Runaway to Pancake Circus

, 1 Comment on Runaway to Pancake Circus

Sacramento is home to many things, most notably California’s capital. But if you’re looking for a bite to eat with a side of whimsy, look no further than Pancake Circus.

Exterior of Pancake Circus. Across the top the roof comes down and painted in orange and white stripes, yellow script neon reads "Pancake Circus" below massive windows are painted in circus themes.

Painted on one window is a clown poodle balances on a ball surrounded by balloons.

A large white sign outside reads "Pancake Circus" in large red letters.

A painted cut out of a clown reads "Please wait to be seated"

Opening in 1961 as Al & Bud’s Platter, by Al Nahas and Hollis “Bud” Sheely, it served up pancakes and and steaks 24 hours. Later the Sheelys took over and changed it to Pancake Circus, leaning into bright colors and of course a circus theme. Over the decades it has had various owners, but one thing has remained, the theming, especially clowns, and they are found everywhere. Much of the clown decor is donated, if not outright created by, customers, adding to the local charm. I especially loved the hand painted animals dotted above the counter.

A large cut out giraffe hangs in between the windows inside.

The menu, featuring a clown with balloons.

A service station in the middle has panels painted with various circus animals, including a gorilla and a lion.

Various clown paintings hang on a tan wall just inside the door.

A clown holding onto balloons hangs from the ceiling.

Close-up of blueberry pancakes with whipped cream.

A painted sign reads "Pancake Circus"

Overall view of the restaurant, and above the bar are various circus animals.

An orange elephant stands on a striped ball, painted on the wall.

Close-up of one of the painted windows, a clown holds a spoon and fork in his teeth and in one hand he holds a plate with a stack of pancakes.

Exterior of Pancake Circus. Across the top the roof comes down and painted in orange and white stripes, yellow script neon reads "Pancake Circus" below massive windows are painted in circus themes.

A crescent moon holds a large fork and a plate of pancakes.

Close-up of the front of Pancake Circus. Red and orange stripes painted across the top, with a neon script reading "Pancake Circus" over the top.

Grab a bite at Pancake Circus at 2101 Broadway in Sacramento, please note they are, as of this visit, open 7 am to 2 pm. For details, including their menu, please visit their website.

Sources
Pinedo, Jacqueline. “Changes are coming to Sacramento’s Pancake Circus. What to know about the beloved restaurant.” The Sacramento Bee, 27 March 2024.

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One comment on “Runaway to Pancake Circus”

  1. I lived in Sacramento many years ago. Family still live there. Although, I’ve never been to Pancake Circus, on my next visit I’ll have to try it. Thanks for writing about it.

    Reply