Du-par’s has been flipping their famous hotcakes since 1938 when James Dunn and Edward Parsons, combined their surnames and opened Du-Par’s in the Farmers Market.

At Du-par’s, customers come for the hotcakes, and stay for the pie! (photo by Jill Weinlein)

The secret recipe is kept in an envelope in an old safe in the office at the Farmers Market location.

“It takes hours to make the perfect pancake,” said Biff Naylor, owner of Du-Par’s. Naylor is the son of restaurateur Tiny Naylor who owned the popular California restaurant chain of he same name.

“We whip up the batter and let it rest for hours,” he said. Tasting a Du-par’s hotcake, I declare they are different from any other restaurant in Los Angeles. They are the fluffiest and tastiest pancakes – pure comfort food.

Some repeat customers say the fresh squeezed orange juice and hash browns that are hand-peeled and cut, complete a stack of hotcakes.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 24 hours a day, it’s a spot known around town for more than their hotcakes. Their hamburgers are made from choice chuck meat that is ground daily. The patty is served on a freshly baked brioche bun. Many guests finish their meal with a slice of fresh baked pie or take a whole pie home to enjoy later.

A good time to try Du-Par’s is during their Beat The Clock menu from 4 to 6 p.m.  You pay whatever the time is before 6 p.m. Entrée items may include chicken piccata, seared Mahi-Mahi, savory four cheese macaroni or a fresh mozzarella salad. The all-inclusive menu includes soup or salad with the entrée. If you arrive at 5:22 p.m., your meal will cost $5.22. It’s old school cooking at its best.

The earlier you come, the less your bill will be. 6333 W. Third St. (323)933-8446 and 12036 Ventura Blvd. Studio City (818)766-4437.