Known for their out of this world “Astronomical Pancakes,” the Ivy House resided at 1338 Richmond Rd. in Williamsburg, Virginia for nearly five decades.
Opened in the mid 1930s for breakfast and dinner, the Ivy House quickly became a go-to spot for pancakes in the morning and steak at night. In 1960, Greek immigrants Tom and Rose Paparis purchased the Ivy House and continued running the restaurant without many changes.
The Paparis’ would sell the restaurant in 1969 to open the Yorkshire Steak and Seafood Restaurant which is still in business. New owner Nick Saras changed the menu and chose a modified name: Ivy House Restaurant & Nick’s Pewter Plate Pancake House. However, even with a new name, the restaurant would struggle.
In 1974, the restaurant was flagged with more than ten health code and kitchen violations. Changes were made and the the Ivy House passed the next set of inspections. However, an inspection on December 23, 1975 found numerous violations including toxic materials not properly stored, a sewage problem, floors not cleaned, trash, dirty grills and non-food contact surfaces. The restaurant
The news of those violations combined with a changing neighborhood led to struggling sales. The restaurant limped along for a few more years before it ultimately closed and was re-branded as Marino’s Italian Cuisine.
Looking for dinner reservation September 8th 6pm on. Cell phone 352-362-0370. Email cnMtrues@gmail.com. For two. Ate there in 1987. Visiting love to come back