Clinton Street Baking Company

Clinton Street Baking Company
4 Clinton Street (just south of Houston)

After hearing about how awesome Clinton Street Baking Company is from my roommate, and seeing the pancake throwdown on Food Network, I knew I had to try them for myself. Recognizing that the line on weekends stretches to multiple hours, I did what any normal person would do. I took the day off from work to take care of a few errands, namely, to come check out pancakes on a weekday when there would be less of a crowd. 9am. Table for one. Right this way...





I was a bit skeptical of the price, as $13 for pancakes is a bit absurd. The margins have to be pretty crazy, but if it's that good and people are willing to pay it, congrats to them for cashing in on a successful product. After my first bite, I understood.

Pancakes:


Pancake Guts:


Sweet, but not too sweet. Tart, but not too tart. Fluffy, filling, fantastic. From what I remember from the episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay, they mix the batter, pour it onto the griddle and then sprinkle on the blueberries, such that they don't break apart as they would if they were mixed into the batter. Clinton Street fires on all cylinders:

1. They are fluffy, with plenty of blueberries.
2. The maple butter syrup is incredibly sweet, yet I couldn't stop eating it.
3. So much pancake! Yeah, it's $13 for pancakes, but they could easily be split with another person if you ordered a couple of $2 buttermilk biscuits which looked amazing ($13 + $4 / 2 is $9 per person for a biscuit and a half order of awesome pancakes. That is a steal!)
4. They offer the pancakes for dinner. Let all who are hungry come and partake of the pancakes, regardless of time of day.

Sure, coffee and pancakes cost $20 with tax and tip which is pretty ridiculous. But forgo the java and split it with a friend and pancake nirvana is much more affordable.

Been to Clinton Street? Want to go with me next time? Post a comment!

B&H Dairy

B&H Dairy
127 2nd Avenue

Since first hearing about B&H during my freshman year at NYU I have come back time and time again to experience one of my favorite breakfasts in the city. A long counter, a handful of tables, and an open grill is you're looking at when you enter this dining institution that has been around for decades. Granted, I'm pretty skeptical about any place that is vegetarian, but it only took one visit to land B&H on my breakfast staples list.

The signature offering is their homemade challah, served with almost all of orders, though certainly worth the extra buck as a side. The bread is fluffy with a crusted exterior and it has just a hint of sweetness. It's from this humble beginning that the french toast is made. Dipped in an egg wash and thrown on the grill, it's quintessential comfort food and with three large pieces for $5.00, it's one of the cheapest breakfasts out there. Cheddar omelets for $5.00 and served with potatoes and, of course, challah, make it a perfect compliment for a dining partner ordering the french toast (split 'em both and you're in for a filling and incredibly inexpensive breakfast). Other offerings include a fresh juice bar, soups that are always very popular and borscht, which my girlfriend has stopped by for on more than one occasion.

French Toast, Cheddar Omelet, Potatoes:


French Toast & Cheddar Omelet:


Perhaps the best way to describe the true atmosphere at B&H is to mention that for lunch one day during college with a couple of my friends, a Tums commercial was being filmed at the restaurant. After singing "Tum tum tum tum. Tum tum tum tum tuuuuuuums" we returned to our three orders of french toast. Sure, it looks like a dive and there's usually one guy who's taking care of your table, your order and grilling your food, but if you go just once, you'll make it a point of going back again. Classic neighborhood joint with comforting, inexpensive food. A winner in my book.