In Good Taste

​Pete’s Grille Pancake-Eating Contest Gets Underway

We run down the dos and don’ts for the 24th annual flapjack feast.

Most of us associate November with Thanksgiving, family gatherings, and colder climes, but at least on one corner of Waverly, it’s time to feast on flapjacks.

The 24th annual pancake-eating contest at Pete’s Grille kicks off on Nov. 20 at 7 a.m. for an entrance fee of $20. As tradition dictates, it will be held the Friday before Thanksgiving.

College coeds, restaurant regulars, and locals—many with cheering sections—are among the hopefuls.

One cautionary tale: Pros need not apply.

“We have people sign a disclaimer stating that they’re not professional eaters,” explains Pete’s owner Dave Stahl. “And if it’s discovered, you’ll be disqualified or forfeit the prize.”

Last year, a professional eater in the women’s division bellied up to the pancake bar when her cover was blown.

“Halfway through the contest, the guys were on their ninth pancakes and the women were on four or five and this woman was on her 17th, with no signs of slowing down,” recalls Stahl. “During the contest, we Googled her name and it turns out she’s all over the country doing eating competitions.” (She ceased and desisted without a fuss.)

During the hour-long contest, in which soda, juice, and water are permitted, mere mortals consume anywhere between several pancakes and 13, as was the case with the men’s division hot-cake victor last year. The record for the men’s division stands at 18 and the women’s at 12. (Of note: Stahl says that winners tend to skip the syrup.)

“Some people come in knowing that there’s not a chance they’re going to win,” says Stahl. “But they just want to be a part of the event, they want to be part of something iconic for Baltimore. For others, they want to win.”

The winner from each division takes home a cash award of $500. And competitors that break the record eat for free for as long as they hold the title.

“Our all-time record holders don’t even live in the U.S. anymore,” says Stahl, laughing. “So right now, I’m not feeding anyone three times a day.”