Originally Posted by Analise
I've never been to the Royal Canadian Pancake House. For me, I think coffee shops offer the best in city breakfasts. Now, note, I am not into pancakes or french toast so if you're looking for authentic maple syrup, you may be on to something. I like eggs. Coffee shops do them great. Plus I can read my paper and be poured the endless cup of coffee. ^
RCPH is long gone (fortunately). They started in the Village or Soho, and then moved to 53rd and 2nd, serving HUGE portions of really bad food. Apparently the huge portions were a sufficient pull to get people to line up around the block for this place, but in addition to the fact that the portions were obscene, the food was just plain bad.
I'm a pancake and omelet guy, and while most diners do both competently (to go with their usually bad coffee!), I occasionally like a more upscale breakfast. I do agree with you, however, that most of the places people flock to are no better, and always more expensive, than the corner diner.