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Name: Pancake Pantry
Address: 1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37212
Telephone: (615) 383-9333
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.87

Pancake Pantry

1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37212

(615) 383-9333
Store is closed

Pancake Pantry Menu

Homemade Soups

Bread Or Crackers
Salads

Chef Salad

Tossed Salad
Eggs

Eggs And Cakes

Bacon & Eggs

Chopped Ham In Scrambled Eggs

Huge Beef Patty And Eggs

Steak & Eggs

Sausage & Eggs

Tennessee Country Ham

Small Appetite Plate

Ham & Eggs

Create Your Own Omelet

French Toast
Sandwiches

American Deluxe Burger

Big Reuben

Village Veggie

Pretzel Dough Hoagie Melt

Baldwin’s Dipper

Old Fashioned Double Grilled Cheese

Old Fashioned Blt

Hash Browns

T And C Dipper

Country Clubs

Classic Ham And Egg Croissant

Classic Sausage And Egg Muffin

Classic Bacon Egg And Cheese

Pantry Breakfast Wrap

Turkey Bacon Club Wrap

Create Your Own
Waffles

Plain With Powdered Sugar

Blueberry Strawberry Raspberry Or Peach Complete On Top

Pecan

Chocolate Chip

Buckwheat

Sweet Potato

Sugar & Spice

Ham

Bacon
Pancakes

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes

Silver-dollar Pancakes

Caribbean Pancakes

Raspberry Delight

Orange-walnut Pancakes

Potato Pancakes

Smoky Mountain Buckwheat Cakes

Georgia Peach Pancakes

Village Smithy Sante Fe Cornmeal Pancakes

Apricot-lemon Delight

Swiss Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Pecan Pancakes
A La Carte

Tennessee Country Ham (end Slices)

Sugar Cured Ham

Country Bacon

Country Sausages

Grilled Turkey

One Egg

Two Eggs

Hot Oatmeal & Fruit

Cold Breakfast Cereals With Fruit

Whole Grapefruit

Yogurt

Grits

Toast

Croissant

Fresh Fruit

Cottage Cheese

Healthy Meal suggestions for Pancake Pantry

Homemade Soups

Bread Or Crackers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Chef Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tossed Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Eggs

Eggs And Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon & Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chopped Ham In Scrambled Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Huge Beef Patty And Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak & Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sausage & Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tennessee Country Ham [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Small Appetite Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ham & Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Create Your Own Omelet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Toast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches

American Deluxe Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Big Reuben [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Village Veggie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pretzel Dough Hoagie Melt [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baldwin’s Dipper [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Old Fashioned Double Grilled Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Old Fashioned Blt [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hash Browns [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

T And C Dipper [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Country Clubs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Ham And Egg Croissant [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Sausage And Egg Muffin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Bacon Egg And Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pantry Breakfast Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Turkey Bacon Club Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Create Your Own [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Waffles

Plain With Powdered Sugar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blueberry Strawberry Raspberry Or Peach Complete On Top [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pecan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chocolate Chip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buckwheat [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet Potato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sugar & Spice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ham [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pancakes

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Silver-dollar Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caribbean Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Raspberry Delight [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Orange-walnut Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potato Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoky Mountain Buckwheat Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Georgia Peach Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Village Smithy Sante Fe Cornmeal Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Apricot-lemon Delight [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Swiss Chocolate Chip Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pecan Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
A La Carte

Tennessee Country Ham (end Slices) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sugar Cured Ham [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Country Bacon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Country Sausages [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Turkey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

One Egg [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Two Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hot Oatmeal & Fruit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cold Breakfast Cereals With Fruit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Whole Grapefruit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yogurt [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grits [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Toast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Croissant [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fresh Fruit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cottage Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Blair B.

For the life of me, I do not understand the obsession with Pancake Pantry. I've lived in Nashville the majority of my life and every time I go to Pancake Pantry I don't feel compelled to go back. The last time I went was the worst, though. I ordered a ham and cheese omelet and it came with a side of pancakes. When the waitress brought the food out, my omelet was crammed on a plate with the pancakes. Maybe I'm weird, but I don't want my sweet syrup running onto my savory omelet. So, I asked our waitress if I could have another plate to put my pancakes on. She looked at me with disdain, did not say a word, turned around and walked away. She came back a few minutes later, set the plate down without a word, and walked away. If I'm going to pay the (overpriced) amounts that Pancake Pantry charges, I think it's not unreasonable to expect exceptional service. It seemed like a reasonable request, to me. The omelet was way below average. The cheese they used for the omelet was some kind of processed American. For an 8 dollar omelet, they couldn't have sprung for cheddar?? Really? It looked like plastic melted onto my omelet. It tasted about as good as it looked. I live in the Village and every morning I shake my head at all the people waiting outside. I do not understand the appeal.
(2)
Darcy M.

Their sweet potato pancakes are heaven sent. I haven't really jumped on the sweet potato bandwagon thats sweeping the nation but these pancakes are amazing and totally worth it! With the cinnamon creme syrup...yummmm! don't get the regular potato pancakes, they're kinda gross and are weirdly savory. The Cooks medley isn't really worth the price. I'd stick to what they're famous for, after all it is called Pancake Pantry, right? PS don't let these other people steer you away, the wait is definitely worth it.
(4)
Greg N.

Eat here! It's that simple. Expect a wait at the door, but it's worth it. We got here as it was raining so the line was short, but by the time we were seated and the weather had cleared, the line was wrapped around two sides of the building. I had the cornmeal/bacon/cheddar/green chile pancakes, and honestly, they were some of the best I've ever had. My partner had the chocolate chip pancakes and they were so decadent and rich. Wow! Service is acceptable, and considering how busy the place was, not too shabby. They were efficient more than they were nice, but that's ok. The pancakes were way too good to care. Also, the hash browns are actually CRISPY. god i wanna go back.
(5)
Kathleen K.

I love this place... truly a Nashville institution. Try to get there early (before 8), the line tends to back up quickly. It's worth the wait, though - amazingly fluffy pancakes and good savory items. The flavored pancakes are great, but you really can't go wrong with the plain buttermilk ones - they really do the basics right. The bacon is delicious and my eggs were perfectly cooked. Good coffee, too. I've been coming here with my parents for about 20 years, and I hope they're still here in another 20.
(5)
Mimi T.

We drove past this place on a Sunday and saw a line going out the door and wrapped around the corner. We knew we would have to stop here before leaving Nashville. So we came in on a Tuesday morning- no lines! We looked at the menu, but I didn't find a pancake that had interested me. For being named Pancake Pantry, I would have expected more varieties of pancakes on the menu- I was disappointed. I ended up ordering the the Grill's Cook Medley with toast. It was good, but it was nothing to rave about. My friend ordered something with eggs that came with buttermilk pancakes, so we shared the pancakes just to taste it. It was nothing special. My friend's mom ordered eggs with cheese. It's funny because being at a pancake house, none of us ordered any pancakes really. Tip: This place is not worth standing in line for. Do try it if there's no wait. If i were to come back here, I think I will give the sweet potato pancakes a try. Kinda sorta wish I had ordered that then, but oh well.
(2)
Skip R.

On my first visit to Nashville, we were told to make sure and eat at the Pancake Pantry. We were told about the line, so we were prepared. We went on a Friday morning, but the line was still long and we waited 45 minutes to an hour. Once inside, the service was fast. We all ordered pancakes, since it was our first visit. Lots of locals seemed to be ordered ham, sausage, bacon, eggs, toast, etc. But hey it was our first time, so we wanted to try the namesake. I ordered the orange walnut pancakes. They were good. Light and airy. I am glad I tried this place, but I would not wait in line for it again. It is just not a must try place for me.
(3)
Allison M.

A delicious haiku for Pancake Pantry: Hot Whipped Butter Sweet Potato Pancakes. Yum. Coffee was okay.
(4)
Rachel B.

I truly enjoyed this spot. I hate chain restaurants, especially for breakfast! I am a pancake girl and this place hit the spot. The type of flour utilized is top notch and the creme syrup was an excellent addition. It was such a kerfuffle trying to get a seat and I felt rudely looked over at times but I'll know how to navigate it next time.
(4)
Amrita R.

We tried the cornmeal pancakes and the chocolate chip pancakes with a side of hash browns and grits. The hash browns were good but they needed ketchup because they weren't salted well. But they were nicely crisped on the edges and may be my favorite hash browns ever. My boyfriend thought Georgia made better grits and said it was nothing special. The cornmeal pancakes were very savory and went well with a little syrup. The chocolate chip pancakes were basically their original buttermilk pancakes with dark chocolate chips sprinkled over the top. Both were delicious, and I liked that the syrup was more watery and less sticky; you can tell it's home-made. The portion size was also HUGE. 5 pancakes in each order.. I think it's better to mix and match or just share one entree. This is definitely a step up from IHOP but I'm not sure it's worth the wait. We ordered take-out and it was ready in 15 minutes! It's definitely a place to try if you love pancakes, but not worth it if you have to wait close to an hour.
(3)
Canny F.

Santa Fe pancakes with bacon on the side instead of in the pancake - this was kind of strange. The description made it sound amazing but I felt like I was eating a corn cake. Maybe the bacon is the component that makes this pancake a wow? Sweet potato pancake - this was much better than the Santa Fe pancakes. You can't go wrong with sweet potato. I was never attracted to pancakes that much. It's surprising because I'm a carb lover. There's a lot on the menu and there's a lot I wanted to order. I would make another visit if I'm in Nashville and try another pancake. I love that they provide coffee and water for the people waiting on the line. I can't imagine NYC restaurants offering this for the customers waiting on the line; the wait goes on for hours! The service was faster than I expected with the amount of customers here. It's one of those restaurants where you want to eat fast and get out because you'll feel bad for the others waiting on the line. We got lucky and didn't have to wait too long because we were a party of 2.
(3)
Denny K.

Worth the wait? Worth the "hype?" Worth the $$? Yes, yep, and you bet. 25 minutes is not too long to wait for very friendly, courteous, and attentive service. (Spill at the next table -- with prompt apologies to us, our server quickly moved to "stem the flow," remedy the situation, and got "back up' to mop the floor. Well done!) Our server (wish I'd checked for her name) was sensitive to the 2 yr old and 6 yr old we had with us...Thanks! Treated them like regular customers...with appropriate-age questions and patient responses. Our 6-year-old guest was very pleased to have his own menu...which he was able to read/decipher. Chocolate Chip Waffle - just ok; Big, but very light with a crispy exterior; got soggy fast....not much body. Pancakes cooked light and fluffy. We tasted the old fashioned buttermilk - ok; Banana Bread with Pecan pancakes were just what you would expect...banana through and through and just like mama's banana bread (of which I am not a fan)....but these were flavorful-good. Buckwheat pancakes - one of my childhood favorites - slightly dense, a bit grainy....delicious flavor with honey or syrup. Crumbled sausage, mushroom, and sweet, creamy goat cheese omelet. Attractively plated with just a smidgen of filling inside and a pile of the crumbled 'add-ons' n on top. Hash browns - done just right with tender body and a very crispy exterior on one side only. Loved them. Coffee refills - coming right up! Best we've ever had? Not quite, and a tad bit on the $$ side, but worth a return visit...and as oft' stated in history, "I shall return" (D McArthur), and "I'll be bock" (T-800, Model 101).
(4)
Nicole D.

This place was recommended to me by a friend and, since I love pancakes, I knew I had to try it! She had warned that it was really busy on weekends so I thought we'd be okay going on a week day morning. Even then, it was packed! The line was out the door, but it WAS worth the wait. It's definitely a popular spot so be prepared to wait, but they do a good job of getting people in and out (so maybe not the best spot if you want to stay and relax a while inside). The service was okay, though the waitress did forget the fruit we had ordered and brought it out late. It wasn't the most attentive service, but they were packed after all. The menu had a great selection of different pancakes, and they also had omelets and things for non-pancake eaters. The pancakes were delicious and I loved that they had different syrups that they recommend to complement different pancakes. Great time!! I'd go back.
(4)
Ben N.

This place is a perfect example that a long line isn't always worth the wait/ I flew into Nashville hungry and came straight to the Pancake Pantry but only to be met with an hour long line for a table! Despite all that time, I still had trouble picking from their huge list of different pancakes so I just ordered the Pigs in a Blanket because it seemed like a safe bet. The server was no help as she was busy running around tending to other tables instead of offering suggestions. When the order came out, I couldn't help but notice how underwhelming my meal looked. The food itself was nothing special. I'm 99% sure I could've made it at home which is never a good thing. When it was all said and done, I was out 2 hours of my time and about 15 bucks. Don't make the same mistake as I did. TL;DR - skip the line and go to Denny's
(2)
Lauren A.

Sweet potato pancakes are a must! Very fluffy and delicious syrup. Staff was quick and friendly
(4)
Mikaela Z.

Yes. Just Y. E. S. I really don't feel like anything more needs to be said, but for those who like a little detail... Waiting in line was no big deal. It moved so quickly. If you drive by and want to keep driving because of the line, don't. It isn't really as long as you think. There were some sweetie students from Belmont outside with guitars and it was some of the best music I heard during my whole trip. Chances are that will happen when you visit. The free coffee is a nice touch. Except for that the coffee is TERRIBLE. Seriously. For reals. No joking. Not being picky. It isn't good. That is the only reason Pancake Pantry get 4 stars from me instead of 5. Breakfast joint? You better serve good coffee. Had a build your own omelette that was so great. Came with pancakes and chose to try the sweet potato. Come on, I've read the reviews...how could I not? They lived up to the hype. The syrup that comes with them? Heaven. Cinnamon creme something. Just so good. So again - yes. Y. E. S. Try it.
(4)
Ashley Ann M.

I have lived here for a few months and had to see what was so good inside that made the line so long!! I really liked the plain pancakes!! However, the coffee wasn't my taste. I would definitely recommend just for the experience of going, but I do not think this will be a regular brunch spot for me!
(3)
Hanna L.

Okay, how to begin this... yes, it is worth the wait. It really is. I've been here three times, and I remember my eyes watering the first time because their pancakes are SO. FKN. DELICIOUS. So far I've tried the blueberry pancakes, the Smokey Mountains-pancakes and the Banana Bread-pancakes; the blueberry ones being my favorite (yes, that was the time I almost cried because it was so good). Not only is the food great, but the staff is amazing. Extremely friendly, professional and helpful; special requests is not a problem at all, and they've never mixed up anything. Also, I love the atmosphere of this place; it's very simple but genuine; it's simply cool without trying to be cool. So, overall; yes, it is worth the wait.
(5)
Sarah C.

I went to the Pancake Pantry and did not order pancakes. I just thought I should put that out there. I chose to order an omelet and loved it! I went with spinach and cheese and it was covered in cheddar and stuffed with fresh spinach! Yum! I got it with a side of fried potatoes which were real pieces of potato, fried in a skillet. Yum to that too! I am sure their pancakes are worth ordering too. My beau went with the silver dollar ones. Cutest pancakes on the menu. The wait is long, but if you are able to be casual about breakfast/brunch times then do it! It's a staple in Nashville (so I hear) and lots of people continue going back here even after their first time. I have been 3 times now and will likely make a 4th visit.
(4)
Dan H.

Three words. Sweet Potato Pancakes. Yes, they have 23 varieties of pancakes here, but they are known for these and if it is your first time going, you should probably try what they are known for. It was my first time there and that is what I ordered. I was not disappointed. You get 5 in an order and they come with a side of cinammon cream syrup which was really good. Much better than the syrup they give you. Pretty sure it wasn't real maple syrup (my girlfriend is from Vermont so I am pretty spoiled with real maple syrup). The restaurant is pretty large, but very popular. I was there on a Thursday morning and you would think people in Nashville didn't work. Was lucky to walk in and get a table right away, but when I left there was a line. Just a warning.
(4)
Tiffany M.

Super short service wait to get inside, which on a Sunday was surprising. Service was B, pancakes were very original but two orders were served doughy in the middle. $140 for party of 6, so not too expensive but could've been better. Cute decor, clean restrooms and nice staff, but a little slow all around. Would return, however. Will update at next experience.
(3)
Monica N.

The omelette was superb! And so were the buckwheat pancakes. Delicious! Well worth it!!
(5)
Laney A.

Don't be intimidated by the line that wraps around the building outside. The line may be ridiculous but it goes by fast and the food is totally worth the wait! Even if you're not a pancake type of person they offer omelettes, and a la carte options. But, I would recommend you get the pancakes because they will change your previous beliefs on how amazing pancakes are! There are so many different delicious pancake options that I had trouble ordering. I ended up going with the Lemon Apricot Pancakes, and they were easily the best pancakes I've ever had! Citrusy pancakes seemed weird but I decided to take the risk and try something new and I'm so glad I did.
(5)
Jenelle G.

Sweet Potato Pancakes and Grilled Cooked Medley were delicious. We had a few hiccups in our service, but overall I think it was a good restaurant to have breakfast.
(4)
Ben N.

This place is over by Vanderbilt and if you seen any of the TV shows that have featured this restaurant, it is all that it is said to be. The list of pancakes that they serve seems like it goes on forever. I have stopped by this place numerous times and every time I forget to take a picture of my plate because I start digging in as soon as the plate touches the table. It's not until I have devoured half of my plate that I realize that I didn't take a picture of it to include in my review. Since I have failed every time with that mission, I'm going to just go without a picture. On my first visit here, I figured it was just a one time thing as a novelty just to check out this restaurant that is all about pancakes. But when I pull up to this place around noon on a Monday, there is a line going out the door! And these people were locals?!?!?!?! Usually when I see a line, the Asian in me tells me to get in line because something is going on because we get in line for EVERYTHING. Then there is the side of me that was born in east Texas that tells me that there is no way in heck that we are waiting in line for pancakes. Then there is my stomach that pretty much overrules both of them and tells me that it needs pancakes...., and so I am in line. My co-worker ordered the Swiss Chocolate Chip Pancakes and I ordered the Sante Fe Cornmeal Pancakes. For the chocolate lover in you, the chocolate chip pancakes are a must. This is not like the usual pancakes where the chocolate chips are inside the pancake so you might get a hint of chocolate in your bite. These pancakes are covered in the tiny mini chocolate chips and the melt over the pancakes where you end up with something similar to a chocolate sauce covering you pancakes. You add the cinnamon cream syrup to that and you are taken to your chocolate heaven as well as your blood sugar jumping up to the 200's, haha. For the people that like the savory, the Santa Fe is the way to go. There are chunks of bacon in these pancakes! Do I need to say more?? I'm more of a waffle fan, but these pancakes have made me a definite fan. I wished there was a place like this in Dallas.....
(4)
Billy H.

The Pancake Pantry is a Nashville landmark. People come from all around world to stand in line & eat those FAMOUS PANCAKES! Having lived in Nashville now for nearly 5 years, I can say that I've only ate here twice. That isn't because the food isn't good, it's because of the wait. Every time I drive by, there's always a line about 40 people deep outside the entrance. You're not able to wait inside, so the line forms outside. On both occasions I've had to wait about 30 minutes. Once you're in the service is very fast. They've got the pancake/breakfast making down to an art. Both times I've had the pecan pancakes. I'm a sucker for pecans & these are amazing. They give you FIVE pancakes with powered sugar & maple pecan syrup. SO GOOD. I always think I'll be able to finish them & I can't. I've had these also at the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg, however I'm not sure if these two are affiliated with each other or not. It's crazy that in a tourist location like Gatlinburg, the wait is always less there than in Nashville. If you're in the Nashville area & craving some pancakes & got an hour or two to kill, this is your place.
(4)
Renee D.

I know I should be rating this higher but I have to be honest. I ordered the Santa Fe pancakes, one of their specialties, and "World Famous" hash browns. The pancakes were very dry and over cooked. I had to add salsa, sour cream, and even honey just to moisten them. The hash browns, for $3.29, came on a little plate, and were undercooked and greasy. I was expecting something spectacular but was very disappointed. My son-in-law had the sweet potato pancakes and said they were delicious. The line to get inside is very long but seems to move fast. Service was a little slow but we were in no hurry after waiting so long. Parking is limited and you have to pay in their lot. It was fun checking the place out but I wouldn't go again.
(3)
Shushu C.

Damn good pancakes. I would say this comes close to the best pancakes I ever had in Chicago. But for Nashville, it is pretty darn good. Be sure to just get pancakes tho, because I got their waffle and it didn't impress me nearly as much. Get their Swiss chocolate chip or strawberry pancakes. And nothing else! I would have to say service is on the poorer side but you will forget all about it when you stuff your face. I have been coming here for years and there is nothing like in New York....be sure to hit up this place early/at a random time. Otherwise, be prepared to wait a slow and painful hangry time.
(5)
Katey D.

This place has the most amazing breakfast in Nashville. I was a bit worried it would be a tourist trap but I was proven wrong. I tried the award winning sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup which were to die for. Everyone ended up eating off of my plate -- definitely get these if you stop in. My friends had the banana bread pancakes which were also great. The staff is very friendly and the service was quick and efficient. I will definitely be back on my next visit.
(5)
Nandini M.

What a great concept and such delicious and carbalicious food. It was packed on a weekday afternoon to my surprise, but that goes to show how well regarded this eatery is. I loved my peach pancakes and the abundant flavored syrups that came with it. Big portions but nice to your wallet. Very near the Vanderbilt campus and some boutique shops where you can walk off some calories after. I can't speak for the locals though there were many eating around us, but a perfect stop for a meal in between touristy things.
(4)
Cassandra S.

Holy moly! We came here because every person we came in contact with seemed to recommend this place as a stop on our trip. We arrived at 1 p.m., and there was still a line of about 20 people in front of us. I've heard the line can be hit or miss. It's impossible to predict, but if its there you just need to wait. The pancakes were amazing. Definitely worth our wait.
(5)
Linda R.

Enjoyed the food and the excellent service. Every dish looked amazing. Prices were in line.
(5)
Annie L.

I think this is more about the hype than anything. We waited for an hour and it absolutely is not worth the wait. My expectations was to be mind blown from all the reviews. I will say though, service is great. We ordered the apricot lemon pancakes, Swedish pancakes, and the sweet potato pancakes. Out of the three, I'd rank it at sweet potato first, apricot lemon second, and swedish in last place. The sweet potato was a fluffy pancake that reminded me of Christmas b/c of the cinnamon used. Apricot lemon pancakes were a bit tart, but the compote sweetened it out. The Swedish pancakes were plain tart. It's a nice experience trying a lingonberry though, since I've never heard of it before. It just wasn't my cup of tea. The syrup that is served with the sweet potato pancakes was divine. It's creamy with a tinge of sweet, not cloyingly sweet or anything. FYI, you can order 2 different kinds of pancakes for one order---they just split it and it costs like $1 more or something. It's worth it for me, since we are both out of town and wanted to try more than 2 types of pancakes. Main point---sweet potato pancakes (which really is the best out of the three we ordered) were at most "good", but not worth the wait.
(3)
Cody C.

After a wild night on the honky tonk we barely woke up for pan cake pantry but we made it up at 8. We thought no problem it won't be busy yet accept when we arrived people were already lined up out the door. We waited thinking it must be good and it was totally worth the wait. I got the medley combo and it was so good, eggs potatoes. Not really sure what it was but it made me feel damn great. Also got a Santa Fe pancake which was odd but strangely delicious. My sister got the sweet potato and peach pancake mix. Those sweet potato pancakes out of this world. Overall 5 stars for sure just once again be ready to wait in line.
(5)
Chelsea W.

As if this place needs another five star review. This place was recommended to us by multiple people before our trip to Nashville so we felt obligated to check it out... And are we happy we did! Our breakfast was simple amazing. Great flavor and melt in your mouth texture. I can see why this is a Nashville tradition and worth the wait in line!
(5)
Jeni K.

This place is awesome for down-home country food. The blintzes melt in your mouth and the pigs-in-a-blanket were amazing. Giselle was our waitress and had us eating withing 10 minutes of sitting down. Everyone is super nice.
(5)
Lynn J.

Went there for breakfast this morning! Definitely a great choice to go on a Wednesday morning. Yes, there was still a line, but it wasn't quite around the building just yet. I opted for the light breakfast which was 1 egg, 4 silver dollar pancakes and an order of hashbrowns. DIVINE! I'm a fresh pregnant lady (7 weeks) so my appetite is finicky, but everything was delicious. The hashbrowns were definitely amazing! Our waitress was really nice. The ambiance was nice. Will be back. Might try a speciality pancake next time, if my little turkey (unborn baby) will allow it.
(5)
Kathryn D.

We absolutely love this place!!! The first Pancake Pantry we went to was in Gatlinburg, TN and this one was just as good!!! The only downside to Pancake Pantry is the line is sooooo long (it took about an hour to get in)!!! But the server (Crystal) was awesome! She brought a shawl for our daughter b/c she was cold and applesauce for our baby who was hungry. I would highly recommend the cornmeal pancakes, they are melt in your mouth good. The sweet potato pancakes were okay...nothing special. There was also this amazing cinnamon syrup that our waitress called crack in a bottle...delish!!!
(5)
Justin J.

Awesome staff, service and food. If you attend, work at or visit Vanderbilt university or medical center, it's a must. It gets pretty busy, but the staff does a great job at keeping things rolling. I get the sweet potato pancakes every time. Their chocolate crepes are also very good.
(5)
Loralyn D.

The sweet potato pancakes and french toast are amazing. However, I only go here during the week because the line on weekends is looooooong. If you're only in town for a short period of time and want to stand in the line, it will be worth it. If you can go 7am on a weekday instead, there will be no wait.
(5)
Joseph N.

Breakfast here was absolutely inspirational! YES, inspirational! Yes there was a line. Yes you had to wait. But there is a reason there is a line and you have to wait. It's delicious. I was by myself and my waitress hooked me up! I asked about what the best way to order was. She pointed out that if you get an omelette you get three pancakes. You can get three different pancakes. So you really get to try a lot! So worth it. Of course it's a ton of food an you're not gonna eat it all unless you are a mountain man off to work the tunnels for the day. I had the Santa Fe, Blueberry and the Sweet Potato. Sweet potato and blueberry were fabulous versions of old favorites. The Santa Fe is a cornmeal cake that is savory with green chilies, cheddar and bacon in the mix. YUM! Served with hot sauce, sour cream and syrup. Yup put them all on as they suggest. The hash browns were also a star. Get an order. There's not a small order. Share if you can. If you can't be a glutton. Don't have lunch.
(5)
Brittany F.

Tourist spot that is always good! I took my parents on a Thursday late morning and there was still a line! It only took about 15-20 minutes to get in and the service is always fast and courteous enough. Since it was 11am I decided to stray from my usual pancakes and went with the BLT. It was good, nothing outstanding but you can never go wrong with getting a meal with bacon in it! My parents each got an egg/meat/pancake meal and they were both very happy with it. Great spot to take guests!
(5)
Meadow M.

I first heard about this place on the plane ride over from a Franklin local. He recommended that we brave the line and try one of Nashvilles best breakfast spots. HE WAS RIGHT. Holly cow this place kicked butt and we didn't even have to wait in line!! We were lucky to miss the rush said our waitress. I had this super savory corn pancake with bacon, salsa, and sour cream. So good. This place will always be a stop when I get back to the south~~~
(5)
Elizabeth W.

I gave this place five stars for the variety of pancake options, the cinnamon cream syrup, and the friendly staff! As everyone says, you have to get there early or be ready to wait. The good part is that the line moves quickly. We had 7 people at 8:30 on a Friday and were seated by 9:00. Our waitress was super friendly and automatically split the check (which turns out is the way they take the order, making it very easy). Overall, a great place to visit for pancake lovers when visiting Nashville. Definitely worth getting up a little early for!
(5)
Alison L.

My uncle lived in Nashville for years and this was his only suggestion to me for my trip. It's a Nashville tradition / tourist attraction so the line was long but I didn't mind, the area was nice and sunny with friendly people walking around. Once we got inside, the space was a little crowded but I loved all the pancake art on the walls! They have a few good combo plates, I ended up ordering pancakes with eggs and bacon. I upgraded myself to chocolate chip pancakes (I was on vacation after all) and they completely assaulted my pancake with chocolate, it looked like someone just spilled the bag on top of my plate. I appreciate the gesture but it was kind of overkill. Bonuses are delicious OJ, friendly service, reasonable prices, pay at the counter.
(3)
Hannah H.

The Pancake Pantry was founded in 1961 and originally owned by Mr. Robert Baldwin, the father of David Baldwin, the current owner. They're considered a Nashville tradition for breakfast, offering a 'mom and pop' type of an environment. They offer French toast, omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, waffles, salads, and soups. My sister and I shared the Grill Cook's Medley, which is considered one of their best sellers. It was a plate of hashbrowns with onions, green peppers, tomatoes, ham, melted American and Swiss cheese singles, two fried eggs, and a side of picante sauce. We added wheat toast with the two buttermilk options as well (which came with whipped butter and HOT syrup). The dish itself was fine, but more on the bland side; I wasn't really much of a fan of the sliced deli-like ham with the single cheeses. The pancakes, however, was pretty good, and even better with the HOT syrup (I loved that this came warm!). Service was friendly and efficient, and the place was packed to the gills with locals and tourists alike. I am glad I was able to check this place out! +pancakes +hot syrup for pancakes
(3)
Yuxi X.

I had sweet potatoes pancakes and buttermilk ones. The SP ones were good, but the cinnamon sprinkle on top covered the flavor of sweet potatoes, so I couldn't really taste the sweet potatoes, which was a little disappointing to me as I'm a sweet potato lover. The buttermilk ones were super fluffy. The texture of those pancakes was the best I've ever had. I would recommend you to try them if you love pancakes like crazy.
(4)
Glenn G.

Amazing pancakes best ever!!! Call ahead I check on wait time, Monday at 8:30. No wait Yumm!!! Ask to split your order of pancakes with a combination, we could not decide so sample a few all were delicious!!!!
(5)
Purpose T.

OMG! The sweet potato pancakes! The best I've ever had in my entire life. I kept hearing about this place, so a friend who lives in the area took me by for breakfast while I was visiting. Needless to say I was so excited and satisfied. We shared the sweet potato pancakes and it was plenty. I was so stuffed and nowhere near disappointed. This place deserves 5 stars and I can't wait to go if ever I'm in the Nashville area again!
(5)
Amanda J.

Like many others, I heard that this restaurant was a "must" in Nashville. We arrived about 9:15am on a Sunday morning and there was a huge line down the street to get in. We decided to wait it out, and finally got seated about 10:30am. The service was pretty average, but clearly everyone that works there is in a rush to get your table in and out as quickly as possible. We weren't offered any refills and the check was dropped off immediately with our food. However the pancakes and french toast that we had were pretty delicious. Would I dine here again? Probably not...but it was cool to experience at least once.
(4)
Caroline K.

Coming from Chicago where breakfast places are a plenty, Pancake Pantry rocked my socks! The line outside moved quite fast, maybe a 20 or 25 minute wait, so be prepared to stand outside because there is only a very brief wait indoors. Once seated, I immediately noticed the adorable Nashville decor and realized why Taylor Swift recommended this place to everyone. My server was both courteous and witty as she took our orders and topped our cups of coffee. I decided to take a risk and order the sweet potato pancakes, and oh boy did it pay off. They're served with this cinnamon creme syrup that is light and pairs perfectly with the pancakes. The half order is the perfect size, if you don't want to experience a food coma and still want to get a great portion. My mother got the French toast and they're also amazing. They're actually made from French bread and pair perfectly with the original syrup out on each table. I recommend trying the pancakes while you're there because that's what they're known for after all. You don't go to a steakhouse and get pasta. Oh and the host was hilarious and always moving and ready to seat the next people in line. Overall, Pancake Pantry is a must in Nashville that everyone should try to get to on their visit.
(4)
Robert R.

