Red Apple Pancake House in Carol Stream – Cozy Spot with One Major Flaw
This week I stopped at the Red Apple Pancake House in Carol Stream. From the outside, the restaurant looks extremely dated — the kind of place you might drive past thinking the food would be trash. But as someone who’s been to thousands of restaurants, I’ve learned not to judge by the exterior. More often than not, these are the hidden gems.
Atmosphere & First Impressions
Walking in, it was immediately clear this is a regulars’ spot. People were greeting the owner and waitresses like old friends, which gave the place a neighborhood diner vibe. The interior was a huge step up from the outside — cute, cozy, and decorated for fall. Warm and welcoming. There are two seating sections: the main dining area and a smaller, more private side room where I was seated.
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