History
Izzy Kadetz opened Izzy's deli on Elm Street in 1901, serving the Cincinnati Jewish community with kosher-style classics. The giant potato pancake became a signature item from early in the deli's history. The Kadetz family ran the deli for four generations. The current ownership still serves the same Reuben and potato pancake at the original Elm Street location.
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Common allergens: Gluten, Eggs
Make it at home
Ingredients
- 3 large Russet potatoes (about 2 lb / 900g)
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup matzo meal or all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Neutral oil for frying
- Sour cream and applesauce to serve
Method
- Peel the potatoes and onion. Grate them through the large holes of a box grater into a colander.
- Squeeze the grated mixture thoroughly with cheesecloth or paper towels to remove as much water as possible. This is the most important step.
- Transfer to a bowl, then add the eggs, matzo meal, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Form the mixture into 4 large pancakes, about 6 to 7 inches across. Lower carefully into the oil and fry 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with sour cream and applesauce on the side.
Tip from the editors. Squeeze out every drop of liquid. Wet potato shreds steam instead of crisping; the giant pancake stays crisp only when bone-dry.
Where to eat izzy's potato pancake
Izzy's potato pancake in Cincinnati
Izzy's ★ 4.2
Izzy's on Elm Street downtown is Cincinnati's kosher-style Jewish deli founded in 1901, with the signature reuben sandwich and giant potato pancake.
SignatureReuben sandwich, Potato pancakes
More places near Izzy's
Not on this list, but close by, nearest first. Every one is in our guide with its address, hours and what to order.
- Izzy's Deli Jewish deli, under 100 m away
- Maplewood Kitchen and Bar New American, about 350 m away
- Maplewood Kitchen Brunch Brunch, about 350 m away
- Mita's Spanish, about 400 m away
- Taste of Belgium OTR Brunch Brunch, about 400 m away
- Taste of Belgium OTR Belgian, about 400 m away
More cities are in research. Want izzy's potato pancake covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.