Awesome place there were four of us so we tried the : potato, sweet potato, Swiss chocolate, and pecan. All were very good. I think sweet potato were the best. The service was good. The line was quite long when we arrived so we walked around for awhile and came back. Glad we did. The price was a little high for breakfast but we really enjoyed it.
(5)
Evangelene G.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE their Sweet Potato pancakes. That's all I will get when I am there. Recommendation: Get there as early as possible. I learned this from my daughter and she was right. I told my husband that we should get there around 7am before the line forms, so we woke up, threw clothes on (no makeup) and got a seat. He whines, "There's no line, there are plenty of tables." We get breakfast, pay the bill and leave. The line is wrapped around the building! Ha! I was right! Anyways, the moral of the story is get there early or be prepared to wait.
(5)
Kelly M.

Had the sweet potato pancakes and loved every minute. Cool ambiance too. Definitely recommend it!
(5)
Danny N.

There is always a huge line out the door and around the corner. I'm a local and I've been three times. I don't get the hype. It's not bad, but it's no better than any other breakfast place. I have nothing negative to say, but it's just another breakfast place.
(3)
Hang T.

Wow, this place is INSANELY crowded. I was amazed to see the line out the door stretch down the block. Thank goodness we ordered to go. I ordered parisienne pancakes while my husband ordered the old fashion pancakes. I thought the pancakes were fluffy and good, but the strawberry syrup was overly sweet. The portions are huge. You will get full easily. The hash browns were the best part. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. I don't know if it was because I tried the food to go, but I don't think it lived up to its Man vs Food hype. At least I didn't have to wait in that long line.
(3)
Cory G.

A Nashville staple. A great selection of pancakes/french toast and all that sweet stuff filled with carbs. The thing is they do it really well. I'm a big fan of the blueberry pancakes. Other than that it's your typical breakfast joint that serves bacon, eggs, and the traditional breakfast foods. Not a big fan of their coffee though, which is disappointing with all the roasters in town. The staff is always pretty friendly and they move pretty quick to accommodate the high flow of people wanting to chow down. Avoid going Friday-Sunday. Its just a nightmare and in my opinion not worth standing in line for an hour or two.
(4)
A C.

Best breakfast I've ever had in my life. GO. Got an omelet and pancakes.. Even the omelet was the best I've ever had.. Something about the way they cook them! Try it! Worth the price.
(5)
Candice C.

The long line moves quickly. The sweet potato pancakes are very sweet and yummy. I got the savory cornbread cakes with cheese and chiles. They were great! Very fast service. Overall, the food is not spectacular but it is worth the wait.
(3)
Catherine T.

Parking lot available behind with kiosk. Some street parking available by post office. Line is very very very long. I wait approximately 40 mins outside for a table around 9am. But it had such great reviews and was hughly recommended by a lot of Memphians and Nashvillians (?, not sure if thats the proper term. Forgive me if it isnt). I knew i had to try it. It's a good idea to look at menu ahead of time or in line so you can place yoyr order immediately. Servers were very fast at getting orders in and out. The food is delicious. We got a stack of sweet potato pancakes and the medley. The serving sizes are huge. My friend and i had so much leftovers. Pay at cashier when your ready. When we left the line was even longer.
(4)
Charles S.

As an out of towner I felt it was a good but not great breakfast/pancake place but I waited 45 minutes to get in and the 30 for the food. It just wasn't worth the 75 minutes of waiting to eat pancakes. The driver told me that the line (45 minutes) wasn't that bad. For pancakes?
(3)
Bruce R.

A completely ordinary breakfast and an outrageously long wait, That's what you get at the famous PP. A good breakfast, tasty and well prepared. But NOT special by any means. What you end up waiting an hour for is the name, and the reputation. You can get as good or better breakfast at lots of places in town without the outrageous wait standing out on the street. Pancakes were 100% average. Been eating flapjacks for over 50 years, and these are pretty ordinary. Servers were very friendly, and the atmosphere is fun. A good family place if your family doesn't mind standing in the street for an hour waiting to be seated.
(3)
Jason M.

Found this by mistake and I'm so glad I did. Great simple breakfast choices cooked perfectly served hot. Friendly prompt service, nice atmosphere, clean locally owned and operated. Would return for sure.
(5)
Swati B.

Definitely worth the wait. Went on a Sunday around 9:30am. The line at that time was about 45 minutes. The line by 1030-11 looked to be about an hour or 90 minutes. Service is definitely not the quickest here...if they were faster they likely would have better turnover, at the same time its nice not to feel rushed. LOVED the sweet potato pancakes..they were amazing... Sister got the apricot-lemon and raved about them as well, saying they were "not too sweet". The hashbrowns were a bit too deepfried for me.... definitely recommend this place
(4)
Leanna S.

The food is delicious but I did think true hash browns would be a bigger serving. That being said , we really didn't wait terribly long and everyone enjoyed their food. Lovely staff and very efficient. Glad we came here for our last meal.
(4)
Nic C.

Worth the line! Raspberry Delight and the Hashbrown medaly we excellent! Great service and exceptionally friendly! I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Brian L.

Best breakfast I've ever had. Came down to Nashville to see the Giants play the Titans and ate here back to back days since it was so incredible. The Medley (eggs over easy, hash browns, cheese, salsa) is amazing and pairs well with the banana pancakes. Theres always a line here but it moves pretty quickly. Either way - it's worth the wait! Highly recommend it.
(5)
M R.

I'm from here and once every 10 years I decide I want to go to Pancake Pantry because I forget how mediocre it actually is. I was reminded yesterday. The pancakes are nothing special and definitely not worth the hype. The blueberry pancakes barely have any berries in the batter and the syrup is unexceptional. There are better brunch options in Nashville.
(2)
Michelle S.

There is a sign on the door that says to wait till you experience the food, before you rate it! So, I did! The wait was very long, but since the ratings were so high, I decided to make it happen even though I had a flight to catch. I was dining solo and I asked the host and the waitress if there was anything we could do to speed up the service and there was zero compassion. Even though I asked very nicely, I was told that it was my choice to wait in line. I was also told that I was welcome to order to go . . . after waiting 45 minutes. I just thought this was really rude. So, that's my experience with the service. As for the food . . . it was OK. I'm still trying to figure out why this place is so special and I'm chalking it up to a "local" following. I did order something fairly basic, hoping it would speed up the process. So, I'm sure there are some specialty items that are off the charts. My advice would be to make sure you have lots and lots of time on your hands to eat here. I would also hope that the management of this place can recognize why the attitude towards me would be so disappointing. I was really excited to eat here and wanting this to be my last meal in Nashville. The experience (sans the wait) was quite disappointing. Just because the place is busy, I would really avoid treating customers like they are doing your establishment a favor.
(2)
Amy S.

1. The sweet potato pancakes!!!!! They tasted like pumpkin cake. 2. The cinnamon syrup - a definite must try. DELICIOUS. 3. Their regular buttermilk. Not as soft as I was hoping, but still a good filling meal. Got it with a side of eggs. It was great.
(4)
Lily B.

Wait in line for pancakes??? Seriously??? YES!!!!!!! The pancakes are amazing and the service was excellent too. You have to go!
(5)
Sarah U.

Yummy Nashville icon! Loved them, and it was definitely worth the trip. I had the sweet potato pancakes and there was plenty to eat! The kids had bears in the snow pancakes, and I will say it didn't really fill up my 8 and 11 year old much at all. But there were plenty of extras from my hubs and I to share with them. PLEASE don't walk into the Pancake Pantry, pass all the people standing in line, go to the front desk, and ask where they are taking names. They don't take names. Just stand in line and when you get to the front they'll ask how many are in your party and seat you when there's a table. :)
(4)
Curry W.

Food was tasty but I was very disappointed that Yelp had them on the list of gluten free pancakes and they DO NOT have GLUTEN FREE pancakes. If I would have stood in the long line that is usually here I would have been pissed. Yelp needs to change their information so those with Celiac who are craving pancakes won't be crying in their eggs like I am now.
(3)
Katrina C.

We were here on a Wednesday I think. Not super early.... we waited about 30 minutes, I believe. The line went quickly, but I didn't feel rushed once inside. It's pretty spacious inside, and I firmly believe that they could fit in another 7-8 tables EASILY ... but then they might not have a huge line outside, so maybe that's there's thing. Now, I've done this whole "YOU HAVE TO GO EAT AT THE PLACE WITH THE LONG LINE FOR BREAKFAST" before. It was in San Fran. We stood in line. For an hour+. And the food wasn't that great. So, when I say that the 30 min wait in line for this place was pretty worth it, that should be taken seriously. I wanted an omelette and I wanted pancakes. Well, lucky for me - omelettes come with pancakes. It may have been the best spinach/tomato/goat cheese omelette I've ever eaten. Now, if you don't want regular pancakes, they will substitute other kinds for you! We got regular and sweet potato pancakes. OMG sweet potato pancakes. I really really loved the cinnamon sugar syrup. Even the regular syrup was amazing. I don't even like pancakes, and I wanted to take a bath in this syrup and use the pancakes as sponges. I was full for like 8 hours after this. I usually eat like every 3, so that's saying something.
(4)
Kevin B.

Now I know why this is a Nashville institution! This was probably the best breakfast I've had in my life and I would come here again in a heartbeat. We came here for a late lunch on a weekday and we were lucky to be seated without a wait. The service was very prompt and the menu really is huge. I'm glad I researched ahead of time to know what they were known for because I would otherwise be completely lost. We got the sweet potato pancakes and the Swedish pancakes with bacon, sausage, tea, and coffee. The sweet potato pancakes were out of this world amazing and I almost picked up the plate and licked it. The Swedish pancakes were also really good and the lingonberry was great! The price was really good for the pancakes, but the sides were fairly pricey (over $3 for a few slices of bacon and sausage). Nevertheless, it was a fantastic meal and we left immensely satisfied. I highly recommend coming here if you're visiting Nashville!
(5)
Lisa B.

Heard this was a "must visit" place in Nash, so I visited. I stand behind this, you must visit. Best pancakes I've ever had, they were perfectly fluffy, but had substance. Had the Georgia Peach and Sweet Potato. The sweet potato can't be beat, the maple cinnamon syrup is the kicker. Peach were great, topped with Real whip cream. Also had ham and hash brown, both just so good. There is usually a line wrapped around the building, as I saw all week when I'd pass by, but this wasn't our case. I feel as I am the exception (it was raining) So, prepare to stand, but they are sweet and put out water :) also, make sure your whole party is present so you can be sat as soon as available. Service was good, impressive since they are Constantly packed. It's worth the wait, promise.
(5)
Edson D.

Q: Where can one find out-of-towners in Nashville every morning? A: The line in front of the Pancake Pantry. I have been in Nashville for many years, and I have visited Pancake Pantry during the non-line hours many times. True, the people are nice, and the food is fine. But one can say the same about many other places in Nashville. For the life of me, I do not know what the attraction is which would make people line up in front the place. Is it the pancake? First Watch Cafe has better and more wholesome ones. Is it the eggs? See Noshville/Midtown. Is it the bacon? Please visit the Loveless Cafe for retort and swollen ankles after eating a divine country breakfast. Is it the history? I can see that. Is it the ambiance? That would be subjective, I guess. As a proud Nashvillian, even if Hank Williams Sr. was playing there every breakfast, one would be hard-pressed to see the attraction in trying to find a parking place in the choked Hillsboro Village, waiting in line, finding a table, and rushing through eating while receiving skull-piercing looks from those still in line trying to stare you down into leaving and taking over your table. That being said, I am very happy for Pancake Pantry for managing to attract customers from far and wide consistently for so many years, and being a responsible member of the community. I guess certain things are better admired from afar.
(2)
M L.

I find myself to be a pancake aficionado and this place is overrated in my book. I live up the road and there is always a line to get in. If you must try it and choose to wait, they have water for you while waiting in line.
(3)
Jeff L.

Do yourself a favor by not going to the famous pancake pantry. Skip the lines, buy some mini M&M's, strawberries, or whatever toppings you want and make your own pancakes or waffles. Pancake Pantry does offer a unique selection of pancakes but it is simply not worth it. It sells slightly above average pancakes at an exorbitant price. Avoid this place.
(3)
Bryan B.

First trip to the Pancake Pantry but hopefully not the last. Had to wait to get a seat, understand why and would definitely do it again. French toast was the bomb! Our server, Mary, was wonderful.
(5)
Jim V.

I don't really see what all the hype is. They offer a great selection of pancakes and french toast. I would advise getting anything else though. Their omelets are horrible. I ordered a cheese omelet and it came waffle house style with a craft single just thrown on top. This establishment has been around too long to serve food like this. This is a tourist trap. You can find the line usually out the door and around the building at any time during the week. However, if you want to venture to this Hillsboro Village restaurant then I would advise going as early in the morning as you can. If not you are going to be waiting awhile. This is getting 3 stars because this place really needs to come off its pedestal. Their are more places in Nashville that take the cake over this place any day.
(3)
Amanda M.

NOT worth the wait. Recently visited on vacation. Waited for almost an hour. Food was nothing out of this world. Ordered the bacon and egg plate and sweet potato pancakes.
(3)
Brent L.

Always a line outside... Always. It's there thing. But line moved well enough. Friendly staff and great food. Ordered the cooks medley(skillet dish) very good and it comes with pancakes if you want. Had their sweet potato pancakes, soft and very flavorful didn't except anything less. Coffee wasn't bad but not incredible.
(5)
Tran T.

So I finally have a chance to try this place out after reading many many positive reviews on Yelp and on Facebook. For a Tuesday morning, we waited about 20-30 minutes (No line at 12 pm). There were 3 of us and we all were so excited since it's our first time here. I ordered the Sweet Potato Pancakes with a side of hash brown. One of my friends ordered the Rash Berry Pancakes , which he complained was way too sweet. The other ordered Pig in the Blanket (pancake wrapped around a sausage), which she ended up eating the sausages only. The pancakes were very average and plain, definitely not as good as what people said it to be. Hash-browns were average also. Personally, I prefer hash-browns at Bongo Java. The portions are huge and I recommend sharing it with someone. For that amount of waiting time and mediocre food, I wouldn't come back unless I'm around the area. Not worth waiting at all. 2013/#42
(3)
Michelle L.

Pancakes and I have never been friends. I've always leaned towards their more crunchy brethren the waffle to satisfy my breakfast needs. My boyfriend had visited this restaurant the last time he vacationed in Nashville and he has raved about Pancake Pantry ever since. I knew that I had to check this place out so my boyfriend and I went with his friend and girlfriend one rainy morning. The rain clearly did not deter anyone since there was STILL a relatively long line to get in. Their menu was pretty large and I had a tough time deciding what I wanted to get. Eventually I ended up ordering an Omelete with Spinach, Bacon, Sausage and Cheddar which came with 3 plain pancakes. My boyfriend ordered the Grill Cook's Medley and we also ordered Georgia Peach Pancakes to share. My omelete was a glorious thing that came with a ton spinach and was really tasty with some ketchup. The plain pancakes were covered with Cinnamon Cream Syrup aka CRACK SYRUP and was delicious. Actually, because I liked the syrup so much, I didn't really pay attention to the actual taste of the pancakes but I'm guessing they were good. The Grill Cook's Medley was basically a little bit of everything. Some hash browns, cheese, eggs, and toast. HUGE and really good. For me personally, the Georgia Peach Pancakes stole the show. I wanted another excuse to eat more of the Cinnamon Cream Syrup, but the Georgia Peach just didn't need anything. It was already perfect with the sweet peach slices and syrup it came with. It comes with 3 pancakes so be ready to share. I never thought that I would enjoy a pancake so much in my life. I never thought that I would one day love a syrup so much that I wanted to find more reasons to eat it. Believe the hype. Pancake Pantry has got breakfast down to an art form. Yes, service could be better but when the food is this good, it's easy to overlook. 5/5
(5)
Kay G.

Food is not anything special. Aways noisy. Worst of all, servers r rude...act like the customer should feel lucky to have gotten in. I cannot understand the attraction but I wonder if it is a "thing to do" and people cannot admit how terrible it is! You know, " the a Emperor has no clothes"!
(1)
D F.

Were it not for the hash browns and sweet wait staff, this place would get one star. The cakes are uninspired texturally, and none of the "fruit" toppings are fresh. Calling what arrives in the mugs coffee is a slight to coffee. Walk half a block up the street to Fido and get yourself a real breakfast.
(2)
Annie L.

Awesome worth the wait. Excellent service they were very accommodating with regard to food allergies. So many things we tried sweet potato pancake w cinnamon cream syrup, blueberry pancakes, banana pancakes,and pigs in the blanket. The meal was a home run !
(5)
Heather C.

Yes it is a tourist trap, but it is worth the trap Be prepared for a 45 minute wait, but there is some great shopping near by to keep you occupied, if your with a group, they can hold your spot in the line.. Food is great, service is great and the pancakes are amazing. Not sure if it was the pancakes or cinnamon maple cream syrup, but it was unbelievable. I had 1/2 blueberry and 1/2 strawberry and found both to be wonderful.
(5)
Alyssa B.

This place was a five star for yumminess but three stars for everything else! The service felt rushed! Because they had a line outside it was very impersonal service! Visiting from out of town and hearing so much about this place I was expecting a GREAT experience! I asked the waitress if the hash browns were good and she said why do you think we have a line around our building. Super smart ass! Anyways the cooks do a great job! Yummy pancakes all around our table!
(3)
Ally H.

Pancakes were really good and many different flavored. We waited in line about 45 minutes outside but there was coffee to drink so it wasn't that bad! The food was tasty and the service was relatively speedy. The tables were really close together. But you can also order ONE pancake but it's about as expensive as ordering the whole order of pancakes.
(4)
Paulina C.

Oh boy, i don't go here often but when i do i get down with my bad self. I could eat breakfast anytime of the day. waiting in line can be annoying because of all the Vandy students and hipsters. They're just politely standing there but having to listen to their conversations is pretty painful. They have made-up job titles and are only eating there because they honestly don't have any groceries. Otherwise the food and service is delish.
(5)
Lisa S.

Omg...yum!! Fast friendly service with absolutely amazing pancakes!! I couldn't decide on what to order so our waitress recommended that I try a half order of both. Went here on a Tuesday morning and we were in and out in no time. I definitely recommend this place!!!
(5)
Rachel G.

It was fine, but I found it did not live up to the hype. I had the Georgia Peach Pancakes, and it was good, but not life changing. It was nice to do for the experience and to see what the hype's about, but not a must-do.
(3)
John S.

Finally made it here! Came here early enough to only have to wait for a small line..... First of all, the hostess to seat us was pretty nice, and friendly to all of the people waiting (which there were a ton of). We sat down and my friend ordered pecan pancakes, with coffee and OJ. The coffee and OJ were pretty standard, nothing special. Meanwhile, I just got the infamous sweet potato pancakes. MAN these pancakes were delicious. Yes, best pancakes I've had in Nashville. Perhaps best I've had in the South period. The syrup provided was amazing too - definitely not even close to your standard restaurant pancake syrup. Just so soft and flavor filled and the syrup just complimented it perfectly. I also tried the Pecan Pancakes, which were equally soft and tasty, but had a different flavor and had bits of pecans as I expected, and came with a different but still amazing kind of syrup. The thing about the pancakes was that they were a tiny bit salty which tingles the taste buds in just the right place.... Overall.... best pancakes ever. I will be back... if I'm awake early enough to avoid the lines!
(5)
Anna L.

The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. I cannot say that enough! We waited 40 minutes on a busy Saturday morning. The whole time were were wondering if it was going to be worth it and if we should get out of line and go someplace else. I AM SOO GLAD WE WAITED. We tried a little bit of everything. Omelets, grits, hash browns and of course the pancakes. I dont even know where to begin. Well.. everything was awesome. They say they have the best hash brown in town. Whatever.. I just wanted potatoes, so I ordered them. UM.. THEY ARE THE BEST HASH BROWNS I HAVE EVER HAD. Im guessing the secret is the butter.. there is a lot. Delicious! Pancakes Yes.. this needs its own paragraph, We tried regular, sweet potato, blueberry and peach. Im not a huge pancake fan, but just on their own these are pretty good. but what made it better... WHAT MADE THEM LIFE-CHANGING... WAS THE CINNAMON CREAM SYRUP. OMG! If you go to the Pancake Pantry and just use regular syrup, you will probably be lucky because you wont have this craving that I have. I cant get rid of it. You can put that cinnamon cream syrup on ANYTHING. We even took some of it back to our hotel. I may sound crazy.. but breakfast just isnt the same without the syrup. I had breakfast the weekend after I went to the Pancake pantry and all I could think was "well.. that was disappointing." Pancake Pantry.. you have ruined breakfast for me because nothing is the same without that delicious Cinnamon Cream Syrup. Im seriously considering a drive down to Nashville in a few weeks just for breakfast (Im all the way in Chicago). ITS WORTH IT! The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it.
(5)
Myia B.

Not sure I get the hype... this place is extra regular. I mean, the pecan pancakes were good but it wasn't an orgasmic experience. I wouldn't wait an hour for a meal here at all. The eggs and sausage were standard hospital cafeteria fare and served on the dishes to boot. I was half embarrassed because, goodness... we are in the South... southern cooking should be on point. Go to say you've gone. Get there early so you don't have to wait. Give your dinner company the side eye afterwards, when you've been totally underwhelmed. -_-
(2)
Pat T.

Found out about this thru the 1000 places to eat before it's too late book. We waited about 45 minutes outside. The food was worth the wait. Tried the sweet potato pancakes which came highly recommended for good reason, they were amazing. Had a pecan pancake which was also outstanding. Overall friendly service and great food.
(5)
Nicole B.

What a fun little find. Busy first thing in the morning! Our server was spunky and fun, just the right amount of perfect service. My husband was starving and grumpy after our red eye flight in from Cali, this was the perfect meal to perk him right up! I ordered plain crepes with powdered sugar, they were thick unlike an ordinary crepe which was a little weird but, none the less delicious. I topped them off with some cinnamon-cream syrup. My husband enjoyed a meaty man omelet with a side of cinnamon and sugar pancakes. The portions are just right. Totally worth the extra 10 min drive from the airport.
(5)
Amber H.

We have now been to the pp twice and absolutely love it! Worth the wait. Great price and great service. Free coffee while you wait!
(5)
Rob H.

I was thoroughly impressed with this establishment on many levels. We arrived at about 10:30am on a Wednesday and the line was around the corner. Luckily, we had no place to get to and ready to wait. The staff was very efficient and the line moved very quickly. Once seated, we were very quickly taken care of and had some delicious coffee. I had the Sweet Potato Pancakes and my wife had the egg and ba.con sandwich with the sin crepes. Everything was absolutely delicious and the service was pretty darn impressive.
(5)
Julie S.

*Nashville Fall 2012 Review* Believe the hype, especially if you're visiting or have kiddos. In town for just a few days, it was really important to me to find a minute to see some good friends who have just moved to Nashville. We met here on a Saturday morning at around 10 before my flight. The line was out the door when we arrived. It moved quickly, and we were seated by about 10:25 (3 adults and two kidlets). Once you're in, the food comes quickly, so I was actually thankful for the time spent waiting in line, getting to catch up with my friends before we were elbow deep in pancake goodness. I had four silver dollar pancakes, two strips of perfectly-made bacon and a scrambled egg. The pancakes were among the best I've ever had, if not the best, and I know from pancakes. There are crayons for kids, as well as some M&M pancakes that were the hit of the party. There aren't so many M&Ms that you run the risk of sugar shock, just enough to add novelty and get picky eaters out of their shell enough to get some calories into little bodies before their Saturday adventures. A morning with lovely company at a charming place: I won't soon forget my morning at Pancake Pantry.
(4)
Josie R.

The swiss chocolate chip pancakes and the grill medley were so amazing that I came here back to back days. Best breakfast in Nashville!
(5)
Linda M.

I know that this place was highly recommended for tourists, but I was not very interested in trying it. I did because I was invited. We got there about 7 AM and got right in. Amazing because I have seen a line outside as I drove pass I was impressed that everything is homemade. I tried the famous sweet potato pancakes topped with powdered sugar, cinnamon and (as I always brush off) butter. Also, for about $9, I got not 3, but 5, pancakes. It was recommended to eat it with their sweet potato syrup -- unique so cool. I'm no expert food critic, but the sweet potato pancakes tasted as good as frozen ones I made. I wonder if they offer this as a short stack. I felt the service was a little slow. Heads up: Free plaza parking for first 1.5 hrs. A little chilly inside so bring a jacket.
(4)
Kathy F.

A Nashville institution. Don't let the line scare you. The wait is never very long.
(4)
Kelly B.

I was very excited to eat here after several recommendations, and even more excited when my friend and I arrived on a Monday morning to a short line. After a 20 minute wait, I ordered pecan pancakes and a side of hash browns. The pancakes were a delicious buttermilk, but I was expecting a lot more from all I had been told about them. I was more impressed with the seasoning of the hash browns, which were perfectly crisp. Glad to have checked this off the list, but I'm not sure it's worth a longer wait.
(3)
Shelly F.

Unique, awesome, great service and WELL worth the wait!!
(5)
angela t.

I don't known why people line up around the block and stand for an hour to get in here.. Umm, I'm starting to think i missed something. ? I ordered coffee and pancakes. Coffee wasn't that good. And pancakes were okay.. Good, even. But THAT good? No. It actually had a stench smell inside, kind of like cleaning supplies? Bleach or something? I don't know but I didn't find my food any better that of Cracker Barrel and the surroundings much worse. 3 stars for the alright food and the large selection of pancakes. Probably won't be back:( especially sense fido is round the corner.
(3)
Tom D.

I've been to the Pancake Pantry every time I've come through Nashville. It's just that good. I start off with a large chocolate milk which I have to be careful not to gulp down before my meal comes as there are not free refills on it. I am pretty sure every time I've been here I have ended up getting the bacon waffle, a big belgian waffle with some bacon on top.... yet everything else on the menu seems to look so good, it must have been what I was REALLY in the mood for each time..... I've also gotten the hash browns each time. They are the best hash browns i've had in my life, and I would almost be willing to wait in the line that goes around the corner and down the street just for a plate of those. I already can't wait until I get to visit here again.
(5)
Roberto W.

There is always a line. Fortunately for us, the wait was not that long (35 min). Once seated the service was quick. The 3 stars are because we were expecting the best pancakes we've ever had and they were just good. The best were the cornmeal pancakes (with cheese and chiles), we also had the french toast which was good and the regular pancakes Ok.
(3)
Steve H.

Arrived later in the am and wait was not bad. I had the medley with sweet potato pancakes. The medley is excellent and I only wish I had someone local to provide the same quality. The sweet potato pancakes truly deserve the recognition they have been given. Service was impeccable and I cannot wait to return.
(4)
Thomas P.

Best pancakes I've had (well, it's tied with the other Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg, owned by another family, whose recipes were the inspiration for the Nashville location). This place is notorious for long lines. If we go on the weekend, we get there before 8:00, and even then there's a short wait. By 9:00, the line is often snaking around the corner. One of my favorite Nashville stories happened at the Pancake Pantry. We were waiting to pay and the cashier was on the phone. Hearing half the conversation and with the cashier filling in after she got off the phone, apparently Bette Midler was in town visiting one of the Judds and her publicist was on the phone trying to get a table. The cashier told her that they don't save tables and they don't take reservations. There were lots of "Yes, really, it doesn't matter who it is, everybody stands in line". I think Bette was used to restaurants in LA. The cashier said they were more than happy to have them come in the back entrance, but they'd need to have someone wait in line for them just like everybody else. The cashier told us that lots of Nashville stars come in and they always stand in line. When we first moved to Nashville, Garth Brooks still lived in town and apparently he'd always come in around the same time every week, standing in line like everybody else. I think that's why so many "stars" prefer to live in Nashville than LA. You see them out at restaurants and the grocery store like normal people. My son and I were in the Pancake Pantry one morning and Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift were having breakfast about two tables from us. There were a few hidden phone cameras taking shots, but no one bugged them.
(4)
Jesse S.

I ordered the pecan pancakes. They were lovely.
(4)
Vim I.

Is this place worth standing in line for? If you love pancakes and the weather is cooperative, then definitely! The atmosphere has a very casual/country vibe...(dare i say like Cracker Barrel). I had the apricot lemon pancakes. I'm a sucker for that flavor combination. This one was more like dessert than actual breakfast...but that is totally fine with me!
(4)
Terry J.

More for tourists than locals - long lines and mediocre service. Do yourself a favor and go to the Loveless instead. Fantastic food that caters to both locals AND out-of-towners.
(2)
Sara S.

The special cornmeal Santa fe pancakes were amazing. Think cornbread with Chilies, onion and bacon. Delicious! My group of friends got an order of those and hashbrowns for the table to share. I got a t and j sandwich- essentially a grilled cheese with turkey. I tried a sandwich that came with a pretzel roll which was pretty good. The special Santa fe pancakes were a standout, the sandwiches were average.
(3)
J T.

The Pancake Pantry used to be the best place in town for a great breakfast. Unfortunately, they appear to use inferior products while the prices are seemingly high for what you get. IHOP is a better value. For example, we ordered the pancakes and omelets. The pancakes were not fluffy and the cheese on top of the omelet tasted like the processed cheese you buy in the plastic wrap. Moreover, as of January 17,2011, their health score is 83. Booooo!!!!!! On a positive note, the coffee and service was good.
(2)
Anwar M.

Great place to eat! Loved the sweet potato pancakes. They're surprisingly balanced, and don't really taste like sweet potato. I'd recommend it! ***Quick Tip*** this place gives you plenty of food, so don't over order...I totally did, and I've been full for days.
(5)
Melissa T.

Okay so its obvious that this place is one of the top choices for breakfast in Nashville. The service and food is 5 stars hands down. If you order pancakes (and why wouldn't you at a place called Pancake Pantry) you MUST try one of the syrups they provide. It is a cinnamon honey concoction which is absolutely heaven! HEAVEN! You will not regret! The 4 stars is for the long long wait. Have a little snack before you come and stand in line. Also, there is free coffee near the entrance for the 2 hour or so wait. We discovered this after we went across the street to Provence to buy coffee.
(4)
Anne O.

Eh. This place was definitely not worth the wait. My 88 yr old grandpa came to visit me so I took him here for the reported best pancakes in the world, as it was a Thursday around 10 so I figured no line. I was wrong!! I wouldn't have stayed but when the bus boy came out to count heads he said only a 10 minute wait. It wound up being 30. I was surprised to see such an inefficient table setup once I was inside- they could definitely seat more people than they do if they oriented tables differently. Also, they had a crazy employee to customer ratio but still exceptionally slow service. I had the Santa Fe corn cakes (cornmeal pancakes with cheddar, bacon, and green chile), which were undercooked. It came with three small ones and I could only get through two before the slightly underdone-ness was too much to handle. I also normally would have sent them back but we were really short on time after the wait and infrequently visited by our waitress. Grandpas pancakes (Bermuda- fresh banana slices, dried coconut sprinkles, and pecans) were alright, but not crazy-good as the line and reviews had made me expect. Everything about the experience was mediocre, try fidos down the street if you can't get in here.
(3)
Jamie H.

