efrain quiroz
Now this place surprised me. It’s small inside but we went right before closing so no trouble with seating. Not sure if it gets packed but I had enough space. The drinks are cans and bottles no refills. The food was great with large cut sausages in my meat lover skillet and some good cheese. The pancakes were delicious and fluffy. The other foods looked and tasted delicious as well, a nice spot to swing by and enjoy a good meal.
… moreJOSE ISAAC
Michael’s Pancake House (Riverside)
Date of Visit: October 2, 2024
I had breakfast today at Michael’s Pancake House in Riverside, and while it was overall a positive experience, there were a few areas for improvement. I ordered the skirt steak with three eggs, hash browns, and a glass of orange juice. The service was exceptional—friendly, attentive, and very efficient. The staff made me feel welcome and checked in regularly to make sure everything was to my liking.
The eggs were cooked to perfection, exactly as I had requested, and the hash browns were golden, crispy, and well-seasoned, providing a great complement to the meal. The orange juice was fresh and refreshing, rounding out the breakfast nicely.
However, the main part of the meal, the skirt steak, had a couple of issues. While I asked for it to be cooked medium well, I found some parts of the steak closer to medium, which affected the consistency. Additionally, the steak was tough and fibrous, making it difficult to cut through, which detracted from the overall enjoyment. On top of that, it lacked seasoning, so the flavor didn’t quite hit the mark as I had hoped.
Despite these small flaws, the rest of the experience was great. The portions were generous, the ambiance was cozy, and the service alone would make me come back again. Michael’s Pancake House is still a great spot for a hearty breakfast or brunch, and with a little improvement on their steak preparation, it could easily be a top-tier experience. I’m looking forward to trying other items on the menu on my next visit!
… moreMayra G
Small little local spot, the food is huge portions I personally think you can share.most places just give 2 eggs here you get 3! All the food is yummy my only complaint was the silver skin film on my steak Was still on it so it made it hard to cut and kind of gross to cut through bc of the layers of it on multiple sides but nothing that can’t be fixed
… moreBrandon Kirk
Very disappointing experience overall. The staff was unhelpful and came across as rude rather than accommodating. From the start, it felt like we were an inconvenience instead of paying customers.
The food itself was average at best—certainly not bad, but nowhere near good enough to justify the higher-than-average prices for this type of restaurant.
What really stood out was the service timing. I was dining with my two kids and we waited an excessive amount of time for our food, while watching two other tables that were seated well after us receive their meals and almost finish eating before we were even served. That’s incredibly frustrating, especially with children.
Between the poor service, mediocre food, and inflated prices, this is not a place I would recommend or return to.
… moreShay
I experienced micro-aggression. I was the only black person in my dinning area. I don’t know if the lady was an owner or manager, but she greeted and checked at every table, except my own where I was sitting with my family. I even gave her a small smile, she looked at me disgusted. Due to this, I will never go back. The waitress was fine and the staff was friendly as they helped me clean up a mess. I ordered a hamburger with fries. I got food poisoning the next day. Not to bash this restaurant or anything, but the lady wearing an apron needs to check herself and they need to check their beef.
… moreRich Whitehead
Delightful local pancake house in downtown riverside near the metro station and Brookfield zoo. Friendly and helpful staff, with a large menu to temp you. I had a tomato and feta omlette with a side of grits. Delish large selection of eggs, pancakes, waffles and crepes plus full lunch menu as well.
… moreEva
First time at restaurant. Waitress initially super friendly and assumed I was someone they knew. But it went downhill after that. Waitress forgot utensils and napkins after they brought out the food. Was also unhygienic – when I requested a straw she placed it directly on table. Straw didnt come sealed in paper but when my partner asked for a straw later she gave him one that was sealed. Hopefully I didn’t get a reused straw. Only one other table was there. Food was okay. Soup had barely any chicken. Eggs were okay. Won’t be returning.
… moreNicole Taylor
Fantastic find tucked away in Riverside! Great food, perfect family diner atmosphere, very friendly staff. Best flat top cooks I’ve seen in a while!
… moreAlma Gonzalez
great service the food is always hot and delicious cannot think of one complaint would definitely recommend great family feel definitely a great gem to visit you will not be disappointed
… moreDan S
Friendly diner with great staff. Big menu and still fairly priced. My 2 favorite diners in Countryside/Joliet road changed ownership and quality is down while prices are up. We now dine at Michael’s.
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