Slappy Cakes - Portland

Food was decent and it was a novel experience but slow service and a small order doesn’t warrant a large mandatory gratuity. Was already on the fence about my experience based on long wait times and expensive but minimal portions, $4 for a spoonful of whipped cream, same for 2 tablespoons of basic chocolate chips) but the forced gratuity assured I won’t return. Mandatory gratuity is already arguably unethical, but at best should be reserved for large orders.

The food was so delicious I’m full but I still want more lol 5 stars

The pancakes were fun, the service was good and atmosphere was nice, but the three unique entrees that we ordered were not good. The cubed fried steak was chewy and lacked flavor, poached eggs in the benedict were completely solid, potatoes were hard, and the breakfast burrito was just OK. Our young daughter had a good time though. Not worth the $100+, we've had much better breakfast at Biscuits or similar for closer to half the cost.

Our family tried this restaurant for brunch the Saturday before Xmas. The food options were good for us; especially since they had gluten-free and vegan choices. The food was fine, not great, but fine. My wife and daughter did the whole make your own pancakes option, but personally, when I go out to eat, not having to make my own food is kinda the whole point, especially when the tools provided to cook the food are subpar. Underneath the griddle in the middle of the table is one electric burner that supposedly heats the griddle up. It is inconsistently hot and only heats the center of the griddle, causing long waits for your pancakes to cook, and then they are cooked unevenly. By the time you have enough for a small stack, everything else is cold. Further, the presence of the griddle takes up a lot of table space, and so you are constantly having to shuffle tiny dishes around, trying to make room, jostle for space to cook, and be careful not to get your clothes in the food sitting between you and the griddle. It was a huge pain and not fun at all. Also, as a bigger guy, the booths (which make up about 85% of the seating) are in no way comfortable and only accommodate bigger people if you force the huge benches back and then embarrassingly infringe on the table behind you. It makes you stand out like the elephant in an empty room. This might be a fun, gimmicky spot for families with very young kids, but for us and our 15 year old , it was just a hassle, so no reason we’d be go back.

Been here 3 times and every time has been a very tasty experience. Their December flavor is gingerbread. The flavor is spectacular! Their staff has always been very lovely! Thank you for the great times!