The bluebarry pancakes are fantastic. Don't let the line out front scare you off...it moves quickly.
(4)
Winston G.

I bring you a review from my trip to Nashville. Well, just about the only thing I did in my trip to Nashville was eat, so these next few posts will be the outcome of my gluttony. My partner in crime, Debbie, decided that our first stop of the weekend would be to the Pancake Pantry. I had scouted out some other places for brunch, but we were both excited about this place once we saw that there was a huge line outside of it. Of course, some of the best places in the world to eat have long lines to get in, two of them most notably Shake Shack, in NYC, and of course Sprinkles Cupcakes, in Los Angeles. Anyways, as you can see from the pictures, there was about a 30 minute wait to get in. Not a big deal, considering that the weather was about a brisk 60 degrees, and everyone in line seemed pretty excited at the prospect of eating here. Going in a pair allowed us to get much quicker seating than larger groups, so I definitely recommend going here with just one other person! Alright, enough about the line and getting in. How was the food you ask? Well, in short, it was well worth the wait. I started off with a large, 20oz glass of fresh squeezed OJ that was less than $5 a glass. I would have spent well over $10 for the same amount of OJ in LA. I ordered a classic, blueberry pancakes, while Debbie ordered these Chocolate pancakes that looked like crepes. Of course, I had to also order a side of bacon, while Debbie ordered a side of hash browns. These pancakes were some of the best that I've ever had, and I love pancakes. They were fluffy and tasted very buttery, even without additional butter, which I smothered on anyways. The fresh and all natural maple syrup was great, and there seemed to be the perfect amount--5, medium sized pancakes. I didn't care much for the blueberry sauce that came with it, and I think I would have been perfectly content with regular buttermilk pancakes. The bacon was, well, bacon. Almost always good, as long as it is not super burnt. This bacon was a bit too crispy, but that's always personal preference. I will say that the hash browns were quite good, as they were a bit crispy/burnt on the bottom for a nice crunchy texture, but the other half was soft and buttery. Anyone notice a common theme here? Butter is great with anything. All in all, a must try place for anyone going to Nashville. Very affordable (remember, I'm used to prices in NYC and LA)--I think pancakes, OJ, and a side only cost about $18 dollars with tip. Of course, you could economize with not getting OJ or a side, but then again, $18 dollars provides a lot more than what you could get in LA. Go here for some pictures! winstongu.com/2009/03/26â€¦
(5)
Rusty P.

When it's 20 degrees outside and people are milling about the front door, you know it's going to be good! When we got our table the place reminded me of what would happen if the house I grew up in's dining area suddenly multiplied 30 fold. Standard chairs and tables and a "homey" feel garnish the seating area. Super friendly people who genuinely care about where your from take a moment to chat it up with you before you order. Even with all of the action our breakfast came out rather quickly, and tasted as well as it looked. My decadent chocolate ganache filled crepes topped with a raspberry compote were shockingly filling, and left me with a devilish smile like I had just enjoyed candy for breakfast. My favorite breakfast place in Nashville!
(4)
.caroline. ..

Hugely popular spot, with the long lines to attest to the fact. They have coffee available out front for you while you wait, and the line moves relatively quickly. Huge selection of a variety of different kinds of pancakes, plus eggs and such as well. Note: the chocolate chip pancakes have mini chocolate chips on top, not inside the pancakes. The sweet potato pancakes were a hit, and their eggs are generous and nicely done. The side of hash browns was very nicely crisp on the outside, soft on the inside -- perfect. Folks are friendly and service is quick. Also note that they will only seat you when your whole party is there. Enjoy!
(3)
Mele R.

Worth the wait, but when you live in Nashville you can wake up early (they open at 6am) get your Pancake Pantry fix, then take nap while EVERYONE else is standing in line.
(5)
Ferdinand H.

Another Icon. If you are in Nashville, near Vanderbilt for a weekend, stop by for the quick and friendly service at the Pancake Pantry. The food is served with hospitality in spades... and despite the impression of moving in a leisurely fashion, the line at the door (which is often quite long!) moves rather briskly. Coffee with pancakes makes for a great morning treat to start the day. Bacon, sausage, fruit flavoured syrups are all present and accounted for. Bon Appetit!
(4)
Samantha S.

Awesome place, really great atmosphere and, of course, delicious pancakes :)
(4)
Mel V.

How can one not love this place? Seriously, I don't think I've ever had a bad pancake here. When the food comes to the table my 2 year old always says, "WOW! There it is!" I mean, that's the ultimate seal of approval right there. If a 2 year old will eat it, it's golden. The hash browns are legit... Hell everything there is. I think what really makes the pancakes here is the syrup. I asked the waitress if they put illegal substances in the syrup, she didn't find that amusing. The french toast, oh sweet baby Jesus the french toast. Get there early or you'll be one of the suckers waiting in line.
(5)
Susan K.

I'm a local, and I had always wondered what all the fuss was about. Then, one day, I went. We got there about 8:15 and waited in line maybe 10 minutes. You can look at that wait as annoying, or you can look at it as a nice social experience to relax and maybe chat with someone from another place, and there's free coffee in line to enjoy while you wait. It may not be the best place to go if you're in a hurry, but you know that from reading reviews on Yelp. Once inside, and once I actually looked at the menu, I flipped! I had never seen that many choices of pancakes, ever! I got the Georgia Peach pancakes which were filling, but not so rich and sickeningly sweet. It doesn't even compare to IHOP, which is less food for your money IMO. The main thing is, the Pancake Pantry is what it is. It's not fancy, it doesn't do tricks, it may not even blow your mind. You may have to wait in line, and *gasp* actually talk to someone while you do so. It's just a charming Nashville/southern tradition that serves really good pancakes. I will go back.
(4)
Andrew r.

quite possibly the best pancakes i've ever had. I went with the santa fe one's which were good but then the waitress let m try a small regular pancake so that i could taste the liquid crack (cinnamon syrup) WOW!!!!! i almost want to stay another day just for the pancakes... If you're in Nashville, def check this place out.
(5)
Caroline L.

Fantastic. Yes, the line is long, but if you order the right stuff, it's worth it! Don't go and get bacon and eggs.... what's the point? GET PANCAKES! And the sweet potato pancakes are THE BEST. Also, the Grill Cook's Medley is fantastic! I always get it with extra salsa :)
(5)
Megan C.

Sweet potato pancakes. Cinnamon cream syrup. Coffee. Enough said. Amazing flavor, perfect consistency, pretty orange color, I'd dream about these if I could. Pancake Pantry is a Nashville tradition and if you drive down 21st avenue on a weekend day, you'll be certain to see a line that wraps out the door and around the corner no matter the weather. (Oftentimes, there will be coffee while you wait!) Once you get inside, you'll be moved into place by the size of your group and seated when a table is available in the small dining room. In addition to the sweet potato pancakes, the Caribbean pancakes are also worth a try. I've always had friendly service here and I think it's a must-visit spot for people new to town. I tend to go here only with visitors or on weekdays...mainly because I don't always have the time or patience for the line.
(3)
Tanya M.

we decided to stop at pancake pantry before heading home. they do have a lot of choices for your pancakes. I ordered the sugar and spice pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns. the pancakes were good. the thick cut bacon was awesome. the hashbrowns were good. and the egg's were eggs. we were expecting the pancakes to be bigger. and more choices on the menu. on mvf they showed savory pancakes also, not just sweet the server was really nice. I still am not sure why they had 3 different tickets for each of us. My mom was paying for breakfast. the place was not packed yet, and it was a bit chilly inside. we would go back and try other pancakes. it was good just not what we were expecting.
(3)
Dina D.

I got here early on a weekday and didn't have to wait on line. I got the sweet potato pancakes and they are very good. I would recommend a trip to Pancake Pantry.
(4)
Madison L.

The WORST breakfast we've ever had, I don't know what all these Yelpers are talking about. I get better pancakes from Aunt Jemima. My partner ordered the Swedish pancakes which tasted like shoe leather, and don't even get me started on the flavorless undercooked hash brown potatoes. We have always relied on Yelp for dining and they have never let us down..... until now. Obviously we will not recommend the Pancake Pantry, way overpriced as well for tasteless food.
(1)
Susie W.

WOW! Best pancakes and hashbrowns I've ever had. I've had the small appetite plate, four buttermilk cakes, egg and bacon (done perfectly crispy!) and a side of hashbrowns. Nummers! Then I had french toast, which was good. I'll go back today and have something else...not sure what yet. The choices are vast. We've waited up to 15 minutes, but it moves pretty fast. And no one tells you, but you pay at the counter on your way out :)
(4)
Stacey P.

Evidently everyone loves it here. I thought it was pretty good. I mean, typical breakfast place, I didn't quite understand why it has lines around the block and such. I suppose I'm more of a frou-frou breakfast gal, i.e. I like things like goat cheese omlet with spinach and salmon or peach-berry french toast with hungarian chocolate berries... (yes.. i made those up). This place has more simple staples, with the exception of a few inventive pancake flavorings. Anyway, it was also freezing in there, and they make you keep the door to the outside closed elimiating any hope of warmth. Luckily, mother keeps 12 jackets in the trunk of her car.
(3)
Jessica M.

The line is always out the door and personally not worth the wait, it's good but I guess I don't understand all the hype? Better off going to Monell's which has much more personality and WAY more food for the same $$
(3)
Lauren B.

Pancake Pantry is awesome.... though there is always a line. It is usually well worth the wait but there are so many other great brunch spots in the immediate area that you could probably find a good alternative if you are starving or impatient.
(4)
Jay M.

I went to this place and it was decent food at a pretty high price. I heard people ranting about the french toast, the tenessee ham is extremely salty which i am sure has nothing to do with the cooks, but my eggs were extremely runny, but they were more than willing to replace them once i tracked down my poor server who was running around like a chicken with her head cut off. Do yourself a favor and get your servers name and be willing to interrupt him/her by calling it when you need something or you will probably be forgotten.
(2)
Laura T.

Pancake Pantry is a staple establishment in Hillsboro Village-- a favorite of Vandy kids and a place to get decent pancakes "the morning after." However, I think it's a bit overblown. The pancakes are not the best I've had, mostly because they're completely drowned in butter and sugar. Their toppings are way too sweet, and they give you ice cream scoop-sized blobs of butter on top of every stack of pancakes. It's Type II Diabetes central. The pancakes themselves, too, are also a bit crumbly rather than moist, firm, and delicious. It's also always PACKED, so expect a 20 minute wait out the door on the weekends. It is close to a bunch of cute shops and such, though, so meeting up with friends at Pancake Pantry then wandering around little shops can make for an excellent Sunday morning.
(3)
BIll T.

THE Nashville classic breakfast place, near Vanderbilt. Best eggs I've ever had, consistently and I've eaten there over many years of visiting Nashville. There' a line usually (even at 11 on Tuesday morning) but it moves pretty well. I think the most I've waited was 20 minutes, and i keep coming back. I'm a plain pancake fan but they are perfect every time.
(5)
Kyle V.

MMMmmmmmMM. Who doesn't like pancakes? That is the question. So, they really have a leg up here from the get go. I tried the blueberry pancakes, I went a little safe, but they did not disappoint. I also ordered a side of grits and bacon. It's hard to mess those up, and they sure didn't. Everything was perfect. The wait wasn't that bad either for the place. Even though the line was out the door it was only about 15 minutes.
(4)
Ron B.

At the risk of upsetting the die hard Pancake Pantry patrons, I have to agree with several others who have reviewed this place. I just don't get it. We waited for 20 minutes for an over priced breakfast that was 'ok', but nothing to write home about. My wife had the Sweet potato pancakes (5 - 4" diameter), and I had eggs & sausage that came with buttermilk pancakes. Eggs, fine, sausage, fine, pancakes, fine. Nothing mind blowing or fantastic. To be quite frank about it, McDonalds actually has better pancakes in my opinion. I can produce a better breakfast in my own kitchen and do every weekend when I'm home. The Sweet potato pancakes that everyone raves about are nothing special. I don't understand the draw for this place other than it's been here for 50 years, and traditions for some folks have to be defended. Total bill for both of us and 1 cup of coffee (I don't drink the stuff) was just under $25 without the tip. Don't think I'll be visiting again, my search for a great breakfast place in Nashville continues.........
(2)
Brad H.

I have been living in Nashville for about three weeks, and I've been to the Pancake Pantry three times. I've never waited more than 45 minutes, and I've been there on weekend mornings each time. The food is very good, cheap, and there's a great selection of pancakes and related breakfast foods. I've had Chocolate Sin once (thin pancakes with raspberry compote and chocolate ganache) and the Grill Cook's Medley twice (potatoes, ham, peppers, onions, cheese with a fried egg on top), and I would highly recommend both.
(4)
Tiffany F.

My husband and I have lived here for awhile now, and finally decided to go and wait in line! We waited for 40 min and got there at 11:30! But boy was it worth it!!! The sweet potato pancakes were worth it just alone!! Amazing! The hashbrowns were so good! Totally worth the wait I recommend going if you haven't yet! Don't let the line scare you!!! :)
(5)
George S.

We heard a lot of great things about Puckett's from friends of ours in Nashville. It is a family style restaurant with a very friendly wait staff. Walk in reservation system does not work at all. Hostess are clueless. The food was very good but did not overcome their front end service issue. Therefore the one star rating.
(1)
Blair M.

Fast and delicious. I really enjoyed my cup of coffee, pancakes (the Parisienne), sausage, and eggs! There was no wait at all (although apparently that's rare!) and my waitress was attentive and knowledgeable. Pancake Pantry comes highly recommended!
(5)
Megan M.

Got there about 8 on a Sunday morning and only waiting maybe 3 minutes. I ordered the bacon and eggs which comes with buttermilk pancakes. Everything was great. The maple syrup was outstanding. Neat place.
(4)
Ann T.

Pancake Pantry has been serving up breakfast for 50 years, and now I know why. There can be a long wait time, but the pancakes were worth it. I had the short stack pancakes with blueberry compote...delicious and just the right size. Mom had eggs, bacon, and their famous hash browns (all gluten free). The tables turn quickly, but the wait staff doesn't rush you. Great neighborhood. Would go back again.
(4)
Aesha W.

I went here because I was a tourist and had heard of the Pancake Pantry from several sources. It was actually a good stop for me because I went around 1, when there was really no waiting, plus it's across the street from some shops I wanted to visit and the Belcourt theater, where I saw a movie. Would I wait an hour or something? No, probably not, but luckily I didn't have to. Parking was easy. There's a lot behind the restaurant that I'm sure is overflowing when it's busy, so I picked the right time to go. The waitress was friendly and patient while I looked over the menu, but I could have used a couple more refills on my lemonade--no one came by after my order came. How hard is it to choose pancakes, right? I chickened out a bit, though; I wanted to try the sweet potato pancakes but since I don't like sweet potatoes I was afraid I wouldn't like these, and got them as a side with an omelet. Instead, I disappointed myself by NOT just getting the sweet potato pancakes--they were DELICIOUS. I was so mad at my omelet after the first bite. If I'd had a chance I would have visited again just to treat my taste buds to the full sweet potato pancakes they deserved, but no luck. Next time! And be sure to use the cinnamon syrup, no matter how much you want to side-eye it (like I did)--you won't regret it.
(4)
Jodie B.

Plan to be there for quite a while. Food is petty consistently good but service can be so so. Unless you get Mary as your server. She is awesomeand had been there for years. This place is a must do for visitors to Nashville.
(4)
Laura S.

Really enjoyed my breakfast here (and I'm not even a pancake person). Three cakes usually come to an order, and when I told our server that I was having a hard time choosing from the cherry supreme, cornmeal cakes or Santa Fe cornmeal cakes, she said I could get one of each. I liked all of them, but the Santa Fe cakes were my favorite. Amazing! I think three cherry supreme would give me a serious tummy ache, but one was perfect. My husband had the Eggs and Cakes (the buttermilk pancakes) with sugar ham, and he really liked it all. There was a line to get in, but it went fairly quickly, and the staff was super attentive. They even had coffee while you wait. Nice experience!
(4)
Sarah M.

So I have seen this place talked about in Nashville Scene, on The Food Network and Cooking Channel, so I figured it would be a great place to check out with a friend. I guess, I should also include the disclaimer that I don't like pancakes or anything that you would put maple syrup on (gasp.... I know, I am crazy!). I didn't mind the 30-45 min wait outside as it was a beautiful day out, but in the middle of summer or winter I highly doubt I would wait in the line. They do have water and coffee on a cart outside for the people waiting in line. So the restaurant really has no ambiance. It is just a large plain room with lots of tables, nothing special to write home about. I got the Pantry Breakfast Wrap and it was pretty good and very reasonable. However, I don't know if it was good enough for the 30-45 min wait. My friend got the Swiss Chocolate Chip Pancakes and said they were great. Personally, I just don't get the hype. But a girl who doesn't like pancakes probably wouldn't be a huge fan of the Pancake Pantry.
(2)
Jay G.

This place is the Mecca of breakfast. Nothing is bad. Order one of everything. Don't worry about what it cost it's just about breakfast. The most important meal of the day. Chefs medley to pigs in the blanket are classic originals. And I should not have to mention the pancakes... It's called the pancake pantry of course they are golden. They are melt in your mouth perfect, sweet, buttery, and whatever flavor you want plus whatever flavor you can fathom of syrup. Do your tummy and taste buds a solid and take them to happy land aka Pancake Pantry.
(5)
Leah V.

I LOVE pancakes.... Since we moved here 4 months ago, i've been dying to go to Pancake pantry. We showed up on Sunday at 11:15 am and i think that might be the best time to show up. The line was only about 30 minutes compared to 1.5-2 hours. I think mostly b/c the breakfast crowd had thinned out and the church crowd for lunch had not arrived yet. I ordered the Caribbean pancakes, AMAZING. Hubby ordered the Classic Buttermilk, probably the best pancakes I've ever had in my life. I can not wait to come back and try there Smokey Mountain Buck Wheat cakes or their Sweet Potato cakes. Once we got through the door, our service was quick and pleasant too. Word to the wise, this is NOT a good place for large groups. We were sat immediately after we got it but the group of 8 in front of us had to wait an additional 30 minutes while some small top table's cleared out. Save the group for another restaurant.
(5)
Madison C.

Oh my gosh the sweet potato pancakes were to die for! and you can get a pancake medley so you can try two types of pancakes. I got the chocolate sin and the sweet potato and both were incredible! One of us got the grilled medley and would highly recommend it. The staff was great and quick and luckily we got there before the huge line started! I would definitely come back again
(5)
Carey James B.

I live above this place, i go every once in a while. The staff is very very nice. The food is a little above average. It has a nice homey atmosphere but the food is not line out the door good. It's just normal breakfast food.
(3)
Alyson W.

The best place for breakfast in Nashville! Expect a line out the door, but its totally worth it and I have yet to experience the food taking long to hit the table, about 15 mins. Anyone new or visiting, I like to take them here. Great portions and no haggling about substitutes and what not, meaning great customer service and management. Staff is experienced and obviously well equipped to handle a busy shift. The only thing I don't quite like is that they drop the check with the food, but that's just my own personal taste.
(5)
Mighty M.

We hunted down Pancake Pantry because of the great Yelp reviews. It exceeded even those expectations. These fluffy, flavorful pancakes make a California foodie cry. They are exactly perfect. The much revered sweet potato pancakes are outstanding. Other highlights were the cherry pancakes and the hash browns. This is what the Waffle House was supposed to be like!
(5)
Sarah M.

Delicious and worth the wait. I got the sweet potato pancakes, my husband the pecan pancakes and we shared hash browns & bacon - it was all fantastic. Yes, the line is long but it's in a cute neighborhood so you can enjoy the surroundings while you wait. And, once seated, we didn't feel rushed nor did it seem hectic.
(5)
Jacob G.

This is definitely one of the best Pancake establishments in America. Trust me, I know good pancakes. I was born and raised in the most obese city in American, Evansville, Indiana. I had a banana pecan pancake combination. They were as good as any picture, tasted like mom's if mom knew how to not burn pancakes, and were definitely worth the hype. This place has been on numerous TV shows and everyone in town tells you that it is the best, because it simply is. There are only two pancake places I've been to that are close, but neither are as creative as the might essence of the Pancake Pantry ( The Original House of Pancakes in Chicago and The Runcible Spoon in Bloomington, IN). Take your mom here and feed her pancakes. Maybe she, along with my mom, can also learn to stop burning them.
(5)
Kevin K.

I had the French toast and it was a little overcooked for me but my wife liked it. We should have traded cause I really liked her pancake. The best part of the breakfast were the cinnamon creme syrup and the homemade maple syrup. When you try these you'll understand what I mean. The pancakes are light and fluffy and when you are done you don't feel like you ate a horse and you're so bloated you can't move. Remember if you get a pancake with fruit combination, the fruit takes away from whatever syrup you use and that's not good. That's how good those syrups are.
(4)
Paul S.

Fantastic! First off, it's a great venue. This place has been there for 50+ years but the inside is fresh and open. The service is super, very attentive with the coffee and water. The pancakes are the stars. So many choices, went with the Georgia peach. My advice, just get the pancakes. No need for eggs or sausage, you'll be full before you're done. The pancakes are just right, not too heavy and plenty of flavor. No need for syrup on these, they're plenty sweet as is. I had heard stories about long lines getting into the place. I guess we were lucky because we walked right in. It was about 1pm so that's probably a good time to go.
(5)
Leah K.

There is ALWAYS a huuuuge line wrapped around the corner for this place, but it's honestly worth the wait. Breakfast has never ever been the same since I've been here. I need to go back! I ordered the Grill Cook's Medley - Hash browns with onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and ham with melted American and Swiss cheese with 2 fried eggs on top. :) The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I felt very rushed when I was there....but regardless, I'd still go back.
(4)
Meredith L.

Just remember this place is about pancakes, so ask yourself are pancakes worth waiting in that long line that curls way outside of their door and around the corner onto the sidewalk on 21st? I live close to the Pancake Pantry and I see constant long lines waiting in the heat and cold to eat these pancakes. I think most people are out-of-towners who are waiting in these lines and hear from people that the Pancake Pantry is a must-do so they stand and wait. The pancakes themselves are fine but nothing extraordinary and definitely not worth waiting more than 10 minutes for. This place is not unique to just Nashville, there's one in Gatlinburg, TN which is at the base of the Smoky Mountains National Park, so it's not a one of kind type place. Their other breakfast items are basically your typical diner type fare with no extra flare. I've eaten here once and that was enough for me.
(3)
Jeanie N.

If I died, this is what I'd want heaven to be. Well, this, and Ruth's Chris. Anyway, it's been 6 months since I visited here and I can't believe that I forgot to review it. I think about Pancake Pantry on a daily basis and sometimes consider visiting Nashville again just to come here. I had the strawberry roll ups - piece of heaven in my mouth. I'm drooling on my laptop... time to break the piggy bank!!
(5)
Krista P.

After waiting days to go because of the ridiculously long line (over a block long) it was finally a delicious meal I was able to enjoy. However, service was so cold and inhospitable. Almost keeps me from returning again, but the waffle I ate was just too delicious.
(3)
Michael F.

We went to Pancake Pantry during a recent visit to Nashville. This actually was our second visit to the restaurant (the last time was 4 years ago) but we wanted to take our teen son with us since we were bragging about wonderful the food was. Of course to say none of us were disappointed with anything that was ordered. The portions are huge and you can customize the type of pancakes to your wildest dreams. Yes it is true you always have a line to get into the restaurant but it is so worth the wait, and the staff even though slammed is still as friendly as can be. A must visit for anyone coming to Nashville.
(4)
Grant M.

My favorite breakfast spot when visiting Nashville! Worth the wait! Probably the best pancake's I've ever had, and they will let you know they're the best when you arrive!
(5)
Leah T.

Oh. My. Pancakes. These are seriously delicious. (And comparable to the pancakes at Ria's in Atlanta...but cheaper!) And there are a bazillion choices. I had the Swiss Chocolate - the mister had the Sweet Potato, and we shared. I think the Sweet Potato was just a notch above the Chocolate, but both were pretty flippin' fantastic. The "house" syrup is delicious, too, and not quite as overwhelming as maple, so you get more of the pancake flavor in each bite. These pancakes deserve to be enjoyed in their own right, and not drowned in syrup. We went around 7:30 a.m. on a Monday morning and were seated immediately, but I've heard the wait for a table can be up to 2 hours on weekends. I wish the coffee was as good as the pancakes, but I'm a total coffee snob, so I'm not actually going to take away a star for that... most breakfast joints don't offer freshly roasted French Pressed coffee. Especially restaurants that get as busy as this one.
(5)
Katie F.

Standing In Line: MIZZ Standing in LIne for Sweet Potato Pancakes: DELIGHTFUL
(5)
hobo s.

Not sure how I haven't reviewed the pantry before. The pancakes aren't my favorite. The french toast -- french bread, sliced on the bias, fried up, powdered sugar, cinnamon, generally served with cinnamon cream but i prefer it with the regular maple -- is my go-to breakfast plate. Often with a side of country ham, salty and chewy to counteract the soft and sweet french toast. I've even had a burger here. It comes with potato chips (if i remember correctly) which is unfortunate. Also, they don't cook it to temperature (i asked for med-rare and got well done), but it was still good. The line is no fun in extreme heat, but it's how it goes. I won't make the claim that the line must equal good food, but in this case, it works out.
(4)
Ken R.

On the advice of friends and family (as well as a special I saw on the Travel Channel), I made my way to the Pancake Pantry to try some of its signature pancakes. In going there, I wondered if the place will live up to the hype, for a lot of places that I've been to that was proclaimed as "great" didn't live up to expectations. Fortunately, based on my experience there, Pancake Pantry was good as advertised (of course, this based on one visit, but I don't get to Nashville often so I'll try to make the best assessment possible). In making my choice from the menu, I thought about the sweet potato pancakes I had at Memphis' Arcade Restaurant. Arcade's pancakes, while good, were a little on the heavy side and out of four pancakes, I was only able to finish three. With that in mind, I decided to get a "short sack" (three) of P.P.'s sweet potato pancakes with a side of bacon. I figured that if the pancakes are as "heavy" as the Arcade and many other places, this would more than satisfy my appetite. However, P.P.'s version of it was unlike anything that I've had before, and in a good way. The sweet potato pancakes has an orange-brown appearance and powdered with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Without syrup, the pancakes' taste has that sweet potato flavor (obviously) and with the cinnamon and sugar, is about as sweet as eating an actual cake. But what really impressed me was the pancake's texture, for even after adding syrup, the pancakes didn't make me bloated after eating them. In fact, after eating three of them, I was yearning for more. I don't know what technique/recipe Pancake Pantry uses to cook their pancakes, but I wish more restaurants would follow suit. As for the syrup, I was presented with two flavors, maple and cinnamon cream. After trying one of each, I decided to combine both, and the result was a sweet concoction that worked very well with the pancakes. The pancakes also comes with a big scoop of butter that gives the pancakes additional pizzazz. In all, I really enjoyed the sweet potato pancakes which were by far the best I ever had. Unlike a lot of places that view the pancake as a side or secondary dish, Pancake Pantry has made the pancake into a gourmet food. Judging from its extensive menu, the restaurant offers pancakes with a wide variety of options ranging from chocolate chips (which I would've gotten if not for my desire to make a comparison with the Arcade) to coconuts to roasted green chilies. Also, because this is primarily a breakfast restaurant, it also offers egg entrÃ©es as well, and judging from what I saw served at other tables, looked pretty tasty. The only thing that didn't impress me was the Country bacon that I had. Even though the bacon was good, it wasn't worth $3.20 (or $3.50; not sure about the price). Still, I have no complaints, for just about everything was excellent and well worth the ten minutes wait (give or take a minute) to be served. Speaking of that, kudos to the staff for their efficiency for clearing tables and seating customers in quick fashion. Because of my excellent first experience there, I look forward to dining at Pancake Pantry often, whenever I make it to the Music City.
(5)
David P.

Went to Pancake Pantry with my wife over the Memorial Day weekend. She ordered the Sweet Potato Pancakes, and I had the Cornmeal Pancakes. Bacon and sausage on the side. Getting seated took much less time than expected; however, we had a long wait before anyone came to the table for our drink and food orders. The Sweet Potato Pancakes were very good. Even better with the cinnamon cream syrup. The Cornmeal Pancakes were dry and crumbly. Impossible to cut into bite-size pieces. I ended up "scooping" bites with my fork. The sausage was good. A nice spiciness. The bacon was bacon. While the food was pretty good, I can't understand the hype for this place. It was way overpriced - more than $30 for what we ordered plus two Diet Cokes. I feel like it's popular for being popular. Like so many other places in Nashville that we've tried. While paying I noticed that they achieved a 90pt sanitation score. On the second try. That should concern anyone who bothers to do the research on what it takes to get a score less than that on the first try. In the end, there's nothing really wrong with Pancake Pantry, but unfortunately for them, there's also nothing really right with it, either.
(3)
Jimmy M.

Freaking awesome!!!! Well worth the 40+ minute wait!! You have to get the sweet potato pancakes they are heaven on a plate. Be prepared for a nap after eating here. Fyi no nap room here, so make sure you have somewhere safe to nap otherwise the drive back to Clarksville is going to be the longest drive ever.
(5)
Andy O.

It was a beautiful Sunday morning, so I didn't mind terribly waiting in outside around the block for my breakfast, and the line moved surprisingly fast, but I was still unsure whether any place was worth waiting that long for. It really was. Great food, great service, but you definitely felt rushed the whole time. The wait staff and bussers were very kind and accommodating, but after standing for an hour or more in a line, you become aware of the constant shuffle of tables inside, and how they would really prefer you don't linger. Aside from that, the food was delicious, the cinnamon butter (or was it syrup? It's been three months since I was there now) was an outstanding accent to already delicious sweet potato pancakes. Was this the best food experience ever? Nope. Would I stand in that line on a regular basis? Nope. But it was definitely something you have to try at least once, and decide for yourself. I enjoyed it for sure.
(3)
Rose H.

Traveled to Nashville this past week with my husband and some friends and discovered this place. The service was great, our waitress was sweet as pie. I ordered the sweet potato pancakes and I must say, they were some of the best pancakes I've ever had. And trust me, I eat my share of pancakes. And not the crap at IHOP either. I've read some reviews about people complaining about the wait, but I was there on a Wednesday morning around 9:30 and while there were a few people ahead of us to be seated, we waited maybe 5 minutes. You could see the staff is very attentive and quick to try and seat anyone waiting. However, would I myself stand in a line for 30 minutes for these pancakes? Yeah, cause a real pancake lover knows a good thing when they've found it. Oh and what did my husband and friends have to eat while we were there? I don't know, cause my face was covered in sweet potato pancakes and the delicious goodness that was their cinnamon syrup!
(4)
Carol K.

