Best pancakes

IHOP – sure it is a chain, but IHOP is the creator of National Pancake Day, so I have to give them a nod. Plus, the pancakes are FREE on Tuesday, Feb. 5! Every diner gets a free short stack. If you are feeling generous and blessed after the meal, IHOP asks that you make a donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals programs at Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center. 

Big Ed's City Market (Raleigh) – Take your out-of-town guests to Ed's for a true taste of southern hospitality. It may get packed on weekends, but the service is quick and always friendly and the menu is full of classics like red eye gravy. The pancakes at Ed's are enormous!

Angie's (Garner) – After our first round of Best Breakfasts, we heard from so many fans of Angie's that we simply had to try it. Angie's (and yes, there is an Angie) lives up to the reputation for home cooking and atmosphere, a true family diner of the old school. 

Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe (Chapel Hill) – Another local tradition, this one in Chapel Hill, is Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe. Generations of Tar Heels have started their day at this Franklin Street institution where the standard pancake comes with a touch of sweet. You'll surge into your day on a burst of coffee and pancakes made with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or M&Ms. Of course, you will need a nap later.

Remedy Diner (Raleigh) – The opposite of Big Ed's or Angie's, Remedy is an alternative to the standard diner, safe for vegetarians and even vegans. Just about every entree offers a meat-less option, with tofu as a reasonable egg substitute. They don't serve pancakes but the breakfast sandwich made with French toast, sausage, cheese, currants and topped with maple syrup will satisfy any craving.