The Pancake Bakery

The Pancake Bakery on Prinsengracht is one of Amsterdam's most consistently popular destinations for Dutch pannenkoeken — the large, thin pancakes that are a staple of Dutch café culture and distinctly different from their French or American counterparts. Located in a historic canal house in the Jordaan neighborhood, the restaurant has been serving pancakes since 1984 and maintains a menu of more than seventy varieties spanning the full range from sweet to savory. The Dutch pannenkoek is larger than a crêpe and thicker than a galette, with a slightly chewy texture that holds both sweet and savory toppings well. The bacon and cheese combination — uitsmijter style with mustard — is the classic savory order, while apple with cinnamon sugar and the speculaas-topped pancake represent the sweet end of the menu. The restaurant occupies multiple floors of the canal house, with exposed brick walls and wooden beams creating an atmosphere that complements the traditional food. Given its consistent reputation and prime Jordaan location, The Pancake Bakery draws queues, particularly on weekend mornings and at lunch. No reservations are accepted, so arriving at opening time is the best strategy for avoiding a wait. Portions are substantial — a single large pancake is usually a complete meal. The price is modest by Amsterdam standards, and the experience — pancakes in a canal house with views of the Prinsengracht — is as classically Amsterdam as anything on offer in the city.