East Idaho Eats: A decades long recipe continues at Smitty’s in Idaho Falls

IDAHO FALLS — For decades, Smitty’s Pancake and Steakhouse in Idaho Falls has served up its famous flapjacks and homestyle dinners.

The restaurant got on a new look in early 2020 after new owners took over and initiated an extensive remodel of the restaurant. Since then, Smitty’s manager Lonnie Mack says longtime loyal customers, as well as newcomers, have walked inside the doors to eat.

“Just give us another chance,” Mack said. “Obviously there is a reason for people not coming here. Whether it was service or whether it was the food or even the pandemic, but if you feel like you can get out and want something good and wholesome and homecooked, we care and want to take care of you. The service has stepped up. The food has stepped up.”

In July, Reader’s Digest listed Smitty’s as the best pancakes in all of Idaho. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1966 and has gone through several owners over the years.

According to Mack, one thing has stayed the same.

“The (pancake) recipe is 55-years-old at least, (from) when Smitty’s started out,” Mack said. “Everybody still loves them so that’s special on its own.”

A half-stack of pancakes fills a plate with three flapjacks while a full-stack includes five. Smitty’s menu includes everything from traditional buttermilk pancakes to sough dough, chocolate chip and a gluten-free pancake. Smitty’s can also add pecans and a variety of fruits to the pancakes.

The restaurant gives its own take on the Monte Cristo sandwich by using french toast sourdough bread filled with eggs, ham and cheese. To dip the sandwich, a strawberry puree is served alongside the sandwich. It also includes a side of hashbrowns.

One of Mack’s favorite dishes to show off is the German pancake. Customers can pick between a variety of fruits to top the pancake that is served with a side of syrup.

It’s not just breakfast items found at Smitty’s. The menu includes both early morning dishes, as well as lunch and dinner items. Everything is served all day. Mack suggests customers try the chicken fried steak or some of their sandwiches. The restaurant’s 8-ounce sirloin steak served with sides of mashed potatoes, coleslaw and a house-made biscuit promise to give other restaurants in town a run for their money, Mack says.

“In my opinion, this is one of the best steaks that Idaho Falls has to offer,” Mack said. “I just think we get overlooked because we are really focused on pancakes. It’s Smitty’s Pancake and Steakhouse so we got to serve good on both ends of that.”

Smitty’s is open seven days a week. Their hours and more information can be found on their Facebook page.