House of Pancakes

Don’t let the name fool you – this small Parkside spot has nothing to do with American breakfast. House of Pancakes is a family-run restaurant that specializes in the savory, hearty dishes of Northern China. Inside, the space is simple and functional, with light wood tables and chairs packed closely together in a single, narrow room. A few pieces of Chinese calligraphy hang on the walls, but the main focus is the food coming out of the kitchen, which you can sometimes see from the dining area. The menu is built around three core, handcrafted items: savory pancakes, hand-pulled noodles, and dumplings. The restaurant’s namesake pancakes are thin, flaky, and rolled with fillings – the beef roll pancake is the house specialty, but you’ll also find versions with pork and lamb. Noodles are pulled fresh in-house, giving them a distinct, chewy texture that holds up in soups and stir-fries. The dumplings, both steamed and pan-fried, come with classic fillings like pork and chives. Portions are consistently large and designed for sharing, and a few side dishes like the garlic green beans and cucumber salad are good for balancing out a meal. Because the restaurant is small, it gets crowded. Expect a wait during peak dinner hours, though you can sometimes join the list through Yelp ahead of time. It’s a straightforward, bustling spot that feels like a true neighborhood diner. Just remember to bring cash, as cards are not accepted.