Richard Walker's Pancake House

**What makes this different:** While the Gaslamp taco joints are fishing for late-night crowds and most breakfast spots in downtown lean into trendy brunch menus that change weekly, Richard Walker's has been serving the same Dutch baby-style German pancakes and baked omelets for decades. No craft cocktails, no Instagram backdrops, no small plates. Just a straightforward morning operation that fills tables fast, feeds you generously, and sends you on your way.

The German pancake is the thing here — a puffy, skillet-baked number that arrives hot, begging for butter and lemon and powdered sugar. It's shareable if you're modest eaters, but most tables order one per person and commit. The traditional eggs Benedict runs a close second, with hollandaise that tastes like someone made it this morning instead of squeezing it from a bag. The chilaquiles show up if you want something closer to Mexico than Denmark.

Service moves quick even when the line stretches outside, which it does most weekend mornings. Staff checks in without hovering, waters get refilled before you ask, and turnover stays brisk without feeling rushed. The space itself is basic — this isn't the spot for a lingering three-hour brunch scene. You're here because you want real portions of well-executed breakfast food in a neighborhood that's otherwise geared toward nightlife.

Parking is downtown parking, which means pay lots or good luck. Walk if you're already in Gaslamp. The wait rarely tops fifteen minutes even on Saturdays, and they're good about keeping things moving. If you're showing up with kids or a group, they'll fit you — this is a booth-and-table operation built for volume, not intimacy.