International House of Pancakes – Waco, Texas

Any restaurant that can provide outstanding food regardless of how busy they are, deserve accolades. IHOP on I-35 South (4109 South Jack Kultgen Expy) in Waco, Texas is such a place. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon in July, when the restaurant was packed. Most of us probably assume in such a situation that service will be slow, from seating, to ordering, to receiving food. Happily for us, this IHOP proved that a big crowd isn’t a problem for them.

 There were eight in our party, often a problem in small restaurants, but the IHOP people smiled, took it in stride, rearranged tables to accommodate us, and got us seated quickly. As we walked towards our table, I noticed a sign on the wall in the kitchen that read, ‘If it ain’t perfect, don’t serve it’. I knew immediately that we were in a quality restaurant with good management. Good management usually means the staff is properly trained, and business is conducted efficiently. Over the next hour, they proved me right on all counts.

 

The food arrived much sooner than I expected, considering the number of patrons. Fast arrival can mean poor quality control in some restaurants, but not at this IHOP. Every one of the eight in our party had a quality and satisfying meal, served by attentive and helpful employees. At no time did any of us need to ask for a drink refill – our server was on it every time.

Service was prompt and friendly, the food was perfect, arrived sooner than expected, and the restaurant was clean and well maintained. What more can you ask for? The IHOP on I-35 South in Waco, Texas, is well worth your time.

Larry Manch is an author, teacher, guitar player, freelance writer, and columnist. His books include: 'Twisted Logic: 50 Edgy Flash Fiction Stories', 'The Toughest Hundred Dollars & Other Rock & Roll Stories', 'A Sports Junkie', 'The Avery Appointment', 'Between the Fuzzy Parts'. His books are available in paperback and e-book.

He also writes about sports for Season Tickets, food and travel on Miles & Meals, and music/guitars on The Backbeat.

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