It’s Not All Heat And Spice

I know many people think Tucson is all about it’s Mexican food, but in the next couple posts I’ll be telling you about many of Tucson’s other restaurants that are not slanted towards the spicy side of life! Dating way back to 1964 Mildred Novak’s first Millie’s Pancake Haus was opened and her pancakes and syrups quickly became a breakfast favorite in Tucson. Her motto was a simple practical approach, “We offer no-nonsense food at down-to-earth prices.” To this day that motto still rings true, I’m not sure there’s any place else where you can get a bowl of homemade soup for $3.50!

Millie’s Pancake Haus has moved to it’s new home in Trail Dust Town, this is a mock up of an old western town, which is home to Pinnacle Peaks Steak House, I wrote about them here. This works out well as Millie’s is primarily breakfast and lunch and Pinnacle Peaks is a dinner place. There’s something about sitting outside at Millie’s and being able to view the town square and it’s old style buildings. If you use your imagination you’ll be taken back in time. The only problem is right now many of the shops aren’t open until dinner on the weekends, but hopefully once things get back to normal, they’ll open up again.

I went for lunch to Millie’s and I was torn between having the delicious German Pancake which is baked in the oven with cinnamon spiced apples in the middle or the lunch special of chicken and waffles. I went with the chicken and waffles because you get both breakfast and lunch! I was very impressed with the fact that at Millie’s, they actually make bread everyday from scratch. They serve it with apple butter or Smierkase, which is a German cheese and butter spread. The sandwiches are also made using their bread. The ham sandwich has nicely thicker sliced ham and it makes for a great combo with the bread. If you’re from the midwest you’ll be happy to know MIllie’s serves ham salad sandwiches, that’s something you don’t see everyday. Another lunch speciality is the Schnitzel, a breaded pork loin, served with Spaetzle noodles, Rothohl (German red cabbage and onions) and topped with gingersnap gravy. I had hoped there would be bratwurst on the menu but the waitress said it’s only on occasion on the special menu. I’m not sure why other than this place is mainly a breakfast spot and maybe the Schnitzel is more popular with the regulars.

As you can see Millie’s has a flair of the old world. You can get, Russian Blintzes, Swedish Pancakes or French Crepes, alongside of the old favorites like buttermilk, blueberry, banana or chocolate chip pancakes. For those liking a hardier pancake try the whole kernel corn cakes aka. Johnny Cakes. Millie’s also makes a good potato pancake that goes great with their apple sauce. If pancakes aren’t your thing ( I’m not sure who you are), there’s always the old, two eggs toast and home fries with or without a breakfast meat. Lunch also offers burgers, sandwiches and salads.

Take a little trip back in time and visit Millie’s Pancake Haus, you’ll find something for everyone in your party. Then after the meal stroll around Trail Dust Town, since none of the shops are open it’ll feel like a real ghost town! Don’t forget to say hi to Mr. Jesse James, the resident mouser! As always if you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the box below. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Until next time, Boone Appétit!