Hotcakes

Hotcakes is such a gem in Wilmette! The food is absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you’re at a warm family gathering. It’s cozy, inviting, and perfect for a relaxed breakfast or lunch. One important thing to keep in mind… they’re cash only, so come prepared. Between the great food, welcoming vibe, and genuine hospitality, this spot is definitely worth a visit!

I don't understand the rave reviews from other people at all. I was deceived by these reviews otherwise I would never have come here. I ordered breakfast burritos and blueberry corn pancakes. And it was a huge disappointment. I don't know how you can mess up a burrito. The cheese was on top, uncomfortable to eat, but despite having many ingredients inside, it had no taste at all. There is no salt, no sauce, no spices of any kind, the taste is like eating paper. I couldn't eat it. The corn pancakes were also insipid. And all this at undeservedly high prices. The waitress was polite and refilled my coffee. By the way, here you can only pay in cash! This is extremely inconvenient, I never have cash. I evaluate the taste of the dish, so I put 1 star, I did not feel the taste at all. The case when you remain poor and hungry after visiting this cafe. I do not recommend this place👋

Small hole in the wall breakfast place, good menu selection, food was hot and fairly quick to the table. Pancakes were fluffy, Omelette was decent sized. Only real complaint is that this place is cash only, like a lot of the shops on this street. I get it, I do, but I live in the city and never really carry more than 15 bucks on me at any given time. Should have a card option.

Cash only. Can you tell from the sign at the entrance? I wish we knew it before. Good food, but I’ve tried better. But they do their best and have the home feeling.

Wow! Just came back to leave a review on that amazing dish called Frittata IXTAPA!!! 😋 absolutely delicious and stuffed with veggies and topped with the right amount of homemade sauce and sour cream I hope to come back soon and get to try more of this amazing place Definitely I highly recommend this amazing breakfast place, also very exceptional service and cooks 💓

An actual review from an actual customer, that has actually eaten here. If you want homemade food, look no where else.

The food was delicious, hot and fresh! There was no wait time, and our food came quick. The owners are working just as hard as the employees. This place is cute and clean. We were in visiting from Columbus, OH, and we would definitely be back 😃

In a mostly cashless world, being a cash-only restaurant sets a high bar — and this place doesn’t come close to clearing it. The food is completely average: not bad, but certainly nothing special. If you’re going to inconvenience customers, you need to offer something worth the hassle. They don't.

I just visited this place earlier this week with a friend who lives in Wilmette. I had never heard of the place and he suggested Hotcakes or some other place. Having never been here, I picked Hotcakes. It's a quaint little place just off the main intersection of downtown Wilmette. We arrived just after they opened and were able to choose where we sat. We chose t sit towards the back away from the entry as it's not a double entry so the cold air can come in fast and furious. When we sat down, they turned on the holiday music and my companion, in Spanish, asked them to turn it down as we were the only ones there and they specifically turned it on for us (it was nice, but not needed). He ordered a coffee and a simple omelet. I ordered the typical eggs, hash browns, bacon, and toast. I will say this, Hotcakes was incredibly fresh and delicious. I always ask for scrambled eggs (dry), bacon (crispy), and hash browns (not well done) and toast (toasted meaning crunchy-ish). Their eggs were fluffy and dry. Nothing runny. When I mean dry, they are scrambled on the cooktop with no oil or butter and Hotcakes nailed it. Next, I want my bacon crispy - not dried out - and so many places dry out the back to make it crispy and that's not what Hotcakes did, they kept it crispy without drying it out, so they just melt in your mouth. Many people ask for their hash browns well done. All that does is crisp up the top layer. I just like mine cooked the way the restaurant does it as I don't need the potatoes crispy. I want to taste them as they absorb the butter, salt and pepper like a shredded baked potato. Overall, the food was good. I was a happy camper and was well fed. This is a great little hidden gem in Wilmette well worth the visit.

Great service, good meals, reasonably priced. I highly recommend the breakfasts, especially the corned beef skillet.

Cash only. We t at noon on a Sunday. Huge breakfast and lunch menus. Omelets were very good, comparably to other breakfast spots. Potatoes were lukewarm and just ok. Service was somewhat erratic.

been coming here for years. the food is typical american style, with a few menu items taking on a little mexican flair. most things on the mean are at least decent. really good portion sizes, but none of the juices are really worth your money.

