It surely looks commercial, unclean, not so welcoming, the service is strict and straight to the point. But nevertheless, the food is good enough! Good pancakes, well done eggs and the crepe that's looks so fatty turns out to be good at the end.
I've been at IHOP in Chicago and remember the experience as good. I had this typical American breakfast we usually see in movies. Wooden tables, benches, dark carpet, individual lights over every table and waiters wearing black aprons.
The menu, all day breakfast, proposes a selection of pancakes, sides, crepes, French toasts, waffles, combos, omelettes, egg specialities, salads and soups, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, entrees and beverages.
The good and bad: all tables include a set of four syrups: old fashioned, blueberry, butter pecan, strawberry.
What I love about their menu is that photos of every single item is appetizing making you want to jump into them. Every pancake tower looks like a dream come true, the long egg omelette, the crepe... I ordered one of each.
- New York pancakes: Four buttermilk pancakes filled with cheesecake bites. Topped with glazed strawberries and dusted with powdered sugar.
- Classic breakfast crepes: Two crepes stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, ham and white cheddar. Topped with creamy white cheddar sauce.
- Garden omelette: A fresh mix of broccoli, mushrooms and tomatoes with cheddar.
Bad service and dirty plates. Sadly they don't look at all like the photos seen on the menu. But it's a real American fatty diner breakfast. The crepe is dark in color rolled around cheddar cheese and creamy white cheddar. It is juicy and tender without having a sweet flavor. The omelette is moist, thick and generously filled with vegetables. The pancakes, four of them topped with whipped cream and strawberries.
Try it once to know what IHOP is all about, but it's something I'll come all the way from the Middle East for.