Before we left for our recent weekend trip to Nashville, I made sure to so my research on the "must try" places to eat. Pancake Pantry was recommended by EVERYONE I came in contact with and every single travel blog I read about Nashville. So naturally, on our way out of town on Sunday morning, we made our way over and got ready to stand in line. We arrived about 8:45 am on a Sunday and were greeted by a line that was probably 30 people deep, but moved surprisingly quickly. I've stood in line for food many times before (Thank you, Hot Doug's and Kuma's Corner) so I was impressed at how quickly we actually got seated in comparison to the size of the line. However, once we sat down the expediency I was so excited about absolutely DIED. Our service was slow and lacking attention. We had to ask for water and coffee, and it took 15-20 minutes for the waitress to come to take our order. It made what was an overall great breakfast experience somewhat less...great. The food was great, as everyone knows, and the pancakes WERE better than the ones at my normal breakfast joint. They boys were happy with their breakfast platters and Annie loved her Caribbean pancakes. If I were a local in Nashville, I don't know if I would really wait in line again - unless for some reason, they're really hard up for breakfast places in that area.
(3)
Karl F.

ABSOLUTELY VASTLY OVERRATED!! First, you need to know this place received a score of 83 in its most recent Health Department rating. That's a real concern. Second, it was overpriced and, beyond the pancakes, the food was mediocre, at best. MUCH better breakfast at Noshville and Fido's, which are located on the same street. (Fido's is right around the corner). This is a tourist trap, obviously gravytraining on its past reputation. I doubt any important people from Music Row come here, unless they have very low standards for quality and price.
(1)
Lauren E.

Am I the only one who doesn't like this place? My apologies to the Nashville tradition... We went expecting greatness, but instead stood in line for over an hour, experienced mediocre table service, and pretty bad food. Perhaps we ordered wrong. The menu does indeed sound incredible. But the pancakes and everything we got were pretty disappointing. I expected better. But even if I had gone in without any expectations, I still wouldn't go back.
(2)
Rainer F.

Okay, I give it to them that they have a broader variety of pancakes than most other places. But the ones we tried tasted pretty much like any other pancakes (I guess no surprise), the coffee was awful, the ambience... what ambience?... so I'm not sure I see the point of waiting a half hour or more in a Disneyworld-like line...?!
(3)
Angela L.

I would say I am a pretty critical eater. Sweet potato pancakes are the best breakfast food I have ever tasted. Friendly staff with great stories. I feel like I had a cultural experience as well as great food that tells the story of the town history. Thank you Pancake Pantry!
(5)
Holly F.

This place is great! My husband and I went on a Thursday morning when we got into Nashville. We had plenty of time to kill before we could check into our b&b so we figured we might as well do the wait! There was a good little band playing outside while we waited...for about 45 minutes. It was worth the wait! Our food was good, not too greasy, and it was a really fun atmosphere.
(4)
Matt L.

Good breakfast, but not worth the hype. Took my wife and four year old son with me some morning to The Pancake pantry, and the legend of the long lines is true. At times, it snakes around the building and the wait can easily be an hour. The only problem with this is that this is good, but not great, place to eat. The prices are very good, and the ambiance is very down home and simple. Wait staff is very friendly, and the food comes pretty quickly, but that doesn't mean the food is outstanding because it's not. The pancakes are good, not great, the sausage and bacon are nothing you can't get at the grocery store, and the coffee is average. If you're a tourist, this'll be a good place for you check off when you go to Nashville. If you're a local, give it a shot. But this won't be the place you'll go back to again and again.
(3)
Mike M.

A Nashville legend lives up to the hype.
(5)
Dallas T.

Fabulous place. Oh, so many mornings have been spent here. Yes, there will be a line, but you'll forget all about it once you're eating. Unfortunately a couple people don't know what breakfast should be in their reviews, but that's OK. They can go somewhere else like Denny's and get the heck out of the line. I almost always get the ham/cheese omelet and sub the chocolate chip pancakes. The French Toast is wonderful, as are the soups. You really can't go wrong, here. And, if you want the best service in town, ask for Mary and tell her Dallas sent you. Enjoy!
(5)
Amy D.

100% worth the wait. Although the line moves at a good pace. Best breakfast I have ever had! I went back and waited the second day. I got the chocolate chip pancakes and they were amazing. I went with the half order and added bacon which was nice and crispy. I walked out full but not dying stuffed. They have the best ice which made me extra happy! Service was fast and friendly. They automatically give each customer their own bill which I have never seen before but nice for those wanting to pay their own share. I will be back the next time I am in Nashville!
(5)
Elise W.

If you like pancakes and efficient no frill service this place is for you. If the line is reasonable you can get in and out and well fed within 30mins. Blueberry pancakes are the best!
(5)
Amber K.

Luckily we went on a good day because the line wasn't too long, but we drove by yesterday and the line was insane. I had the Parisienne pancakes, they were soo good! My husband had the Swedish pancakes, they were not good at all, the filling had a bitter taste like the white part of a lemon skin. The fresh squeezed orange juice wasn't that good either. Since it came so highly recommended I also ordered one sweet potato pancake to try. I wasn't a big fan, but I also don't really like sweet potatoes so I may have a skewed opinion. The service was fast.
(4)
Gary L.

The food and service was really good. Both 4 stars. I just think that breakfast food should be at a lower price or the portions should match how much you pay for. And at about 12 dollars the chefs medley with 2 pancakes just seemed overpriced. I am from Ohio so when you spend 12 bucks on breakfast it is really a feast.
(3)
Neal C.

The highlight of the meal was the Santa Fe Cornmeal Pancakes. Those were incredible! If you think, "Wow, pancakes made of cornmeal? Green chillies? How can that be good?" Please, take the risk. They were delicious. Buttermilk cakes tasted no different than IHOP to me-- they were just smaller. Cinnamon cream syrup was overrated, in my opinion-- but the maple syrup was delicious. Also had the sweet potato pancakes, which were pretty good-- nothing phenomenal. Overall, the cakes were small and the prices were high, but the ability to mix and match any five flavors for around $8.00 made it pretty cool. To reiterate: Get the Santa Fe Cornmeal cakes!
(4)
Shelby P.

We went at a good time around lunch and didn't have to wait. The service was amazing and the sweet potato pancakes were even better.
(5)
Alison B.

Didnt think it was worth the huge line that formed outside the place while we ate. Eggs ordinary, bacon actually very dry and crispy, blueberry pancakes not that extraordinary. All in all, Id come back, but if there was the huge line outside, I'd recommend to find someplace else because even though the servers are prompt and efficient, the whole experience was very, sorry to say but in my humble opinion, not memorable.
(3)
Matt S.

Great food, good service and excellent coffee!
(3)
Janet N.

We only had one day to get breakfast in Nashville while everything was open, so since we didn't have a car to drive to the Loveless Cafe we opted to try Pancake Pantry as our tourist trap breakfast destination. I wouldn't make the same choice again - I'd either rent a car/figure out the bus or opt for another restaurant in the area. At any rate, we did the Pancake Pantry thing and waited for ninety minutes in line. After that we were expecting some pretty exceptional pancakes, but we got inside to find that they're really pretty basic. Sure, there are some different types of pancakes (we both had corn cakes with chiles and cheese baked in served with salsa and sour cream) but none of the choices really jumped out at us, and what we ordered was tasty, but could easily be replicated at home. Not worth going out for and definitely not worth waiting two hours to eat.
(2)
Smith A.

First thing...be there by 8 at the latest! Ive been coming to PP for years and I have never stood in line. I personally think no food is worth waiting in line, its just a meal. There are many different pancake flavors to chose from and each are normally very good. They also have a cinnamon syrup that is really good. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is fast paced. This isnt a leisurely breakfast place. Its a very small building with limited seats, hence the line. Its definitely worth a try. I take everyone who visits Nashville to PP
(4)
Luis G.

Pancakes were great. The syrup is especially good. Seemed to have a hint of rum flavor. Yum. The orange walnut pancakes were also very good.
(4)
Rod O.

Silver Dollar Pancakes WHAT!!! (what as an Exclamation instead of a question)! I have a History with Silver Dollar Pancakes and since they were at the Top of the menu I did not read further to find what I was originally looking for - "Chocolate Chip" Pancakes! My Pancakes were "Silver Dollar" FANTASTIC and once I got them to bring me twice as much butter I was good! So good I did not talk until the end of the meal... That is how good they were! Pancakes for the Good and the great! Kuanyu C. has been here! This place has been here more than 50 years! My Girlfriends Father said he had better Coffee in a Turkish Restaurant and the Coffee here was "awful"! He did eat All of his Ham and Cheese Omelet, which was the most unique Omelette I have ever seen! This Omelet had the Ham piled on Top of the Eggs and Cheese... PARKING! Get (Print) your "permission slip" to Park if you are parking in the back Lot... Put this Ticket on your uncluttered (in plain sight) Dashboard so the attendant can see you are OK! Parking is a rare commodity around here so OBEY the signs and you will be ready for a GREAT Breakfast!
(5)
Deanna B.

The food was good, but the service was horrible. Our server was extremely rude and once the food was dropped offer never seen her again until the check came! Good luck getting a refill on coffee!!
(1)
Alex P.

Whenever my parents come to visit me at Vanderbilt, they take me to the Pancake Pantry. You can't visit Nashville and not come here! The food is really good. I'm not a breakfast person, but this is delicious! I love their famous sweet potato pancakes! And the waitresses and waiters are really friendly. And I hope I don't offend anyone by saying this, but the Pancake Pantry has a real country feel to it! I enjoy listening to some of the waitresses' country accents (its actually really hard to find) and I get a little laugh at the bus boy who wears all camouflage. Mary is also really sweet. She knows my parents by name and comes over to give me a hug and says "its so nice to see you, darlin'!" There are some cons though... For one thing, this place is so popular that there is literally a line that wraps around the building and down the street! And once you get seated, it takes a bit of time to get served, but thats OK for me because I use that time to enjoy the surroundings and catch up with my parents. The other complaint is that its a bit pricey. You can't make a daily habit out of this!
(4)
Stacy T.

Is it worth waiting in line for? Probably not. Life-changing? No. But if there's no real wait, and you've got nothing else planned that afternoon and can take the siesta necessary to digest all the carbs, you should go. The sweet potato pancakes are really good, but if you're looking for something less sweet, more savory, order the cornmeal cakes. If you want an omlet, head next door to Jackson's.
(3)
Chris R.

The food is good. When we went there was no line. Is it worth waiting in line for? No.
(4)
Matthew H.

So glad I hit this place when I was going through Nashville. As others can attest, the Sweet Potato Pancakes with cream syrup are fantastic. Worth the price of admission and then some. The line was long and I thought I'd wait long but it was no more than 15 minutes with the line wrapping around the front of the building. They turnover quick but you don't feel rushed.
(5)
Robin L.

Honestly, I know this place is a legend in town but I really don't get the hype. They make solid pancakes. But nothing blew my mind. We got the sweet potato and chocolate chip pancakes. Fluffy, good portions, but nothing I haven't had elsewhere. As for the wait: Got here around 730am on a Thursday morning and my wait was probably 5 mins but by the time we left, around 830, the line had definitely swelled. It's a place you gotta try at least once, but just go early and save yourself the grief of waiting.
(3)
Mike M.

Great place to take out of towners! It has a great atomosphere that is family friendly! It is quick to get your food once your sat, however, there may be a line to get inside. Be it is worth the wait, so walk inside the door and grab a local magizine to read and find your next great thing to do in nashville!
(4)
Krifka S.

If your in Nashville, you must go to the Pancake Pantry. The line is not a myth! We were able to wait inside, but others were outside and around the building. "I'm a picky pancake eater and these really were worth the hype. Despite the long line, you do get good service and you are not "rushed" to clear the table for the next guest. You really can't go wrong with anything on this menu.
(5)
Anthony S.

Great food and unique selection. Long wait was worth it. The biggest downfall was just the wait time from the time of the order to when we finally got our food.
(4)
Cortney L.

Can't figure out why this place is so popular. Basic breakfast. Good to bring out of towners...
(3)
J C.

The Pancake Pantry is a Nashville institution. It took me almost four years to get there, but get there I did! My husband and I had breakfast here with some friends, who insisted we had to, and helped us out with our menu selections. My husband, ever the steak-and-eggs fan, opted for that along with some pancakes, and I went with the Tennessee country ham with, of course, a side of pancakes as well. We split a side of hash browns. We're not big breakfast people, but I've gotta say this is one of the better breakfast spots I've been to. It ranks as well as West Egg in Chicago, M. Henry in Chicago, or Ann Sather (also in Chicago). The ham was perfectly salty, my eggs weren't too runny (I ordered them over medium), and the has browns were nice and crispy. And the pancakes? Oh, my! Light, fluffy, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I almost wish I'd opted for the Swedish pancakes, which were calling my name. Maybe next time.
(5)
Keith P.

Sweet potato pancake was great but the wait was horrible and the price was pretty expensive. Would say that you have to do it once and see if it meets your price point for excellence though.
(4)
Oliver G.

Great tourist and local hangout, although I think it's a little crazy to stand in line for breakfast food, but whatever. There are times to go that you won't have to wait (not weekends). The food is good, service is fast and efficient. I hear they serve lunch, I've never met anyone that's eaten it.
(3)
Wendy M.

I have eaten pancakes forever, and these are by far the best I have ever had. Arrived at 7:30am on a Monday morning, fully expecting to wait. Surprised to find no line and many tables available. Wait staff was friendly and attentive. Food arrived promptly and was plentiful. We ordered; pigs in a blanket, sweet potato pancakes and a regular breakfast. The warm maple syrup served in an old Heinz 57 bottle tasted as if it came straight from the tree. Yummy!! The sweet potato pancakes needed no syrup at all by the cinnamon butter syrup for them took the taste out of this universe. Pigs could not be finished! Have been to Nashville before and had not waited in line for these. Would not hesitate to wait now that I have actually enjoyed them. Highly recommended and will return.
(5)
A D.

Never have I ever thought I would wait 1 hour plus for pancakes. Believe the hype my friends, this is the best breakfast I have ever had. As this may seem like a bold statement, I assure you if you wait 1 hour plus for pancakes they are either going to be not worth it, or they will blow your mind. My mind was blown, worth the wait, worth the cab ride, and definitely worth money. As a bonus, the fresh, crispy on the outside hash browns were also the greatest I have ever had.
(5)
Valerie C.

It must have been because we arrived here on a Wednesday morning that the infamous line was non-existent. Yay! More pancakes for me.
(5)
Corey R.

Was excited to try this out as we had heard a lot of good things about this local favorite. We went on a Sunday around noon to find no wait and the place 85% occupied. We were anxious to look things over and enjoy our Sunday, but the staff was anxious to hurry our meal along. When we asked for favorites and reccomendations the response was a curt "Everything". The food was good, but not necessarily up to my expectations. The pancakes had a unique flavor different from most places. The big stomach ache came when we went to leave and found a parking ticket affixed to the window even though we parked in the parking lot where 1 1/2 hours are free for customers. We went back in to inquire about the ticket and was rudely treated and told, 'Too Bad and "See you later". I guess that when you are successful you don't have to worry about making good first impressions or trying to earn repeat customers. I'd take some decent service, a non-b.s. parking spot, and a pancake from Ihop and be just as satisfied.
(3)
Steve S.

Always good. Wait is worth it.
(5)
Ashley R.

Ok, so you are going to have to wait to get into this place, unless you are a celebrity ( i have seen them skip line before-ugh), OR you go on a weekday or at an odd time. However, they herd people in and out of there pretty quickly, and it is worth the wait. The pancakes are absolutely delicious, but take a chance and get the french toast. Hands down the best french toast I have ever put in my mouth.... and there has been some french toast in there, y'all. I know it is not called "French toast pantry" but just DO IT! However, everything there is good, and the food comes out so fast once you finally get a table!
(5)
Jamie A.

On it's best day, the food is definitely worth 4 stars...but lately things have changed at this Nashville institution. Prices have gone up quite a bit. Service and quality has gone down. Specifically, service and quality for to-go orders has declined. While their website encourages you to call in your to-go order, my boyfriend was told they are no longer accepting call in orders. Okay, that's a pain in the ass, but it is usually so tasty so we'll let that slide. We have a fairly regular order we split an omelet meal and get two extra sides and extra ham on the omelet. The past few times we've ordered the extra ham has been nonexistent. The last time we ordered they left out one order of sausages and shorted us on the order we did receive. Not cool considering we paid close to $20 for one meal and two sides. To add insult to injury, our pancakes were only cooked on one side. Raw pancake is just gross. We did call just to let them know that someone was dropping the ball, and they were very nice and offered to fix it immediately or upon our next visit, so that does get one star back up there.
(2)
Chris M.

I had heard a lot of great things about Pancake Pantry so I headed over for breakfast. I got there around 8:30 on a Saturday morning and ended up waiting about a half an hour outside for a table which I thought wasn't bad. I got sat at my table and waited, and waited, and waited...it must have been about 8-10 minutes before the server came over and ask me what I wanted and what I wanted to drink. That to me just seemed to take a little long. I went with the Village Smithy COLO Santa Fe Cornmeal pancakes. Three stone ground cornmeal pancakes with chunks of bacon, cheaddr cheese and roasted green chiles cooked inside. It was served with salsa. The pancakes were delicious and the salsa was a perfect compliment. I think that Pancake Pantry is a great breakfast place but the service was bad. Every day there is a line outside and they make their money off of turnover and not off of giving good service. Head over if you want great breakfast but don't mind bad service.
(3)
Emily T.

If you're spending any amount of time in Nashville, consider it an obligation to go to Pancake Pantry. Go either very early or on an off day. Everything I've ever eaten here has been delicious. It's a quintessential Nashville experience. That said, I've heard horrible things about the lines--I personally have never waited more than 20 minutes to get in, and I'm not sure that I would wait any amount of time longer than that. Get whatever variety of pancake floats your boat (I'm a fan of the Georgia Peach myself, but Chocolate Sin is great too) and an order of hashbrowns.
(4)
Jim H.

I love to review the comments of the last year or so. I've been going to the Pantry sicne 1980; back when it was a good little place and before it was "the" power breakfast of Nashville. Back in those days, it wasn't unusual to see many of the country music's legends show up fro breakfast. Times change, but one thing is true: The Pancake Pantry food is and has always been one my favorites for breakfast in the world (and I've been to every continent). The pancakes are 'melt in your mouth' and it really doesn't matter what you get, it'll be good. The lines are long and legendary, but in the age of the iPad, who cares? If you don't like the lines, you can easily avoid them, even on Saturday and Sunday by getting there at 6:00 or 6:30. I haven't been a resident of Nasvhille since 1989, but I still will go out of my way (and time) to have a meal there. If you are a TN traveler, you'll also find that there is a similar name-sake in Gatlinburg, TN in the downtown area. The Gatlinburg TN one is actually the original and the Nasvhille store is the ONLY time the original has allowed their name (and their flour) to be used.
(5)
Nickie G.

I party a lot in Hillsboro Village but have never been to Pancake Pantry. One, I'm not going to wait in that long line on the weekends. Two, I'm never up early enough to worry about it. But as luck would have it I got up early enough to see the BF off Monday morning with some breakfast. And since there was no line at Pancake Pantry it was a winner. Sooooo the pancake section of the menu was very enticing. They have sweet potato pancakes, buttermilk pancakes (both silver dollar minis and regular), cinnamon and spice pancakes, and pretty much all sorts of other types that you've only dreamed about. However, I like to have a little protein in my breakfast, especially if I'm going to work afterwards, so I got the bacon and eggs. Two strips of crispy tasty bacon, two perfectly cooked eggs over easy, and three buttermilk pancakes with a huge hunk of butter melting beside and warm syrup to pour over them. Everything was exactly as it should be. The BF had the hash and I have no idea what all was in it but looked like peppers, potatoes, onions, maybe some meat? not sure, and eggs on top. Let the yolk run all over everything and get to eating. I loved his more than mine even. Coffee was good and our waitress kept it filled the entire time and was quick and friendly. So sounds like 5 stars right? I thought the food was a solid 4.5 stars and the service was too. I guess I just know that it isn't going to be on the regular rotation because it is too much of a pain in the ass to eat here on days when I would want to be eating breakfast. So a solid 4 star overall and a definite "I'll be back" next time I have an opportunity for no line entry!!
(4)
Valerie R.

The sweet potato pancakes are life changing! Service was friendly and attentive, menu is full of great stuff, and the portions are huge. Definitely come here on an empty stomach. In regards to atmosphere it's one of the better pancake houses I've been to. The space is open, but I didn't get that "cafeteria" feel that other reviewers commented on. I had the pleasure of going here for a rehearsal dinner (so I didn't experience the long lines that other people had to deal with).
(4)
Fran W.

After hearing the hype about this place, it was a must that we ate breakfast here. I was nervous about the wait after reading reviews but we arrived with 6 people and was seated immediately, there wasn't a wait at all. Our waitress took care of us immediately and our food was served within a very reasonable amount of time. The food was delicious and we are very happy we decided to eat there. Will definitely come back here again
(5)
Dolci K.

The old standby is a great little location, especially for newcomers to the city. If you don't want to wait, all you have to do is get up early. They are pretty accommodating, and it is great for kids! If you want to go any other time though, you'll have to take a number, but for tourists, it is just part of the experience.
(3)
Keith H.

Nothing but all around goodness at this place. Great service, great tasting food with healthy sized portions. Never a wrong choice even when you have to wait a bit to get in. Still worth it.
(5)
Laura S.

This place is great! The line is long for a reason. (Line moves fast thanks to the complimentary coffee they serve to the folks waiting outside.) There are so many different flavor pancakes, your head will explode. But don't overlook the French toast and the hash browns. The hash browns were cast iron crisp on the outside and tender in the inside. I went for the first time for my birthday breakfast two days ago. The staff was friendly and even threw a couple of candles on my pancake for the special occasion.
(5)
Howard L.

Still terrible. I had a late breakfast here and did not even have to wait. I still disliked my food and thought the prices were outrageous. Home fries are still delicious. Pancakes are still garbage. $3 plastic sausages are garbage. Service is still garbage. About the service. I ordered grits with cheese with my pancakes, sausage and home fries.. Do not order the grits with cheese. The "cheese" is a piece of Kraft American cheese cut up with a knife and put in a lump below your grits. The grits aren't even hot enough to melt the cheese fully and it is disgusting. The grits themselves are OK, but the cheese absolutely sucks and it costs extra. Anyhow, I got my grits and my waitress said, "Check to see if there's cheese in there". So I put my fork in there and mixed around the grits. I did not see cheese. She said, "oh, sorry, I mixed this one up." So she picks up my grits, walks over three tables and SERVES THEM THE GRITS THAT I HAD JUST PLAYED WITH. She then picked up a bowl of grits FROM THEIR TABLE and gave it to me. Not exactly like sneezing into something and serving it to me, but damn close. Just go to IHOP. It's the same thing but so much cheaper.
(1)
Michelle F.

Line?? What line??? Maybe it was because it was Labor Day weekend, and it was early enough, but at 7:30 am one weekend, I was only one of four tables taken up in the whole joint! Service was fast, the place was friendly, and the food was good. Personally, I feel like I have had much better breakfast, so I don't quite understand the hype, but the food did hit to spot and got the job done. But I don't know if I would have been happy waiting in a long line like others mentioned for that meal... But I got the veggie omelet and upgraded my pancakes to the apple cinnamon ones that come with the cinnamon syrup--this is a must get. I could really just drink my syrup as a beverage and be really happy about it! But my omelet was...not good. I am a fan of the omelet where the veggies are actually IN in. My veggies just sat on top of the folded-over egg like the rejects at a party. They were quite sad-looking. My husband got the french toast and seemed to enjoy that as well. I would go back and try other things next time! DON'T FORGET--NEVER PAT A PANCAKE!!!!
(4)
Kimberly S.

Yes the line is long, but it is worth the wait! Better than any chain restaurant pancakes and I love the OJ... never had a bad experience... always take out of town visitors
(5)
Manny N.

Best breakfast I've had in a long long time. We waited over an hour and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The grill medley was fantastic. I asked for sweet potato pancakes instead of buttermilk and it was not a problem. The syrup that comes with the sweet potato pancakes was a little heavy on the cinnamon, but try it with the regular syrup and you won't regret it! So good. The wife had the chocolate sin and she liked it but said she'd prefer the sweet potato pancakes. A must visit in Nashville.
(5)
Promise B.

Totally did not understand the hype about this place. Luckily my husband and I and his parents went one morning right when they opened or I really would've been irritated that I had to wait in line that wraps around the building for mediocre food and service. First off, there was literally two other tables being served by different ladies, and yet our waitress still rushed us and acted irritated when we wanted refills. Second, the food was nothing to write home about. Sorry, I said it, overhyped, they tasted way too sweet, from frozen and way overpriced. I'll stick to Cracker Barrel, their pancakes are cheaper, the service is friendlier and the food tastes more like homemade than I've had since my grandma!!
(2)
Kimberly R.

How is there a line at 10am on a random Tuesday?!? I figured it out....the food is amazing and totally worth it! The line moves pretty fast. We stood to wait maybe twenty minutes, but got coffee across the street while we waited. The menu is very big, so it was hard to narrow down what I wanted! I tried to get something I wouldn't get else where. Ordered coffee, which was strong and hot! Then I decided on the cornbread pancakes with two eggs. I also got the hash browns bc....well...why not?!? Out of this world!! The cornbread pancakes had chillies and cheddar cooked inside. They were so good! I are them with the eggs and salsa. Heaven!! My friend got the sweet potato pancakes....I had a little food envy! But, she let me share. Holy moly! They are addictive good! Cinnamon and sugar with some maple syrup, yes please! Overall, the food is amazing, and not too expensive. The coffee is hot! The service is great and quick! Wish I lived closer to this place!!
(5)
Janice T.

Best pancakes ever! Definitely worth the wait in line, and we waited 45 min in freezing temperatures. The line moves quickly but if its cold get a coffee first! A favorite of locals and tourists alike.
(5)
Dalan C.

I was here in February for business and was looking for a good breakfast place and was told to check out Pancake Pantry. I ordered a mushroom and bacon omelet. The eggs were cooked great, the bacon good, the problem was they used canned mushrooms (and being that my family is in the mushroom business, I know) So, what would have been a great omelet turned out to be below par (the mushrooms just taste funny our of a can). The hashbrowns, crispy and delicious. Pancakes, they got this spot on, and so glad they did since it's in their name. I think I'll tr
(3)
Jess Y.

Yes, it's a tourist trap. But, it's one that's actually worth the visit! Anytime I have friends in town, I always end up taking them to the Pancake Pantry at some point because it's just part of that "Nashville experience". Expect a wait though or come early or late (especially on weekends). And when I say early, I mean like 7 or 8 AM early. Seriously. Also, if the line is just past the benches--trust me, that means it's a good wait. You might not believe me, but that is considered SHORT for the Pancake Pantry. When you are finally seated, service is quick (sometimes friendly, sometimes less-than-friendly). Obviously the pancakes are good and extremely filling. Many of the pancakes also have a half-order (although they don't advertise this!) I personally love the Sweet Potato Pancakes with the deliciously scrumptious and addictive cinnamon cream syrup. The Parisienne is also classic--thin crepe-like pancakes wrapping sweet strawberry compote and topped with a mound of whipped cream. Beware that all of the pancakes come with a mound of butter. And by mound, I mean quite literally, a mound of butter glopped on top. Not all of the pancakes are worth it, but I think the Sweet Potato Pancakes definitely are. Also, I have never ever finished a full order of the pancakes--in case you are wondering how much to order. The Grill Cook's Medley is delicious if you are hungry. But, honestly, it's better at the original (in Gatlinburg--yes, I have been to both). My most recent discovery, however, at the Pancake Pantry is THE FRENCH TOAST. Oh. My. Sweet. Goodness. They have the best french toast known to mankind...crisp and butterly-delicious topped with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar and cinnamon and ready to be dipped into the amazing cinnamon cream syrup. If you have never tried the french toast and wrote off the Pancake Pantry as a tourist trap, YOU NEED TO IMMEDIATELY STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING RIGHT NOW AND GO TO THE PANCAKE PANTRY to try the French Toast. I am dead serious. You won't regret it. Oh, and bee-tee-dubs ("by the way" for those of us less-Internet savvy folk), if this is your first visit to Nashville: YES, you do need a picture in front of the Pancake Pantry sign. Duh. Preferably, of the jumping kind. But, corny cheese-ing also works.
(4)
Karen N.

Great sweet potato pancakes! I was worried when I saw the line was around the corner, but it moved quickly and by the time my friend parked the car, I was at the door! Service was quick and friendly too!
(5)
Celia T.

I admit the pancakes were perfectly made, but it seems a little over hyped for me. This is just your run of the mill breakfast joint. Everything else was alright, and they have an extensive menu. Fun spot to go to as a tourist!
(3)
Ocean S.

"Must Eat Here", on our Nashville trip was not what I expected from the recommendations and reviews. Stood in line for an hour in the rain. Still wet from the rain and glad to finally be inside only to realize that if feels like thermostat is set at 68 degrees and now we're freezing. Full dining room is noisy/loud and the diner quality breakfast fare was average at best. Waitress was efficient and food came out in an appropriate time but there just wasn't anything special that I could see. Restrooms needed attention. I was with a party of 7 and wanted to cut the Pancake Pantry some slack because they did pull some tables together for us when we finally made it to the door. Most at our table ordered combinations of eggs/pancakes/french toast and etc. No one was very excited about their choices. Menu is challenging for Vegan preferences as they do not have any alternative to the milk/egg based batter. No soy/almond/oat milk available. Oatmeal and fruit was the only thing on the menu for us. Pancake Pantry, oh well... been there done that.
(2)
Ruiqiu K.

I loathe pancakes. But we were here because it's an institution and something my husband's sister's visit gave us an excuse to try. They definitely have much more than pancakes. I had the grill cook's medley, which I thought was just okay. I would have wanted real cheddar, but their use of American cheese scared me off. So, I had the swiss, which wasn't much better. Both my husband and his sister had the pancakes. They're used to English pancakes, naturally. But they seemed to like the American version. I tried a piece of my husband's, and I frankly didn't see the appeal. I had read that their syrup was good. I don't know if the syrup on our table was the special one or if it's something you have to ask for. Neither the pancake bite I had nor the syrup tastes any differently than pancakes I've ever tried elsewhere. I had a former coworker who insisted that I try the buckwheat version one day. I'm glad i didn't. I don't know if they automatically assumed that there would be separate checks -- when I went to pay the bill, I was surprised at how cheap the meal for the 3 of us was. I didn't bother to check the bill -- I was only looking at the top receipt, and not how they put each meal on a separate ticket. It would be certainly convenient had we paid separately. But I had to scramble to increase the tip I had left on the table accordingly after the cashier clarified for me. We got here 30 minutes after they opened. There were still plenty of seats when we arrived. But the place already had a line out the door when we left. The waitress was fast and efficient. Sadly, we didn't see any celebrities during our visit.
(3)
Autumn S.

A classic!
(5)
Alan S.

Good, not great. Eggs overcooked, ham salty, good service, excellent pancakes.
(3)
Sandy T.

Ok....but I'd certainly wouldn't wait in the long line outside for breakfast....I find Fido's food much tastier and less processed than this place....and quicker service!
(3)
Misti S.

Great service and the food was amazing! Sweet potato, blueberry, chocolate sin and cherry pancakes along with the hash browns hit the spot for the family. There more than enough for all of us to share. I will definitely return next time!
(5)
Libby B.

