Clinton Street Baking Co. & Restaurant

Clinton Street Baking Co. & Restaurant

4 Clinton Street

New York, NY 10002

(646) 602-6263

Oh, it was a rainy Tuesday! We approached the restaurant and I went "uh-oh" in my head. Howard dislikes long waits for food - especially in the rain. There was what looked like a small group waiting out front, but looking pass that group, there were more waiting at the side.

I went in to put my name down and was told there would be a forty-five minute wait. Yikes! Since it was our first time here, I didn't know, would it be worth it? We could tell it was mostly tourists waiting for a table too!

We waited. I told Howard that if we didn't get to eat here, I wouldn't be too heartbroken. I've already made their pancakes at home, but a part of me wanted to know if it tasted different here. While Howard was grumpy, he decided we should wait.

So we stood outside and watched the people eat. Pancakes and biscuits were being served at every table. We watched the two ladies sitting right by the window take their time eating, chatting, and pulling out their map of New York. Even when they did finally leave, it wasn't our turn yet.

Our wait was about an hour and fifteen minutes, we were led to the back, the very last table before the kitchen. Remember how I was saying space was limited in New York restaurants? This one was no exception. Our hostess graciously pulled the table out so I could slide on to the bench along the wall.

We studied the menu for a bit. I knew I was there for the famous banana walnut pancakes. Yet, a part of me also wanted the eggs benedict, or the crispy potato pancakes, or the brioche French toast, or the buttermilk biscuit sandwich, or the po' boy.

Howard got the Spanish scramble: three eggs, chorizo, tomatoes, caramelized onions, scallions, melted Monterey jack, hash browns, and sourdough toast.

I was pretty smug when he said it was really good. But I hear him, over an hour wait for breakfast is a bit steep.

Here they are! If you can't tell by the photo, the pancakes are gigantic! Warm walnuts, fresh banana slices, and maple butter drizzled on top!

While we were waiting, I noticed that a lot of tables didn't finish their pancakes. I thought, that's crazy! Why wouldn't you finish it?

After eating a quarter of the pancakes, I knew why. It fills you up! I would highly recommend coming if you haven't eaten in a day or sharing the pancakes.

Oh! And I saw Neil Kleinberg! He even said "hi" to me before going into the kitchen. I don't know why none of the other patrons didn't get excited and whisper to their partner about who just walked by.