Pancake Diner Burleigh makes ‘em real thick and juicy.
Pancake Diner Burleigh makes ‘em real thick and juicy.
Ah, pancakes. The penultimate brunch food is never far from our minds, and judging by the proliferation of all-day eateries these days – clearly we’re not alone in thinking that a big ole’ syrup-drenched stack of pancakes is the perennial ‘anytime’ dish. If you’re with us, you’ll want to pay extra attention – because the Pancake Diner Burleigh is here – ready or not.
The newcomer specialises in sweet stacks of the skillet-based variety – as you might have gleaned from the name, Pancake Diner Burleigh is bringing a taste of authentic – and food-coma inducing – American diner style eats to Burleigh’s beach-studded suburb. The theme is retro-cool, and they’ve fully committed. Old-school tunes delivered via drive-in movie speakers, alongside the classics – Burgers, Southern fried wings, Canadian-style buttermilk pancakes and enough Old-fashioned shake flavours to make a milk bar blush.
Brace the blood sugar levels, guys.
If you’re thinking, relax, it’s only pancakes (you monster… only pancakes?! … but with a full page of question marks) – we have good reason to be excited. The new venue is the latest venture from local veterans of family-friendly eats, Glen and Michelle Day – and if the names don’t immediately ring a bell, a little place known as Pancakes in Paradise sure will.
Under the Aruba Group umbrella, their family-run outfit has amassed some local institutions in its time. Among them, well-known names like The Aztec, Montezumas Surfers Paradise, Pancake Diner Coolangatta, along with the aforementioned Surfer’s icon, Pancakes in Paradise. Its 30 year reign is as synonymous with the glitter strip as its surf kissed beaches and rosy, sun-crisped tourists.
For born and bred Burleigh local Glen, driving past the perfect site daily was the final nudge to set the wheels in motion for his vision of a modern Midwestern American Diner. The fit-out for the themed space was predominately designed by Glen and fam, with a helping hand from Mike Hayes from Tweed Coast on the exterior, and Pieper Holdings completing the interior fit-out.
They’ve gone the whole hog with the venue’s Fonzie-vibing theme – complete red authentic style diner booths, as well a ‘1957 Chevy booth’ that rev-heads will no doubt be fond of.
As for the food, don’t let the name fool you. Pancake Diner Burleigh is an all-rounder – doling out all-day eats, breakfast through dinner, with an all-American menu. And phew, that’s a lot of ‘alls’. Oh wait, we’re not done – the ever-popular $11.99 ‘All you can eat’ pancakes with whipped butter and maple syrup, also makes an appearance.
Not in the mood for a standoff with a pile of pancakes? Perhaps waffles, USA style pork ribs or fillet steak and fries will be more your speed.
You can also take your pick soft between and hard beverages starting with nostalgia-loaded Cherry cola spiders and a 20-strong menu of loaded, Old fashioned shake flavours like Bubblegum, Popcorn and Nougat. All of which, you are allowed to spike with your choice of spirit, might we add.
At which point, we might as well make it an Espresso Martini.
Hey, it’s still technically pancakes and coffee, right? The brunch of champions!
Where: 16/221 Christine Avenue, Burleigh Heads
When: From 7am, 7 days a week
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
