Mother of All Deals: IHOP Serves Free Pancakes Today

Free pancakes!

If that’s not a rallying cry for families everywhere, we don’t know what is. Today, Tuesday, March 1, IHOP is offering free pancakes! It bears exclaiming one more time: Free pancakes!

IHOP is celebrating National Pancake Day today from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Each guest can get one complimentary “short stack” of buttermilk pancakes, and is encouraged to donate to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  So lick the blueberry syrup off your fingers when you’re done and remember to leave a few dollars.

Last year, IHOP raised more than $2.1 million on National Pancake Day, according to its website. Since 2006, when the yearly tradition began, IHOP has raised $5.35 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities, and has given away more than 10 million pancakes.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals apply their donations locally. According to the website, “when a donation is given it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids.”

Crystal Herd, manager of Towson’s IHOP location, said of past National Pancake Days, “It’s a very hectic day. It’s a very busy, steady day, all day. Our donations range from $500 to $1,000, on average.” She explained that much of their business that day is from the local school kids who just come in for the free pancakes. “But some of the kids do donate,” she added.

IHOP has two locations near Lutherville-Timonium, and both locations are participating:

• 10001 York Road, Cockeysville
• 6820 Loch Raven Boulevard, Towson

Round up the kids before school for an early breakfast, surprise them with an after-school treat, or come for a pancake dinner! Heck, come for a pancake dessert— this deal lasts until 10 p.m. It's worth missing bedtime for some creamy whipped butter, strawberry or maple syrup.

One more time: