Pamela's Diner is a Pittsburgh Favorite

Pamela's is the greatest non-diner that I have ever eaten at. I know the name says diner but if you are expecting the typical silver diner you will be disappointed and believe me there is nothing disappointing about Pamela's. 

If you are visiting Pittsburgh and more specifically in the Strip District, Pamela's Diner is a must stop for breakfast. You do know what they say "Breakfast is the most important meal of the Day' and if you get that breakfast at Pamela's, it is going to be a meal that you will remember for a long time and will want to repeat again soon, I know I do.

If it happens to be the weekend, this is the perfect place to start a morning of shopping but get here early, the fact that the food is fantastic is no secret and you can and probably will find yourself in a long line of other people waiting to sample the delights that this nondescript storefront hides.

What has won Pamela's the title of "Best breakfast in Pittsburgh?" In my estimation, it is her hotcakes. They are unbelievable. Somewhere between a normal pancake and a crepe, they have a lightness and a wonderful texture that I have never experienced anywhere else. No matter which variety you choose, the banana walnut, the blueberry, the strawberry or the banana chocolate chip it will be love at first bite. 

The fruit is fresh, the thin hotcakes are wrapped around it and then it is topped with whipped cream. The fruit is combined with sour and cream cheese to make a filling that is delicious and very filling. The pancakes are so light and delicate that as decadent as this all sounds it is amazingly light. The combination of flavors is just outstanding and syrup will just seem an unnecessary addition.

As wonderful as the hotcakes are there is much more to Pamela's menu. If you are into just a simple breakfast there are cereal choices, bread for toasting and eggs done your way.

The crispy malted waffles can be topped with any decadent combination you can come up with from the possibilities, walnuts, blueberries, strawberries, bananas or chocolate chips. 

If French toast is more your thing there are three varieties, one made with croissant soaked in eggs blended with cinnamon and vanilla and then topped with caramel sauce and nuts. If you are feeling a bit more health conscious you can go for the California made with whole wheat raisin bread and the same egg batter and you can choose to have any of the toppings put on them. 

If simple is your style, then try the Texas French toast, simple and delicious.

Plenty of simple egg choices, omelets, scrambles, fried, served with corned beef hash, bacon, ham or sausage links round out the menu. If you like your eggs a bit more complex, they can add the veggies of your choice and cheese. Served with Lyonnais potatoes, this is a meal to send anyone home smiling. 

Coffee, of course, is part of the meal and they offer a very fine cup of Joe.

The diner is decorated with photos but these are not family photos, these are local people over the last 50 or 60 years and are really a history of the city of Pittsburgh as seen through the faces of her residents. 

The décor is vintage; you will feel as if you have gone back to your grandma's 1950's kitchen. Service is friendly and efficient and you are going to love your breakfast and your visit to Pamela's Diner Pittsburgh.

You may notice the photos are from 2008 which was my first visit, I have been back and things are just as good as they were on that first visit, I just don't have those photos with me.