I first read about Abundant Life Ministry Center’s Pancake Breakfast on the Geauga County Maple Leaf’s Pancake Breakfast page. It caught my eye, because it was a pancake breakfast on a Saturday. Most pancake breakfasts are held on Sunday. It takes place every Saturday in March from 7 a.m. to noon. It advertises “Enjoy all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancake breakfasts with real maple syrup at Abundant Life Ministry Center, 13724 Carlton St. in Burton. There will be three varieties of pancakes along with sausage for $10. Add a side of eggs for $1.” When I investigated further I discovered that banana is one of the three varieties. I was sold and decided I would be sure to check them out.
I didn’t know what to expect as I headed out. I left my house at 8 a.m. since I had gone to bed early the night before because my sleep schedule is all out of whack after three days of Zoom classes from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. this week. I made the mistake of not having a coffee beforehand. I decided not to get one on the way, because I knew there would be coffee there. Take my advice and get the coffee. Anyway, I drove to Burton, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes and keeping my eyes on the lines on the road because it was raining so hard visibility was bad. I was also grumpily questioning why I was driving to Burton for a pancake breakfast on this chilly, rainy morning. My GPS took me out 422, which is a drive I love because it takes me past LaDue Reservoir. I even drove past several Amish residences with buggies in the driveway, and one of the small parks had blue buckets on the trees collecting sap for maple syrup.
As I said, I didn’t know what to expect. I kind of imagined a megachurch and a slick production with a ton of people. I was delighted to find the church is in what looks to be an old school (elementary school?). There were plenty of signs on several corners indicating where to turn. I quickly found a parking space quite close to the entrance (and it turned out to be even closer to the exit). I entered through the main door and followed the signs to the right. There was a cashier’s table at the entrance to the cafeteria. I handed her my $11 for the pancakes and eggs and grabbed a plate. I decided to try one of each pancake. I was given three lovely looking pancakes, several lumps of sausage (obviously handmade – no commercial, preformed patties here) and a ladleful of scrambled eggs, and was handed a fork and knife rolled in a napkin. Efficient!
I entered the dining area and quickly found a seat at one of the tables. The tables were covered in plastic tableclothes and had plates of butter, salt (Himalayan salt!) and pepper and squirt bottles filled with real maple syrup on them. There was a table as you entered that had some pancake syrup, ketchup, etc. as well as urns of coffee and hot water and jugs of orange juice and water. There were china containers of sugar and powdered creamer. I grabbed two styrofoam cups and filled one with coffee and the other with orange juice. If I come again I will bring my own mug and juice glass. And some liquid coffee creamer or half and half. But hey, for $11 I am not going to complain. And the coffee wasn’t terrible. I did enjoy it, and it did the job of waking me up.
The place was swarming with kids offering to get more pancakes or refills on your beverages. I agreed to a refill on my orange juice, but didn’t need more than my initial three pancakes. It was the perfect amount. Several of the kids even asked if they could clear my plate. There were more helpers than diners. There was even a Mennonite family there enjoying their meal. I was impressed how polite and helpful the kids were. Well done, Abundant Life parents!
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As for the meal, it was excellent. I particularly loved the banana and blueberry pancakes. They were fluffy and packed with real fruit. I’m going to have to start making banana pancakes at home! I probably could have asked for more sausage, but I didn’t feel I needed it. The scrambled eggs were softly scrambled and were tasty after a quick shake of salt and pepper.
I am pleased to report that this pancake breakfast was unassuming and charming. And there was no line. It is a hidden gem and deserves more attendance. I mean, what better way is there to start a lazy Saturday than a plateful of pancakes?And for just $10 plus another $1 for eggs? I’m going to be full all day. I will definitely be back – maybe even before the end of March. It’s worth the 45 minute drive.
Contact info:
Abundant Life Ministry Center
, 13724 Carlton Street
Burton, OH 44021
(440) 273-8151
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Eats 