Before I came here, I always wondered how worth it could it be for people to stand in a line that sometimes went around the block, and in all manner of weather! Well my friends, I come to you now and say I know exactly why. Getting here a little before 9 seems to be key - missed the line entirely, had to wait only a few minutes to be seated. The line started up right around the time we got our drinks. As for the food, everything here is delicious. And my god the pancakes. Having to choose which ones to get is the hardest thing in the world, the menu goes on, and on, and on. As of right now my favorite thing is the Swedish Crepes, stuffed with lingonberries and served with lingonberry butter. I had to choose between those and the Raspberry pancakes, which are probably also delicious and I will have to get them next time. Also of note: their bacon is absolutely perfect. It's not too crispy, not too floppy, just right. Although they may have given us the option of how we wanted it. After you eat here you're going to want to nap for the rest of the day, and possibly you won't need any other meals.
(5)
Alesha S.

The line was out the door, but we probably only waited half-an-hour to get in. Service was a little slow, but the waiter to patron ratio is kind of low. My friend enjoyed his Hawaiian pancakes without coconut, but they were just buttermilk pancakes with banana on top, so if you're looking for real banana pancakes you may be disappointed. I got the potato pancakes with bacon and applesauce (an extra $1.40 charge for both toppings), and they were really delicious. The potato was mixed into a regular pancake batter with [blended?] onion and spices. The texture was smooth and the flavor was GREAT! I could eat these all day long.
(4)
Chuck H.

9 people out of 10 recommended going to Pancake Pantry for breakfast before we traveled to Nashville... thus, it's one of those 'must-visits' when in Nashville. The hype causes huge weekend waits, but the pancakes are definitely unique, and worth going to at least once. Recommend going early (7am) to avoid long wait times, and try the famous 'Village Smithy' pancakes for something you hadn't tried before with pancakes... The ingredients work surprisingly well, and was featured on 'Man vs Food' a while back... Service was above average, and the restaurant is quaintly decorated and is mostly one large open dining area. Close to Vanderbilt University if you're looking to take a nice stroll to burn off the pancake calories. Can't go wrong doing breakfast here.
(4)
Joel N.

The Pancake Pantry is a great place. Expect to wait in line for .5 - 1 hour, but it's worth it. Also, if one is unable to stand for this amount of time bring something with you. If you haven't tried the Pancake Pantry, these pancakes need to be in or around your mouth as soon as possible. I recommend trying the hash-browns with your meal.
(5)
Dominika Z.

Had to pick up a boat part a little south of Nashville and got into the area from Chicago a little earlier than expected and decided to get breakfast. We got there really early (6:30) and didn't have a wait, but by the time we left there 30 minutes later there was already a line around the building. Cons first: 1. I'm not much of a pancake eater but we decided to try this place anyways. I got the Chef's Medley (which is Hash with a fried egg on top and a picante sauce). The picante sauce wasn't terrible and the dish was meh. I wasn't really into it and had about 1/4. 2. The coffee was also very meh. I get better out of my Keurig. BUT we did just drive 7 hours and had 7 hours to drive home so caffeine was welcomed with open arms, good or bad. 3. Our waitress and the service was middle-of-the-line. I've experienced way better and I've experienced way worse. She wasn't rude but there was no "southern charm" either. Just meh. In fact, she seemed far more interested in pushing us out than she was in quality of her work or of the food. All in all, I'd normally probably rate this place 1 star. HOWEVER, my boyfriend got the pigs in a blanket (breakfast sausages wrapped in pancakes) and that alone redeemed two stars. It was delicious. I HATE pancakes, and I would eat those all day. The best of both words and a perfect combination of savory and sweet. Although everything else about this place struck me as completely mediocre, I'll be back for my own plate of those pigs in a blanket. YUM.
(3)
Andrea J.

Honestly, i don't get the hype. I went here a few years ago and I won't go back. Why? Well, I think that if you order pancakes with chocolate chips, the chocolate chips should be IN the pancake batter, not just plain pancakes with 10 mini chocolate chips on top. They did the same thing with my omelette...just eggs folded over with some veggies on top. WTF?! And they don't have real maple syrup, just fake stuff which is disgusting. There is always a huge line, but its not worth it.
(1)
Jessica S.

So, I don't know how to feel about this place. I have lived here for nearly two years and have heard soooo many people talk about it. Today, my colleagues and I decided to stop in for lunch. Of course, the line was out the door (that was expected). Every time I have passed by this place, there's always a gnarly line. The ambiance is meh. Nothing special. Our waitress was super sweet and extremely attentive - I loved that. We ordered a variety of food. Some of us got pancakes, I got a bacon, egg, cheese sandwich with hashbrowns, one person got country ham & eggs. Overall, the food was good. It wasn't out-of-this-world-amazing-Oh-My-God-best-Âbreakfast-ever good.... but it was good. I understand that this is a spot for many local/tourists but I don't think I'll return because of the ridiculous line/wait time.... There are plenty of awesome restaurants around Nashville that offer this type of food without the wait.
(3)
Perri F.

Had the pecan pancakes and tried the breakfast wrap with eggs cheese sausage and hash browns. Both delicious! Glad I went there in my time in Nashville.
(4)
Fr. Ken G.

Good coffee and Amazing Waffles! Raspberry and chocolate chip ... don't judge me, I was celebrating. :) Bus boy was friendlier than waitress, but she did her job well, quick and friendly.
(5)
Kim S.

There were many items to choose from here. I got the potato pancakes and my husband got the apricot lemon pancakes. I liked his more than I liked mine. My pancakes tasted fine but I am used to a different kind of potato pancake. My husband's choice was delicious. The coffee was fine and our waitress great. If I went back again, I would order a more traditional pancake.
(4)
Tyrone W.

We went here hoping for a good breakfast, and we weren't disappointed. We went on Valentine's Day, not because we wanted to, but because we had to. In doing so, we knew the wait would be long, which it was (an hour and a half), though i hear there's always a wait. The place is buzzing with servers and busboys. The tables around the edges of the room are a bit close to one another, so seating is tight. The service was though, considering how busy it was. I ordered the famed cornmeal pancakes with a side of hash browns and a fried egg. My girlfriend ordered the banana pancakes with a side of bacon. Everything was amazing. The pancakes were hearty but fluffy... The side of bacon only comes with three pieces which is disappointing, but it was cooked to her liking. The cornmeal pancakes had just the right amount of everything... Bacon, peppers... Salsa, sour cream, syrup... Yes, all of that. If you're looking for good coffee, this is not the place, which was surprising. The only question is do you go with the homemade syrup or the maple.... Or both
(5)
Laura L.

You just can't go wrong with The Pancake Pantry! This was my second visit and it was just as amazing as the first time I was here 6 years ago. Yes, there is a wait line, but it goes fast and is totally worth the wait. I can't remember what I got last time, but got the Cakes and Eggs this visit, with the Tennessee Ham. The ham was the showstopper. It was everything I wanted, hot, crispy, salty and smoky. I know the typical go to is bacon or sausage,but go for the ham. It's Bacon on steroids!
(5)
Corey H.

The line is long, but the wait is short. And the food is great. Support local family owned businesses.
(4)
Shane S.

A great home feel with friendly service and great pancakes. The sweet potato pancakes are packed with sweet potato and covered in cinnamon and powdered sugar. They are light, fluffy and cooked perfectly -- nothing worse than dense, over cooked pancakes. However, I am glad I went on a Friday morning with no line. I'm not sure I would have been as happy if I waited in the notorious long line on the weekends.
(4)
Eric A.

Took my family here one morning and really enjoyed it. It was early Sunday, and the line was still out the door! Try a Nashville treasure!
(4)
Edgar P.

When in beautiful Nashville, this is a place you must try! I love it! We went on a Saturday morning and enjoyed the nice view that surrounded this place! Let's just say you have to be willing to wait to enjoy this place, we had to wait about an hour to get in but it was well worth it. Try the sweet potato pancakes! The bacon for me was a little burned but maybe it was just a bad batch? I didn't want to risk getting butt bacon so I just dealt with it. Other than that the place is crowded and just a typical pancake house setting. The service was excellent! Southern Hospitality at its best!
(4)
Julia C.

Pancake Pantry relies on its food to hold it up, which works well for the most part. Expect a wait - my party of 4 went here on a Friday morning and waited about 40 minutes in a line that went down the street. When you get in, don't expect much in terms of ambiance or service. We seemed to have particularly poor service, as the table next to us, seated only moments before, had their pancakes before we had even ordered. The restaurant is one large room with minimal atmosphere. Despite the issues in service, the food is phenomenal. I ordered the banana bread pancakes. The bananas are blended into the batter, which led to fluffy pancakes that truly tasted like banana bread. It came with cinnamon cream syrup which was amazing - not overly sweet, but sweet enough to provide a great complimentary flavor to the pancakes. We all enjoyed our pancakes tremendously and left feeling full and satisfied. If the service issues can be remedied, the wait times would be shorter and this would definitely be a five star experience.
(4)
Larisa N.

I don't understand what is so good about these pancakes. IHOP would work for me too, I think. We came on Saturday at 3 and there were no line. However, it took them time to sit us. Also the server messed up with our order. She forgot to bring hash brown I ordered and the steak wasn't cook to order. We asked for medium well and we got medium rare... The pancakes are good, but personally for me it's not worth a trip and especially staying in line for an hour.
(3)
Michele F.

After 3 visits to Nashville the line was finally manageable. I can't get my husband to stand in a line that wraps around a building. It was a Monday morning and raining so the line was short - as far as this restaurant goes. My Santa Fe cornmeal pancakes were great! I'm not much of a pancake lover but YUM! I thought you wouldn't want to put maple syrup on pancakes with chili's in it and salsa and sour cream on top but adding the syrup made them even better. We also had to try the hash browns after all the Yelp reviews. They were good but could be a little crispier in my opinion. My husband had the sweet potato pancakes and he said they were "ok". He liked my pancakes better. I'd have to agree. The service was very friendly and fast. I would go back again if the line was a 20 minute wait like we had. The pancakes were good but I wouldn't stand in a line for an hour for them - I'm with my husband on that one.
(4)
CATHERINE C.

Stopped here at 11am on a Monday and waited an hour to get in. All the staff was super friendly and helpful.. Even brought us out a couple items to try being it was our 1st time there and we were from Chicago. The french toast is AMAZING and the portions are huge so its enough to share. The regular ham was delicious and the Tennessee Salt cured ham was good (and very salty).. Friends loved their items too. It really is worth the wait. The friendly staff makes it even better... Good news too... They just resigned their lease for the next ten years. Nice job. PP. You have some major fans in Chicago.
(5)
Brooke S.

First I would like to say that I am outraged at anyone who is not giving the Pancake Pantry a full 5 star rating! You must also hate America! Anyone complaining about a line, you are dumb. CLEARLY this place is SO amazing that people will wait in a long line in the Tennessee heat just to be able to stuff their faces till their hearts desire with their heavenly food!!!! I am from Los Angeles (born & raised), the mecca of food and service & I am in love with Pancake Pantry! I want to get on a yacht, stand at the bow, and scream from the depths of my lungs how much I love thee! I have never been to Tennessee and visited for my first time last week. There was nothing about Nashville that I didn't adore. When asked about my favorite part of my trip: (No, I did not say the Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett Dustin Lynch, & Randy Houser show I went to at Vanderbilt Stadium) I said OH MY GOSH THE PANCAKE PANTRY HANDS DOWN!!!! As I sit under my palm trees pool side with a cocktail in hand, all I can think about is that perfect french toast, whose flavor I will never forget. I am not a big eater and when I dined here on that amazing Sunday morning, for the first time in a long time I practically licked both my plates clean and was ready for more. People were standing in line while it was raining briefly for goodness sake! Now I know why! From the adorable young host who was shuffling things around to make sure everyone was sat as quickly as possible, to the sweet servers... As I waddled out the front door with complete satisfaction, I was pleasantly surprised when a studly gentleman sitting in a shiny cute Lexus asked us how we enjoyed our meal. I presume this was the owner. Good job sir! Thank you for taking pride in your quaint but bustling establishment! You hit the nail so hard not he head, that I can not get you out of my mind. So for anyone even considering this joint, don't even question it. Just do it! I will be thinking about you everyday, Pancake Pantry, until I see you again. Sincerely, Hungry
(5)
Kristine L.

I came to Pancake Pantry with a group of friends while visiting Nashville. Ten of us to be exact. The line was out the door but moved rather quickly. I was a little apprehensive about how they handled the wait, but clearly they have been doing this for a long time, because their method works. So no reason to be deterred if the line is out the door. The place is a large open room, with minimal dÃ©cor. The waitress who helped us was very friendly, quick, and gave the group a couple ideas of places to visit while visiting Nashville. Overall, the food was good, coffee, not so much. I had the Santa Fe cornmeal pancakes without bacon (I do not believe bacon makes everything better, in fact, I despise it). It was a good blend of sweet and salty, just how I like my breakfast. Since we had such a large group we passed around different plates, so I had the opportunity to try various things (bonus!). I tried the sweet potato pancakes, banana bread pancakes, and butter milk pancakes. All of them were good. The buttermilk pancakes were nicely sweet and super fluffy. The banana bread pancakes had a good flavor, but were a little dense. I wish they had more chopped walnuts and mixed in, not just sprinkled on top of the batter. Sweet potato pancakes were very good, sweet and fluffy as well. A must try is the cinnamon cream syrup. It made every pancake that much better! My husband had steak and eggs. He said the steak was cooked well and tasted like what I would make at home (not sure if that's good or bad, honestly). Another friend had ham and eggs. He said it was good, but nothing he hasn't had before. Overall, the friendly staff and speed of service was great. The food was good, but nothing that I couldn't have at a place near home.
(3)
Jen I.

What a great breakfast spot! I am normally a eggs and bacon girl - but had to try the pancakes. I was between 2 choices - the blueberry and the peach. The waitress was awesome and said she would do a combo of both - blueberry won overall! But the peach didn't disappoint. There was no wait at 2pm and the staff/atmosphere was very nice and helpful! Def recommend!
(5)
Lena C.

The line was long outside around the building, but the wait wasn't too bad. Once we were seated, the service was great. I ordered the sweet potato pancakes with the cinnamon syrup. They were absolutely the best pancakes I've ever eaten. My husband got the buttermilk pancakes and loved them too. Both of my daughters ordered the Chocolate Sin. They said that they were just the right amount of chocolate, not too much and that the raspberry was a good compliment to the chocolate. My nine year old son is a pretty big eater. He ordered the kid's meal with pancakes, bacon and an egg. It was enough food to satisfy him and he said the scrambled egg was really good. I can't say anything bad about this place. I see why it's so popular. Everything was delicious.
(5)
Lena S.

Great experience! Visiting from Michigan and heard about this hot spot to check out. I read about the lines but we must have come at a great time and we were seated immediately. The syrup is absolutely amazing, never had anything like it :) and the hash browns tasted almost like home fries a different take but definitely worth trying.
(5)
Alexandra F.

I would eat anything they served me. I haven't even had the pancakes yet and I'm sold. The line out the front door and down the sidewalk should be an indication that this place is awesome. I just had basic hashbrowns eggs and bacon, but it was so fab and the service was great! I will definitely go back and sit down to eat. Parking is a little difficult around there, but that's to be expected.
(4)
Daniel Y.

Based on all the reviews from folks, my family decided to try Pancake Pantry for breakfast. We got there at 6:30 am so we didn't have any lines to contend with. Phew! Service was friendly and the staff was quick to make sure we had a table, utensils, crayons, and more! Ordered the eggs, pancakes, and bacon, and I have to say that I was expecting more based on all the glowing reviews. I must be spoiled but all the great breakfast places in Chicago because the pancakes were dry and nothing to write home about. The bacon was burnt and tasted like char. At the end of the day, save your money and just eat breakfast at your hotel if you're traveling.
(3)
Kasi Z.

I am a fan of pancakes and I thought I had some tasty ones before, but they do not compare to the ones I had here! I've been here a couple of times now and every time the pancakes are delicious and don't disappoint. They are very sweet though, so it's a perfect place for someone who has a sweet tooth. It does get pretty busy at times and you do have to wait in line to be seated, but these pancakes are worth the wait! I am always looking forward to my trips to pancake pantry.
(4)
Elisabeth D.

Good food bad service. The food was pretty yummy. But the service was horrible my friend had a misunderstanding about the price and the manger did nothing to help or smooth out the problem. When we asked to speak to the owner who said he would be out in a min the same "manager" tried to act like she was the only person in charge. Which was a lie and I hate people that lie and for that is the reason I will not be returning because of this mangers lies
(2)
Oscar A.

Amazing!!!! A huge variety of pancakes. Tried 3 different ones and all delicious. Special cinnamon syrup for pancakes you can just drink Eggs and omelettes made to perfection with delicious crispy bacon A must if you are in Nashville
(5)
BT M.

It's pancakes, but you'd think they were giving out free money. You look at the line and wonder what on earth could they be doing in that little building. Pancakes. No, the one with all the people out front. Pancakes. No, the one where people wait in line for an hour or so to go in, and then come out that side door, looking fat and happy. Pancakes. The one in Gatlinburg, TN is a different owner, but it's still pancakes. The food is a 3 out of 5. FYI, Cracker Barrel is a 3 out of 5. Just to put it in perspective for you.
(3)
Amanda H.

Just got back from Nashville yesterday and I'm already missing these pancakes. It was one of my favorite places to eat. The staff is friendly and very attentive. The line can get long, but it moves pretty quick. If you are going to be the Nashville area go have breakfast. Order the sweet potato pancakes and be happy forever!!!
(5)
LaShonda H.

I loved pancake pantry! Good country style eating. Worth the wait! The line is usually out the door. The service was "southern-ly sweet" The grilled turkey instead of bacon was yummmy. The coffee was delicious, I will definitely return.
(5)
Karly T.

The wait was not quick like everyone states. The lines are long and it's hot and you will not get in there quick. Food was good but not worth an 45-60 minute wait outside.
(3)
Chadwick H.

I'm not much of a breakfast person but the people that I was with were all about some pancakes. So I agreed to go and wasn't exactly happy to stand outside in a line, in 25 degree weather. I believe we waited roughly 30 minutes which wasn't as long as the line seemed it would be. Overall the ambiance of the restaurant was like a large dining hall that you would find on a college campus. The waitresses were fast and attentive and had our drinks within almost seconds.... The menu has a wide selection of breakfast foods and despite the pressure from friends, I didn't order pancakes. I had the omelet with bacon and cheese with a side of hashbrowns. The omelet was pretty tasty, but the hashbrowns were different from any others I've had previously. They were not bad by any means but just not how momma used to make them. Overall I was pleased with the visit but, the line outside might not have truly been worth the food in my opinion. Definitely worth a try but avoid the weekends and maybe consider takeout!
(4)
Scott N.

You MUST try and MUST get there early. Each time I'm in Nashville area which has been often I have been stopping here. This place is classic, traditional and cheap. The sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon was yummy. Don't forget those Caribbean pancakes with pecans, bananas, the country ham and hash browns will make sure you finish the meal that you will immediate require a nap with avery satisfied tummy. An Absolute must if your in Nashville area and be sure to get a doggy bag for me.
(4)
Heather S.

I was traveling through the area and had to try this place out because of all the good reviews, and I was not disappointed. I had a great breakfast of eggs, bacon and buttermilk pancakes. I don't care for the fruit, whipped cream, etc. when it comes to pancakes so I actually wasn't expecting much from the plain ones, but they were great and tasty. Everything came out hot and fresh and I would stand in line 30 minutes again to eat there.
(5)
J R.

I had speedy service and great food! I had sweet potato pancakes, hashbrowns with onions, and bacon. I definitely will bring friends and family to this place for brunch.
(5)
Crystal P.

planning our trip to Nashville this was first on our list, after reading reviews I knew there would probably be a wait. I woke up Sat morning to go really early at 6 am but instead went back to sleep. I waited until Tuesday morning the day we were leaving to finally get over here at 7 am, and no wait!!! we got right in and of course that was great. anyway onto the food. absolutely amazing. seriously the best omelet of my life. I have told everyone about that omelet. of course you cannot come here and not eat pancakes so I will mention those which were amazing. my fiance had Swedish pancakes he went nuts over, along with eating my pancakes :) everything was just amazing. it made me wish we came here that Saturday morning and then back that Tuesday :) until next trip to Nashville I will remembering that omelet..... you must go here if in Nashville. before I forget I should mention the hash browns were amazing also. really one of the best breakfasts of my life.
(5)
Katee G.

Went on a Tuesday around 11am. Saw the long line and thought briefly about finding another place, but decided to wait. We were SO glad we did. Line actually moved quickly. Coffee is great! I had the best banana bread pancakes and the cinnamon syrup is to die for. I also ordered a side of bacon, which was some of the best bacon I've ever had. My boyfriend had the classic buttermilk pancakes, which were just as good if that's more your style. Overall a wonderful experience. I'm drooling thinking about going back again.
(5)
Mike C.

Had heard SO much about this place; had to try it. When we arrived there as about 40-50 people in line outside. Took about 30 minutes to be seated. There were so many pancake options. My favorites were Santa Fe and sweet potato. The experience was very nice but I would do it again. Everything tasted fresh but our coffee cups stayed empty and service left something to be desired. After eating the line to pay out took about 10 minutes; there was ONE register! I won't come back.
(3)
Billy F.

ButterMilk!!! Wow You wait in line for a reason.. It took us until we actually received our food where we understood why we snaked a line outside. The Inside is spacious an people work feverishly to turn tables- we only had to wait about 30 mins for a table as they shuffle people in and out. The wait was well worth the taste of the Pancakes- I ordered a Standard breakfast but of course had to get a small stack of Buttermilk pancakes.. They were the BEST I have ever had. Moist, tasty and plentiful...We also ordered a "Poka Dot" pancake for my nephew-- (was some M&Ms on top of the 2 pancakes-- prettys weak, but still the pancakes were awesome. One thing I will say is the way they hustle people in and out they service is quick and efficient, but very dry.. If It were a bit more hospitable I go 5 stars on this place. The front cashier guy seemed absolutkey miserable-- we asked if they sold the pancake mix kit (hoping to bring some back as a great souvenir) the guy must have thought it was the stupidest question in the world.. He just looked down and said nope.. Okay sorry for asking bud... He then went back to play on his phone.. All in all our actual server was a 22 year vet of the pantry.. She knew what she was doing.. Efficient and straight to the point.. Great Breakfast and Tremendous Pancakes-- if your in Nashville go stand in line and grab a Stack..
(4)
Edwin P.

Abstract: Best Pancakes on Earth. I think of the Pancake Pantry on a nearly daily basis. It haunts me when I am cutting weight for my sport and whenever I think of Bonnaroo, which is what brought us here (even though I had been to Nashville before). It seems sorta like a curse to have patronised the establishment, since everything else will forever be judged against Pancake Pantry. Sometimes I simply say 'Pancake Pantry' aloud and my significant other (hopefully) knows exactly what I mean. Personally, I cannot recall what I ordered, because after five or six or whatever-amount-of-days we spent on 'The Farm', we were stopping by Nashville before moving on to Memphis and so forth. Whatever dumb commercial radio station I had it on had one of the Jonas brothers (oh no) being interviewed by some guy and they started talking about the Pancake Pantry and how X Jonas bro always goes there every time he is in Nashville. He went on and on and on, and it must have been convincing (maybe because I was hungry) because I looked it up on the GPS and went there. Best pancakes I have ever tasted in my entire life. Really quite simple. Cannot remember anything else. Oh, there was free street parking on the side street. And there was no line when we arrived, as it must have been a weekday (Tuesday?) since we stayed Monday night on the farm, but one was well formed that ended well outside the doors as we left. And it seemed like a real steal in regards to whatever the check was in the end; they could have charged twice the amount and I would have gladly paid. . As I look at the date in the lower right corner of my notebook, I realised that there is not much time to plan a trip around going this year to the Pancake Pantry, but where there is a will, there is a way. I shall update when I return. - E
(5)
Sarah C.

It has been quite some time since I've visited the "Pantry" or PP as I will refer to it hereafter. Friday breakfast changed that. I can remember from my last visit feeling underwhelmed by the whole experience of waiting in line for a considerable amount of time just for pancakes that were "meh." Turns out if you arrive around 7 a.m. on a Friday morning you can walk right in! In fact, they open at 6:30 a.m. so if you wanted to get an earlier start and own the place, I say go for it. This morning, in addition to several cups of delicious coffee, I ordered the Smoky Mountain Buckwheat Pancakes due to its whole wheat component which made me feel healthier about pancakes for breakfast. My counterpart ordered blueberry, no holding back! My pancakes were delicious! I didn't even need syrup-just a little butter. The blueberry were also an excellent choice. I highly recommend both. For $18.95-ish we dined well and walked away satisfied. But, around 7:30-8 a.m. the line began to congregate so get there early if you are going to visit the PP.
(4)
Alishah N.

Long line ups for ...new iPhone? ...new Star Wars movie? ...bathroom at a football game? ...Pancakes? Really? I guess I'll wait in line and see what the fuss is about. Ohhhhh. I get it. Pancakes!
(4)
Jessica B.

I've only heard amazing things about this place. I drive through Nashville often and I have yet to eat here. Yea you're probably asking why I'm reviewing BUT if you don't want to wait two hours standing outside please head down the way to the west end cafe! Amazing strong coffee. Roomy. Awesome decor and a great friendly staff. Food is so good! Get right in! One day I will eat at the pantry. :/
(4)
Alex D.

The pancakes were pretty damn good, but that's where the good ends. The line is absolutely ridiculous, the service is slow when you finally do sit down, and worst of all the coffee is absolutely dreadful (and I'm pretty sure the fresh squeezed orange juice is just Minute Maid). What is it with breakfast places making amazing food and sh*tty beverages? It'd be like a 5-star steak restaurant only serving PBR to go with their filet mignon. Sure you're going there for the steak, but would it really hurt to step it up in the beverages department? Yeah I get it, the Pancake Pantry is known for its pancakes, but I like a well rounded breakfast with good food AND beverages. Bottom line, unless they step it up in the coffee department I'll go elsewhere like Fido or Frothy Monkey where the joe is good and I don't have to wait 45 minutes just to sit down.
(2)
Anna L.

Ridiculous lines on most days but the breakfast is terrific. Warning it is very very touristy, for good reason I suppose.
(5)
Kevin W.

I was visiting Nashville and my friend has been boasting this place for quite some time. The first couple of times we came here the line was wrapped around the door. This place is definitely a tourist trap. Be sure to come here throughout the week around lunch and not during the weekends. The food is good but it is not worth a 2 hour wait. My friend and I both ordered omelets. The omelets were stuffed inside and out. The hash browns look like they are freshly made and they are delicious. My friend got regular pancakes and he said they were very good. I got the sweet potato pancakes and they were awesome. The pancakes have a certain fluffiness to it that makes it exceptional. They syrups and butter they use to serve the pancakes is what really makes the difference. Cinnamon butter and syrup, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
(5)
Veronica L.

I LOVED this place when I visited Nashville! The sweet potato pancakes were to die for! I tried their other various kinds of pancakes as well to which all of them were very very delicious! It can be a bit of a wait to get a table - anywhere from a half-hour to even an hour on weekends. But it was definitely worth the wait. I only wish this place can exist where I live now ....
(5)
Stuart S.

My parents were in town for Thanksgiving and wanted to go stand in line on black Friday, so we were good sports and joined them. Luckily, the rain held off, and our plan to get there before 9 am worked. The line was not too bad and we enjoyed talking as we inched our way to the door. What seemed like a slowdown just prior to getting seated was acutally a very large party right before us. They got to step aside and we were seated and having coffee and juice in no time. As we were still suffering from a food hangover from Thanksgiving, we ordered from the "Breakfast for the Regulars" part of the menu. The portions are smaller but just as good as the rest of the menu. My Eggs and Cakes included 2 eggs and 3 pancakes for $6.35. Service was good, our server was very efficient and did the best she could with the number of tables she was assigned. As we were wrapping up, the big party (11 or 12 people I think) was seated and getting their menus. I never understood the need for all sitting together in a situation like this. It took so long for several tables next to each other to clear out. Once seated in an environment like the Pancake Pantry, there is no way for people at one end to chat with people at the far end. Why not eat as 3 groups of 4 and then go have a group hug later or something. Finally, they are serious about getting a free ticket from the machine at the corner of the parking lot out back. We did, but many didn't, so as we left, we saw a lot of the other kinds of tickets (the ones saying you owe a fine) under the wiper blades of the cars around ours. If you park there, take the extra couple of minutes and follow directions.
(4)
Bridget S.

Oh a nice breakfast, yet other establishments are less expensive and have greater choices.
(3)
Jan G.

If you are visiting Nashville, you MUST come here. I have never driven by there when there hasn't been a line. You just have to endure it. The food is great, the atmosphere is ok (country- I live here so it's nothing unique to me). Wait staff is friendly and you are served pretty promptly. Affordable.
(4)
Ken K.

came here at 8:30 on a sunday and we were maybe 10th in line. the pancakes were OK. we tried the "sugar and spice" and sweet potato pancakes. they were good, but we got tired of them pretty quickly. they give you 5 pancakes, which is more than plenty. i'd be happier with like 3 pancakes and more sides. we enjoyed our breakfast, but i wouldn't wait in line for this place.
(3)
Sloan C.

DO NOT let the line deter you from eating here. I live nearly 3,000 miles away in Southern California and I wake up 5 out of 7 mornings of the week craving their lemon-apricot crepes. I've eaten here every single time I've ever been to Nashville (8 or 10 times) and I've never been disappointed. I don't remember anything about the service--just the crepes.
(5)
Simon K.

Why Why Why? Why is there such a huge line out the door? Do not let your curiosity get the better of you. The expectation is high, the outcome is disappointing. Let's not berate this place with over exaggerated negatives. Instead let's take more of a cost-benefit analysis. Take into account that the location is hard to find parking and can often lead to paying for a space. Typically the wait can be about 30 mins, better or worse. The restaurant is crowded and as a result the service tends to be unattentive (or rather distracted). Now take into account those obstacles to overcome before getting to your meal... What expectations would you have of the taste and quality of your food once it gets to you? Would you be satisfied with canned fruit on top of your pancakes with Rediwhip whip cream? Would you be willing to pay about $10 (including tip), for pancake mix and assorted canned fruits? Are the costs worth the benefit? Recommendation: Pancake Pantry is good enough to go international. They should take their menu world-wide and become an International House of Pancakes, yes they are that good. IHOP beware, the only thing you can do to compete is offer more locations better parking and no lines waiting for a table. Last question: Is your time really worth finding out if Pancake Pantry is any better than cheap IHOP?
(2)
Kaleena 'Kala' H.

They may say that there is always a line here, but the food is definitely worth the wait. I love coming here for breakfast after my fiance introduced me to this place when we started dating. The service is wonderful and the food is amazing! My favorite thing to order is the Eggs and Cakes...an order of scrambled eggs and three buttermilk pancakes. It is delicious and fills me up! I also like ordering a side of sourdough toast along with it, and they bring 4 slices...plenty to share with my fiance. I will keep visiting here in the future! :)
(5)
Joanna T.

this was out first stop upon landing in Nashville. a good breakfast sounded PERFECT after a red-eye flight from CA. we got there around 730 and just missed the rush- there was a line out the door by the time we left! i had a create your own omelet and the pancakes we had were DIVINE. the perfect way to be welcomed into the wonderful state of TN!
(4)
Kuanyu C.

