't that authentic of a taste. The lox omlette was great! The veggie omlette was probs the best though as it had many options. the food quantity was a lot which was good and worth the price point. Overall, it was a nice local place here near Atlantic City. Food took a longgg time to come out tho! We were so hungry we started getting a little hangry.

I went very early for breakfast on a Thursday....during the off season. The place was basically empty. The service was amazing. The server was very fast and very friendly. She seemed to know the other 3 customers personally. It gave the place a nice homey feel to it. The pancakes were good but I don't think I like blueberries enough to order it again. The eggs were good. The bacon was thin and sad over cooked...too crunchy. They need to upgrade their bacon.

The best breakfast Amazing pancakes. Great staff. A few locations but our favorite is the Margate location.

Had a really nice "early mother's day" breakfast here with my parents this morning. I've been to other Gilchrist locations but the view from this one is one of a kind! We showed up at 10AM on a Sunday morning and as luck would have it, only had a 10 minute wait and ended up in one of the best seats in the house right on the water. The food was delicious as always (the blueberry pancakes!!) and service was attentive and smooth. When we left the wait was almost an hour long so get here early!

Short wait. It seemed crowded. Fantastic service. Seats were spaced out. Great breakfast.

Absolutely the best pancakes in South Jersey! The service is good, and I love that they have indoor and outdoor seating. There is limited parking in the immediate area during the summer so sometimes we park further down in Longport and just walk up. It's a really nice walk and you can even do on the beach which is beautiful.

Not good service. Went here with an optimistic outlook considering all the great reviews. Despite that, our waitress asked us what we wanted in a very rude tone and was aggravated. Felt extremely rushed the entire time and menu wasn't even that special. Good prices, but mediocre breakfast

Food is absolutely delicious their beeakfast is one of the best on the island. Their lunch is ok. The only reason I gave them 4 and not 5 stars is because of how much the food costs. I know that inflation is very high right now but there are other restraunts with cheaper prices definitely recommend this place

Best blueberry pancakes!! Found this place walking by stopped in- Service was great. Dogs allowed on patio! I am headed back next time I am at the shore!!

Goals. This was our first time at this location which officially makes our goal complete of being able to say we have dined at all 5 locations of the Gilchrist chain. Yes, I said *5* *We were fortunate to be able to dine at the OG aka Original Gilchrist. This original location was previously on Maryland Ave in AC before it fell into the marina. This review will be about the Downbeach location, but also reflects the overall chain itself. First the location: Not easy to see passing by on the street unless your looking for it. Same side of the street as Lucy the elephant on the next block. So look for the elephant crossing sign and you know you are near. As soon as we entered, we were greeted by the extremely friendly staff. In fact, we commented on how friendly and attentive the staff were here. Not that they are not at the other locations, just more laid back kinda friendly than their busier sister locations. The food was and is always good. It is consistent at all of their locations. The pancakes are the best. Eggs to order are amazing and fresh quality products are used for everything they make. What can you say when you have a knack for serving up the best breakfast in the area for decades? Everyone should know that by now. If you don't, what do you need? A sign? I already told you there is even an elephant leading the way, what more do you actually need?? Bring your appetite for their famously delicious pancakes and some friends. The staff is always friendly and extremely hard working. There is no doubt these folks like their job and are trained well. This just seems to be becoming an extremely rare find anymore in the service industry, so kudos to this family grown business for keeping it on the right track during their journey of success. Now that we have been to all of the locations we can say they all have a different vibe. As I mentioned earlier, The Downbeach location is a bit more laid back as it should be when your vacationing. The Cologne location is more of a quaint hometown country vibe. The Tropicana location has a cool contemporary diner vibe. Here is where there is an opportunity for a variety show of occasional entertainment with a cast of characters from the adjoining casino and downtown AC. A People watchers paradise. The original location will always be our favorite, but the memories can be enjoyed while sitting on the deck across the marina on N. Rhode Island Ave. The Gardner's Basin location is definitely our go-to location during the warmer months, as there no better way to enjoy your day than by the water enjoying the best pancakes in the realm. All of the locations get busy at peak times, but so worth the wait. So what are YOU waiting for??? A sign? I thought we already covered that!

Best blueberry hotcakes I have ever had. My friend concurred and my other friend said it was the best waffle she ever had. And the service was great even though we had a big group.

