If breakfast is your most important meal of the day, try Blueberry Hill Pancake House for its food and ambiance. From the outside, Blueberry Hill looks out of place. It’s a cozy cottage situated between commercial buildings off the busy section of College Avenue.
As you enter, the same sentiments come to mind. Inside, old-fashioned wood walls and an oversized gumball machine accompany the waiting area. Small booths line the sides of the restaurant, with older-looking tables in the center. Everything appears aged and classic.
Faded paintings decorate the walls. “My Girl” played on the radio as I came in, adding to the impression that this was a family-owned, small-town diner. It was a while before the manager noticed I was there, but he made up for it with Midwestern hospitality.
There were a surprising number of people around, since I came at what I thought would be an off-time, noon. Blueberry Hill is only open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., unlike many pancake houses. This is not a prime time for college students, which is perhaps the reason that I was the youngest customer there.
My waitress took me to a booth and gave me a menu. A group of older women that entered after me were asked to order first. I wasn’t given the best service. Looking at the menu, there are a large variety of choices. Everything was within the $7 range, which is a great deal when considering the huge servings given.
Breakfast is the specialty, but the restaurant also offers lunch courses, such as sandwiches. I had heard about their famous Cinnamon Apple Pancakes, so I knew I had to try them. Once I was finally asked to order, my meal arrived relatively quickly. As I waited, I noticed the prevalence of local groups. Most customers were older couples, and many were obvious regulars. The manager knew all of their favorite spots and entrees. It was then that I knew I had thrown myself into a local hotspot.
After a few minutes, my waitress brought out the pancakes. Their presentation was great; four pancakes topped high with deliciously cinnamon-baked apples and fresh syrup. I took a bite and understood what the fuss was about. The perfect amount of spices and variety of textures hit my mouth.
Then I noticed it: a long black hair in between my pancakes. It definitely put a damper on my experience. Despite this questionable find, the food was delicious, and I could not complain about the prices. The view left something to be desired, unless watching trucks fly by is your cup of tea. Workers were full of local charm, and I felt welcomed. Older folks may feel more at home, but I would not deny returning for another pancake or two.
Just a hint: Share with a friend! I am a ravenous eater, yet I could barely finish half of my plate. Also, though the restaurant advertises free Wi-Fi, I had trouble getting it to work. Blueberry Hill did not give me the best experience when I was there, but the restaurant’s breakfast plates will not leave you unsatisfied.
Domestic gourmands: Blueberry Hill