CASH ONLY. I have been wanting to try this place since moving to the North Shore. From the outside this place looks comfortable and inviting with the warm woods and small size. The overall ambiance is... country living? I was the first person to arrive on a Saturday morning after making a deliberate trip to the bank to pull out cash. That trip to an ATM has always been the deterrence for me to visit. They don't have an ATM inside. I decided that since the place is named "Hotcakes" to see if the food was worthy of the name. Sadly, it is not. The hotcakes were fluffy, but undercooked in some of the middle parts. The syrup is pancake syrup. They apparently don't keep maple syrup. There wasn't enough butter for the stack of 3 and the little cookie is for what? The pancakes were pretty flavorless. The bacon was good. The price is the other reason I don't think it was all that great. My handwritten bill for pancakes, bacon and iced tea was just over $22 plus tip.

I stumbled upon this gem this morning and can't rave about it enough! I ordered the banana pancakes and they live up to the hype! Lots on bananas baked inside. But I have to say that their corned beef hash was the best I've EVER had, SO DELISH! I'll definitely be going back. But note, they only take cash to stop at the bank first! A new favorite!

We were really excited to try this cute place in downtown Wilmette. "Average" might by overselling this place. Nothing special at all. They advertise "fresh squeezed" OJ on the menu (and charge like it is) but it's definitely generic packeted juice. That's not cool. Potatoes are over/seasoned and a mushy mess. Over easy eggs were over-cooked. One of our two pancakes was burnt and hidden under the non burnt one. With a name like Hot Cakes, you would think, at the very least the pancakes would be something special. You'd be very wrong. Bland and forgettable. AND to top it all off, it was $52 (cash only BTW) for 2 people for a very basic breakfast! No. Just no. Too many other good bfast places around that actually make an effort. We won't be going back.

They have the best homemade potatoes anywhere! And are a perfect compliment to eggs. Wonderful breakfasts, no matter what you order! Warm atmosphere and friendly service. Best breakfast in Wilmette. Order a Cheddar and Chihuahua cheese Omelette with homemade potatoes -- My favorite!

Great food, great service and a friendly small town ambiance. Favorite place for brunch with standards and new exciting dishes. Just remember to bring cash! No credit cards accepted.

We've been coming here for years since they opened. Even through covid, we sat outside, braved the weather. Food & service was decent, cost reasonable. We've noticed the prices are getting a little bit higher, but today was the final straw. My buddy and I each had the same thing, two eggs, side of potatoes 8.95. Hold the potatoes, add some fresh fruit, $1.50. Blueberry short stack pancakes (2) $11.95. One coffee $4, four bucks???. Total w/10% tax, $40!! Is it worth 40 bucks for 4 eggs, 2 fruit cups, 2 pancakes, 1 coffee?? Not anymore! Adios hot cakes!! P.S. So granted, going out to breakfast is fun, but I just made the same breakfast I had at Hotcakes yesterday. . . 2 eggs 33¢, fruit 25¢, OJ 25¢, coffee 25¢ = $1.08. vs. Hotcakes $23

Good food and love the hot cakes. People complaining about prices clearly are not seeing what is happening today...businesses need to stay aloft when prices of food got up. Support local!

Very average breakfast. If your sick of waiting in line at Walker Bros then come here where I'm pretty sure you won't have to wait. We sat outside at one of two tables and had good, friendly quick service. My Denver omelette was good, you know ok, average, nothing to write home about. The hit on my plate was the potatoes. My wife omelette was stuffed with spinach and not enough feta for her liking. Myself, that sounds and looks like a terrible combination. Simply 3 stars A-OK

Way too pricey and gave it 2 tries to see if I could order less to reduce the cost and failed. Food is great, but I'd rather spend my money for dinner than a high cost breakfast.

Best local Wilmette spot! Great Mexican inspired breakfast. Pancakes are great too. My go to place!

Something to be said about trying something new... service was slow and unfriendly and food was meh.

