The Original Pancake House, known locally as OPH, in Eden Prairie is a beloved breakfast and brunch destination.
Offering a welcoming atmosphere and a menu of classic and creative dishes, OPH, at 549 Prairie Center Drive, is near the Eden Prairie Library and just south of Eden Prairie Center. It’s a favorite spot for gatherings, family outings, or simply enjoying a great meal.
Eden Prairie’s unique features
This location offers amenities to enhance your dining experience, including a spacious, smoke-free patio for seasonal outdoor dining. Shaded during the mornings and early afternoons, the patio provides a comfortable spot to enjoy breakfast al fresco without the summer heat. For larger groups or private events, OPH features a private dining room with space for up to 35 guests, making it perfect for meetings, celebrations, or gatherings held Monday through Friday.
During our visit on Boxing Day, the crowd was unusual for the holiday, but the restaurant was busy and efficiently managed – there was no wait for a table. Adding to the festive atmosphere were Christmas decorations still on display, including a tree and stockings, which created a warm and cheerful ambiance.
What we tried
Our visit featured a variety of dishes that showcased the restaurant’s culinary expertise:
- Hot chocolate: A rich, indulgent treat topped with fresh whipped cream.
- Coffee: Surprisingly good for a restaurant—smooth and satisfying, a perfect companion to the hearty menu.
- Bacon and cheese soufflé omelet: Fluffy and flavorful, though I’ll stick with my favorite ham and Swisserella next time. The accompanying buttermilk pancakes were, as always, perfection – just butter and syrup made every bite a delight.
- Chipotle benedict: A standout dish! This inventive take on eggs benedict features chorizo patties, fajita vegetables, poached eggs, and chipotle hollandaise sauce atop an English muffin. The benedict was exceptional, though the potato pancakes served on the side weren’t quite to my taste I would have preferred hash browns.
For those with a sweet tooth, the apple pancake with ice cream is not to be missed. This oven-baked dish with fresh Granny Smith apples and Sinkiang cinnamon glaze drew audible admiration from fellow diners – a true showstopper.
A tradition of excellence
OPH was founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke, who combined their culinary expertise and love of authentic recipes to create a menu that has earned national acclaim.
Still family-run, the business takes pride in preparing all dishes from scratch with fresh ingredients. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, the commitment to quality shines through.
Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Do you have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at rachel.engstrom@eplocalnews.org.
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