Specialty pancakes for breakfast? Yes please! So I drove through the town last night, and before I rolled on out of town I ran into some folks last night talking about breakfast pancakes at The Pantry. So I searched on Yelp and found here. Sitting on the corner of Belcourt Ave and 21st street, the restaurant sign says "50 years of traditions and still 23 varieties." Sitting outside in my car, I saw a group of teens on foot coming around the corner. I went out and made some friends, while anxiously waiting for some delicious pancakes. 6 O'clock cannot come quick enough, but alas my friends and I have finally made it into the restaurant. Wasting no time, I got my coffee and quickly put in my order: after careful selection, and much recommendation, I chose the sweet potato pancakes, and a side order of smoked bacon just in case it get too sweet. The hot cakes came, sprinkled with cinnamon & powdered sugar, the nice lady also brought me warm maple syrup, and what she highly recommended cinnamon butter, which goes great with the hot cakes. If you know me you also know that I am not a fan of cinnamon, but I had no problem finishing this meal. The bacon was definitely a good save. Perusing all the other reviews, it seems that some of the folks dock a star or two for the services and the long wait. If you truly crave the hot cakes here, my suggestion is get here around 6-7 AM. Trust me, the food is definitely worth getting up in the morning.
(4)
Kate N.

Super yummy pancakes of more varieties than one could imagine. Cheese grits, apricot lemon pancakes and some fresh OJ made us two very happy ladies.
(4)
Michael G.

Came here on a recommendation, and although I can't say that it is the best pancakes on the planet like some others have said, they are pretty damn good! I was here on the 4th of July mid morning, and like I was warned, the line was around the building. But it moved quickly, and we were seated about 20 minutes later. They even had a cooler of ice water for those in line as it was ungodly hot. I highly recommend the Chef Creation (I don't remember what it was called) but it was hash browns, cheese, onions, eggs, tomatoes, and some other great combo stuff. For a little extra you could get pancakes with it which I did of course (and they even let me sub the sweet potato pancakes!) The cinnamon butter that comes with the sweet potato pancakes was divine. My pancakes were delicious. The eggs and potato creation was really good and very filling. I'd have to say this was one of the better breakfasts I had in Nashville, and I recommend coming here!
(4)
Max N.

It's undeniable that Pancake Pantry makes good pancakes. Are they they best pancakes? Perhaps to some, but not in my opinion. The thing is, it would be a nice breakfast spot that I would frequent in an alternate universe where it wasn't overpriced and extremely over-populated. There is pretty much no restaurant that I would wait ninety minutes for, especially on a Saturday or Sunday morning. But, as I previously stated, if you want some undeniably tasty pancakes and have nowhere to be for the rest of your weekend, this is the place for you.
(3)
Shane M.

Didnt know what all the fuss was about before I went here. But honestly, Best Pancakes Ive ever had! Expect a wait, but well worth it!
(5)
Brian W.

There was a line around the building. I've never waited in line to get in to a restaurant and will barely wait 20-30 minutes for a table anywhere, but I was going to Pancake Pantry damn it. Worth it. The free coffee and conversation made the wait easier and the area around Vanderbilt made for some good people watching. I got the Santa Fe Cornmeal Pancakes. They. Were. Fantastic. Hearty chunks of bacon, green chilies, and cheese cooked inside cornmeal pancakes. I had a few bites to taste by itself and they were delicious. The menu says they're best with salsa, sour cream, and syrup, so I obliged. It was incredible. The bottomless coffee was great, too. My girlfriend got the Grill Cook's Medley with toast and pancakes. It was a huge plate that all four of us shared. I don't know if we would have finished it if there wasn't four of us. Everything was cooked perfectly and the pancakes were fluffy and fantastic. Paying for parking kind of took away from the experience. I don't know if I'd wait in line again, but I'd definitely go back next time I'm in Nashville.
(4)
Matthew C.

The Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon-Cream Syrup may very well be the best--and most unusual--pancakes that I've ever had. The combination of sweet potatoes and nontraditional syrup made for a dish that wasn't sickeningly sweet (as can often be the case when you have thin pancakes drenched in maple syrup). They also came out fresh and fluffy, though they weren't the thickest pancakes I've ever had. I would come back just for these pancakes. And yes, there can be a wait, but if you go bright and early on a weekday morning (as I did) you'll probably be seated immediately. Early bird gets the worm--or pancake.
(5)
Liz G.

The best pancakes I have ever had!! Everyone in our group loved their breakfasts- chocolate chip, peach, ligonberry, and pecan were all fantastic! The hashbrowns were perfect, too! The only downside is that there is always a line out the door- get there early and be prepared to wait- it is worth it!!!
(5)
Wendy N.

I have been here a few times. The only problems I have with it are the ultra long wait on most occasions and that it is a little pricey. Other than that I think it's a fantastic place for breakfast/brunch. The pancakes are of course amazing and recently I got the scrambled eggs with ham and cheese and they were the best eggs I have ever had. I will come back again.
(4)
Andrew N.

Ordered the Swiss Chocolate pancakes and they were very good, but the chocolate was a bit sweet for my taste even without syrup. I think if I had scraped off a bit of the chocolate I would've given this place 5 stars. Maybe next time I'll try something different.
(4)
Lauren L.

Love the Pancake Pantry! It really is that good, but get there early because I've seen the line stretch down the street before.
(4)
David L.

I have been to this paradise several times and it has always been topnotch. Don't be intimidated by the long lines extending out of the building. It moves fast and it is well worth the wait (this is an experience, not just an event!). From eggs to waffles to crepes to specialty pancakes - no one does it better! The staff here is super friendly and VERY service oriented. SO refreshing! I've also always been impressed with how short the wait is for our meal, once we order. The food is served piping hot and delicious. This place has long been hailed as one of Nashville's "traditions." I'm usually skeptical of such characterizations. But, the Pantry Pantry is quite deserving of it. I vote two forks up - WAY up - for this place!
(5)
Elijah T.

Really a 3.5, but I rounded up because nothing about the restaurant after waiting in line is below a 4. That being said, I like a pancake as much as the next guy, but even a perfect pancake is fairly easy to replicate in the comfort of your own home without the 1+ hour wait. For me this was a one and done Nashville experience, but this shouldn't take away from the food or service which were good. It is a bit classier than your average greasy spoon, but offers many of the old american diner standards. I enjoyed a short stack of chocolate chip pancakes, a buttered blueberry muffin from the griddle and a side of sausage. My friend had an order of the "pigs in blankets", which were sausages wrapped in pancakes. Pancakes are certifiably delicious and far superior to most restaurant attempts at this dish. Everything else was pretty standard. Service was the right amount of attentive, meaning they kept my water full, but didn't interrupt my conversations every 10 seconds. I would recommend the place to anyone visiting, staying, or moving to Nashville, but whether you can deal with the line more than once is up to you.
(4)
Margaux D.

I feel like I've truly been to Nashville now that my family and I have been to Pancake Pantry. We got there at around 10:00 on a Thursday and stood in line for about 45 minutes. The food was delicious (they have 23 types of pancakes alone) and the service was quick and VERY efficient. The man in front who seats everyone wanted people in and out as quickly as possible, that's for sure. It was a great place to people watch and my family was also entertained by the guys putting together the orders: There was one guy putting butter on people's plates from a three foot tall tower of butter. Insane!
(5)
Jennifer J.

to die for.
(5)
Sharah M.

Sweet Potato Pancakes & Cinnamon Cream Syrup = worth the super long wait, sometimes in the rain, and also checking your parking meter since it's been so long... (There's free 2hr parking in lot behind the place but you will most likely have to pay a little as the time will be longer than that.) The best time to go is not the crack of dawn, but later in the day. 1pm or later is your best bet, in my experience. The omelets are good but American cheese is not my thing... The bacon is great, potatoes are good, and the sweet potato pancakes are hands-down the best ones on the menu. We made the mistake in the past of trying the fresh squeezed OJ instead of the regular one... It's much more expensive... And thanks to the waitress enlightening us, we now know that it also just comes in a jug from a supplier. Save your money on the OJ and go for the cheaper one.
(5)
Courtney M.

I could not WAIT to come here. Read all the reviews and salivated over the menu for weeks before my trip to Nashville, and boy did it not disapoint. First of all I wanted to order everything. I was jumping all over the menu before I decided on my meal. I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes, they were insanely delicious with the butter and melted chocolate all over. My friends ordered the blueberry pancakes, and the swedish pancakes. All knocked our socks off. We also did some hash browns and bacon, which were just alright in my eyes. The stars are clearly the pancakes here. Yes the line is long... but yes its WORTH IT. Go.. GO NOW
(5)
Jin H.

This is the place to go for pancakes in Nashville. Their sweet potato pancakes are to die for. Their lines can get ridiculously long, but fortunately, it seems to move relatively quickly.
(4)
Business T.

You go here for the nostalgia. Don't get me wrong, the food is delicious but it is one of those places you go once to say you have been there then don go again. Mainly for the hour plus wait for the same food I can get at waffle house (which I love). But you should definitley go there.
(4)
Madalyn H.

I had the rare luxury of experiencing Pancake Pantry without a line. The key is not to go on a weekend or on the morning. Actually, the thing I probably like most about this is it's hours. With my job, my two days off in a row people usually glory in on Saturday and Sunday are usually weekdays, so it's great to know I can snag a delicious brunch any day of the week. I came here with a friend in town who had heard rave reviews of this place all the way up in the Chicago suburbs. Before the food game, we were sampling the syrups on our spoons, and I am honestly surprised neither of us had to excuse ourselves they were so good. They have pancakes for every craving: sweet, salty/sweet, savory, plain, fruity, the list goes on and on. I opted for an unusually delicious mix of spicy/sweet, and i have NO REGRETS. Actually, I am a little mad I got too full to finish it. But at less than $8 a plate, I had no qualms leaving the sad remains.
(4)
Brandon G.

Best pancakes I've ever had. There is always a line around the block to get in but it's worth it. Definitely try the french toast and the cinnamon & spice cakes. Sweet potato cakes are also super good.
(5)
Nick S.

It seems that surviving the line is almost as important as enjoying your pancakes at the Pancake Pantry, but I would agree that it is worth the wait. I am one of the rare folks in the world who can take or leave a pancake. I blame my grandmother who believed that pancakes should be made with equal parts Crisco and Aunt Jemima and I have yet to find a crispy, yet fluffy artery clogging cake to compete with hers...that is until I made it through the throngs of hungry people at the PP. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. I don't know if they are 2+ hours awesome, but give them at least a good 45 minutes.
(4)
Sarah J.

The Pancake Pantry is a pretty popular breakfast joint in Nashville. They are famous for their pancakes and breakfast fare, but a cursory glance at the menu will tell you that they have sandwiches and other non-breakfast items as well. The entire restaurant isn't that big, and fills up fairly fast, so there is usually a line out the door during regular breakfast hours. They don't have reservations, or those little buzzers that some restaurants give to let you know when a table is available, so you literally have to stand there while you wait. The atmosphere is pretty casual, a great place for families. The food is great! I've only had the breakfast food, so I can't comment on lunch items, but the Santa Fe pancakes are divine! They sound a little strange, as they are cornmeal pancakes with bacon, green chilies and cheddar cheese, but top them with a little butter and syrup and you are in heaven! The hash browns are pretty decent too. Everyone seems to go there a little early, so I would recommend going at lunchtime and eating the breakfast.
(5)
Quynh N.

We were in Nashville for a day event in downtown. We arrived early morning and was told by a friend this place is an absolute must try. So we rushed to this place after hearing about its long wait. I was a little worried we would be late for our event in downtown. But our food came out pretty quick and we made it to downtown in time. 7Am is definitely a good time, theres no wait and the restaurant is not too busy. The buttermilk pancake with pumpkin syrup goes so well together, really hit it for me. Everyone was very polite and friendly. They make you feel like family and always greet you with a smile and thank you. I can sure get used to this kind of Southern Hospitality.
(4)
Erin J.

I've considered eating at Pancake Pantry for years now, and I finally did it. We had a working breakfast there - thankfully one person in our party lives within walking distance of the place, so she was in line by 6:30. Thank goodness because we had a party of 20, and otherwise we would have been waiting for hours! Our party trickled in slowly and the servers were very accommodating which was so nice. About the food - I opted for the buckwheat pancakes. Absolutely delicious, especially with a drizzle of honey! Now I see what everyone is talking about! Not sure I'd wait an hour and a half for them, but I'll certainly be back again someday. I also had an omelette with my meal which was fine but nothing great. I really wanted them to offer turkey bacon, turkey sausage, or even veggie sausage - all they had for the non-pork-eaters was sandwich meat (turkey). No thanks! All together I think the experience was quite enjoyable. Will certainly be back sometime!
(4)
Peter W.

Really the best pancakes and french toast in Nashville. Worth the wait!
(5)
Dawn S.

the best breakfast in nashville period! It's a treat because there is a long line but for good reason. The food is amazingly good and the staff is very skilled and fast. A must stop if you visit Nashville!!!
(5)
Amanda C.

For all the hype I heard about PP, I just don't think it lived up to my expectations. We waited about 30 minutes on a Monday (which it seems like is on the shorter end) and I thought it was OK. Maybe I my expectations were too high or I ordered wrong. I actually got lunch- the turkey wrap, which I understand isn't their specailty but I also got a pancake on the side (nice you can do that) which was good and I also liked the warm syrup bottles on every table. They do have quite an extensive pancake menu. It is a cozy restaurant and definitely a good place for breakfast, I was just expecting out of this world. As with most of the people in Nashville, the server was very friendly and even split our checks without asking. If you are in town for a short trip and the wait is 2 hours, I don't think it's necessarily worth the wait but is a good spot if you have time.
(3)
David B.

low grade dog food. had better breakfasts at ihop. their "fresh squeezed" juice is minutemaid. only reason there is a long wait is because the service is terrible. can't beleive we wasted a morning at this dump. and it's a dump.
(1)
Adam B.

There was a line out the door for this place so I think that might have jaded me a little into thinking it was going to be better than it was. As breakfasts go, The Pancake Pantry was good but nothing spectacular. I had a standard egg/sausage/pancake combo. All was prepared well. A couple of our friends got more pancake-centric things (chocolate chip and strawberry) and both liked them a lot (and the portions were huge). One thing that hurt their rating with me was we had easily most disinterested waitress, period. I'd mention her name except she didn't tell us. When she brought food to the table, she didn't say a word. When asked for hot sauce, she just walked away. I thought she didn't hear me but she brought it back. She just didn't speak. I said "thank you" about ten times for things and nothing but silence. Tip for you potential waitress/waiters out there, if you are operating on tips, speaking might be a good idea.
(3)
Cheryl S.

Chocolate chip pancake perfection! Fluffy, soft pancakes with just the right amount of chocolate chips, no need for syrup. Husband enjoyed home fries, creamy grits and omelet. Really good coffee. Wait staff friendly. Plenty of help. Order came out quickly. No frills decor, 1970's. Clean. We didn't have to wait, got right in. When we left there was a line around building. Pancake Pantry would be worth the wait. 5 stars
(5)
Robert P.

I should start by saying that I am very particular when it comes to breakfast. In my home, I do all the breakfast cooking and I provide really wonderful breakfasts for my family. So, while visiting Nashville, the Pancake Pantry, with it's wonderful reviews and long lines, was a "must go". On Saturday, while in the area late in the morning, I witnessed the line out the front door and around the side of the building first hand and asked some folks in line if it really was "that good", to which a resounding reply of yes with big smiles were returned. That settles it, "must go" just became "Must Go!" Sunday morning, 6:30AM, my mother, wife and 15 year old son, a self professed breakfast guru himself, arrived at Pancake Pantry. No lines and only five or six tables were occupied and many of the staff were standing around talking, no doubt in anticipation of the coming hoards for Sunday morning breakfast and brunch. The decor is clean, spacious, simple and tasteful, the wood floors are well worn by the hoards of diners who have been here. It's obvious that this is a place that knows breakfast. We ordered four different pancake breakfasts. My mother ordered the Buckwheat Pancakes, my wife the Sweet Potato (she is a sweet potato after all, the nickname that Asians call Taiwanese people), my 15 year old son the Caribbean and myself, I went old fashioned with the Blueberry Pancakes. I make a variety of Compotes at home, Blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, mixed fruits and even Strawberry from time to time, so I had to try Pancake Pantry's Blueberry Compote. Despite most Americans attitude about the humble pancake, it is not just a butter and syrup delivery mechanism. A good pancake is slightly crispy on the surface but fluffy and soft on the inside. It should have a good flavor with the slightest hint of salt to the taste to enhance the sweet flavor of the maple syrup or fruit topping of choice. Buttermilk pancakes should have a tangy flavor that is an excellent counterpart to sweet syrup and fruit. In short, a good pancake should have a good flavor on it's own, or with just modest amounts of fruit and/or syrup. If you're one of those who drowns your pancakes in butter and syrup to the point that all you taste is butter and syrup, stop reading now and proceed to any breakfast place you like, they'll all make great pancakes. As for my family, who say they are all spoiled, each of us thought Pancake Pantry highly over rated. The pancakes by themselves were simply well formed, albeit pretty and golden brown, sponges for butter and syrup. There is no flavor to speak of and the texture is simply sponge, like the freezer pancakes that come from a box. We were all highly disappointed with our breakfast. Perhaps if our expectations hadn't been set so high by all the hype, we could have evaluated the food simply on it's merits. Naw, it simply had no flavor. These are not tasty pancakes. The best pancakes, if you can use that word here, were the sweet potato pancakes. There was just a hint of potato which gave them just a hint of flavor compared to the others. My mothers Buckwheat pancakes just tasted salty, like 3 or 4 times as salty as any of us would have liked. Even my 15 year old, who despite his self professed title of Breakfast Critic, prefers a lot more butter and syrup than pancakes, didn't like his pancakes. The blueberry compote, which everyone shared to add flavor their breakfast was one dimensional and would have been much better had they just served raw blueberries. Blueberry compote is the simplest thing in the world to make, outside of hot water -- 2 cups of blueberries, 1/4 cut of sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, a bit of lemon peel and about 20 minutes of prep time and you have a wonderful flavor rich multidimensional blueberry compote. Apparently, Pancake Pantry uses a different recipe. I hate giving bad reviews, so I feel compelled to follow up with some good points. Our waitress was wonderful and despite us not enjoying our food, she received a full 20% tip. The coffee was very good and served at just the right temperature. The service was fast, we waited just a few minutes for our food and the place was very clean. To sum it up, if you want a good pancake, ignore the mindless hype and go somewhere else. These are not the pancakes you're looking for. A much better breakfast, but much less hyped can be found very near by. Read my other reviews from the Nashville area!
(2)
Pete B.

Pancake Pantry is good, but I just don't understand all of the hype! Just had breakfast there for the second time, and my omelet was very average, and the pancakes were pretty good. I would rather go to Puckett's Grocery for a much better omelet, and not wait an hour next time to be seated.
(3)
Krystal D.

I visited this yummy place last weekend and still can't get the food off my mind, so I thought it was necessary to share my love of PP's food!! My family and I arrived pretty early, around 8am, on a Saturday, with two kids in tow. There was a little bit of a line but it moved along quickly and I'd say the wait was about 15 minutes long to get in. Once we got in, we were taken care of quickly by very kind servers. I ordered the Grill Cook's Medley and it was DIVINE!! The potatoes were fried up nice and crisp with a little bit of soft potato layered within the crust and covered in grilled veggies and meat. I ordered the meal with a side of pancakes and those were simply delicious-fluffy and sweet!! I'd wait an hour to get into here!!!!
(5)
Allegra K.

There was a little wait for this place, but for good reason! We were recommended to go here by a friend who lives close by and were all extremely satisfied. I got the small appetite breakfast with some tea. Though this meal was simple (scrambled egg, bacon, and silver dollar pancakes), the pancakes were some of the best I've ever had, so light and fluffy. The eggs and bacon were also cooked perfectly. My guy got a turkey, bacon, and cheddar omelet with hash browns. He claimed it was fantastic and I do not doubt him. I would've tried it (because it looked so so good) but I was not as hungry as I could've been. This place tends to get busy if you don't get there early enough. Plan to wait a little while (but nothing too crazy) if you go a couple hours past opening time.
(5)
Allison H.

We had such great expectations only to find a hair in the pancakes.....omelette was ok...they comped the coffee and hashbrowns and said it happened from time to time...Not overly impressed with customer service.
(2)
Elizabeth H.

After a night of being "over-served", Pancake Pantry is the perfect pick-me-up! Be prepared to stand in line for at least 1 hr, and they do not take reservations or even take names... whoever is next in line gets seated. The food is your standard American breakfast with lots of different types of pancakes to chose from. I had the plain pancakes served with lots of butter and maple syrup- YUMMY! Also I got a serving of hashbrowns with cheese, peppers, onions, tomatos, and ham. The waitstaff here is super nice and accomodating - I will be back to try the Sweet Potato pancakes!
(4)
D S.

So over rated! I recommend not waiting for a table, the food wasn't anything to write home about and the service was terrible, we literally had to flag down our waitress for ketchup and refills on our water. I gave it one star because the pancakes were pretty good, and I don't eat pancakes.
(1)
BethAnn S.

Yes, it's star spotting sensation and the pancakes and bacon are fabulous, but go without the kiddies. Your kids won't like the wait - heck, I'm a grown up and I don't like the wait - and once they get to their seats they will be treated to the oh-so-unspecial treat of having no booster seats but old boxes of sugar to sit on (??). Can you say 'owner without children'? Alas, if you are going on a weekday early-ish, it's a darn good eatin' joint. I've never had an order that was slow or anything less than what I expected. It's worth the extra money - the wait is up to you to decide.
(4)
Renata P.

What can I say about Pancake Pantry other then to say they are amazing!? The service was excellent and I was lucky to get there at a time when I could literally walk right in without a wait. The pancakes were smaller then I expected so I ended up ordering a bit more food (it was late in the day and I hadn't eaten a thing). Everything was delicious!
(4)
Karen A.

Amazing unique pancakes. Had the Santa few and was impressed. It was a perfect mix of salty and sweet and the maple syrup just made it better. I'll certainly return to Nashville JUST for Pancakes!!
(5)
Karina C.

Do the line. I promise you will love it. Service was great once inside. They have coffee for you to have while waiting in line. I had to have the sweet potato pancakes as they were all over yelp, but I thought the cinnamon syrup was too sweet. Coffee was good. Highly recommended.
(5)
Jacqueline M.

There's a reason people don't mind waiting long lines for this place and once I had my taste of the raved about sweet potato pancakes I knew exactly why this place was so solicited.The line will seem long, but it moves. These people are pumping you in and out so don't be discouraged! It isn't the cute and quaint decor or the friendliness of the servers that put these people on the map, it boils downright to its breakfast and it ain't healthy and probably not organic. If you're here for the coffee or an option less mainstream you might be disappointed. So the pancakes are light and fluffy- with amazing flavor and then there's what they call a cinnamon cream syrup. Don't know what it has in it, don't care what it has in it but it NEEDS to be a part of my pancake experience for the rest of my life. I wasn't a huge fan of the hashbrowns and everything else may be a little hard to mess up on but what they do good they do GOOD and I was definitely a fan of my pancake experience.
(4)
Michael U.

Items Selected: Cornmeal Pancakes with Honey Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberry Banana Bread Pancakes with Cinnmon Cream Sauce Half Order French Toast Coffee Arriving in Nashville the night before I almost couldn't wait to finally visit a restaurant my breakfast-loving self had long heard was amongst the best in the region, and opting to avoid rumors of long lines with an early Tuesday arrival our party of three walked right into the Pancake Pantry, a cozy table at the center of a large dining room ours for as long we'd want it, a relatively slow morning never once seeing the space more than half filled. Celebrating "50 years & still 23 varieties" in reference to their eponymous griddled specialty it was with water filled and menus in hand that menus were perused and quickly poured the type of atrociously over-roasted coffee that makes it clear why some people absolutely hate the stuff it was thankfully that the kitchen was not overburdened, a trio of pancakes soon arriving alongside half an order of French Toast. Unfortunately not offering 100% Maple Syrup, but instead featuring house-made Cinnamon Cream Sauce and some sort of artificial rubbish overly sweetened with High Fructose Corn Syrup, it was with the French Toast that the tasting began and featuring eggy cinnamon bread not quite soaked to the core the flavor was perfectly fine, though certainly nothing worth writing home about, a slather of butter and cinnamon cream adding a bit more flavor both here and to 'banana bread' pancakes that were oblong and lightly tinged in both fruit and nuts without being too sweet or aromatic at all. Perhaps making a mistake in eschewing classic buttermilk or signature sweet potato flapjacks it was onward to thin Swedish pancakes that the tasting progressed and although already cool to touch by the time they arrived the flavor of both the light batter and lingonberries were quite pleasant, the far more toothsome cornmeal cakes dressed up in honey proving to be the best bites of the breakfast largely due to the lightly bronzed and buttery exterior, plus the fact that everything else was just so mediocre.
(2)
Sarah S.

We love Pancake Pantry!!! It's a fun experience on a good weather day getting to stand in line with strangers, people watch,and get a chance to chat with the people in your party (put those cell phones away, everyone!). The service is fast, very efficient,and friendly! We loved the pancakes with blueberry syrup, and the coffee is good! The neighborhood is great as well! Will definitely take out of town guests next time it's a nice weekend :).
(4)
Michael L.

There are a couple of hurdles to overcome before you get seated. The first one is their hours of operation. It may be inconvenient for many. The second one is their wait time to be seated. Trust me on this. The waiting line extends around the block. It can get rediculuous. My girlfriend and I ordered the French Toast, sweet potato pancakes, grill cook's medley, and Georgia peach pancakes. The pancakes were great. I've tasted better ones from Texas. But, they're better than your ordinary pancakes from IHOP, Denny's, etc. The French Toast was nothing special. I wouldn't order it the next time I come here. The grill cook's medley was just ordinary hashbrowns mixed with eggs, vegetables, and cheese. Nothing special. The service was great. The employees ensured that the customers were well taken care of. All in all, I would come here again. It is nothing to die for, but the pancakes are better than your ordinary pancakes from chain breakfast restaurants. There is never a day when there isn't a long line. Be sure to come as early as possible.
(4)
Danielle S.

I'm almost thankful that there is usually a line for this place. If there was not, I would eat here daily, and become obese. I've only been here once, but my friend and I tried 4 different kinds of pancakes. We had banana bread (probably our favorite, the famous sweet potato, raspberry, and chocolate chip. All of them were awesome. We also felt the need to eat potatoes and bacon.. Because night shifters are ravenous when they get off work in the morning. Just take everyones word for it and eat here and then take the rest of the day off to recuperate from your food coma.
(5)
Terri C.

Drove 4 hours to eat here! Stood in lone at 9am! got in. Had some awesome bacon eggs hash browns and banana pamcackes! But for 2 of us... $38. Paying for the experience.
(4)
Jamie P.

The line-up on arrival was massive, but moved at a relatively good speed. I think we waited 30 minutes total to be seated. It seemed to be a pretty run of the mill breakfast spot. Maybe like a Denny's, without the franchise feel. The food was good, but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Katti W.

We came here while visiting Nashville one weekend, so of course, we waited for 45min-an hour for a meal at Pancake Pantry. We had to see what all the hype was about. Luckily, it was a gorgeous day outside and we got a cup of coffee from a nearby bakery and enjoyed the weather while waiting. Since it was our first time here, I got what everyone recommended- the Sweet Potato pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup. And I have to agree- it does not disappoint!!! If I ever come back, this is exactly what I would order again! We got hash browns for the table- they were good, not great, but hit the spot when you need something salty to go with all that sugar. Loved it here!
(5)
David W.

Worth the wait. My daughter and I went on Sunday morning, around 930. The wait was approximately 45min. My daughter had a kids plate with sausage, eggs and a few regular pancakes. I couldn't decide so I had a combination of blueberry and the famed sweet potato pancakes. Both were incredible. I couldn't decide which I liked more. I'll be back next time I'm in the area.
(5)
Jay I.

This is the best run restaurant in the world! My wife and I ate here while staying in Nashville. We went at 10:30am on a Wednesday and the place was packed. Even though there was a line out the door, we were seated in less than 10 minutes. They really know how to move the line. The food was great. I had the regular buttermilk pancakes and they were awesome. My wife had the peach pancakes!!! They were even better. They let the fruit flavor these and don't rely on a sugary syrup. Topped with fresh whipped cream, this was the highlight of the breakfast. The service is wonderful and for a popular restaurant, the price was a shock how low it was. Great place to try in Nashville!
(5)
Laura L.

REALLY below average food. Akin to waffle house. I wanted this to be good based on the reviews but not so. The pancakes tasted like a frozen processed version, "homemade" maple syrup was watery/sugary with fake flavoring. Trees make authentic syrup, not people. The hash browns were greasy and fairly tasteless. The bacon overcooked, hard and chewy. Obviously had been sitting awhile. Overall, very uninspired food. Unfortunately, this is one of those places that is living on an outdated "must go" reputation. There are much better offerings in Nashville.
(2)
Karrie M.

Had the sweet potato pancakes, waited in line outside for an hour but it was so worth it. The atmosphere was great and the service was top notch!!! Always recommend the pancake pantry!!!
(5)
Greg D.

There is a line out the door everyday. I have not eaten a pancake in 20 years. That being said----I loved The Pancake Pantry. Black coffee was superb. I had the eggs, hash browns and ham with wheat toast. All were very good but the swine was fantastic. Service was very good and the people move in and out fast here. There is always a celebrity eating here as well. Next time in Nashville--I will go back.
(5)
Sarah J.

Long lines but ok food. 10 years ago there weren't many brunch options in Nashville. So pancake pantry was by default the best place to go. But you will wait in line for an hour or more and the food isn't worth. It's not bad but not a must go to place if you are visiting.
(3)
Robert L.

The food here is delicious! I just couldn't choose between the dishes so I got two. I had an order of pancakes and a full omelet (which comes with pancakes). Don't judge, I just ran a half marathon the day before. The line was long to get in amounting to about an hour wait, but that was likely because the town was full of hungry runners. The wait was worth it. I'm definitely going back when I'm in Nashville again.
(5)
James M.

It's okay. It's definitely not worth the wait for the pancakes they have. Also, any a la carte sides are super expensive. There are better places to go around town if you want to avoid the tourists and have a great pancake/brunch option. Overall, the food was pretty good but the value and line were terrible. Not gonna be going back any time soon.
(2)
Lauren C.

This place shouldn't have a line, what is with Nashville and hyping up mediocre establishments? "Maple" syrup was terrible, trust me I've been to Vermont enough to know. IHOP has better pancakes, French toast, however, was delicious. They were short staffed, our waitress was possibly trying to be funny or she was just rude we're still on the fence with that. Hash browns were as good/bad as any other restaurant I've ever been too. If there's a ridiculous line I wouldn't bother, don't think you're missing out on anything if you choose to go somewhere else.
(3)
Kendrick P.

