You’ve probably seen the line. It snakes out the door of that bright, modern-looking building in Scottsdale or the Mayo Blvd location in Phoenix, and if you’re like most people, you’ve wondered if any stack of flour and eggs could possibly be worth a forty-minute wait. Honestly, in a city where brunch is basically a competitive sport, it’s hard to stand out. But Butters Pancakes and Cafe has managed to do it by focusing on things that most corporate chains just... don't.
It’s not just the pancakes. It’s the fact that they hand-crack USDA Grade AA eggs for every single order. Or the way their orange juice machine is designed to avoid the bitter oils of the peel, leaving you with something that tastes like a liquid sunrise rather than a carton of disappointment.
What to Actually Order from the Butters Pancakes and Cafe Phoenix Menu
Let’s get the obvious stuff out of the way first. You’re here for the pancakes, but the menu is massive. It’s overwhelming. You’ve got crepes, scramblers, skillets, and "Egg-Ceptional" specialties staring back at you.
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If it’s your first time, the Wildberry Bliss Cakes are usually the move. These aren't just pancakes with some frozen berries tossed on top as an afterthought. They’re stuffed with blueberries, layered with vanilla mascarpone, and then absolutely doused in vanilla cream and a fresh berry glaze. It’s basically dessert disguised as a socially acceptable breakfast.
If you're more of a "savory over sweet" person, the Mexicana Omelette is a heavy hitter. It’s packed with chorizo, avocado, and onions, but the real kicker is the New Mexico green chile sauce. It’s got that authentic kick that reminds you you’re definitely in the Southwest.
- The Sweet Stuff: Oreo Cookie S’Mores Cakes (stuffed with Oreos and marshmallow spread), Banana Cream Crepes, and the Taffy Apple French Toast.
- The Savory Heavyweights: The Whole Hog Skillet (bacon, ham, and sausage) and the Eggs Rojo, which features corn tortillas and black beans.
- The "I'm Trying to Be Healthy" Options: Scottish Steel Cut Oatmeal and the Protein Power Cakes made with wheat, almonds, and oats.
The prices generally hover in the $13 to $18 range for most main plates. It’s not "cheap," but the portions are gargantuan. Most people walk out with a box, or at least a very strong desire to take a three-hour nap.
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The Secret History of the "Butter" Brand
A lot of locals don't realize that Butters has deep roots in the Windy City. It’s actually the younger sibling of Chicago’s famous Butterfield’s Pancake House, which has been a staple there since 2000. When the concept moved to the Valley, they kept that Midwest "big portion" energy but added a more contemporary, airy vibe that fits the Arizona desert perfectly.
They use high-quality stuff. We're talking real maple syrup (if you ask for the upgrade), locally sourced ingredients where possible, and even Maytag blue cheese in their lunch salads. It's a weirdly specific detail, but that's why the food tastes better than the average diner.
Dealing with the Crowd: A Strategy
Look, the wait times at the Mayo Blvd and Scottsdale locations are legendary. On a Sunday morning, you might be looking at 45 minutes to an hour.
Pro Tip: They use a reservation/waitlist system that syncs with Yelp. Use it. Check the wait time before you even leave your house, and put your name on the list while you're still in your pajamas.
If you show up at 10:30 AM on a Saturday without a plan, you’re going to be standing on the sidewalk for a while. The good news? The service is surprisingly fast once you’re actually sat down. The kitchen operates like a well-oiled machine, probably because they know there are fifty people outside staring through the window at your bacon.
Is it Worth the Wait?
Honestly, yeah.
There are plenty of places to get a pancake in Phoenix. You could go to a chain, or you could go to a greasy spoon where the coffee tastes like battery acid. But Butters occupies this middle ground of "approachable luxury." It’s clean, it’s bright, the staff actually seems to like being there, and the food is consistently good.
Whether you're diving into a Stuffed Strawberry Cheesecake Toast or keeping it "light" with a smoked salmon scrambler, you can tell someone in the kitchen actually cares about the presentation. It’s "human-quality" food in a world of pre-frozen breakfast pucks.
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Quick Facts for Your Visit:
- Hours: Daily from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
- Locations: Major hubs at Scottsdale 101 (Mayo Blvd) and Via De Ventura.
- Dietary Needs: They offer Gluten-Free pancakes and waffles that actually taste like the real thing.
- Lunch: If you’re not a breakfast person, their Buffalo Chicken Wrap and Cobb Salad (with that Maytag blue cheese) are solid alternatives.
To get the most out of your visit, download the Yelp app to join the waitlist ahead of time. Start with a glass of the fresh-squeezed OJ while you browse the specialty pancake section—and don't be afraid to ask for a side of the lingonberry sauce, even if you aren't ordering the Swedish cakes. It's a game changer.