Dishola: Reviews by the Dish

Okay, so I might be a little biased - I used to work at 1886. But I can't agree more. I'm not sure why, but 1886 is often passed over as one of the best brunch destinations in town. These pancakes are not only filled with big, juicy blueberries and actual ginger snap crumbles, but they also contain a secret ingredient that magically cures hangovers.

Many plates of pancakes are too much, but I think I've completed every undertaking of these I've attempted. The vanilla bean syrup is delicious (especially when used as a dip for a side of sausage).

I must stop writing, as I have now convinced myself to head over to 1886 and order these right now.

Austin is a pancake town. College kids and late-nighters slumbering around in their pajamas. And while Kerbey Lane and Magnolia get all the cred for their battery breakfasts, they both share one common ailment--the pancake hangover. They taste great going down but five minutes after eating them, you're wishing you'd stopped halfway through.

But get this: Tucked into the bottom of the Driskill Hotel, on the 6th Street side and on the corner of Brazos is 1886 Cafe & Bakery. Alongside crepes and other sweet morning treats, they serve a doozie of a pancake--the Ginger Snap Pancake.

The ginger cookie touch is subtle with just a few snaps crushed and sprinkled across the top with a pinch or two of powdered sugar for good measure. And the cakes come served with a "how do I ration this out properly?" pitcher of vanilla maple syrup which pours like a sweet, sappy glaze across your plate.

And the best part? No pancake hangover. I don't know how they do it. It might be egg-whites; I'm not sure. But the cakes are light and fluffy so you leave feeling a-okay and ready to face the day instead of your La-Z-Boy.

They're a little known secret and get my vote for the best in town.