We were looking forward to trying out one of the breakfast places in the local area, after going some ‘research’ online we decided on The Pancake Pantry on the Parkway in Gatlingburg, TN. And yes, I do research even the places we are going to eat at sometimes ;p It was about 3/4 mile walk from the hotel that you should NOT stay in.
First off, please note the ATM Inside sign…mean anything? It didn’t to us…until we went to pay…guess what they do NOT accept anything except CASH! No debit cards, credit cards, etc. We had no idea until you go to pay and there is a little sign by the cash register! I thought it was just us but after watching the many people after us be just as confused I realized we were not alone! So either bring cash or be prepared to use the ATM. The decor was 70s-80s style, I guess they are keeping it ‘real’ like back in the ‘old days’ LOL??? I asked Mr. B ‘Didn’t they have credit cards in the 80s?’ LOL!
It’s easy to find, it’s the one with the round roof
Backing up a bit now…we arrived at 8 am and were easily able to get seating, by 8:30 am it was starting to get crowded so this must be a popular place. Also note the bathrooms are located upstairs on the 2nd floor, no problem for us, but if your traveling with someone who can’t use stairs then it could be an issue.
Entrance to the Pancake Pantry
Our waitress was nice but the service for the food was a bit slow, we were starving by the time it arrived. Bea had ordered pancakes with no butter and instead whip cream, they arrived covered in butter and no whip cream. The waitress gave them to Boo and brought Bea out the correct order. Boo was more than happy to eat the extra pancakes along with his meal, it fit right in with his ‘bulk up diet.’
The food was great and filling. Boo & Bub ordered a meal, Bea a kids meal, I ordered pancakes, and Mr. B ordered a side of ham & hash browns and we split our food. It was a bit pricy at $60 for breakfast, but we were dining in a tourist town with tourist prices. Thankfully it was good so that made the cost at least bearable ;p Bub said they have the best bacon, their bacon was his pick for favorite food of the whole trip!
I would have to say that I recommend this place! Be prepared and show up with cash to avoid ATM fees, thankfully USAA refunds us all ATM fees so thats not an issue for us. Also the area where you pay is right at the entrance and gets really crowded, so I’d have the person paying either go up ahead of everyone else and pay or have the rest of the party go wait outside like we did. Great food, great service, equalled a great start to our morning before heading to Dollywood!
Pancake Pantry is on our list for when we go to Gatlinburg this fall. I can’t wait!