Ellen's Danish Pancake House

272 Ave of Flags, Buellton, CA 93427, United States
+1 805-688-5312
$$$ Pancake restaurant
(1513 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're looking for a delightful way to start your day, Ellen's Danish Pancake House in Buellton, CA, is your passport to a breakfast paradise. Nestled on the charming Avenue of Flags, this quaint pancake haven is renowned not just for its meals but for its warm ambiance that welcomes patrons into a nostalgic diner setting reminiscent of yesteryears.

At Ellen's, the star of the show is undoubtedly the Danish pancakes. Fluffy and light, these golden discs of joy bring a unique texture and flavor that is hard to resist. Sarah W. raves about their deliciousness, pointing out that every bite delivers a comforting satisfaction. Pair your pancakes with a side of their irresistible Danish sausage—perfectly herbed and bursting with flavor—or indulge in one of their hearty breakfasts like the five-egg omelet, which Cris Pinedo describes as perfect for sharing due to its generous size.

The atmosphere is a delightful nod to the past, drawing you in with its 1960s charm. Guests quickly feel like part of the family, greeted with friendly smiles and best-in-class service, ensuring that your coffee cup never runs dry. TJJ encapsulates this perfectly by saying, "The service from the hard-working server team was top notch." This sense of community and warmth makes it a wonderful retreat from the bustling crowds often found in nearby Solvang.

Beyond pancakes, the menu caters to diverse tastes, featuring selections like the Ortega cheeseburger, tantalizing hot pastrami, and a satisfying chef salad for the health-conscious. The lunch menu options are equally appealing—everyone in the family will find something to relish. And if you're seeking a classic diner experience, you’ll appreciate the hearty breakfast platters which promise to fill you up for a day of exploring beautiful California.

To accompany your meal, Ellen's offers a selection of beverages including decaffeinated coffee and house-made hot cocoa that comes delightfully crowned with a billowing mountain of whipped cream, as mentioned by several patrons. It’s the perfect little indulgence to complete your breakfast experience.

Lastly, while Sarah W. noted the cinnamon buns fell a bit short of her expectations, the overall consensus is clear: Ellen's Danish Pancake House is a must-visit spot for anyone craving a comforting, hearty breakfast filled with flavor and warmth.

So come on down to Buellton, bring your appetite, and immerse yourself in the delightful breakfast offerings that Ellen's has to share. Your table is waiting!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Tuesday

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Wednesday

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Thursday

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Friday

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

1513 Reviews
Sarah W

20 Sep 2025

Very cute Pancake house. We ended up here due to the long wait times at the many breakfast places in Solvang but it did not disappoint. The Danish pancakes were delicious. The hashbrowns were very good with both crispy edges and more mushy insides. The hot cocoa was so covered in whip cream it was falling off the edge. Overall a great breakfast and I would come again.

TJJ

27 Aug 2025

Some might call it a greasy spoon, I call it paradise. The food is 100% classic diner fare. I had eggs, sausage and hash browns with a side pancake. My wife had an omelette. There was so much food we could have split the omelette no problem. The service from the hard working server team was top notch. No cold coffee in our cups. The decor is a flashback to the 60's or 70's. It's not decorated to look old school. It is old school. And yes, it cost us $60 for two with tax and tip out the door, so keep looking if you want cheap eats. But we did get a full meal out of the leftovers the next day. Bottom line, this is a fine local joint that deservers your patronage.

christine chavez

08 Jul 2025

Food was yummy, great breakfast spot for the family.

Cris Pinedo

06 Jul 2025

Great place for some old fashioned big breakfast. Nice range of variety. From Monte Cristo sandwiches to extremely thin pancakes. My personal favorite is the 5 egg omelet. Perfect for sharing.

Sarah W.

04 Jul 2025

Delicious but a bit pricey. The Danish sausage is a must-try—perfectly herby and packed with flavor. The hot chocolate is indulgently fancy, topped generously with whipped cream. The jams are delightful, bursting with big chunks of fruit. The only letdown was the cinnamon bun, which we found a bit hard and dry. This authentic Danish restaurant offers a wonderful escape from the bustling crowds.

I

15 Jun 2025

We were greated with a "Good morning!" And a big smile and seated right away, being asked if we would like coffee promptly afterwards. I ordered one of the specials, Rib Eye and eggs, Mom ordered the Danish Pancakes. The food came out quickly and the waitress was all smiles and kept up with the coffee and water. My steak was cooked perfectly as we're my sunnyside up eggs and hash browns. The pancakes were also made to perfection and the toast toasted just right. 10 out of 10 would recommend!

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