Betsy’s Pancake House is the kind of breakfast and lunch counter frequented by tradesmen and the President of the United States.  Betsy has since passed away, R.I.P.  The restaurant opens at 5:30 AM, before the sun comes up.  As I write this at 5:48 AM, there are three policemen, a plumber, two linemen, a secretary, and Pablo, who is in the corner doing his homework before school.  

Betsy’s Pancake House, opens at 5:30AM except Saturdays and Sundays.  They are closed on Saturdays, “That ain’t ever gonna change,” and they open at 7:00 on Sundays, for the church-going crowd.  This is the kind of clientele Betsy’s Pancake House attracts.  I was sitting across from the ice tea urn while Brandy stocked the cooler with fruit juices.  The city is just getting started.  This is New Orleans.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Every meal in New Orleans is important.

There are thirty potential side orders on the menu at Betsy’s Pancake House, ranging in price from $1.50 for a cup of grits to $10 for two fried or grilled pork chops.  This is solid food to start the day, not foo-foo dainties and finder foods.  If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, Betsy’s Pancake House is for you.  The formica is as vintage as the diner’s atmosphere is timeless.  Homestyle cooking meets homestyle service.  

After Hurricane Katrina, George W. Bush visited Betsy’s Pancake House.  Betsy was still alive, then.  It was quite the honor.  Betsy’s Pancake House was chosen because it is pure New Orleans.  This is real 504, baby.  That was on June 29, 2006.  The mayor at the time, Ray Nagin, was there.  He’s in prison now.  This is a New Orleans story.  

The breakfast special runs from 5:30 AM to 10:30 AM.  It is two eggs, any style, bacon, grits, and a choice of toast or pancakes.  It costs $8.50.

At Toast, in the Fairgrounds Triangle, the Early Bird special is eggs, grits, bacon, and toast for $8.00.  You will save fifty cents but it is only available between 6:30 and 7:30 AM.  Betsy’s wins in this respect.  It is on Canal Street, at 2542.  It is across the street from a church and next door to a massage parlor.  Saints and sinners intermingle in New Olreans.  Everyone is welcome at Betsy’s Pancake House.

People come and go.  Some people sit and jawbone over eggs and biscuits.  The tables stay busy.  Tracy is working.  Her shift just started.  Everybody gets along.  Office workers pop in to pick up breakfast for a desktop meal.  Young Perkins just landed the McAlister account.  That kid’s going to make something of himself in this world.  He and his family attend the church next door.

The streetcar rolls past.  Betsy’s Pancake House is on the line that runs to either the Cemeteries or City Park.  Either car will do.  Every ride is dandy.  If you don’t make it for breakfast, stop by for lunch.  There is a predicable routine of specials that cycle through the week.  

Today is Monday morning.  Everywhere you go in New Orleans, red beans and rice will be on the menu.  Red beans on Monday: it’s tradition.  At Betsy’s it can come with either a link of smoked sausage or a ham shank.  They also serve hamburger steak, and a chicken BLT wrap on Mondays.  

Betsy’s Pancake House has been family-owned and operated since 1987.  If you are of a certain age, you know exactly what Betsy’s is like.  It feels like home.  If you are younger, a trip to Betsy’s Pancake House is a Legendary Breakfast Experience.  

The website says it is a legendary breakfast experience.  People of a certain age want a good meal, good service, and good conversation.  They do not do things to have fun, the fun naturally follows what they do.  This is New Orleans.  Laissez les bon temps rouler.  Meet me at Betsy’s.