I grew up in margate and my favorite part about coming home to visit Mom and Dad is getting my breakfast game on at gilchrist. The pancakes and omelettes are always on point! My very favorite thing though is the Thursday/Saturday special. The banana walnut French toast is a total game changer. It has three thick pieces of bread smothered with a nice healthy amount of walnuts, bananas, and real maple syrup. I wish it was available everyday. The servers are always pleasant and keep your coffee fresh. This place is no nonsense and they get your food to you fast which I love because I'm usually pretty hungry when I walk through the door. Will say this though for those of you new or visiting margate for the first time. Beware the parking situation in the summertime. It can get crazy! The street will be packed on a nice summer beach day. Gilchrist does not have its own parking lot (but almost nothing in margate does).

Disgusting hair in my food! Yuck. They took care of this only after I said something.

Best breakfast for blueberry pancakes at the beach!! They have 3 locations. One on the water in the Backbay area of AC. Another in Chelsea section, of AC and this one in Downbeach area of Margate...near Lucy the Elephant! Excellent breakfast!!

Typical breakfast eatery at the shore. Got the omelette special. It was tasty. Home fries were not my favorite. Sat outside on a windy day. Good service.

Came here suggested by our front desk hotel lobby clerk destiny. We tried to find our way in from outside and realized we never had to leave the building, was a place. Learned there were 4 gilchrists. We ordered our breakfast. Both very satisfied for the amount of food and price. The manager greeted us and give us some history on the restaurant and building. We would recommend this place to our friends and we'll be back again!

Best breakfast on the island! Blueberry pancakes are the best! Great service as well!

Great hot cakes, great sausage links. I enjoyed the eggs. I thought the bacon was average at best. Very stringy, and I thought the home fries could of been so much better had they seasoned them. If the home fries were better I'd probably give 4 stars, but I'm sticking with 3

First time being at this place. We walked it and it's kinda reminded me of a place is North Carolina. The staff was so sweet. I had the 2 eggs ham with potatoes and 2 blueberry pancakes. Absolutely delicious! And the food is all fresh! Pancakes were deliciously made. Nice and big! My husband had the turkey BLT club sandwich. He really enjoyed it. We are definitely coming back to this place! 5 stars!!

food was amazing, but the waiter we had was very moody and seemed like she didn't want to be here. She gave us a rude look when we wanted to change our cheese.

Overall, I really like this place (probably best grits I've had outside of the South-I used to live in South Carolina). I probably prefer CJ's just a bit to here, although Gilchrist feels more civilized as the place is bigger. Gilchrist, as you may know, is known for the blueberry pancakes, which are phenomenal. The regular buttermilk pancakes are also quite good too. Other fruit pancakes are good but are a step down from the blueberry or plain. Having said that, I've had good luck with strawberry pancakes here in the past. Best Items: Blueberry pancakes, pancakes, eggs over medium, Spanish Omelet, Greek Omelet, Crab Omelet, Pork Roll breakfast sandwich, Reuben, Patty Melt (old school, but oh so fun!), Turkey BLT Wrap

Been to this restaurant several times, and every time I have optimistic expectations, however, each time I received grave service from a veteran staff member. Today I received dirty utensils, never received water upon initial request. I asked the staff person about their coffee, she was unapologetic, direct and had a little attitude about the only coffee they served was regular. Food was very hot and decent (except for the grits, not Southern style as customers raved about) but I would not return again due to their service/beside manner on several occasions.

3 stars because my omelet was good. The toast was only toasted on one side. The fruit cup for $6.00 and overpriced but this place is SO dirty. When you walk in the front door the filth on the floor is enough to turn your stomach. It looked like a million mouse droppings. The windows and front door are so dirty but if you can get past the dirt you'll enjoy your meal.

Great breakfast spot! Good food, good service, convenient location. Give the blueberry pancakes a go!

Very pleasant outdoor breakfast a block from Lucy. Friendly staff also. Had a great omelette, generous portions and some good specials.

Very good breakfast in an area with few options! I had the hungry man special and it was delicious l. Got me eggs, pancakes and grits, although the grits were not very good. The pancakes (hot cakes) are not the best in the world as they claim, but they are unique and very good. If you're looking for breakfast in Margate, come here.

Excellent breakfast me and my family were all pleased by this breakfast, eggs are definitely five star for this place. With amazing service and food comes out quickly this place is definetly one of the best down in margate.

If you're craving pancakes, this is it. They are known for their blueberry pancakes but I got the apple cinnamon which was the special of the day. It was delicious. The pancakes here are thin. They are like in between a crepe and fluffy pancake in consistency. Even so, they are very good.

Good place get takeout lunch here and it's always good, done quickly and friendly staff

Blueberry hot cakes and home fries are great but the service is what makes this place even better. Their service is immaculate and it's really good prices too.

