It happened so fast. Like something out of a sports parody, during a third inning, in-game interview on Apple+, Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy reached into his back pocket and pulled out a pancake. It was a seemingly innocuous move, a tasty little snack for him to munch on between innings. Then the storm came.

 

In a matter of seconds, Pat’s pocket pancakes became an internet sensation, endearing the manager to baseball fans across the nation and cementing himself as one of the game’s likeable characters, all with a mouthful of flapjack. News spread like wildfire. Demand picked up fast across Visit Milwaukee’s socials, in our inboxes and even on our help line. Where can we find pocket pancakes in Milwaukee? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

Well, we say give the people what they want. So, we put together a list of not just pancake purveyors, but of pancakes that are every bit as unique as the Brewers skipper. Fold ‘em, tear ‘em, roll ‘em, however you pocket your pancake is a-okay by us. Here are our hot tips for these hot cakes.

A sophisticated dining room at The Fitz, located in The Ambassador Hotel. The space features art deco-inspired decor, round and square tables with white tablecloths, purple napkins, and neatly arranged wine glasses. Elegant chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and large framed artwork adds a stylish touch to the walls.

Pikelets

The Fitz

When it comes down to pocket pancakes, we’re going for portability. Sure, a fluffy stack of flapjacks is great when you’re sitting at a restaurant, but for this dough on the go, you’re going to want something that fits in the pocket comfortably. We present, for your snacking pleasure, pikelets. About the size of a silver dollar, you can fit several of these mini pancakes in your pockets, purses, wallets and anywhere else you keep a little treat for later.

A tray of golden, crispy cheese curds served with a side of ranch dressing and a can of Fred Smith Lager. One cheese curd is creatively placed in the open top of the beer can. The tray sits on a wooden table.

Pancake-Battered Curds

Crafty Cow

Are they pancakes? Are they cheese curds? For portable, pocket-worthy snacks, does it really matter? Besides, this version of the pocket pancakes packs a little extra protein, coated with delicious, golden-brown fried dough. We don’t know that we’d recommend stashing these in your pockets straight out of the frier, but you’ve got to admit that the idea of chomping a curd on the go makes your mouth water just a little bit. Modern problems require modern solutions. We’re not sure that this solves any of your problems, but it couldn’t hurt.

A decorative blue-and-white plate holds a sweet potato pancake topped with powdered sugar, a pat of butter, and a small metal cup of syrup on the side. Next to it, another matching plate features several strips of crispy bacon. A fork rests on a dark blue napkin beside the pancake plate, all set on a rustic wooden table.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Tupelo Honey

After debating whether the classic brunch staple of chicken and waffles fit the bill, we found the next best thing, sweet potato pancakes. In the way of grazing on a golden-brown dough disc, a sweet potato pancake is (perhaps) a healthier option. And, for those experiencing pancake fatigue, the change in flavor profile could help you power through to the next inning, meeting or social commitment.

A plate of blueberry pancakes topped with fresh blueberries and powdered sugar, served with a small cup of syrup and a garnish of orange and strawberry slices. In the background, there's a cappuccino and a plate with an omelet and hash browns.

Gluten-Free Pancakes

Café at the Pfister

What about one for our gluten-free friends? You, too, can masterfully munch on this creative culinary stopgap. The gluten-free pancakes at the Pfister are delicious, and like their gluten-full counterparts, fold or roll to make the perfect travel companion.

More Classic Flapjacks

Of course, we’ve just scratched the surface of pocket pancake culture in Milwaukee. Countless breakfast and brunch locales feature the pillowy dish on their menus, to varying degrees of pocketable success. We tried, dear reader, we really tried visiting each of these restaurants to see if their pancakes fit in the necessary dimensions; we just ran out of pockets. Try these stops for classic flapjacks.

 

Pack a pocket pancake for the ballpark, roll up to your next social outing with a forbidden flapjack hidden in your jacket or savor a hidden hot cake from your hoodie at the family reunion. No matter how you rock it, Pat’s pocket pancake is a game-changer for carb lovers everywhere.

Discover more culinary innovation, book your stay and map out your pocket pancake getaway today!