The Griddle Cafe

IHOP’s got nothing on the Griddle Café. Generous portions and a sugary sweet selection of breakfast goodies make the usually long wait for a table worthwhile. The kitchen should perhaps leave waffles to The Waffle, but the pancakes and the French toast are unsurpassed. Standouts include the “Saturday Morning Fever,” which mixes Bailey’s and Kahlua into the buttermilk pancake batter, and the “Peanut Bubba” crunchy French toast. Egg dishes are also available if you require more protein with your breakfast, as is a lunch menu of sandwiches and salads for those who can’t possibly eat pancakes after noon. The waiters all look like models, but that may be because of the high concentration of directors who frequent the place (the Director’s Guild of America is right next door). Need to walk off those pancakes sitting like hubcaps in your stomach? Stroll down to the Whole Foods Lifestyle Annex for some fair trade, eco-friendly clothing, gifts, and home items, since grocery shopping will be the last thing on your mind.

TIP: Free refills on pitchers of mimosas!

PARKING: The free lot behind Rite Aid on the corner is a tempting parking option if you tire of circling around and around the block. Fair warning, though, they say they’ll tow if you’re not shopping there. So go in and buy lip gloss for later.