If you are in Hillcrest and want to get the biggest pancake in town, I have the place for you to go. Café on Park is a small local neighborhood breakfast joint that does large portions that should hold you for a few meals. The place is slightly odd but put together, and has a comfortable atmosphere that helps start your day, even on the groggiest mornings.
When you walk in there is no real hostess stand. A guy behind the counter will point at you, hold up a number of fingers guessing the size of your group and signal you to a table. The place is divided into two room, personally I like to get in the back room if possible. The paint colors are bright like a box of crayons and they have local artist’s works for sale on the walls. It’s a gamble every time you walk in because they rotate who’s work they are showing so fast!
The menu has a great selection of pancakes (blue berry captain crunch, mango coconut, and so many more), Omelets, Benedicts and Sandwiches. I’m not going to lie, the Sandwiches are great and I usually order one to go for lunch later on. I’d recommend getting a pancake combo to split if you go on a morning date. The pancake is MUCH bigger than the plate and if you get the eggs and bacon, there is no way one person can finish it. I’m still trying to figure out how they are able to perfectly flip such a large pancake.
The pancakes are light and fluffy, and always done to perfection and they bring you some soft butter for it and the giant jug of syrup on the table give you an idea on what you are in for. The Sandwiches come in all creative combinations, but I am faithful to my Turkey Avocado Bacon. The Turkey is real turkey breast shave as thin as they can, nothing processed, and no high salt water filled garbage. The bread is a local bakery and the side options are plenty, but I get the fries, nothing wrong with great salted fries.
Café on park is a great place to spend a slow morning, get a few cups of coffee and listen to the general bustle of Hillcrest. With the all glass front, you will have something great to watch as you wake up because with Café on Park being off Park and University, you know there is never a dull moment. Fun ambiance, giant pancakes and quirky location, Café on a Park is a hidden Gem.
