P&G’s Pamela’s Diner

Small but tasty place for breakfast. Plan for a wait but service is good and fast. Also, cash only! «The morning after» is a good choice which is a sample of all breakfast foods.

Really wanted a great breakfast including a great cup of coffee. Got a limp, bland omelet with steamed broccoli and clots of cheap chaddar. Im pretty sure it was flozen broccoli and bagged pre-​shredded cheese. And, most sadly, the cup of coffee was weak. My food was cold within 5 minutes of arrival thanks to the overdone air conditioning. My husband and I had to raise our voices to speak over the music… very loud in there. Sigh. Not keeping with the the 4 star Unilocal review that brought us here.

Have been here twice, and the second time felt rather unappreciated as a customer. The food is alright, but I felt like the customer service was lacking.
We were trying to go on a nice early breakfast date as a 2-​person party and got seated next to another person at a 4-​top table. We raised our concerns with the host, but she just walked off.
Sure, the place is busy, but did you have to seat us shoulder-​to-​shoulder with somebody on one side, and employees brushing past us with food on the other? We were practically in the kitchen area and kept getting bumped into or brushed up against, all while being shoulder to shoulder with another party (they bussed the table and put another 2-​person party at our table after the first person left).
We made it clear to the server that we wanted to move to another table, but she seemed to shrug it off with stuff like «oh, yeah, this is an old school diner, the tables are bolted down!» I said «well, I think that we are going to be leaving, if we don’t get re-​seated somewhere else.» After it was clear that we were going to be sitting with strangers while being bumped into or brushed on by employees, we just got up and left to get breakfast somewhere else where we could have some space.
While we were on our way out, we were walking past about a dozen other 2-​person parties who had their own 4-​top tables that they weren’t sharing with another party and not getting in the way of employees going back and forth from the kitchen.
I wish that either the host or server took our concerns more seriously, and moved us to another table. We would have stayed if it wasn’t for the complete disregard for our preferences. I don’t think that we were asking for too much, especially since many other 2-​person parties were able to sit at their own tables, away from the kitchen area.
The previous time I was here, we did enjoy the food, but found the cash-​only policy to be an inconvenience, as well as the general hustle and bustle going on all around us. It was fine though, and I’d rate my first visit a 4-​star experience.

Always have to come to Pamela’s when I come back to Pittsburgh. Always crowded for breakfast on the weekends but so worth it. And the prices are right for the amount of food you get!

I frequently visit the Pamela’s in the strip, but this was my first trip to this one. It’s the same great food. I love Gail’s eggs and the crêpe pancakes. The restaurant is smaller than the strip one. It’s clean and the staff were friendly. You must try it! Bring your cash, because it’s cash only.

Pamela’s: Naturally a Pittsburgh staple.
Pamela’s is as Pittsburgh as things get. A fast, easy dining experience, kind caring staff, and Lyonnaise potatoes.
What exactly is the correlation between Lyonnaise potatoes and Pittsburgh? I don’t really know, but the correlation between those potatoes and my tastebuds are pure deliciousness.
What’s really cool about Pamela’s is that each one has its one personal touch and décor, so it’s pretty fun checking out a new one when I go.
I know that I can trust Pamela’s for some reliable, consistent and quick basics.
Gail’s favorite eggs are my current go to. Somehow the eggs are perfectly moist, the cream cheese a nice touch, complemented by those Lyonnaise potatoes.

If you love breakfast than this is the place for you. There are three locations so be sure to go to the one closest to you! the pancakes are so delicious that you can’t possibly have a bad day if you’re starting with a plate of these warm and crispy flapjacks. They have special way of making breakfast potatoes such that you will understand the lines outside on a Saturday. It is cash only but also fairly cheep! it’s a fail safe for everyone.

So far I’ve been to the Shadyside and Oakland locations and this one is by far my favorite. There is usually a shorter wait, but the food has always been better in my opinion too. I usually feel satisfied and happy after eating here, while the other location usually leaves me feeling pretty bloated.
Today I got brunch with a few friends and we ordered the strawberry crepes, chocolate chip banana crepes, lyonnaise potatoes, and Tex-​mex omelette. The omelette was absolutely amazing! I love potatoes too so I would highly suggest that dish. The crepes are a bit too egg-​y for me, but they are also a staple dish to order here.
Overall, Pamela’s isn’t somewhere I’d usually lean towards going to and there are many brunch spots in the area that I prefer, but…
It is definitely a must-​visit stop in the city and never a disappointment!

