Looking for something different from today's food chain? Look no further than Pancake Circus in Sacramento, California.
This little joint is exactly that. The first image you get is from the street. For those of you old enough to remember
the old look of the 50's and 60's, the look of the outside brings you back to that childhood nostalgia.
When you enter you realize it's no different than the outside, with old looking decorations of the circus. I could not
help but feel like I did growing up in North Long Beach (Cal) back in the 60's. The difference between this and say,
Ruby's Diners, is that Pancake Circus is really from the old days and not a remake. The first time I ate there, I literally
felt like I walked back into time as I entered the front doors just as if I was being ushered in by my parents.
To top
that off, the first time there, they had a hand written sign on the door stating that Santa Claus would be there that
weekend for pictures. Now I know I traveled back in time. Sure enough, there was the fat jolly old man walking around
taking pictures with each of us. Yes, I said us, what about it? I was a kid again!
The owner and employees don't wear uniforms or even have their shirts tucked if they don't want to and there are no
name tags either. Again, just like the old days. Now remember, this is not a 5-star restaurant, it's a diner that claims
to have the "World's Greatest Pancakes." Yeah, not so much, but who cares I'm 5 years old today.
Whenever, I go out to eat and just can't make up my mind and everyone else is ready, I just go with the club sandwich.
Old standby. I went ahead and order their's. What I got was, for me, the BEST tasting club sandwich I have ever had!! At
that time I knew my way around a club sandwich too. I think two things made their club different than all others is the
use of dark rye bread instead of white or whole wheat and not only do they add avocado, but a generous portion to boot.
My sandwich was moist, unlike Mimi's Cafe's dry and stuck in your throat version, even with extra mayo, and simply awesome!
I was there again recently, and although I wanted to try other foods, I just couldn't. I wanted my Pancake Circus
Club Sandwich!!!! Whether you like their food or not and you are in Sacramento, you got to check it out and try it. If nothing
else, go inside and see if it brings back the good old days of the mom and pop diner.
August 3, 2010