BEST FRENCH TOAST/BREAD PUDDING EVER! Just heavenly and so fresh. Coffee and omelette were delicious too. Will definitely be back!

Giving it three stars because I want small businesses to succeed. BUT, it was not a great breakfast. First, their coffee was VERY strong & bitter - couldn't drink it. The menu has some fun items like banana bread French toast (which was tasty & my husband liked). My Mediterranean omelette was very basic & bland. Their "make your own omelette" selections are scant on vegetable choices - spinach, peppers, onions. That's it. Also, be sure to bring cash since Hotcakes is a cash-only business. We and the couple next to us missed the one sign at the front door. And the servers won't remind you when you order. There are some fantastic places to eat in downtown Wilmette. It would be great if this place could be fantastic, too.

WARNING WARNING WARNING.Stop and turn around now. Wanting to try hotcakes several years now. even though 3 star rating finally gave it a try. Could be worst breakfast I have ever had. Ordered hotcakes which were unbelievably bland and dense. Waitress was kind enough to take them away. I then had smoked salmon scramble. Three time more green onions than salmon. Eggs were way overdone. Also took 20 minutes to get my orders when there were only 10 other people in entire restaurant. If you really want a great breakfast with a Mexican twist like this one go to Ovofrito in Evenston.

Was very disappointed after reading all the rave reviews. Coffee very expensive for just plain old coffee and not made very well. Ordered an omelette with spinach and received scrambled eggs with spinach. Asked for my English muffin to be really toasted. Received it not even toasted.

Horrible horrible. Cheap ingredients, $3.25 for low budget coffee and they never refill your cup. Cheap bread that is inferior. Skillet is shallow and sloppy. Yikes could go on and on. Stay away!!!

I love this place all food from scratch, great service it's my new Saturday morning biking stop. Then to farmers market.

Yeah, it's fine. That's all really. Hotcakes were decent, but took a little time to come out. Fruit was fresh. Eggs were okay. Overpriced avocado add on! No clue where they're getting their avocados, but at their valuation it is about $7 per avocado. $2.45 for like 3 slices. They weren't even ripe. Restaurant is also cash only.

I can't lie - I have some damn high brunch standards, so when horchata french toast pops up on the specials menu and I order it, I expect more than just some cinnamon powder on top of some regular ass french toast. Sadly, that's what I got, and explains this place in a nutshell. Just ok, cash only, and in the end expect to have your convo interrupted so they can grab the check off your table and count their tip in front of you. Good times.

This is my "go-to" for breakfast out. The staff are always solicitous and on top of customer needs. The food is outstanding. My favorite is the corn meal hotcakes. My friends usually have one of the egg based breakfasts and have always been extremely happy. Their coffee is good. The ONE downside is that you have to be sure to have cash on you. They do not take credit cards. Once you are aware, this isn't a problem. I will continue to use them for breakfast as long as they are here.

The Toluca skillet is fantastic, the fruit is always fresh, and the English muffins taste like they just came out of the oven!

Excellent breakfast spot with natural wood tables. Service can be a bit slow but it is worth it if you have the time. The hotcakes were tender and flavorful. They only serve pancake syrup - not maple syrup so be prepared for that if you are a maple syrup aficionado. Cornmeal cakes had just enough cornmeal to give them great flavor without being too gritty. Bananas Foster French Toast was chock full of bananas although not as syrupy as expected given the name. The Santa Fe (or was it another SW sounding name?) was a good mix of eggs, home fried potatoes and a tortilla. Coffee was decent. We will return.

Had brunch there last Saturday. SO SO good! The owner sampled the pumpkin spice French toast while we waited-Yummy! Will definitely go back when I am in Chicago next! Also had the best shrimp taco ever from owner's other establishment down the block-TrendyTaco. Needless to say-I am now dieting!!!