Around 8-830 the line is not to long and the have hot free coffee while u wait...about 10mins wait give or take. I don't see what the big deal is about this place, the pancakes are about average and small. I did enjoy the sauage patties that came with my meal and the eggs where made just the way I like it but to tell you the truth Cracker Barrell has better tasting pancakes and they are ACTUAL size pancakes mama used to make! The setup is nothing fancy just yur average pancake scene.... Not in a hurry to go back
(3)
Steve E.

Let's get a few things straight. I HATE WAITING. I'm the guy that will drive 7 miles further just to keep moving in traffic. I regularly nuke the skin off the top of my mouth when pizza is hot. I am not good at being the " just give it a minute" dude. So....last night we ate at the Catbird Seat. Which means we had to have some night after food. It had been a while since we paid our respects to The Pantry (capitalized, as it is Pancake deity). It was time. We waited 35 minutes. Yes, it was cold. But I actually always rediscover two things and have one take away. 1) you meet someone cool in line every time. Just talk. What else you gonna do? 2) the food is STELLAR. Scrambled soft, bacon, pancakes. The best pancakes ever. And the eggs are killer. I should know. I am an official Waffle House devotee. The take away? If you don't like the whole experience of Pancake Pantry, we have no shot at being friends. And you hate puppies.
(5)
Moira R.

This place is NOT WORTH AN HOUR WAIT. It is, however, quite delicious. Food comes out fast, wait staff is appropriately pancake house-y. The coffee is continually refilled which is necessary and appreciated. Also, one of the few spots in Nashville where they have a coffee station outside, which is the right thing to be doing during brunch. (Why isn't everyone doing that? Do they not understand that for some people coffee is a medical requirement to be a decent human being?) I'm a big fan of the green chili corn cakes with maple syrup. They are different, and delicious and I'm a huge fan. Also whatever that cream syrup is -- cinnamon cream? Idk, but it should be bottled and sold. I generally go at 6AM (wake up randomly early? Get pancakes.) or at 1pm (day off) to avoid the lines. This place is an institution, and it is for a reason. It's delicious. Also, you can take people who don't like pancakes -- there are egg/bacon/hashbrown options. It's just a greasy spoon breakfast place that serves a ton of pancakes.
(3)
Harry H.

Still running on EST, we arrived @8:30 on a Saturday to find no wait to be seated OR helped, ordering up the sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup (good topped with excellent) with some borderline awful hash browns (really, people??). Can't say I'd return even without a wait, though; would prefer to just buy a jar of the syrup and apply it at home. Ended up at $24.43 pre-tip; no paper towels in the restroom and the day had barely started, so that was probably a dogshow.
(3)
Tom L.

My theory on a restaurant is: the value proposition has to involve something I can't get at home. Sometimes that's great food I can't make (every terrific restaurant you can name). Sometimes, that's convenience (I want it NOW). Then, there's pizza which always seems better to me when someone else makes it. But pancakes? To go out for? To stand in line for? That are expensive? The Pantry is cool at 7 a.m., if you have $12 for breakfast. I like it then. Otherwise, not worth the insane lines by mid-morning. Why? These are pancakes. Things you can make at home. For less. In less time. That taste every bit as great. Plus, no one at home snarls at you. If they do, then you can add that to the value equation for going out...
(3)
Kelly F.

My friends and I recently road tripped to Nashville from WV. We knew we had to try the trademark pancake pantry. First, we got there at 900 am on a Saturday, we were starving and weren't willing to stand in the huge line wrapped around the building. We decided to wake up at 6 am Sunday morning to avoid the line, and that we did. I got the banana bread pancakes and hash browns. They were good, but nothing special. For the price of the pancakes, they are very thin and did not leave me full for long. My friends and I both had better tasting and cheaper breakfasts at other diners. I do not think waiting in line would be worth the pancakes. My friend got the sweet potato pancakes which she said were good, but nothing special. Overall, yes the food is good, but we all have had way better breakfasts else where including bigger and thicker pancakes for way less than 8$ a plate. If there is no line I would go to experience a famous eatery in Nashville, but would not recommend waiting a lengthy time.
(3)
Chris J.

Sweet Potato Pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup. That's all you have to order here for immediate happiness. Yes, the line is out the door, but it moves pretty quickly. And it is worth the wait. This is a Nashville institution and you need to try this meal!
(5)
Bert S.

Wait was way too long and the food was not very good. Jackson's across the street has much better food and better service without the wait.
(1)
Erika G.

I had a fantastic experience at the pancake pantry. We went around 8am on a Monday. No wait! Our server was very friendly and the bussers were very attentive. I had the make your own omelette with cheese and tomatoes with the banana bread pancakes, and a side of the famous hash browns ( crispy and crunchy!!) All very delicious. My boyfriend had the bacon and eggs (included side of pancakes) with a side of white toast. The toast was nicely toasted and the pancakes, and I quote, "the best pancakes I've ever had!!!") I definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Emily R.

This place was delicious. I got the Caribbean pancakes with coconut and bananas and it was amazing. My boyfriend got their award winning french toast and that was great as well. They even offered a cinnamon syrup in place of maple syrup if you chose. I thought it was amazing with the pancakes I got. However, while I thought the french toast was great, the pancakes are a must. They have a huge variety and it is delicious.
(5)
Heather S.

AMAZING. Everything we ordered was delicious. We HIGHLY recommend the sugar and spice pancakes as well as the sweet potato pancakes. The best part is the cream sauce. It went with everything and was unlike anything I've tasted. Majorly tasty. Go here. You'll wait in line but it's so worth it!
(5)
Megan K.

A fun breakfast spot, but VERY touristy. I'm a big fan of their sweet potato pancakes and the blueberry pancakes, but their wait is usually insane--everyone wants to try them out! I will say the pancakes are delicious and the service is great, but it's hardly worth a 30+ minute wait on a weekday. That being said, it's worth experiencing at least once. Pretty drab decor, but quick service and good location in Hillsboro Village. Parking is a pain, but it's a convenient walk if you work or live near Vandy/Hillsboro Village.
(3)
Frances B.

I had the grill cook's Medley with blueberry pancakes and it was fantastic. My friend got the sweet potato pancakes and they were out of this world. So glad I came here! Charming restaurant, will be back when I'm in Nashville.
(5)
Brandee B.

My friend had wanted to try this place for awhile and since I was in town. I said why not? I figured out why not when I got there. OMG, I figured this place must be good looking at the line around the corner to get in on a FRIDAY morning. Wow, doesn't anyone work anymore. lol We waited patiently in line and when we went in it was surprisingly bigger on the inside that it looked on the outside. We got seated fairly quickly and got our food after that. I was pleasantly surprised. I got a turkey, mushroom, swiss, onion omelet and it was fantastic! The ingredients were fresh and it was a big portion. I love omelets and cheese so was impressed with how much they put in there. I also had the pancakes and while the syrup was a little too thin for my taste. The pancakes were fluffy and good. I dont know about the wait but I would come back for the omelet anytime.
(4)
Dew T.

I love pancakes and I had heard that the Pancake Pantry was the IT place for pancakes in Nashville. Far from it. It's very a trendy/ Vandy thing to do, but we won't be back. Head to Fido on the same block and you won't regret it! And if you're ever in Minneapolis, go to the Original Pancake House for the best pancakes of your life!
(2)
Catherine Y.

the pancakes were good but definitely not worth the long wait in my opinion. my friends and I tried the sweet potato, pecan, and santa fe pancakes and they were nothing super out of the ordinary. my favorite part of the meal was definitely the hash browns! the service was not that great either. I would go back but only if there wasn't a line!
(3)
Cara S.

Okay, everyone complains about the line! It moves pretty fast so don't sweat it! Trust me it is well worth the line. Not to mention they have coffee out there for you while you wait. :) Upon entering the place is one floor and very cute. Kind of has a Europe kind of feel to it! From the moment of entering to the moment you sit down you are greeted with TRUE southern hospitality! The waitress is quick with your drinks. Now to the food: 1. Coffee is strong so beware! 2. Apple Juice is good, but not pure juice. 3. The sweet potato pancakes are SERIOUSLY OUT OF THIS WORLD! 4. Wild Blueberry pancakes are AMAZING. 5. Hash browns are ok, nothing to write home about. Upon leaving everyone from the waiter to bus boys make sure to thank you for coming and thank you for your business! Love that!! The things that prevented me from giving them 5 stars are: 1. Our waitress waiting on 2 tables before us that arrived after us. 2. Their food arriving well before ours and them being done eating by the time we got ours and they arrived after us. 3. Bathrooms, need cleaning and toilet paper. 2 stalls had nothing. Other than that, I WILL be back!!!
(4)
Susannah B.

I had just moved to Nashville and one of my friends told me I HAD to come here. We're not both from here originally so technically we were still tourists at this point. Anyways, I went around 9:15 and the line wasn't too bad - I'd say a 5-10 minute wait. The food was awesome. I had the chocolate chip pancakes which were to die for. The sausage side I had didn't rock my world then again it's not the Side Dish Pantry. You don't pay at the table - they ring you up by the door to try and get people in and out fast which seems to work because the line is always moving fairly fast. Rip : I drive by it almost every morning - if you want to avoid the line go either RIGHT when they open to around 7:15
(5)
Heather J.

I visited Nashville with some friends a few weeks ago, and I did my research prior to arriving. I read the reviews of Pancake Pantry and wrote it down on our to-do list. We had just finished our Nash Trash Tour and were looking for a bite to eat, when we happened to arrive in front of Pancake Pantry. I recognized the name from my research, so we went in. We arrived around 1pm on a Friday and it was totally packed. We were lucky not to have to wait long, but I bet the people who were already in there had stood in line for a while. Despite the packed house, a waitress came to our table right away and brought waters and menus. Those of us who asked for coffee got it promptly and our cups were kept full throughout our meal. I got an omelet, and though it wasn't traditional (all the would-be "fillings" were actually piled on top of the egg), it was very tasty. Everyone enjoyed the cinnamon syrup and the blueberry syrup. When it was time to pay, the waitress very kindly split the check for us. This is definitely a great spot to grab breakfast/brunch/lunch!
(4)
L. G.

I have to say that good food was not even a redeeming factor for the experience my husband and I had. We stopped by for a late breakfast and got simple sweet potato pancakes and eggs and sausage. Which tasted pretty darn good. What made the experience so poor was the inattentive waitress and the high price of the meal for the amount of food we got. The bill didn't seem to add up. Three hours later we both experienced stomach cramps and severe indigestion. Will not return.
(1)
Jeff S.

The place is really busy but they're very efficient about getting people inside quickly. So don't let the line outside scare you. The pancakes were good but the home fries were better. Definitely order some when you were there.
(3)
Rich B.

Was advised to make sure we got here and so glad we did. Food was great and service was great. Lots to do in this area too. The wait was worth it.
(5)
Susan S.

Went on a weekday around 7:45am and had no wait whatsoever. There was a line forming when we left an hour later. The buttermilk pancakes were great, but the Belgian waffles were a bit disappointing. The compote served with the blueberry waffle was delicious and way less sweet than what you're typically served at breakfast places. But the waffle wasn't hot or crisp. It was cooked all the way through but must have been sitting around for a while waiting for the rest of my order. It also was pretty small and left me hungry compared to my friend's 5 pancakes that she couldn't eat half of. Service was fast and friendly. Our waitress was very attentive to when cups became almost empty and brought refills before I even asked. They also have that great eating ice that doesn't hurt teeth chewing. I'd still go there again, I just wouldn't order the waffles.
(3)
Joseph N.

Go to IHOP not worth the two hour wait! The food portion is normal and the taste is ok. The only special thing about this place is the sweet potato pancake. I mean the place is ok but definitely wouldn't wait two hours to go eat there anymore.
(2)
Rebecca M.

AMAZING!! My sister and I came in to try this place while visiting the area and we were both very impressed with the deliciousness of the food. I am generally not a big fan of pancakes but I will rave about these pancakes for days to come. I tried the raspberry and my sister got the blitzes and we shared...both were fantastic! It would be cool if they added a pancake plate sampler to the menu...mini versions of some favorites!! Would've loved to try others had a hard time settling on the two we picked but excellent choices both were outstanding!
(5)
Megan F.

Sweet potato pancakes. Enough to keep me coming back and bringing friends and family with me! Expect a line... just goes to show how amazing the food is!
(5)
Janene H.

We hit up Pancake Pantry at about 9am on a weekday and were seated right away. Getting someone to actually help us was another matter. Our server was an older lady who has worked here for decades and apparently knew many regulars. She spent so much time chatting (she even slid into a booth at one point) that she neglected her tables. I watch longingly as our food sat in the window growing cold. Finally another lady must have took pity on us and brought us our grub. The food was good- we wanted to try a little of everything. My favorite part of the meal was by far the sweet potato pancakes. And oh, that creamed syrup! DELICIOUS!! Now why don't they sell bottles of the stuff?!?! I actually asked about it and was told that they make it fresh daily and are concerned it would go bad. So?? Put an expiration date on the stuff! Too bad, I would have loved to take some home, or at least gotten the recipe! ;-) BTW... I was not happy you have to pay to park.
(4)
Bryan A.

I hate snobby people that serves people and think they are better that who they are serving...I practically have to beg for a refill of water...this trick refills my water as it sat on these small ass tables and drips water ALL in my pancakes.
(1)
Andy S.

Go to noshville. No need to wait 40 minutes at 1030 on a Thursday morning. Small portions.
(3)
D. K.

We really, REALLY loved our breakfast here. As everyone says, the line moves super fast, and the food was totally worth the wait. The best part of the meal was the hot chocolate! Although that was only because we requested the waitress to make it "extra chocolatey." She later said that she added some chocolate ganache to make it richer. They should really make this standard practice, as our entire table agreed that we would come back for the hot chocolate alone. My favorite of the morning was the sweet potato pancakes, although my Georgia peach pancakes and my sister's chocolate chip pancakes were pretty stellar as well. And the French toast was amazing! Hashbrowns were cooked perfectly.
(5)
Lisa C.

Yum! love their pancakes. Granted you might have to wait a while depending on when you go and what time,but it's well worth it. The smell of pancakes escapes to outside the building when you're in line and all you can think of is the delicious food. It's worth the wait!
(4)
Matt W.

A wait of around 30 minutes to get in and it was well worth it. I had the sweet potato pancakes and the Swiss chocolate pancakes (you can choose 2 and they split it 3 and 2). The Swiss chocolate pancakes are good but the sweet potato pancakes with the cinnamon cream syrup is where it's at. Free coffee, great pancakes and our waitress was rushed off her feet but very nice. Definitely have to try this place if you're in Nashville.
(4)
Eric B.

in a word? fail. i really wish i could remmeber more about this place aside from me thinking it sucked, but i do remember this: 1. my omelet failed. it had the cheese and vegetables OUTSIDE the omelet. piled on top of it?! what type of shit is that? also, they don't have a veggie omelet. you have to pay for each vegetable as it's own "topping" or whatever. fail. 2. the hashbrowns were fail. think clumps of mashed potatoes thrown on a grill and left on one side too long. yeah. fail. 3. breakfast for two people was like 34 bucks. inexcusable fail. eric b
(1)
Haz T.

After waiting in line for over 45minutes in the cold, I thought I should put in my 2 cents worth. my rating is based on the 2 times I visited the place. I use De Dutch Pannekoek House in Vancouver (Canadian chain) and Original House of Pancake (US chain). Out of 5: 1- food appearance and presentation: 4 I've had the pancakes, omelets, eggs, coffee. The food was nicely presented, which surprising considering how BUSY it was! Eggs were made to my specification. They have LOADS of different options to choose from. We waited about 10mins for the food to come out. But overall the meal didn't really jump out at me. 2- Aroma and taste: 3.5 I've had better pancakes. I hate to say it, but it was very IHOP quality. In fact I like the IHOP chocolate pancakes better because they use a chocolate batter in additionto the chocolate chips. I would go for the omelets over the pancakes, which is ironic considering their name. 3- Service: 4 The waitresses and staff were very friendly, even though they were really busy. The girls at the cashier can put a smile on their faces every once in a while. 4-Ambiance: 4 A little loud at time. The food quality does not justify the wait. You would be going there for the ambiance if anything. The overall setting is good for family gathering, casual lunch/brunch or casual business breakfast. Overall I give it 3.875 (4 stars). Would I go back? YES, but I wouldn't got there specifically for their food. It's a nice place to hang out with friends on a weekend morning.
(4)
Janet G.

This place was really good - thankfully, since we waited almost 2 hours! We were a group of ten on a Saturday morning, so it wasn't a huge deal, but we were seriously hungry by the time we sat down! Sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon cream sauce. That's all I have to say. Get them. And some hashbrowns, too. Get ready for a carb coma! Totally worth it, though. Especially if you're on vacation, like we were. Lots of varieties of pancakes were ordered, and they were all great, but this was the stand-out, we all agreed. So good that one of our girls said it was totally worth getting HIT BY A CAR crossing the street on the way there. She does have a concussion and all, but the pancakes are that good.
(4)
Angelique D.

The sweet potato pancakes are seriously the BEST pancakes I've ever had! There's always a wait in line...but it's so worth it. Every time I visit my friend in Nashville, we go to the Pancake Pantry!
(5)
Maria C.

BEST HASH BROWNS EVERRRRRRRRR! i LOVE potatoes and i have never tasted anything like this in my life. the way the potatoes are browned, there's this thick crust that's crispy but not burnt, and yet the potatoes inside the crispers are soft and fluffy that break in your mouth like powder. i know this is a pancake place and yet i am raving about the hash browns... pancakes were awesome too, i'm just not a huge pancake person, but very fluffy and delicious as well! loved the syrup and georgia peaches. the whipped cream, which they freshly whip was so awesome too! i could probably sit there and eat their hash browns and whipped cream forever... heavenly. very long line (and i hate waiting, especially when i'm hungry), but totally worth it. TWO YUMS UP!
(5)
Justin W.

Absolutely worth the wait if you love pancakes. Just be smart about it. Come during the week if you can, try to go during off-peak hours, and remember that smaller groups will generally get seated more quickly. And bring your appetite. Breakfast here is enough to fuel me through an entire day. The vast array of pancakes makes it impossible to decide which to order so the best part of bringing a group is getting to sample a variety. I also enjoy that they have serving suggestions in regards to what syrup/honey/sauce/butter to use. I'd also suggest that you try to get one of the old school waitresses. There are still some of the originals around and are always quick witted if not quick on their feet. In closing, just be patient and you'll be handsomely rewarded with a stellar breakfast.
(5)
Kelly E.

Long wait for potentially overblown pancakes. Go down the block to Fido's for a better breakfast and coffee. Only reason to eat here is for the tourist experience of it.
(2)
Robert K.

The omelettes are wonderful and come with pancakes. Great waffle, too.
(5)
April G.

Love the sweet potato pancakes and cinnamon cream. Yuummmm
(5)
Nathan W.

Mmmmmmm, delicious pancakes. I love breakfast. Actually, that might not really cover my emotions about the meal. I have a love affair with breakfast. After all, I didn't get this body by accident. I love the savory, the sweet and everything in between. When I think of breakfast I think of sweatpants, coffee and a warm place to curl up. Pancake pantry is none of those things. The coffee is bad, there is not a place to curl up and I think if I wore the sweatpants of which I speak, I would not be offered service. It is however a good place for food. The pancakes are...well...they are pancakes. Good ones. The creativity is amazing here. I like the southwest pancakes. Its the perfect savory sweet combo, and I am a fan. This place misses the mark on two fronts. First parking. Its bad. Getting here is a serious challenge and I hate that. Second, and this is a big one for me. The coffee is really bad. I don't really get it. If all I was responsible for was making breakfast well, I would be damn sure that the coffee was hot, good and ready when asked for. Its like an afterthought here and thus the 3 stars. Pantry, you could have 4 or 5 if you would just improve your coffee.
(3)
David S.

Definitely a Nashville institution, and everyone who comes to town wants to go there. Me? I just don't get it. There are plenty of pancakes to choose from. I've tried several different varieties and never finished a whole plate...the coffee is pretty poor considering Fido is just down the street. Bacon last time I was there was a little too crisp (i.e., burnt). Oh, and I've always had a pretty inattentive waitress. The line? Seriously, the food inside is not worth waiting for. Go once (when there's no line!) just to say you've been.
(2)
Laura M.

We got up early on our vacation just to get to Pancake Pantry before the line. It was well worth it. The selection of pancake styles is amazing. I had traditional and my b/f had pecan. Both were wonderful and were complimented perfectly by the salty deliciousness of bacon on the side. We were told to ask for Mary and truly she was the sweetest waitress alive. This place is well worth the wait, but you could also get up an hour earlier than normal and beat the crowd!
(5)
Matthew S.

i love the south. i love southern food. i love delicious pancakes. i love amazing country ham. i love sweet tea. i love having a big booth all to myself. i love nice waitresses. i love people who stand up to greet someone they run into at a restaurant during breakfast. i love waitresses that offer to give me a refill of sweet tea for the road. l love breakfasts that cost $8. i hate leaving pancake pantry.
(5)
Melissa C.

FAB-U-LOUS! What a great place in a neat little college town! Stopped here for breakfast on a whim while travelling, and wow, what a gem. I had the Sugar and Spice pancakes (cinnamon and powdered sugar and smothered in cinnamon honey syrup; oh man was it good) which were piled high and perfectly fluffy. Hubby had sweet potato pancakes and raved about them. My 2 and 4 year olds had "polka dot" pancakes...buttermilk pancakes with a handful of M&Ms on top. Super great service!!! When we got there every table in the place was full, but we got seated within 5 minutes. Good coffee and quick, friendly service!
(5)
Sean S.

It's no wonder the place continually has a long wait in the outdoors cold just to get in. Definitely no joke on the quality of the pancakes. I recommend the 2 eggs over easy, the three buttermilk cakes and the side of sausage patties. You can definitely skip lunch after that order. My daughter goes to college in Nashville and I will certainly be returning to the Pancake Pantry.
(4)
JEAN S.

This was one place multiple people told me not to miss before going to Nashville. I was told to expect a line, but we went in the middle of the week, and being on vacation and a little hungover we were fashionably late to breakfast. The menu was the usual breakfast fare. The best thing really was our sassy senior citizen server who was sucking on a lollipop throughout service.
(4)
Wanita N.

The wait does not warrant the food. There I said it. I mean, yes there were lots of pancake choices, and the two we sampled were lovely. But to have 30 minute waits in 20 degree weather is uncalled for. I had sweet potato pancakes, my date had savory potato pancakes and we had some beef stew which had the good, old-fashioned stew flavor. Still there's a cult following for this Nashville nosh spot.
(3)
Paige W.

Personally, I don't think the Pancake Pantry is all that it's hyped up to be. Firstly, unless you get there at 5:30am (or some other ungodly hour of the morning), you will have to wait in a line that usually snakes around the building. Probably a 30 minute wait, or longer, if you go at peak breakfast hours. What's more I don't think the breakfast is all THAT good. It's got your standard breakfast fare...pancakes (obviously), waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon. On the plus side, it doesn't take much time for your food to arrive once you order. However, I just don't think the food is all that exceptional. Give it a try if there isn't a line...otherwise, don't bother.
(3)
Justin H.

Saw the line to this place and knew that i would be in for a treat. Was looking to mack on some Vanderbilt womens in line but there were nothing but families around me. Well, at least the food was good!! Had pancakes with a side of ham, everything was great. This place probably is slightly overhyped but it is still a great place to eat. Will be the first place i stop next time i am in Nashville.
(4)
ivan n.

Mmm top 5 best pancake I've ever eaten.. I asked the waitress what she would eat and she suggested the sweet potato pancakes.. Well thankyou very much flo(I don't know her name so let's call her flo) hope you enjoyed your tip as much as I enjoyed my pancakes. pretty long line as well, but worth the wait. I even bought myself a pancake pantry mug so i can forever dwell in pancake heaven while drinking my freshly brewed coffee and pouring bisquick trying to convince there is a hint of sweet potato in there.
(5)
Peter A.

best. pancakes. ever. and some interesting variations of them for sure. they are so good absolutely no butter is needed and just a drop of their delicious syrup. typically there is a line all the time and they are only open until 3pm daily. prices are very reasonable too for the amount you get, but this is one of the those places that just makes the other places useless.
(5)
Paul H.

Pancake Pantry may not be the best breakfast place ever and you may not think it's worth the (sometimes) long waits. But, it has become a Nashville institution for a reason. First, it's great people watching - whether you're into stalking country musicians or just like to take in the sights along 21st. Second, it's a great example of Southern hospitality. The servers always make you feel like family and always greet you with a smile. It works well for both large groups and quiet mornings when you just want to read the paper over some pancakes and eggs. This afternoon I stopped by the Pantry for lunch (I got there around 11:15AM and there was no wait). I had the ham and cheese omelet with pancakes and a nice tall glass of tea for $11.00. The portion sizes at Pantry are huge, so go hungry. There is no skimping, period. The omelet was absolutely overflowing with ham and cheese (which was awesome) and the pancakes were light and buttery (equally awesome). One touch that I really enjoyed was the cinnamon syrup brought to our table along with a warmed bottle of traditional maple syrup. Pancake Pantry is part of what makes Nashville unique. It's worth a visit (just avoid Sunday mornings when church is letting out).
(4)
Johnny K.

I'll start by quoting someone that I overheard as I waited on line. "If you have a line of people waiting to get in, and a line of people waiting to pay their bill, you know you have a good restaurant." I agree. I went out of my way to go to the Pancake Pantry today and I really enjoyed it. I had to wait like 20 minutes to get a table, and like 20 minutes to get my food after ordering, the service was pretty good considering how many tables each server attends to. The food was delish, I had the "Grilled Cook's Medley" and pancakes were awesome with the fresh whipped topping, but I did overhear folks raving over the French Toast, they might be better than the pancakes but I don't know for sure. It is a bit expensive for a regular breakfast meal, cost me around $24 (for one) including tip but it's worth it for a nice treat or if you are in town visiting like I am. I definitelly recomend this place if you are in Nashville.
(4)
travis allen a.

I know it's called Pancake Pantry, yet every time I have ever been to this bustling-yet-cozy breakfast joint, I have ended up getting the Grill Cook's Medley. Sometimes with the pancakes (which are delicious, fluffy, and fresh for only a couple bucks more), but more often than not, just with the toast. My goodness, what a large meal. Browns, eggs, toast, etc, the whole she-bang. To be honest, it's not the most amazing food I've ever had, but the staff is just so down-home friendly and the food makes you feel warm and gooey with nostalgia for grandma's farm in the summer time, and you can't beat that feeling, so for that warmth I award a 4th star.
(4)
Shauna G.

I am confused. I expected brilliant pancakes and what I got was decent pancakes. Nothing to complain about, but nothing to rave about with multiple exclamations and five star reviews. The service? Great. The pancakes? Eh. The basic buttermilk pancakes that accompany omelet orders tasted just a step above what I can put together with Bisquick. The fancy pancake that I ordered - the Chocolate Sin - was good, but not the mouthwatering decadence that I expected after reading all the rave reviews. Maybe they just do pancakes differently in the Nashville? Not sure. But in my humble opinion, this is no Green Eggs CafÃ© or Honey's Sit and Eat in Philly or The Griddle in Los Angeles. A far cry from America's best pancake. Maybe I am just sad because none of the fancy pancakes included anything with peanut butter. Yeah, that's probably it.
(3)
Beatriz V.

Great place! Tried the sweet potato pancakes since they are most popular. So delicious, they give you the option for 5 or 3, the size of the pancakes are regular so if you are just eating pancakes and no sides then get the 5. Hash brown are delicious, my sister got a platter that topped them with yellow and white cheese! Yum! Make sure you have enough time to wait in line for service as the line is usually outside but worth it!
(5)
Jaci Y.

Pancake Pantry I wanted to really like you I did and I loved the customer service and friendly welcome when we came into Nashville in the a.m. to have some breakfast. I would not return here because I felt their basic pancakes were dry and I had to soak them in syrup to eat them. I liked their bacon but my husband didn't care for the bacon. I did think their bacon was super salty but perhaps that's how they liked it. Their eggs tasted too plain to me, I felt I really had to eat bacon with the eggs to make it taste better. I feel a Pancake Pantry needs to have basic wonderful moist buttermilk pancake.
(2)
Sam A.

Pancakes were good, maybe the best I've had when it comes to pancakes but absolutely NOT worth the wait. My girlfriend and I stood in line for about 50 minutes before being seated. The food comes out relatively quick. My favorite was the sweet potato pancakes which were a lot more fluffy and light than I was expecting it to be. The syrup that comes with it is delicious. But like I said, not worth the wait.
(3)
Jim S.

It must be good because there's always a line.... I would say if you can walk right in and eat, it's worth the wait. Otherwise, I wouldn't stand in line. I'm an regular pancake sort of guy. No fancy pancakes. Just pancakes, eggs and ham. Mine breakfast was good but not over the top. My wife had the Cook's Medley. Again, it was good but nothing super special. We were told by a nice couple that the sweet potato pancakes were the deal. Maybe next time. Service was good, they have water / coffee while you're waiting. We were told the lines were shortest before 9 and after noon. I would say if your visiting, have time on your hands and want to do something 'Nashville', come on. Good people watching and chatting with the neighbors in line. If you want something more unique, there's probably more unique finds in Nashville. You can get larger groups in here if you want. Also, there were lots of kids. Really built for groups of 4 or 6.
(3)
Chris G.

This place has pretty good pancakes but I do think it's a little over rated. Honestly I like the griddle cakes at Noshville better. If you get there about 6:15 you can walk straight in but if you get there past 7:30 there is a line everytime. Over all the interior of the place is less than desirable and the staff is more worried about how many people they can cram into a table than they are the overall comfort of the customer. Everything in there is a little pricey but what you can expect for a place in the Village? So if you want to try it just make sure you get there early and don't go with a party of 5 because you wont even have enough room to put your drinks on the table without them having to touch a plate. Or if you want a bigger, thicker pancake just go to Noshville and order one griddle cake. It's not on the menu but they will still sell them like that. I do want to say that this place is kind of a big deal around here so try it once just so you can say you did!
(3)
Preston D.

Nothing special. I wouldn't wait in line, and I certainly wouldn't wake up my hungover self just to eat here. If you do go, make sure you have friends who wait in line for you, and time your arrival for when they're near the front of the line. It's not bad, but Nashville has much better brunch places.
(3)
Jen D.

Worth the wait! We originally passed this place up based on the line and made the mistake of eating brunch next door at Jackson's. That was a huge mistake as Jackson's breakfast was atrocious. We redeemed ourselves the next day and prepared for the wait at Pancake Pantry. It took 55 minutes but seemed shorter and was worth every second. The pancakes are the best I've ever had and my husband was very happy with the Grilled Cook's special. I'll wait again next time I'm in town!
(5)
Allison N.

The Santa Fe cornmeal pancakes are TO DIE FOR. The other pancake varieties are still good, but not worth a two hour wait. And be prepared to wait, because this place gets absolutely packed if you don't go before 9am on the weekends. I'd advise against getting other types of food besides breakfast here, as it seems pretty average. But who comes to Pancake Pantry for anything BUT breakfast? Bottom line: Nashville staple, so good to go to at least once. The Santa Fe cornmeal pancakes will, however, keep me coming back for more.
(4)
Lucy B.

