National Pancake Day: Free Pancakes at IHOP! Here’s How

Today (February 24) is National Pancake Day, and that means you can get free pancakes at any IHOP (International House of Pancakes) restaurant.

IHOP Free Pancakes

The free pancakes are available until 10 p.m. in your local timezone tonight. It’s not all-you-can-eat, but you will get a free short stack, which contains three buttermilk pancakes. All you have to do is ask.

IHOP does request that you consider making a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network or another local charity that supports children’s hospitals in your area. Last year, IHOP raised $875,000 as part of its National Pancake Day celebration. It’s hoping to reach the $1 million mark this go-round.

Where Do I Get My Free IHOP Pancakes?

You can search for the IHOP nearest you by clicking here.

Why is February 24 National Pancake Day?

It’s no coincidence that National Pancake Day falls on Fat Tuesday. Here’s IHOP’s explanation:

“Known also as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, National Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when the English prepped for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products…hence the name Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday.”

Enjoy!