We ordered the Tower of Power because we could not find anything online that clearly showed what these pancakes actually looked like, even when they were being shared by a table. Then Kyle decided he might as well attempt the challenge.
The tower is huge. It stacks three different pancake styles into one plate: peanut butter banana Monkey Cakes, multigrain Blueberry Cakes and Carrot Cakes with candied walnuts. Kyle made it through about one third before admitting defeat. We gave the remaining pancakes to someone who could enjoy them rather than letting them go to waste.
The tower was an experience. The Pillow Cakes were the order we would actually repeat.
The rest of breakfast gave us plenty of reasons to return. The Pillow Cakes were soft, fluffy and made with buttermilk and sourdough yeast. Lana normally does not like maple syrup, but the cream cheese maple syrup completely changed her mind. The side of steak practically melted in her mouth, and the bacon rounded out a breakfast we would happily order again.
Lana’s hot Pistachio Cardamom latte was okay. Kyle’s Banana Bread Latte was the better drink and one we would order again.
Go for the Pillow Cakes. Attempt the tower only if you truly want the challenge.
Pillow Cakes · $16
Buttermilk and sourdough yeast pancakes with cinnamon sugar, butter and cream cheese maple syrup. Fluffy, memorable and the dish we would order again first.
Tower of Power · $25
Nine pancakes across three flavors. It is a fun table order, but trying to finish it alone was more food than we wanted to take on.
Banana Bread Latte · $7
Banana syrup, espresso and banana bread spice. The stronger drink choice and one Kyle would order again.
Pistachio Cardamom · $8
Espresso, cardamom, pistachio and milk. Lana ordered it hot and thought it was just okay.
Lana’s order and reaction: Hot Pistachio Cardamom latte, Pillow Cakes, bacon and shared steak. The latte was okay, but the cream cheese maple syrup and melt in your mouth steak were the standouts.
Kyle’s order and reaction: Banana Bread Latte and the Tower of Power challenge. He loved his latte but finished only about one third of the tower.
What we would order again: Everything except attempting the Tower of Power challenge. We would order the tower only to share.
The answers we wanted before ordering
How many pancakes are in the Tower of Power?
Nine total. You get three Monkey Cakes, three Blueberry Cakes and three Carrot Cakes.
Can the Tower of Power be shared?
Yes. It can be ordered family style for the table or attempted alone as the 30 minute challenge.
What happens if you finish the challenge?
You receive a Hope gift card to use on a future visit and a feature on the restaurant’s Instagram.
Is the Tower of Power worth ordering?
Yes for the experience or for sharing. We would return and order almost everything again, but we would not attempt the solo challenge a second time.
The details worth knowing
Reserve or walk in
The North Loop location accepts both. A reservation is the safer move if you want a specific time.
Know the challenge rules
One person must finish the full tower within 30 minutes. It is dine in only and no modifications are allowed.
Use the attached garage
Paid parking is available in the garage on North 5th Street, with additional parking ramps nearby.
