Does IHOP Have a Drive Thru? [Let's Find Out]

Good morning, breakfast buddy! As pancake people, we all love the sweet syrupy goodness that is IHOP.

And when you wake up craving a short stack or some scrambled eggs, you probably wonder – can I just zoom through a drive thru to get my IHOP fix?

The quick answer is: Unfortunately, IHOP locations do not have drive thru windows.

But don’t let that stop you from enjoying IHOP on the go!

Keep reading and I’ll share some tips for getting your IHOP favorites fast so you can have breakfast in a flash.

A Look at IHOP’s History

Let’s start with some IHOP history and background.

IHOP, which stands for International House of Pancakes, opened their doors in 1958 in Los Angeles, California.

Their staple from the beginning was offering customers a wide selection of pancakes, waffles and breakfast fare.

Over the decades, IHOP has expanded to over 1,700 locations across the U.S., Mexico, and other countries.

However, most of their restaurants are standalone locations.

There are a few factors that explain the lack of drive thru windows at IHOP restaurants:

IHOP focuses on sit-down, dine-in breakfast experiences. Drive thrus don’t fit their full-service model.
Their expansive menu goes far beyond typical drive thru fare, including pancake stacks, omelettes, crepes and burgers.
They don’t need to rely on drive thru convenience when customers gladly dine in.
Adding drive thrus requires major renovation for existing stores.

For these reasons, don’t expect a drive thru lane when pulling up to an IHOP. But read on for easy alternatives!

The next closest option to a drive thru is IHOP’s curbside to-go service called IHOP ‘N Go.

Here is how it works:

Curbside pickup allows you to skip the drive thru and quickly enjoy IHOP on the go.

Of course, IHOP makes it easy to order online or through their mobile app for delivery too.

With online ordering, you can satisfy your IHOP craving fast without a drive thru.

IHOP recently introduced ready-to-eat Breakfast To-Go Bundles that package up favorites like pancakes, French toast, and breakfast sandwiches.

These are grab-and-go options you can take home or eat in your car when you have somewhere to be.

Here are some additional tips for enjoying IHOP without a drive thru:

Order ahead online for fastest service once you arrive.
Opt for pancake combos or morning combos if undecided – they come ready to eat fast.
Request your food to-go – you can dine in your car if needed.
Consider takeout and delivery to enjoy IHOP back home or the office if time is very limited.

With a little planning, you can still get speedy IHOP satisfaction.

So while a drive thru would be convenient, don’t let the lack of one prevent you from savoring IHOP’s breakfast greatness.

With online ordering, curbside pickup, delivery and to-go options, you can get your IHOP fix in a flash.

Now hurry up and order some fluffy pancakes – your breakfast is waiting!