Gilcrest!! You did it again. Welcome to the beach side, so thankful you're here. We always stay near the pier, so it's a great leisurely walk to Tropicana to go to our favorite little restaurant. We haven't had a bad meal here ever and we love the vibe. The staff is great, location is wonderful.

Went here for breakfast while we were on a bus trip to Atlantic City. When we arrived we entered into a small little family owned restaurant. We were seated immediately. ... We ordered an food was brought out fresh and hot a little while later.

Really nice service and I have to say (and kids approved) the chicken tenders and fries were sooo good!

I almost don't want to write a good review so that more people don't know about it ;) In all seriousness, the breakfast here is as good as any of the other Gilchrists locations, which basically means it is awesome. I still have a warm spot for the one "offshore" in Cologne, but bottom line, coffee is good, pancakes are awesome, and in general it is a good experience. Nice that you have 2 options if you're in AC (one in Gardener's Basin with a water view, and this one). If you've been to the other locations, this one is much bigger.

Tried this place with my husband and my in-laws yesterday morning. It was very good! We were served very promptly, and really enjoyed the food. I had the short stack of French toast- it was great. My husband had one of the breakfast specials and enjoyed it- and my father in law had the peach pancakes, which he really liked. My mother in law loved the blueberry pancakes. The service was friendly. The only issue was that it took a while for us to be seated, but I guess I should have expected that on a holiday. This is a nice little place in a good location. We will definitely be back again.

Apparently they are famous for their blueberry pancakes so I tried them, they are very good. They are thin like crepes if you like that. If you're used to hot and fluffy pancakes these probably aren't for you. I preferred the chocolate chip ones over the blueberry. The home fries are delicious Roasted potato cubes, very filling. A minor detail but the wheat toast was amazing ! The bread is very thick and tastes super fresh. Staff very friendly

A really nice neighborhood breakfast spot. The pancakes are really sizable and the grits remind me of living in South Carolina. Hot coffee and pleasant waitstaff make for a very enjoyable breakfast. Summertime is blueberry pancake time... There almost gone so get there before you miss out.. The Inlet location is a nice place to bring visiting family and friends.

Had breakfast with my best friend on saturday. July 29th.place was jamming.waitress was efficient and friendly.its my second visit and always enjoy the atmosphere.would like to c few things improve.i love presentation and people eat with their eyes Ordered eggs and scrapple w home fries.when dish arrived it was just blah.no parsley or piece of fruit.two pieces of toast and one jelly and forgot home fried until i asked.they got plop next to me on a oversize plate You guys have a great restaurant and i will return just ask the kitchen to show some love when putting plates together.thanks and continued success.God bless

I've had many great meals here, although they were clearly understaffed this past memorial day weekend which made the service extremely slow. So slow that it definitely took away from our enjoyment of the meal and experience since we were constantly looking around the room trying to find a waitress to take our order, refill our water, or find out how much longer it would be until our food arrives. That being said, the blueberry pancakes were delicious as always and the prices are extremely reasonable. Hopefully they've doubled their staff since MDW, in which case I would highly recommend going here for breakfast.

The pancakes waffle eggs Sunnyside up eggs are excellent. Recommend everything they have there are just too much to list. For services is very helpful and nice.

Fantastic pancakes. Great omletes. Great service. I would definately go back. The only reason its not 5 stars is the home fries. They could do more with them. Basically just a chunked up potato.

One of their few locations. We sat outside on a perfect morning so it made it great. Their food is simple but very good and very fresh. I got a bacon egg and cheese. The bacon was nice and crisp and the egg was cooked perfectly. Our waitress was nice and was attentive to our needs. Fresh hot coffee always makes breakfast down the shore great as well.

Very good breakfast food, but not so great service. Had the recommended blueberry pancakes, and they were, as promised by their ads, truly delicious. However, I was perplexed by the below average service. After the waitress took our order, we never saw her again. There were two other helpers pouring our coffee--once, and delivering the food--incorrectly. The waitress never once came over and said, 'how is everything?" I guess if you don't mind gambling whether or not you'll have good service, then try out Gilchrist's!

Very tasty breakfast spot down near the beach. The hungry man combo gives you a lot of food for a very reasonable price. The blueberry hot cakes are very good and thin. A must try if you go there.

This is the old Chelsea Hotel restaurant; now part of Tropicana. And it's really good.

We love the outside deck here! This atmosphere wins! The blueberry muffin is a great treat as well. We frequent here when we are in Atlantic City and it never disappoints. I had a porkroll and cheese on an everything bagel and the bagel was very fresh. I am excited to visit their new location near Tropicana soon :)

Delicious Best pancakes Delightful service Next time in Atlantic City take the ride it is more than worth it