Pancake Pantry, located near the sixth traffic light in downtown Gatlinburg, is a family tradition. It became Tennessee’s first pancake house in 1960 and has something to suit everyone’s taste buds, and all at a reasonable price.
The Pancake Pantry serves breakfast from 7am until 3pm each day, November through May. June through October finds it open for business from 7am until 4pm. Lunch is served starting at 11:30am.
Breakfast is the absolute BEST! With twenty-four varieties of pancakes, you can only imagine the indecision one would have. Not to mention the French toast, waffles, or the seven varieties of omelets! Of course, they have the old breakfast standbys of eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, golden hash browns, and a southern favorite, grits, which are only served until noon. Pancake Pantry offers a low cholesterol breakfast as well for those who are health conscious.
We arrived at 11:30am on Monday morning for breakfast. My husband quickly decided on the French toast, but with those twenty-four varieties of pancakes to choose from. . .well, needless to say, it took me a little while to select the perfect one! Finally I decided on the orange walnut pancakes. We were not disappointed when the waitress arrived with our breakfast! The French toast had four full slices, split into halves, sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar. A large side of whipped butter and a container of their own special cinnamon cream syrup completed his favorite breakfast entrée! My orange walnut pancakes were equally as good. Five huge pancakes on a plate, topped with black walnuts, powdered sugar, and a large side of whipped butter! Included with this selection was its own special zesty, orange syrup with small mandarin orange pieces. Breakfast selections range in price from $4 to $8 each.
Lunch selections are also a favorite with five different types of burgers to choose from. Eight sandwiches, such as the German Ambassador or the Southern Grill Chicken, tempt you as well. Factor in the Grilled Chicken Salad or their fresh, homemade soups and you will quickly understand why this restaurant is a favorite! All lunch entrees are between $5.75 and $7.55. A box lunch is available for taking up into the Great Smoky Mountains to enjoy by a mountain stream.
If eating breakfast at the Pancake Pantry is on your day’s agenda, plan on being there early. As a child, I remember the long lines winding down the streets of Gatlinburg as people waited patiently in line for their turn to enjoy a wonderful meal.