One the absolute top breakfast spots for me! Easily in my top 3. Yes there is normally a line but it moves at a good pace. They get you in and get you out. Yes it is cash only. If you are reading this, now you know. Take cash! If you don’t read this and just show up, any number of signs will tell you cash only. Go get cash!
Now that that is out of the way, I can’t think of anything not to like about this place. I love the crêpe style hotcakes especially the Chocolate Chip Banana Hotcakes with Whipped Cream. And it is real whipped cream. They have a crispy layer and so much flavor. And they are big! An order of eggs any style, sausage and Lyonnaise Potatoes tops the order off. Those potatoes are phenomenal! Add a little hot sauce and you have a real winner. If you find yourself here you absolutely must try the hotcakes if nothing else. The other items are a small step above most diners but you come for the hotcakes.
It’s a busy place and the staff is rushing around like crazy to get everyone taken care of so they really didn’t have time to be rude or ignore you. They were attentive, helpful with questions and fast. Let’s put it this way, after a 30 minute wait we were seated, ate and paid (with cash) in under another 30 minutes.
One thing I did find a little strange is that the restrooms are upstairs. But you get to walk through a pretty cool foreign gift shop to get to them so all is good. Sorry, I can’t remember the ethnicity of the gift shop but I spent a little time looking around and found it fascinating. Check it out!

There is typically a wait, so get there early. This weekend, we went around 9:30 and were sat right away, which we were a little surprised by, but there was a wait when we left. Service is quick, and the restaurant is clean.
Their potatoes are amazing. The potatoes and onions are soft but have enough crispy bits that the texture is really good. I definitely recommend those, and you can get them with lunch too. I usually order one of their specialty hotcakes, frequently the blueberry ones. Thin crêpe-​like pancakes with buttery crispy edges rolled up around fruit. Mmmm… I want to go back just thinking of them. I’ve also gotten the chorizo hash, which is really good, and definitely too much food, but that’s what I expect from a diner.
This most recent time I went, I got Gail’s Favorite eggs. It’s scrambled eggs with cream cheese and green onions, served with the lyonnaise potatoes and toast. I thought the eggs were good, but was a little surprised that the cream cheese was just two little balls on top. I expected it to be little pieces mixed in with the eggs. While I enjoyed it, I might stick with other dishes in the future. It’s been a while since I got those awesome hotcakes so already wanting to go back to get those again.

I am so bummed and disappointed that my Pamela’s experience was less than stellar. I haven’t been here in maybe 10 years and it is not at all as I had remembered.
We went on a Sunday and I expected a wait, which was fine. We were seated within 45 minutes — which again, is standard.
It’s almost communal seating with how close the tables are. They cram about 60 people in a space that was intended for 30, so be prepared to bump elbows with your neighbor. However, I tried to not let this bother me, because I was expecting a phenomenal meal.
I will touch on the service. They were busy, but our waitress was slightly cold and barely around. Again, I was willing to brush this off for the delicious food I anticipated.
This was one of the most disappointing food experiences I’ve had in Pittsburgh. My boyfriend ordered the Tex Mex omelette. It was average, but not restaurant quality. The only thing that made it somewhat decent was sour cream and guacamole. This average omelette was still FAR better than what I had. His omelette is the only reason I’m giving them two stars.
I wanted to keep it simple so I ordered the French Toast. It had absolutely zero flavor. I’m not sure how bread with sugar, butter and syrup can have zero taste. To combat its lack of flavor, I doused those puppies in maple syrup. After about a 75 second pour, I figured that could suffice and give this meal the kick it needed. Somehow, this French Toast became a vortex and sucked up all the maple syrup, making it more sugary and less flavorful all at once. I ate about 2 bites and left the rest. It wasn’t worth even trying to eat for absolutely zero taste. I also had a side of Oscar Mayer microwave bacon for $ 3.
Needless to say, we won’t be going back for quite some time!

Wow, wow, wow! I have tried crepes, I have tried pancakes, but this was my very first experience with hot cakes. Both crispy and soft at the same time, huge in size, they make for an amazing breakfast. What a treat! I ordered my with strawberries. My taste buds were pleasantly surprised by extra sugar and cinnamon added inside. Beautiful perfectly cooked combination.
We came in on a Monday and we happy to be able to find sits right away. Our previous attempt the day before (Sunday) was not nearly as successful as the wait was 40 to 50 min long and we choice to eat elsewhere. I’m glad we made this trip back and tried the hot cakes.
Restaurant also had a sign «cash only» by the entrance. Not sure if they normally don’t take cards or if it was a one time event, in any case it might be a problem for some customers and I recommend double checking prior to dining there of cash is an issue.

Went here in late summer on a weekday and it was fantastic. Pamela’s and DeLuca’s go back and forth in battle for best breakfast in the city. There’s not much to this place. Just a simple diner but the food is out of this world.
I had a bacon cheese omelette, the wife had French toast and my son had the short stack of pancakes. With two coffees and a chocolate milk, the bill came to $ 31.00. It’s a CASH ONLY establishment so be prepared. We’ll be back!

Farewell lunch with the college daughter. I had corned beef hash and Swiss omelet. The corned beef was great and fresh. Lyonaisse potatoes lived up to its reputation. Hubby and youngest daughter got banana chocolate chip pancakes which were super sweet and Crispy. Oldest got blueberry pancakes. It was filled with giant blueberries and brown sugar and had a slight saltiness to it. Yummy! Food came out fast tho our server never refilled our drinks despite us asking at the counter, hence the three stars instead of four.

