The Runaway Pancake

332 Main Rd E, St Albans VIC 3021, Australia
+61 3 9913 1293
$$$ Cafe
(35 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

If you find yourself wandering along Main Rd E in St Albans, make sure to treat your taste buds at The Runaway Pancake—a delightful cafe that beautifully blends a casual, friendly atmosphere with an exciting menu that caters to every craving. Nestled conveniently right in front of the local train station and adjacent to the bustling shopping strip, this café invites you to take a breather and indulge in a range of comforting and innovative dishes.

The Runaway Pancake shines especially bright with its hot dog menu, featuring robust options like the Mad Dog Hot—a spicy delight topped with fiery chilli sauce, jalapeños, and rich cheese sauce. This masterpiece is perfect for those who like to mix bold flavors with a bit of heat, all for just A$9. For those craving a classic, the Plain Hot Dog serves up simplicity on a plate, paired wonderfully with yellow mustard and a hint of tomato sauce for A$6. If you’re uncertain about which route to take, the Chicago Style Mild is a safe bet—tantalizingly sweet relish meets fresh veggies, pampering your palate for just A$9.

But it's not just the dogs that’ll have your mouth watering. The cafe also presents a refreshing selection of cold-pressed juices and smoothies, such as the Hog Plum Juice with Sour Plum—an explosion of tangy sweetness that rejuvenates, making it a perfect summer companion at A$8. The Avocado Smoothie is an absolute must-try, boasting a wonderfully creamy texture blended with fresh ingredients, proving that indulgence can also be guilt-free.

And let’s not overlook the robust coffee offerings—particularly their espresso, crafted to perfection for just A$4. Here, customers have raved about the cold brew coffee, with many claiming it to be the best they’ve ever tasted—a true testament to the care and expertise poured into every cup.

What sets The Runaway Pancake apart is the heartwarming vibe and friendly service that make dining a delightful experience. Patrons like Jarryn have praised their remarkable avocado smash roll, highlighting its freshness and the warm service. Roger Truong echoes this sentiment, lauding the friendly staff who remember your favorites and foster conversation. Numerous visitors, including Andy Kim and Baz, have sung praises for the delectable hot dogs, luscious desserts, and the café’s inviting atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.

In essence, The Runaway Pancake is more than a café; it’s a community gem that promises delicious food, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that invites you to unwind. Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee before heading to work or settling in for a leisurely afternoon meal with friends, this delightful café has something for everyone. Make your way over—your taste buds will thank you!

Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

35 Reviews
Jarryn

20 Sep 2025

Best avosmash roll ever so delicious and fresh!! Amazing customer service best in ST Albans

Roger Truong

07 Sep 2025

Serves excellent food and drinks. Situated right in front of the local train station as well as next to the main shopping strip. Excellent staff. Kind and hard working. Easy to chat to, too.

Baz

04 Sep 2025

Friendly-vibe cafe, delicious hotdog and fresh-made dessert

Andy Kim

30 Aug 2025

Cold brew coffee here is the best coffee in my life. Bhan mi, chilli dog and fruit juice were soooo delicious too. Highly recommended!!

Baro Phạm

21 Jul 2025

This is my favourite coffee shop. The staff can remember your coffee preferences. Excellent service. I had a unique experience with "Bánh Mì Phở" - Pho Banh Mi, as if I could eat two dishes in one. If you're not a fan of overly sweet desserts, the pancakes here are fantastic. I believe you should taste all of the dishes to have the finest experience.

Kieu

29 Jun 2025

Such a loving and welcoming store with the best customer service ever

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