New Jersey Diner Review #312: The Brownstone Pancake Factory in Englewood Cliffs, NJ

September 26, 2021 newjerseyisntboring

When I found myself in Englewood Cliffs, I knew I had the visit the Brownstone Pancake Factory. Not only is this a popular Instagram account (they’re verified!), but this diner has been made nationally popular for its pancakes (duh) and their monster milkshakes.

Also, I admittedly have not been to as many diners in 2020-21 as I have in the past but I plan to rectify that.

I was not the only one that day who was planning to visit the diner on a weekday afternoon, I could not get a parking spot. The place was PACKED. After circling a few times I ended up abandoning my plan and returning later. I’m glad I did.

The diner is popular due to its unique menu, large portions, and retro style. For starters – their pancakes are made with the same family recipe for 50 years. The secret recipe remains unwritten and exclusive to their family and a few trusted employees.

Pancake options include classic, chocolate chip, short stack, etc and venture into more unique options like fried Oreo cheesecake pancakes, brownie sundae, salted caramel, “Tres Carnes” (baked with ham, bacon, pork sausage & cheddar cheese), and Jersey Chicken and cheddar (baked with bacon, jalapeño peppers & cheddar cheese, topped with boneless crispy chicken fritters and drizzled with sour cream — as featured on TLC’s Cake Boss). They also have their own gluten-free recipe!

In addition to pancakes they also have “colossal” omelets, Benedicts, French toast, waffles, salads, sandwiches, big entrees, etc. They also have their own juice bar!

OH! And coffee. Do not forget to order their special blend of coffee.

I decided to get one of their famous “pancake wraps” which is exactly what it sounds like. I chose the Muscle Man wrap made with chicken sausage, egg whites & cheddar cheese wrapped in an oversized pancake. Yum Yum Yum.

Side note: Guy Fieri has his own item on the menu, the Triple D Buffalo Pancake wrap made with Buffalo fried chicken, mozzarella cheese, roasted peppers & bleu cheese, wrapped in an oversized pancake. This was featured on an episode of “Diner’s, Drive-In’s & Dives”

If you’re still hungry, be sure to try one of their famous desserts including their insane milkshakes. They choose a new milkshake of the week so be sure to keep up with them.