Quick Facts
About Pancake Pantry
Since 1960, Pancake Pantry has been drawing crowds to downtown Gatlinburg with what many consider the best pancakes in the South. This is not corporate chain breakfast - it is family-owned, made-from-scratch comfort food that has earned its legendary status one stack at a time. Three generations of visitors have made the line outside Pancake Pantry part of their Gatlinburg tradition.
The original Gatlinburg location opened over six decades ago, and the recipes have not changed. Everything is made fresh daily, from the batters mixed each morning to the real whipped cream dolloped on every order. The syrups are housemade, the ingredients are quality, and the portions are generous. This is breakfast the way your grandmother would make it - if your grandmother happened to be a pancake genius.
Approx drive time from our cabins: 15 minutes to downtown Gatlinburg where Pancake Pantry is located on the Parkway.
Yes, there is usually a line. But locals and repeat visitors will tell you: it moves quickly, the covered porch makes waiting pleasant, and the pancakes are absolutely worth it. Many visitors say the anticipation while waiting actually makes those first bites even better.
The iconic Pancake Pantry on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg.
The famous Austrian Apple-Walnut pancakes - the signature dish.
Delicious stacks of fluffy pancakes ready to enjoy.
Cozy interior where generations have enjoyed breakfast since 1960.
The Famous Pancakes
With 24 varieties of pancakes on the menu, choosing just one can feel overwhelming. Here are the must-try options that have earned the most devoted followings:
Austrian Apple-Walnut Pancakes
The signature dish that made Pancake Pantry famous. Thin, crepe-style pancakes filled with chopped walnuts and sauteed cinnamon apples, topped with powdered sugar and served with apple cider compote. Sweet, tart, nutty, and utterly addictive. This is the pancake that people dream about between visits and that first-timers are urged to order.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
A Southern specialty that showcases what Tennessee does best. Fluffy pancakes made with real sweet potato, topped with cinnamon cream syrup. Perfect balance of sweet and savory, and uniquely representative of Appalachian cuisine.
Pecan Pancakes
Loaded with Georgia pecans and served with buttery maple syrup. Rich, nutty, and satisfying - a classic choice that never disappoints.
Buckwheat Pancakes
For those who appreciate a heartier, more traditional pancake with that distinctive buckwheat flavor. Old-school delicious.
Blueberry Pancakes
Bursting with fresh blueberries throughout, not just scattered on top. Light, fruity, and perfect for summer visits.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
A crowd-pleaser for kids (and kids at heart). Rich chocolate chips melt into every bite of fluffy pancake. Top with whipped cream for full indulgence.
Buttermilk Pancakes
The classic. Do not overlook the simple buttermilk pancakes - they are exceptional on their own and let the quality of the batter shine through.
Start Your Day Right
Fuel up with legendary pancakes, then explore the Smokies from your private cabin. We are just 15 minutes from downtown!
Check Cabin AvailabilityBeyond Pancakes
Waffles
Belgian-style waffles available plain or with the same variations as the pancakes - walnuts, pecans, blueberries, or chocolate chips. Crispy outside, fluffy inside.
French Toast
Thick-cut bread dipped in cinnamon egg batter and grilled to perfection. Available with various toppings.
Eggs and Traditional Breakfast
Full breakfast platters with eggs, bacon or sausage, hash browns, and toast. For those who want something savory alongside (or instead of) pancakes.
Omelets
Fluffy three-egg omelets with various fillings for the non-pancake person in your group.
The Famous Syrups
Part of what makes Pancake Pantry special is their housemade syrups and toppings:
- Apple Cider Compote: The signature topping for the Austrian Apple-Walnut pancakes - sweet and tangy
- Cinnamon Cream Syrup: Perfect companion to sweet potato pancakes
- Mountain Maple Syrup: Pure, rich maple for traditionalists
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Made daily, dolloped generously on any order
- Warm Fruit Compotes: Seasonal options available
Beat the Line: Timing Strategies
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday mornings: Significantly shorter waits than weekends
- Early arrival (6:45 to 7:00 AM): Be there when doors open
- Late morning (10:30 to 11:30 AM): After the breakfast rush, before lunch
- Off-season months: January and February have smallest crowds
Longest Wait Times
- Weekend mornings: Especially 8:30 to 10:00 AM
- Holiday weekends: Can be 1+ hour waits
- Fall foliage season: October brings massive crowds
- Summer vacation season: June through August peak times
The wait goes faster with coffee - they sometimes bring coffee to the line. Study the menu while waiting (it is posted outside). Large groups may be split into smaller tables. Everyone orders at the table, not at a counter, so you have time to decide once seated.
The History
Pancake Pantry was founded in 1960 by Bob and Edie Reagan, making it one of the oldest pancake houses in the country. The Gatlinburg location was their first, and it quickly became a destination for tourists discovering the Smoky Mountains. The original recipes, including the famous Austrian Apple-Walnut pancakes, were developed by Edie Reagan herself.
The restaurant has been featured in Southern Living, Garden and Gun, the Travel Channel, and countless best breakfast lists. It remains family-owned and operated, which is increasingly rare in the restaurant industry. That family ownership shows in the quality - there are no corporate shortcuts here.
A sister location opened in Nashville's Hillsboro Village in 1961 and has developed its own devoted following among Music City residents and Vanderbilt students. But Gatlinburg remains the original, and many visitors insist the mountain air makes the pancakes taste even better.
Practical Information
Hours
- Open: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily
- Days: Open 7 days a week
- Holidays: May have modified hours; call ahead
- Best Time: Before 8 AM or after 10:30 AM for shorter waits
Location
628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Located on the main Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, across from Reagan Terrace Mall. The line outside is usually your first clue you have found the right place.
Parking
Street parking and nearby public lots available. Downtown Gatlinburg can be crowded, so allow time to find parking, especially during peak seasons.
Payment and Policies
- Cash and credit cards accepted
- No reservations - first come, first served
- No call-ahead seating
- Kid-friendly with high chairs and children's menu
- Not wheelchair accessible (older building)
Nearby Attractions
Pancake Pantry's central downtown location puts you steps away from other activities:
Approx Drive Time from Our Cabins
| Location | Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Our Cabins to Pancake Pantry | Approx 15 minutes |