Hot cakes pumpkin pancakes never disappoint. I used to ride my bicycle from LB LF just to dine in there smaller corner spot. Since they e moved to bigger place few doors down. Yes Now I live in Wilmette. This place makes me smile

This was our first and what will be last time coming here. From the outside, Hotcakes looks like a cute neighborhood breakfast place. Was always curious to change our normal breakfast routine and give Hotcakes a try. I had the Tamales Corn Flapjacks, and rest of family had pancakes and French toast. Sadly, was very disappointed with the food. The Tamales corn flapjack were three dense, undercooked, and monotone in color. Nothing on the side (eg fruit, or side accompaniment) to cut through three huge flapjacks. I am not a picky eater, and so can overlook the dense flapjacks, but the fact that it was undercooked I could not even eat it. As for the pancakes - they were just average. Lastly, the French toast was over drenched in egg mixture and became completely soggy. The outside could have benefited from added time on the griddle to develop a crust. Overall, our food was well below average - in terms of your average brunch place. There may be other better dishes to choose from at Hotcakes, but unfortunately the three we picked today were total misses.

Mediocre at best Service leaves a lot to be desired. If cash only, make sure people can see your sign, a handwritten sign is insufficient.

Poor service. Average food. Cash only. Couldn't believe they would charge $1.75 for a hot water with lemon???

People come here for the cornmeal hotcakes. And with good reason. They're amazing. At first, it seemed kind of strange putting salsa and sourcream on my "pancake", but once I tried it, it was great. There are a lot of Mexican-influenced breakfast items on the menu (such as the hotcake) which makes complete sense as most of the staff is Mexican. The place is tiny, but we were able to be seated right away on a Sunday morning.

Funny how the only two (til now) reviews are from people living in L.A. This place is pretty good; unassuming, clean, decent and cheap. Just like I try to be... Though I arrived toward the end of their day (earning a poorly hidden grimace from the counter lady when asked if they were still serving---minus a star), I got comfy and got down to bidness. Ordered the Wilmette Scramble. Spinach, toms, basil, and cheddar. Pretty good though I'm getting spoiled with west coast produce. The salsa was a help, if reminiscient of jar, football-party style salsa. Rye toast, fine. And they regained the 4th star when the same counter lady overheard my request for orange marmalade that was otherwise denied by a busboy. The marmalade tasted fresh; straight from the fridge. No sight of cupcakes, etc. Phew. At least one temptation averted. For quick and cheap and good, Hotcakes does just fine.

I was early and scheduled to officiate a basketball game at New Trier. I wanted to check out the downtown area and grab a bite to eat.. Walked into Hotcakes Cafe and experienced a wonderful meal and wonderful Down Home service. Had a typical breakfast and it was delicious and they brought it out in minutes. Can't recommend enough !

I'm not a pancake eater and I avoid carbs but I stopped in here for a quick cup of coffee one day and thought I'll "try" a pancake out of curiosity. OMG! The buttermilk flair is OUT OF THIS WORLD! Seriously. BY FAR THE BEST PANCAKE I've ever had in my life. The thick cut smoky bancon, whipped butter and a cup of REALLY GOOD COFFEE was all a welcome surprise I wasn't expecting. I'm a California girl who doesn't eat carbs! But this is well worth the splurg! ABSOLUTKEY DELICIOUS! I'm hooked!

I had the most disgusting sandwich I think I've ever had in my life there. The veggie melt. Thin and fragile wheat bread slathered in warm mayonnaise with undercooked zucchini and flavorless tomatoes. Even though I was hungry, I couldn't make my way through this atrocity. Service was great though so bonus star. Careful what you order here!

The food is ALRIGHT, I've definitely had better and certainly had worse. I would have considered coming back however the owner was incredibly harsh and rude. I understand breakfast is busy on the weekend, but it does not warrant poor treatment of paying customers. On top of it all, FLIES and NO AC.

Place does NOT accept credit/debit cards. They didn't tell us this until after we were done with our meals. The place itself was small and had a very home like feel. They have good specials and good food and friendly staff. I went around noon for lunch and it was busy but we still got our food in good time. There was nothing really special that stuck out other than the environment of the small restaurant.

The peak of mediocrity for breakfast. Super over priced for standard eggs, even charges for a cup of hot water. Really? Made the mistake of not checking the reviews before coming here, but just save your money and keep walking.

This place has gone severely downhill. Pathetic service and business they run. They also enjoy making up rules about which tables are for two or four+. They legit lost the business of two people because they wouldn't let them sit down at tables for 4. Those tables never filled for the entire time... nice work! The food is decent so thanks to the chef... but everything else was awful. $5 to sub fruit for potatoes and toast? Goodbye to Hotcakes. Should have waited in line at Walker Bros.

