Stonington-Mystic's Best Pancakes

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And for me, pancakes are an essential part of breakfast. Growing up, it became a tradition of sorts to start the weekend with chocolate chip pancakes topped with strawberries and crispy bacon. Whether mid-day or a fancy brunch, pancakes can be simple and plain, or combined with fruits and sweets to make all those at the table jealous.

I woke up my palette and hit the streets early for a breakfast blitz of pancake tastings.

in Pawcatuck had a delicious sounding banana pancake special ($6.50) that I had to try. The presentation made me even more anxious to try these flapjacks, as bits of banana studded each pancake and powdered sugar garnished the plate. The three pancakes were thick, but moist. As a fan of bananas, I was pleased by the overall taste, and the banana added a nice texture. However, as a New Englander, I was not pleased to see a $2.50 extra charge for pure maple syrup. Even more disappointing was, when I did not splurge, the “standard” maple syrup came out in the Aunt Jemima bottle. Fortunately, the pancakes were good enough not to need much syrup.

Next up was , where everyone knows your name and I knew exactly what I was getting: Wild Blueberry Pancakes with Real Maple Syrup ($5.95). These two pancakes looked like they came straight from the blueberry fields of Maine, and tasted just as fresh. The pancakes were thick and airy, but the blueberries were not as mixed through each pancake as I hoped.

Having heard tales about the small restaurant that packs a big punch, I was excited to try the pancakes at . I tried the Three Light & Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes Topped with Cinnamon, Sugar and Butter ($4.95), correctly placed under “Carbohydrate City” on the menu.  The pancakes looked as decadent as they sounded, topped with cinnamon, sugar, and melting cubes of butter. These three flapjacks were the thinnest I tried, making them easy to eat. If you are looking for some delicious brunch comfort food, look no further. For a healthier alternative, try the blueberry banana pancake special.

The last stop took me to downtown Mystic’s . The menu had two cakes ($4.50) or four cakes ($5.50) served with powdered sugar and maple syrup. But I tried the banana walnut special ($6.95), which was four pancakes filled with banana cubes and walnuts, and topped with strawberries and powdered sugar. These thin cakes were moist and had a smooth banana taste throughout. The bits of walnuts added a unique nutty taste while a creating a pleasant crunch.

Verdict: With a refined taste and elegant presentation, the winner of Stonington Mystic Culinary Creations: Pancakes is Azu.  

Do you agree? Vote in our poll and tell us which of these eateries you think has the best pancakes.