Waffles, pancakes, and French toast claim the trifecta for breakfast foods, especially in diner-rich New Jersey, but we all know who the true winner is. The versatile pancake with its fruit, nuts, chocolate, and numerous toppings and fillings has a special place in our breakfast hearts. For those with Celiac or following a gluten-free diet, it may be challenging to come across a diner, cafe, or restaurant that offers gluten-free pancakes. Luckily for you, we have done the research (it was an arduous task, but someone had to do it) and compiled a list of North Jersey businesses serving up gluten-free pancakes. Read on for where to find gluten-free pancakes in Northern New Jersey.
Brownstone Pancake Factory | 717 East Palisade Avenue Englewood Cliffs, 860 River Road Edgewater
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When you think of New Jersey specialty pancakes, Brownstone Pancake Factory should be the first place to come to mind. With over 25 speciality options, this is the place to go if you are always looking to try something new. You can substitute any of their pancake flavors to be made with their gluten-free batter or with buckwheat. While the name “buckwheat” may cause you to second guess your order, rest assured they are gluten-free. Buckwheat is not a wheat, but actually a type of seed harvested from a flower. At Brownstone, you can order your pancakes either sweet or savory. If you are looking for something sweet, you’ll get toppings and fillings such as chocolate, shredded coconut, strawberries, peanut butter chips, walnuts, and whipped cream. For something savory you can look forward to ham, bacon, sausage, eggs, cheddar cheese, pulled pork carnitas, and sour cream.
Read More: Where to Get German Fare in North Jersey
Bluestone Coffee Co. | 123 Watchung Avenue #2, Montclair
Bluestone Coffee Co is one of the coziest spots in Montclair and a perfect spot for brunch. You can also enjoy your food outside at the tables or in the gazebo at Watchung Plaza. The menu here includes buttermilk and fruit pancakes which can be ordered as gluten-free. The buttermilk pancakes come with pure maple syrup and the fruit pancakes come with your choice of blueberries, strawberries, or banana. Other options include omelets, sandwiches, burgers, salad, and soap.
Buddy’s JC | 247 Washington Street, Jersey City
^Buddy’s “Cinnabon” gluten-free pancakes
Buddy’s is the real deal. With an entire menu section dedicated to cereal pancakes — the only way cereal should be consumed, anyway — you know you’re in good hands at this Jersey City spot. Plain gluten-free pancakes are on the menu as a standalone item, but cereal pancakes can be made gluten-free upon request, too. We’ve tried the “Cinnabon” GF pancakes and can confirm they are worth writing home about.
Le Cafe Pancake | 140 East Ridgewood Avenue Ridgewood
Just a short walk from the train station, Ridgewood’s Le Cafe Pancake is a great place for breakfast or brunch. From omelets and burgers to French toast and pancakes, Le Cafe Pancake exemplifies classic NJ diner food. For gluten-free diners, they do offer buckwheat pancakes. While this is the only gluten-free pancake option listed on their menu, their other varieties include apple cinnamon, chocolate chip, chocolate chip with almonds, and several fruit options. If you are interested in their other flavors they may be willing to make your buckwheat pancake with the fillings and toppings. Always ask and see what they are willing and able to do.
Montclair House Grill | 12 Church Street, Montclair
Breakfast is served all day at Montclair Grill House, so you can order anything at any time. Here, you can enjoy an assortment of gluten-free items such as their chicken tenders, waffles, french toast, chocolate chip cookies, flourless chocolate cake, and pancakes. You can order chocolate pancakes and add fruit such as bananas, blueberries, and strawberries. You can also add Nutella and butter to these fluffy treats.
Original Pancake House of West Caldwell | 817 Bloomfield Avenue West Caldwell
The Original Pancake House is a classic breakfast chain with various locations across the country. You can dine with them at their two New Jersey locations, one in West Caldwell and another at 15 The Promenade Edgewater. This is a family friendly establishment offering color kits for kids at the table and they even have toys and games in their waiting area. Nearly all of their pancakes, whether chocolate chip, banana, or blueberry, can be made gluten-free and even come with a little umbrella to mark that the dish is allergy free. You can also add buckwheat to your pancakes. When you go, you must pair your pancakes with a side of their thick bacon, it’s a right of passage.
Rutherford Pancake House | 40 Park Avenue Rutherford
The Rutherford Pancake House and the Maywood Pancake located at 42 West Pleasant Avenue Maywood have the same exact menu. So, if you are craving gluten-free pancakes, french toast, or waffles then check out either location. They have four flavorful pancakes options to choose from. The Nutella Pancakes come with fresh strawberries, bananana, and chocolate hazelnut. The Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes come with strawberries, raspberries, whipped cream, and a chocolate drizzle. The Choco Choco Pancakes come with chocolate chips, sweetened coconut flakes, whipped cream, and a chocolate drizzle. The Berry Merry Pancakes come with strawberries, blueberries, and are topped with whipped cream.
Toast | 700 Bloomfield Avenue Montclair
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Toast is one of Montclair’s classic brunch venues located along Bloomfield Avenue. This two story spot offers a variety of brunch items such as omelets, salads, and pancakes. If you are looking for gluten-free pancakes, you’ll need to order the Will’s Firebird Pancakes. These fluffy pancakes are made with nut flour and you can add chocolate chips, strawberries, and blueberries to them as well.
See More: The Best Gluten-Free Date Night Spots in Hoboken + JC, According to a Celiac
Willow + Whisk | 319 Franklin Avenue Wyckoff
Created with two main ingredients, family and great food, the rustic and cozy Willow + Whisk is taking a new approach to classic breakfast and lunch dishes. From shakshuka and turkey clubs to avocado toast and paninis, the menu is both flavorful and unique. Gluten-free diners can enjoy the Buttermilk, Pumpkin, or Lemon Ricotta pancakes. Your dish can be paired with hot chocolate, masala chai tea, cold brew, or one of their other drinks.
