To honor the 50th anniversary of Pancake Pantry on March 17, the Gatlinburg, Tennessee establishment is using its original menu. This is not only a novelty for customers, the restaurant is also honoring its 1960s prices, making most items under $1. A landmark on Gatlinburg's U.S. 441 (Main Street), Pancake Pantry is the oldest of its kind in Tennessee. It's a popular spot for tourists during their time exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.
Since standard prices for a plate of pancakes are under $10, it's easy to see why this is a must-see spot during your Gatlinburg vacation. The lines to get into the Pantry are as recognizable as the restaurant itself. Patrons usually wait patiently for 20 minutes to snag one of the eatery's coveted 190 seats. The wait can be up to an hour, but locals and visitors both agree that it's worth it.
Small town hospitality and scrumptious dishes keep customers coming back year after year. Many of the waitresses know customers by their first names. These personal touches add to the restaurant's charm and distinguish it from just another breakfast joint. Fifteen of the 40 employees have been on staff for over 20 years. Five of the cooks have been serving up pancakes for at least 32 years.
Fresh batter made daily and a variety of ingredients that can be mixed in the batter, or used as toppings, make Pancake Pantry special. Each order is made with care. According to the Associated Press, here are some of the extras that you can order to enhance your pancake experience:
"There's whipped cream, whipped butter, pineapple syrup, black walnuts, chocolate chips, lingonberry butter, lemon wedges, diced apricots, peach and apple cider compote, mountain blueberries, sweet potatoes, red raspberries, coconut, strawberries, pecans, raisins, cherries, peaches and a lip-smacking array of other toppings."
Sold yet? Be sure to check out this historic site and see for yourself why everyone raves about Pancake Pantry.