After living in Pittsburgh for five years, I finally woke up on Saturday morning and decided that it was time to try Pamela’s! The hubby and I headed down to Shadyside and got on the waiting list after 10:30. It took less than a half hour to get our table in the crowded and (very) noisy diner.
Service was prompt, and we ordered enough food for four people! I really enjoyed my Chocolate Chip Banana Hotcakes. The light and crispy hotcakes were wrapped around little chocolate chips, banana slices, and whipped cream. So tasty! My side of turkey sausage and scrambled eggs were descent diner fare but nothing above average.
Overall, I had a nice experience at Pamela’s and would rate the food/​establishment 3 ½ stars. However, there are other breakfast/​brunch competition in Pittsburgh that will continue to get my business over Pamela’s.

The long waiting line here seems to be a usual occurrence here at Pamela’s diner, but the wait itself isn’t too long either as the line does move reasonably fast.
I was glad to have tried their blueberry hot cakes after seeing and reading how hot cakes are signature dishes of this place. I usually don’t like having sweet breakfast dish like pancakes or waffles as main breakfast dishes but was glad I decided to try the hot cakes here. To my surprise, the hot cakes were not as doughy or too sweet at all. The corner of the cake was even crispy that it makes the cake not too filling. If I had to choose another filling for the cakes, however, I’d pick strawberry fillings instead of blueberry because with strawberries I think you get fresh ones instead of blueberries like what I had this time which seemed a bit processed.
My SO also ordered some breakfast egg dish with corned beef hash and a side of lyonnaise potatoes. I didn’t try his breakfast dish but tried the side potatoes that we ordered… and they definitely were yummy! I couldn’t pin point how they got their lyonnaise potatoes so tasty. but maybe with a bit of cream?, onions and some butter? …I honestly have no idea… I took a bite of the lyonnaise potatoes… and ended up finishing the whole side dish: x.oops.it was that good :)
If you are looking for a good breakfast place in Pittsburgh, check Pamela’s diner out. They have 4 – 5 locations within Pittsburgh. also, make sure you bring cash, as they don’t take credit cards! Happy brunching here! :)

I think the originals are always the best.
The hot cakes are incredible, the French toast is also very good.
Today we tried the lyonnaise potatoes and they were some of the best «home frie» style I’ve ever had.
The service is fast and the restaurant is clean and cool with lots of pictures.
The only thing to remember is that is cash only like the other Pamela’s.

I love diner food, and Pamela’s is a great example. The only downside: a very un-​diner-​like wait. It seems like no matter how early I show up, it’s impossible to get seated in under 30 minutes on a weekend.
Do I feel like it’s worth the wait? Yes, but I try to make it count. I usually order Gail’s favorite eggs AND some hotcakes and eat half there, with half to take home.
I have had omelettes here before, but they are very standard diner omelettes: brown/​slightly overcooked. I prefer Gail’s eggs because they come perfectly cooked, not overdone.
Honestly though, I feel like the Lyonnaise potatoes are my absolute favorite thing. I am craving them right now.

I have not written a review for Pamela’s in the past mostly because it feels wrong saying anything negative, due to the fact that it’s almost a Pittsburgh institution– It’s like dissing the Steelers; You don’t do it, even if they lose!- And I would really have never given it more than a couple stars.
That being said, I realized something recently when the BF and I went for breakfast… I’m not such a fan of the lunch nosh, but I love it for breakfast. For me, breakfast should be a greasy spoon-​ish type experience. I want eggs and sausage and potatoes, all cooked to greasy perfection on a griddle type apparatus, and Pamela’s does it very well. I don’t really like pancakes, but even I have to admit the chocolate chip crepes are pretty good. And don’t get me started on their famous Lyonnaise potatoes…
I had the sausage and cheese omelet and the BF had the chorizo hash and eggs. His was good with the slightly spicy chorizo and hash, topped with a dollop of sour cream, and my was great; oozing with cheese and stuffed with sausage. Add the toast and yummy potatoes and you get enough food for at least two for like $ 8 or $ 9 bucks! But I still scarfed my down all by myself.
As far as the staff are concerned, I’m a bit biased (I have many friends who work there), so I will only say I have never heard of anyone having a problem there. And if you have, it was probably your fault.
Overall, I would probably give it 3.5 stars if I could, but as Unilocal has yet to let us designate half stars, I am going with 3 stars, giving 4 for breakfast and 2 for lunch.

Delicious, unique, amazing hotcakes!!! Crêpe-​like and thin, buttery, and exceptionally crispy edges. My first bite was to die for. They’re really filling and really buttery so after awhile you feel a bit gross stuffing your face, but it’s really, really, really good.
I got the «morning after breakfast» which is two eggs, a meat, and hotcakes. It was a perfect combo meal, and I ordered a side of the breakfast potatoes. The potatoes were greasy and not as crispy as I would have liked, but the breakfast overall was really good.
Quick service, busy place, and delicious food!!! It’s definitely worth waiting to try the hotcakes here!