Pancakes may be a simple dish to rustle up in the kitchen, but it's certainly true to say that the humble batter treat can be hugely elevated when you dine out. From the thin crisp edges of a proper French crepe to a light, fluffy American-style stack with a side of everything, there's enough choice to make a meal out of it.
Whether you're heading out for the occasion to sample some of Bristol's finest pancakeries - yes, we know that's not a word, but it should be - or you're opting to stay in and make (and flip) your own, it's always handy to have a list of pancake places you can return to again and again and again.
After all, you don't need an excuse to treat yourself to some pancakes when you have these places nearby... Here are some of our top picks for a taste of the best pancakes in Bristol:
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Chez Marcel
Where is it: 43 Broad St, Bristol BS1 2EP
Chez Marcel brings the tastes of northern France to the city centre, offering a vast menu of traditional sweet crepes and savoury galettes. Prices start at just £4.50 for butter and sugar and extend to £11.50 for smoked salmon, cottage cheese, and chives.
To wash your crepe down, there's traditional Betenge cider, wines and even Chocoloat Viennois - hot chocolate with Chantilly cream.
The Crafty Egg
Where is it: 113 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RW
The Crafty Egg is now no longer just a brunch cafe, after having evolved into a greener space that also sells a selection of indoor plants. Its website states that, with fewer tables and more greenery, "you'll be hard pushed to find a more serene brunch in Bristol".
The Crafty Egg serves up pancakes with maple syrup for £7.95 with the option to add extras of bacon, sausage, blueberries or mixed berries for £3 more and Nutella, banana, peanut butter or egg for £2. Its new Fishponds branch opened last year.
At The Well
Where is it: 145 Cheltenham Road, BS6 5RR
At The Well is a cafe-launderette in Stokes Croft, passionate about building a community of people over the shared necessity of doing laundry. You can bring your washing along, enjoy a coffee and stack of American pancakes while you wait and join the community of people that are At The Well.
The theme of this quirky cafe is all based around the image of neighbours standing around an African tap stand or Indian river, gathering to meet together, wash clothes, get much-needed sustenance, swap stories and build a real community.
As we've mentioned, pancakes are on the menu here - you can choose between Osaka-style pancakes priced at £10.50, American pancakes for £7.50, lemon and poppy seed pancakes at £9 or children's pancakes for £4.50.
Sadly At The Well recently announced that it will be closing at the end of March 2023 after 1 year of trading. So this Shrove Tuesday is one of the last opportunities to sample this delicious pancake dishes Gloucester Road institution before it's gone.
The Crepe and Coffee Cabin
Where is it: Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QA
People who have visited the Crepe and Coffee Cabin have described their, well, crepes and coffee as "the best in Bristol" according to TripAdvisor - even saying it's great to eat a crepe with a view of Bristol's historic harbourside.
It offers a range of both sweet and savoury crepes, including 'hot and sticky maple syrup', 'utterly Nutella', apple and cinnamon, banana and chocolate sauce, melted cheese and onion, melted cheese with chicken and bacon and even melted cheese with pineapple and ham.
Boston Tea Party
Where is it: Various locations in Bristol, including Park Street, Gloucester Road, Stokes Croft, Cheswick Village and Whiteladies Road
You can't deny that, despite being a chain, Boston Tea Party in Bristol does some of the best pancakes around.
Their American Pancakes are served either with smoked bacon, maple syrup and maple butter for £9.50 or with blueberry compote, vanilla Greek yoghurt and maple butter, for £8.75.
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Let us know in the comments below where else you'd recommend for pancakes in Bristol
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