If Snow White were to grab Sunday brunch, she'd most likely head to the Pancake House. The white building with the blue door, blue fence and crisscross windows looks more like a cottage in the woods than a popular Gold Coast eatery. But popular the Pancake House is, and take that as a warning: If you want an original pancake breakfast during French toast rush hour (weekend mornings) expect to take your place in a long line of hungry dwarfs. In the summer, the outdoor patio allows for some extra seating, but the line still winds its way out the door.

So what's the deal? Judging by appearances, the menu is fairly standard Sunday morning fare: eggs, bacon, toast, coffee, waffles, crepes and, of course, pancakes in no short supply. What is not average is the restaurant's homemade batter; the good people of the Pancake House concocted a sourdough base to prevent their goods from tasting too sweet or bland. Pancakes come in all flavors. Signature dishes include the lemon and sugar-topped Dutch Baby pancake. Another popular favorite is the apple-and-cinnamon-glazed pancake. There's no better meal to pull a princess (or prince) out of a deep Sunday-morning sleep.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Jennifer Berg