Best pancakes, EVER!!! Seriously! I'm not a person who frequently eats pancakes, but when I do it has to be at Hotcakes. The first time I was there I got Chocolate Chip pancakes, or as they call them Candy Pancakes. You know how at most places chocolate chips make the pancakes good? At Hotcakes, they chocolates chips enhance the taste. I've been back a few times. On one of my visits I tried some simple, plain pancakes just to make sure it wasn't the chocolate chips that had me coming back for more. What did I find out? Indeed, the pancakes in their simplest form were amazing! The service was great and those that worked there are friendly. This is a cash only restaurant so if you mainly pay via plastic be sure to have some bills on you when you visit.

The food was good. Good enough to give this place another chance. They should discontinue products with high fructose in them... Ketchup and jam. My husband asked for his English muffin to be "well done, toasted well". It was not, sent it back, came out the same, sent it back. Finally got his muffin after we both finished our meal. We will come back as we're working nearby, but just one more chance to get the simple things right. They should have comp'ed his meal...in my opinion.

So glad to have came across this place while driving around. I'll admit it was a little awkward at first because I went in, saw the cash only sign, and quickly turned around to go to the ATM. Better to find out before ordering though. After getting my cash, I went back in and placed my order. Got the short stack of their buttermilk pancakes and a corned beef hash skillet with 2 over easy eggs. Pancakes were great. Smelled great, came with tons of butter, and syrup was already on the table. Best of all. They were super fluffy and just a little chewy... I guess that's what sets them apart from everyone else, that chewiness. Corned beef hash was great. Nothing fancy. Just the dog-food-style that I grew up on. Nice pieces of browned bits here and there. Maybe just slightly salty. The over easy eggs were good as well. White on both sides with super runny yolks. Perfection. All and all, it's a good place but probably not one i'd go out of my way to try again.

Service is terrible. Had to get my own menu and later just got up and got my own straws. Waitress was never around and never asked to fill up my coffee. Food is so-so. The pancakes are nothing special. What is the point of Hotcakes as the name if they don't stand out from any other mediocre hash slinging joint. You will get better service and pancakes at the Golden Arches.

Pretty damned good. Typical pancake house offerings done much better than most. I don't even like pancakes, other than buckwheats at Walker Brothers. Hotcakes's simple hotcakes come from the griddle smooth and rich with butter in their batter and make me want a second helping. Their house syrup is very mapley. They cook egg dishes in butter, too. Basted eggs come with correctly soft yolks! Breakfast meats are all a cut above, also. Small, a bit cramped. Heavy golden oak coloured paneling. Charming. It's pretty damned good, by golly. ~Peter O.

Hotcakes is not that nice a spot. The food is good for a pancake joint but they have several flaws. The place doesn't take debit/credit, Cash only! Which is a problem because they don't have an ATM and the closest ATM is 2 block away. It's very irritating. Next the service here sucks. I can't really give a better description. I've been here twice and there was no difference. Long wait time for the food and inattentive wait staff. All of this wouldn't be bad if it wasn't for the prices being high with no "deals". Like a 2x2x2 or something... nope! It's French toast 5.45 bacon 3.50... ridiculous.

Good place for traditional breakfast. Eggs, pancakes, the works. They also offer corn meal pancakes and other Mexican options to change it up a bit. Kid friendly too. My son tried the BLT and seems pretty happy with it. Service is friendly and fast. Atmosphere is small but cozy (although a little stuffy for the time we were there). Heads up though. Cash only.

Came here on a Saturday morning with my friend - bad idea... The place is small inside; there's only a tiny counter with about 6 stools and a few booths and it's cramped. The booths were all taken by families with kids. Then a single father and his two kids came to sit at the counter and the kids were annoying. I felt like I was staring at the waitress and hostess the whole time which wasn't a pleasant sight. As for the food, I paid about 10 dollars for two cornmeal pancakes. I could get more for less elsewhere. Not coming here again.

Went here on a hot day in mid afternoon. No air conditioning. No daily newspaper. No credit cards. Food was just fair.