I went here once, waited in the obligatory long line, and found...a regular, run of the mill diner. No frills, pancakes were good but nothing special. Our waitress was incredibly slow (the place was packed, but don't they expect that?) and we had to wait forever for our check. Not worth the hype!
(2)
Wesley J.

Terrible service, waited 2 hours after we sat down just for the food. Our waitress forgot about us and we literally had to wave our hands in the air to get her to come over. To top it off, she only delivered half of our food and left before we could even realize that things were missing. There was some unidentifiable green gunk on the corner of my pancakes which had to be scraped off since the waitress never checked on us once! The meals were overpriced and the portions far too small and poorly prepared to warrant this being a popular place to go for breakfast. If I could give 0 stars I definitely would! Never coming back to this very disappointing establishment...
(1)
Chris G.

Waited about 30 min in the line out the door, but expected. Service was excellent once seated. Food did take longer than expected, over 30 min. Buckwheat pancakes were truly unique & very good. Had a coacoa flavor, but they said it isn't in there. Coffee ok, not offensive. French toast & walnut pancakes also thumbs up. Off on a mission for buckwheat!
(4)
Josh B.

Made the horrible mistake of getting the Reuben at a place called the Pancake Pantry; however, it wasn't half bad. Girlfriend got the sweet potato pancakes and they looked, tasted, and smelled absolutely amazing. Well worth the wait!
(4)
Samantha V.

This place gave me the MOST delicious breakfast I have ever had in my entire life!!!!! I couldn't decide between the sweet potato pancakes or the corn meal pancakes with sour cream and chiles. So......of course I had my husband order the sweet potato ones and I the corn meal. I tasted his first and couldn't get enough! They were unbelievable! They literally melt in your mouth, I kid you not! Then I thought I shouldn't have ordered the cornmeal ones....but I tasted them and "Holy cow!" They were even more delicious! I could not believe how that combination of toppings works, trust me it does!!! The pancake pantry is a must stop every time I am in Tennessee! Thank you so much to my father in law for moving there!!! Looks like we will have to "visit" a couple times a year!!!! Enjoy!
(5)
AshÃrah N.

The food tastes like it was seasoned with water and the turkey may as well have been jerky. The food was well below subpar. I know this is a local hot spot but I cannot figure out why. . I usually don't mind waiting for excellent food and service, but never again will I wait 30 mins in the rain for pancake pantry. Do yourself a favor and skip it, especially if you're price conscious. Outrageously priced for the meager offerings.
(1)
Jocelyn M.

My pecan pancakes were delicious. Syrup had pecans in it, yum! Food and service were quick and server was efficient, attentive and polite. I waited about 15 minutes to be seated, which was worth it. I can't say that these were the best pancakes ever, but they were tasty. (In the interest of being fair,my husband thought his plain pancakes were mediocre. I had a bite of his and I thought they were decent, but definitely not as good as the pecan)
(4)
Andrea S.

The sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon syrup were good, but really how good can a pancake be? It's a pancake.
(3)
Lindsay J.

I'd feel better with a solid 3.5 stars, but I'm needy like that. Here's why: We've been aware of the Pancake Pantry since moving to town, as it's just one of those staples. My interest had been piqued since first driving down 21st and realizing that the crowd was not gathered to witness police activity, but to scarf carbs. My kind of crowd. So we were up at an ungodly hour (7ish) for a Saturday morning, and decided if we were going to check out this Pantry business, we better do it before the crowd arrives. I love some pancake goodness, but not more than my husband hates lines. We arrived just before 8:00 am and waited in line for maybe 15 minutes--totally tolerable compared to the urban legends surrounding the wait time. The decor (and staff, for the most part) is old school. The feeling is almost divey, except lighter and cleaner. That is a poor description, but you get the idea. Maybe? Anyway, our waitress seemed to have worked there for years, and had her system down pat. I ordered the sugar and spice pancakes, and my husband went with the originals. The food was really good, and there was SO much of it, so a great value. I also think someone should contact the UN about the fact that cinnamon cream syrup may very well be the answer to world peace. No one can be mad after pouring that down the hatchet. So, if I were someone of fewer words (my husband would be so much happier) and, I would just say: good food; glad to have checked it off my list of "to-gos." When friends and family come into town, we may go back if they're really interested, otherwise, I'll find somewhere a little more convenient for my regular weekend 'cakes.
(4)
R L.

With over 300 reviews and 4 stars I had to try this place while at a conference in Nashville. My coworker and I took two buses to get there. Thankfully it was a weekday and it was a bit later in the morning so they sat us within 5 minutes of arriving. I promised my husband (who stayed back in CA) that I would try the sweet potato pancakes, as he is a huge fan of everything sweet potato, I for one was hesitant. MAN was it DELICOUS! It lived up to the hype! The cinnamon cream syrup...ooh the syrup....WOW I mean WOW! It was orgasmic! I mean really! I didn't know food could make a grown adult cry. As I ate my pancakes I wondered when I would return to eat this yummy nectar of the gods. I knew I would have to return with my husband...who didn't think Nashville had anything good to offer which is why he stayed behind....boy OH boy was he mistaken! Nashville has delicious food! If I knew that the syrup was that good and that they didn't sell it I would have take a big purse with me....beware Pancake Pantry staff I will return to take a bottle home with me! The ham was fantastic too! The service was quick and efficient. As soon as guests leave ninjas come from no where to clean the tables. The wait staff is friendly and they don't rush you. The area has some cute shops you should definitely check out!
(5)
Kristen H.

Visited the Pancake Pantry on my recent trip to see my sister. As a pregnant woman waiting in a line for an hour, you had better live up to the Pancake in your name! I was so happy that they did not disappoint! I ordered the pecan pancakes and they were so scrumptious. My only complaint was that there weren't actually any pecans in the pancake, just a few sprinkled on top. AND I am still trying to figure out if it was really the pancake that tasted so good or the special pecan syrup that I drowned the cakes in...hmmm. The pancakes were definitely the highlight of my meal and for that they lost a star. My bacon was undercooked, almost looked like a raw shaving of the pig's rear. The must have hash browns that everyone mentioned here were bland and nothing to write home to your little brother about. Eggs were a bit flaky and dry, but since I was in pancake heaven, I just dealt with them. Service was grand. Everyone from the greeter at the door (when we finally met him) to the our overly flirtatious server to the sweet little old lady server were very accommodating. On the Saturday morning that we went, they even had "live" musicians outside the restaurant to enhance your wait. I would definitely visit again for that little piece of pancake heaven in my mouth!
(4)
Heather W.

Waiting in line to get in to be seated is well-worth it! The blueberry pancakes - which I had - were the best. Literally! The. Best. Ever. No, Seriously! It's been three weeks since I had those pancakes and I can't stop thinking about them - when I wakeup, when I'm driving and when I'm going to sleep. ;) Since it's about a four hour trip one-way for us to Nashville, I'm going to try to make a very amateur attempt to re-create those Pancake Pantry's blueberry pancakes at home! ~wockette
(5)
Joanna C.

We dodged the crazy cicadas and blew in here at around 3pm on a Friday during Memorial Day weekend. Ever since it was pointed out to us on a map a few months ago, I've had my heart set on trying this place when we were in town! I was craving something savory, so decided on regular potato pancakes, and boyfriend had the cornmeal pancakes. His came with honey (!), and were so good! Tasted just like really really good cornbread. My potato pancakes were a bit different from what I'm used to (latkes), but still so savory and so delicious! They were also served with apple sauce and sour cream, so I was a total fan of that. We scraped our plates clean. I was impressed with the super quick table turns, and our server was a bit impatient that we didn't know what we wanted the minute we sat down, but given the crowds here, I don't blame her for wanting to put our order in asap so that we can eat and get out. We did come back here again the day after that Saturday - and had to wait in the obligatory line for about 30-40 minutes. They had water set up so that was nice, but we were just paying attention to the hordes of cicadas that kept hovering around everywhere. This time around I had the sweet potato pancakes and boyfriend had the blueberry pancakes. OH MY GOD. Didn't even bother tasting boyfriend's pancakes because I was OBSESSED with the sweet potato ones in front of me!!! Dusted with cinnamon and sugar and served with its own flavored syrup (which escapes me right now)... AMAZING. Deemed to be the winner pancakes from the bunch we ordered at the table. So worth the hype!
(4)
Mary F.

I had such high hopes! Bottom line is, I'm not willing to spend that much on pancakes. I ordered the orange/walnut and was very disappointed; the orange extract in the cup of "syrup" was so overwhelming, that I didn't use it. Won't go back
(1)
Antoine T.

Breakfast in my hometown. I like sharing dining experiences with my family whenever I come home. The food at Pancake Pantry is ok. The service is excellent.
(3)
Micheal P.

You guys! It's just pancakes. They are good, but they're not wait in a line for an hour good! I just can't understand the hype about this place.
(2)
Nigel H.

This place was awesome! It said it was a true Nashville tradition to go here so I figured I just had to do it, and I'm glad I did! Got eggs, sausage links, and two walnut pancakes and they were AMAZING! I'm not a huge sweet potato fan, but I hear they are a HUGE favorite! You definitely wanna go here!
(5)
Amber R.

There is no doubt that the food at Pancake Pantry is great, but the customer service is lacking. I understand that a business can be very busy, but that shouldn't take away from the quality of the serving. I've been here several times and the staff spend very little time with you. If you want something you have to remind them several times before they actually bring it to you. This could definitely use some improving.
(3)
Doug O.

So here's the down and dirty for those of you who are like me and don't have patience for really long reviews: 1 - Order the sweet potato pancakes. They were great and I'm not really a big fan of sweet potatoes. 2- Avoid the maple syrup and head straight for the cinnamon cream syrup. It's out of this world. I'd love to get some of this for home! 3- Go early! I tried to go there twice on my business trip and both times the line was 1/2 a block long. Finally, I wised up and went at 7:00. 4 - The service I received was excellent. I told them that I had to be fast as I had to catch my plane ride back home. They were very accommodating and I made my flight with no problem. If I'm ever back in town, I'll be sure to get up early and drive as far as necessary to be sure and get some sweet potato pancakes!
(4)
Peter C.

I think the experience was blighted by the unrealistic expectations. I live near Vandy and the sight of block-busting line outside PP is like a repetative taunt. Would I have the willpower to stand in line 45+ minutes for what is implied to be the world's-greatest-pancakes? Well, as my time in Nashville draws near, I decided to cross PP off of my list of things-to-do. Lo and behold, 45+ minutes in line baking in the sun. The selection is impressive, and the pancake was tasty. But not so tasty to make the 45+ minutes outside "totally worth it." Not really. I could have had a nice workout at the gym during that 45+ minutes, or revised a paper, or whipped up a stack of pancakes in my own kitchen.
(3)
Christina C.

So, I'm in Nashville for the weekend with friends and we were looking up places to go to for breakfast in the area. I had already heard about the famous Pancake Pantry and it ended up being the first place that came up when searching for breakfast in Nashville, TN. So, we figured, what the hell, let's try this place... We arrived only to find a very large line of people waiting in the hot sun for a nice table to be ready. As we were not prepared to do this at this time, we left, to another restaurant. Day 2: We arrived again, only to find another very large line... Day 3: We arrived once again, and again found a line, but said we need to eat here because it must be absolutely amazing if all these people wait in line every day. In line we went (Group of 8) and waited for approximately 25 minutes to be seated. Once we got in, we ordered and waited patiently for our food. I ordered the Chopped Ham in Scrambled Eggs. Somehow, I pictured there would actually be chopped ham in the eggs, but no... it was served in rectangular-diced pieces just above the eggs. The pancakes were served on the same plate as everything else. I personally like syrup on my pancakes but don't like it on my eggs. Thankfully, there was an extra plate on the table and I used that. My review: the food was good, but I wouldn't say it was great. Then again, maybe I should have tried some of the other pancakes. I got a bite from the sweet potato pancakes and those were pretty swell. All in all, just a really long wait, which is really not good when you're hungry. Also, waiting to pay at the counter on the way out, not good.
(3)
Katie H.

For casual, country dining, this is the place to go. Now, be prepared to wait because this place is constantly filled to the brim. But it is well worth the wait and you earn the right to say you waited for the best. As for the food... As a Southern woman steeped in the culinary culture.. and a bit of a snob at that.. I can say without pause that the food is delicious. Home made, old school, and DEEElicious! The hashbrowns are thick, chunky and hearty. Their omelets are big, filling and generous portions. And the pancakes? Manna!! Don't pass this place up - GOOOOO!
(4)
mumin k.

Come on, you must be kidding me. When I first moved to Nashville, I used to see the long line with people waiting outside in the rain and I always thought "this must be a great place" I am not a fan of pancakes at all but decided to check it out just because it was so popular. Well, even after my visit there and trying several of what they call original pancakes, I am struggling to understand why people wait outside in the rain, snow and cold to get there. My visit to Pancake Pantry was a total disaster. I fail to see how their pancakes are any different than any other pancake. The horrible service was another reason for me to hate it. The waitress was so rude that I wanted to leave the place and never return there. Well, while many of my friends believe that this is the place to get pancakes or breakfast, I am not a person to wait in line and get treated like an unwanted to have their pancakes. However, this is a great source of entertainment for me, I can not stop laughing whenever I drive by Pancake Pantry and see people in the line waiting to get in in the rain :))
(1)
Laura L.

This restaurant is worth the wait (as long as you have your husband wait, while you shop in Hillsboro Village). The sweet potato pancakes are my favorite. I have tried to make them, but sweet potatoes are starchy and dense, so my pancakes are never fluffy enough. Somehow Pancake Pantry does pancake voodoo because theirs are always amazing. Oh and the Grilled Cooks Medley is fantastic.
(5)
K D.

Waited in line an hour, but it was a great time for us to catch up and the weather was nice. They provided coffee for those waiting. Once inside, they didn't rush you through the meal and it was a relaxed and enjoyable meal. We each tried something different: sweet potato pancakes, blueberry pancakes, make your own omelette, chocolate chip pancakes, and blintzes - and everyone had a great meal. A good amount of food for a good price. Interesting Nashville hot spot to check out if you're visiting.
(4)
David B.

Standing in line here is definitely worth the wait. The pancakes, french toast, and hash browns we had were amazing
(5)
Eric S.

Best pancakes ever!
(5)
Tiffany C.

Unless you're really into pancakes, you can skip this restaurant. Only being an ok fan of pancakes, I still went because one of my friends LOVES pancakes and because the line was out the door, down the block and around the corner. I figured it must be good with that kind of wait! All I can say is eh. I wasn't blown away. We ordered the sweet potato pancakes for the table to try, which were actually really really good and literally melted in your mouth but besides that, I was not impressed with anything else on the menu. I ordered an omlette that came with a side of buttermilk pancakes. The omlette was ok... really nothing special. The buttermilk pancakes were definitely good but wasn't jaw dropping, stop talking because I'm stuffing my face good. My friends ordered different varitation of pancakes and I guess maybe I was expecting too much. i.e. they might use different batter for their fruit pancakes or something but they don't. It's just the buttermilk with fruit dropped in it or on top. I will say though that their cinnomon syrup was heaven. If you go, you have to use it. It's really wonderful. If they don't do this already, they should bottle it and sell it because it's that good. They also warmed all the syrup which I thought was a nice touch. The hash browns are also worth getting. I thought it was pretty good. Service was ok but expected at a place like this. We sat by the kitchen and noticed there was a back log of food sitting on the counter. The servers couldn't get it out fast enough. Things to avoid on the menu: The Parisienne... I think people at this place have a different definition of "thin" because these were definitely NOT "crepe" like. It looked like they took regular pancakes and rolled it up. The fresh squeezed OJ that was $7 and definitely did not taste fresh squeezed is definitely worth avoiding too. If I ever make my way back to nashville, I think the only way I'd come back is if I didn't have to wait in like for an hour.
(3)
Robby E.

They also get served, who stand and wait (for like two hours). So disappointing on so many levels and for so many reasons. You know what's wrong here, and you don't need me to tell you.
(1)
Carolyn S.

Their sweet potato pancakes are delicious! The syrup is different and super yummy. Love this place!
(4)
Sandy G.

Love the Pantry. There is usually a line so go during the week. Service is really quick so if you do have to wait to get in, you wont have to wait long to eat. I recommend the sweet potato pancakes.
(4)
a b.

Freaking amazing. I loved it. But I'm also a huge breakfast fan. We were only in town for one day but I wanted to try everything. Next time we're in TN, we're goin'
(4)
Caesar R.

Just landed in Nashville for my very first time and the GF and I hit this place like it was on Sale the day after Christmas. Surprisingly, contrary to other reviewers and posts about this site, our timing was perfect cause we had no wait this morning! WOOO HOOO! And the friendly Southern Hospitality one would expect. It is so nice to have nice service compared to that of the disgruntled waitstaff of NYC diners. We sampled the following: VILLAGE SMITHY COLO SANTA FE CORNMEAL: 3 Stone Ground Cornmeal Pancakes with chunks of bacon, cheddar cheese and roasted green chiles cooked inside. (YUMMY, a hearty breakfast, especially with the sour cream and the picante sauce. Also pretty good with syrup) GRITS (Any trip below the Mason Dixon line should involve this dish at one or more of your meals). Such crazy Northern Speak, but yeah, I love me some grits or cheese grits when they are done right. HASH BROWNS (Deliciously crispy and had a great "doneness" about them compared to your average order of hash browns at other diners/breakfast spots) TENNESSEE COUNTRY HAM and SCRAMBLED EGGS (Opted for a Buckwheat and a Sweet Potato Pancake instead of the three buttermilks that normally come with it. The ham was good and salty, but not so over salty that you could barely eat it like some country hams. The eggs were nice and fluffy for diner eggs. The Sweet Potato Pancake was almost like a dessert, especially with the cinnamon syrup option. So you SALTY SWEET FANATICS would get your rocks off on this combo! And the Buckwheat pancake was delicious as well.) Not sure if I was starving having woken up at 4am NY time and just landed in Nashville and looking for some place good to eat near the hotel, but this food did not disappoint. But I did see that tempestuous line as we left that is the usual backlash from tourists (eg ME and the GF), popularityand a spot on The Food Network. Will try to come back with precision timing again before departing the area as the food above the hype and really good.
(4)
Kristen C.

The skinny on Pancake Pantry, from a well-seasoned local who has eaten a total stack of 'cakes roughly the height of the Parthenon: 1. Shhhh!! It's not on the menu, but you can substitute the 3 buttermilk pancakes you get as a side for 2 sweet potato ones. The kind with the loving, warm cinnamon syrup made of rainbows and happiness. *Do not even consider this optional!!!* Required eating, People!! I usually eat my eggs and stuff first, and then have the pancakes for Dessert,. Yes, my Dessert from Breakfast. Yes, I am a fatass. You should live your life by my teachings. 2. The hash browns are The Bomb. Extra crunchy-brown outside and warm and potato-ey inside. They usually run out of them on busy days and this is why. 3. The coffee sucks, but PROTIP: While you're standing in line for up to an hour, send the person in your group you hate the most down the street to Fido, the groovy coffeeshop about a block down on the same side of 21st. Drink Fido's delicious coffee while you wait, and don't bother getting it inside. The fresh squeezed OJ is way better anyways. I think it is laced with orphan's tears. 4. If you're still bored during the wait- there is a small bookcase right inside the entryway full of free books from Bookman Bookstore across the street. Hooray for Free!! *hops and claps* Read while you eat and then take your used book home. Or go on over to Bookman afterwards- worth a peruse while you digest the Mountain of Breakfast you just conquered. Then you'll be ready to harness your Food Baby into your seat belt and drive home to take a nap. Yes, a nap after Breakfast. Yes, the best napping EVER.
(5)
Mark G.

This place had a line out the door and around the building. On the first pass my wife and I decided to pass it up. But we couldn't find anyplace that we liked - when we came back past the Pancake Pantry we noticed that the line was moving really fast. So we got into line, and were seated in no time. This place was the best breakfast place I have had in a long long time. It was well worth the wait - I STRONGLY recommend it anyone in the area!! I got the sweet potato pancakes, and they were amazing!!
(5)
Gil D.

Don't be put off by the line - it's completely worth the wait. The grill medley of hash browns, eggs, toast and pancakes is a sure fire way to please your taste buds, satiate your appetite, and fill your stomach to bursting. The pancakes are wonderful, perfectly cooked bits of breakfast heaven. And the neighborhood is cute, too.
(4)
Ryan L.

What can you say after 121 previous reviews? Clearly the Pancake Pantry is where Nashvillians go time and and time again for breakfast. Their breakfast is superb and for good reason. The only drawback to this place is that it's not a secret (obviously) so the place is always packed and there is often a line out the door. Though I've waited in this line and it didn't take very long, it's still not my favorite pass-time. I have several other restaurants in Nashville that I prefer for breakfast, but that's not to bash the Pancake Pantry. They've got so much more going on than just an alliteration in the name.
(4)
Caileigh A.

I splurged and got the Chocolate Sin pancakes. They were absolutely incredible, and just the right amount of food for a brunch. If you go between 10 and 11:30 during the week, you can usually avoid a line. We had no trouble and we loved our meal!
(5)
Jeff M.

First off, this place does things that aren't pancakes: eggs, omelets, waffles, and French toast. But I'm guessing you didn't come here so you could avoid the pancakes. The pancake list is LONG. You know that scene in Forrest Gump where Bubba tells Forrest about all the things you can do with shrimp? Usually when I'm confronted with a list that long, I usually order the simplest thing. Because if they knock the simplest thing out of the park, then likely those other variants will likely be just as good or even better. I ordered the old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes. Plus, it's circled on the menu and recommended. Sigh. Perhaps I missed something. Or my taste buds weren't working that day. I wasn't blown away. I thought I would be. But I was disappointed. They were good, sure. But not as fluffy as I'd imagined. Or tasty. I've heard about the long lines to get in. There wasn't a long line the day I went and I'm glad. If I waited that long for this, I would have been pretty upset. But maybe the lack of a long line signified something? Has the quality dropped? Did I miss the boat? I'm hoping my experience was just an anomaly.
(3)
Lisette F.

We laughed when we saw the line down the block for this place. How good can those pancakes be? After reading some reviews we decided to try it the next day. The wait wasn't too bad. Maybe 15-20 minutes on an early Sunday morning. I had two eggs, bacon and the sweet potato pancakes. The eggs were some of the best over easy eggs I ever had. Bacon was delish. The sweet potato pancakes though were too sweet and I could only eat a little bit. Its definitely reminiscent of pumpkin pie, which i love, but i thought it was overkill on the sugar. The cinnamon cream syrup was good. My husband had the Sante Fe cornmeal pancakes. They were good but we both agreed it really wasn't something you would want for breakfast. Kind of appetizer tamale like. We love Mexican but a little too strange for us. They were also dry. My son had the chocolate chip pancakes. They looked incredible and got the thumbs up from him. Luckily we ordered a side of the regular buttermilk pancakes since we barely ate the other pancakes. I thought they were really good. My hubby, an old Ihop chef, thought they were above average but not amazing. Overall we thought it was worth the wait but stick to the traditional buttermilk pancakes.
(4)
Mark F.

I have eaten at the Pancake Pantry a few times. It is very good, but not worth the normal wait on the weekend. In the end remember its still just a pancake.. I wouldn't wait more than a half hour
(4)
Charles L.

I don't understand why this place has a line out the door wrapped around the block every day. The food is ok but it's not worth the wait. I make better pancakes at home... just saying. LOL.
(2)
Ashwin M.

Obligatory 4 stars. I mean, what the hell? Why would anyone not like this place? Quick service, awesome pancakes and a great choice, even for an ovo-lacto vegetarian such as myself. Coffee was good, ambiance okay and the pancakes succulent. the prices were slightly on the up side for a breakfast place, but i guess for a Nashville stalwart, it's worth it.
(4)
Kimberly K.

Sweet Potato Pancakes? I'm there! It was a rainy Thursday morning and there was still a line out the door. There is a parking lot nearby, but I believe you have to pay. We were able to find a spot beside a meter and it was about 25 cents for every 15 mins. I fed the meter about 2 hours worth of coins and when we came back, there was still 34 mins left. The line moved quicker than I thought it would. We were seated in about 26 mins. Not bad, since I had read that the wait could be up to an hour. The restaurant is extremely laid back and family friendly. Our server Crystal was so sweet. It was packed in here and I know she was busy with a lot of other tables. She was still attentive and so positive. Thanks for making our first experience at Pancake Pantry a memorable one! We decided to order the Sweet Potato Pancakes, Grill Cook's Medley w/ Wheat Toast, and Cheese Grits. The portions here are generous. The Sweet Potato Pancakes were fresh, warm, light, fluffy, and not too sweet. The sweet potato flavor went well with the dusted powdered sugar and cinnamon. The Cinnamon Cream Syrup that comes with the pancakes was slightly sweet and light. The Cheese Grits were amazing. They had the perfect consistency (they weren't watery or too thick). A thick slice of quality cheese was placed on the bottom of the bowl and whipped butter comes on the side. Mix everything together and it's a winner. The Grill Cook's Medley is prepared with such simple ingredients yet it was downright delicious. It's a hodgepodge of everything (hash browns, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, thinly sliced ham, cheese, and eggs). The dish was fresh, seasoned well (not overly salty), and not too oily. The potatoes were hearty and the eggs were light. Picante sauce comes on the side. It goes so well with the warm/crisp veggies, you may want to ask for some more :P Breakfast and Lunch is served all day. There's a reason why there is always a line (rain or shine) in front of this restaurant. It's simply, good eats.
(4)
Corey F.

When I first arrived on a sunday morning I thought this line is too long for breakfast. If I am going to wait for 30 minutes to an hour, it would only be for a dinner date. However, since I was in town only for the weekend I figured I would take one for the team. The line was out the door LITERALLY at 9am. They were serving water due to it being kind of humid outside which showed they had hospitality, but then again this is Tennessee. The good thing was the hostess kept pulling folks out of the line that fit the tables that were open all while informing the people in front of them so it didn't seem shady. I dislike when they just pull a group from the back of the line because it makes people get irritated. I forgot to mention parking. The first hour and a half is free if you park behind the place BUT be aware that the wait is about half that OR MORE so its probably best to just pay those couple of dollars for 3 hours. They were ticketing and DID ticket on a sunday. There are other businesses in the area so parking is not just for this establishment so I wouldn't count on that lot at high traffic times. Parking was cheap otherwise, especially coming from the DMV. It has a old fashioned syyle and the prices were reasonable. I ordered the french toast and the lady ordered the sweet potato pancakes. Both were great. I think they use alot of brown sugar. Almost tastes like a donut, ALMOST. Very good though. TI had eggs and sausage as well. Nothing to write home about but it was to standard. The customer service was great, no complaints once you get in. I think its worth the wait and the prices are decent. I paid for 3 people with twenty something dollars, with tip around 30.
(4)
Amanda S.

I was in Nashville visiting a good friend and she wanted to go to breakfast at her favorite place. I'm so glad we did! We waited in line outside for a little bit and it was totally worth it. It's all about the sweet potato pancakes. Helpful to know is that you can build your own plate of pancakes, as they allow you to order just one of each. I had a raspberry pancake and a sweet potato pancake. They came on separate plates which I really appreciated so that I didn't have to worry about syrups mixing! It's an interesting dining room, but I think they work it well. The service was excellent and we all enjoyed our meal. Next time I'm in Nashville, I will definitely be returning to eat here!!
(5)
Taylor D.

Two ways to tell a restaurant is great: long line and small sign. This place met both of those requirements. And the fact that everyone in Nashville says "You have to go there." When it comes to breakfast, I usually skip over the pancake portion of the menu. I have a hard time turning down eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast. But when at the Pancake Pantry, do as Nashvillians do. Sweet Potato Pancakes-it was love at first bite. The half order was a smart decision and plenty of food. The pancakes were perfectly cooked and sprinkles with cinnamon sugar. The cinnamon syrup definitely made the meal though. I went through three-fourths of the bottle. And then contemplated putting the whole thing in my purse. And the whole experience only cost me $6. Can't beat that. Only down side-you will spend as much time waiting in line as you so sitting at your table. The service is speedy and impersonal. If you are looking for a spot to have a prolonged Sunday brunch, I would skip the Pancake Pantry and head somewhere else.
(4)
Sam L.

After waiting in line for an hour & a half, we had pretty high hopes for these pancakes. I had the blueberry pancakes and my friends tried the cinnamon spice pancakes & the Santa Fe cornmeal pancakes. We all loved them to the point where we were in food comas for the rest of the day due to nearly licking the syrup off of our plates when we were finished! So delicious, can't wait to go back!
(4)
Lis R.

I was in town for family weekend at Vanderbilt, and my Vandy freshman brother and I needed a spot for Sunday breakfast before I flew home. The one place he had heard rave reviews about, even citing that some of his dormmates had visited it at 6am to avoid the line (which says a LOT if college kids are willing to get up early on a weekend to go), was Pancake Pantry. We got there at 8:20am on a Sunday morning. Yes, there was a line, but only to the corner (not yet wrapping around the building). Moved quickly - waiting about 20 minutes. So as long as you prepare and go before you are hungry enough to eat your own arm, the wait won't be an issue. Now, let me say first that I am *not* a pancake fan, which is the reason this is 4 instead of 5 stars. I'm much more of an eggs and oatmeal or an omelette kind of girl. After the sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon and cinnamon cream syrup here, however, I may be converted. How do they make sweet potato pancakes SO FLUFFY?! WOW. I died. Brother had pigs in a blanket and practically licked his plate. Coffee was good too, and the staff was SO pleasant. I wanted to give me waitress a hug because she was so wonderful, especially as every other restaurant / bar/ establishment we had visited over the weekend had miserable service. I was so pleased with the staff at Pancake Pantry - well done.
(4)
Tanda M.

Been there 2x, last visit was 3/20/11. Great pancakes, great food, nice atmosphere, old world Nashvillian charm...ONLY issue...the 1 1/2-2 hour wait...ON LINE to get in! My BF always orders the sweet potato pancakes which he raves about and of course I have had both the pancakes and the french toast there...yummy! You cannot go wrong! The food comes out pretty fast too! They also accommodate me with turkey slices since I dont eat beef or pork. Yummy food...the wait sucks. They need to either build an addition or do something about getting people up and out faster! Always a good place to eat!
(4)
Lesley S.

SWEET POTATO PANCAKES this place is A-MAzing...... Cinnamon Creme Syrup is to die for. Grits is good like most places in the south. I cheated and used that Cinnamon Syrup to add to the flavor. Hashbrowns are just as good as grandmas house! I got the egg and pancake special which is I believe 8.19 and I substituted the 3 buttermilk pancakes for 2 sweet potato ones. I shared all this with my husband and he was sold!
(5)
Justin C.

Typically, a long wait has kept us from eating here on our former trips to Nashville. This trip was an exception, only taking around 15 minutes to be seated. Sweet potato pancakes were amazing. Hash browns were great as well and had a taste more similar to a fresh baked potato rather than your ordinary grocery store "bag" hash browns. Food was also prepared quickly and we were in and out in less than an hour. Must try it.
(5)
Laura M.

Our breakfast was OK, we were visiting from out of state and heard all these wonderful things about pancake pantry, I was dissapointed that the batter was all the same, and only the syrups and toppings changed. We waited a long time to get in and it was around 1pm on a friday. The hashbrowns were REALLY good, I wish I'd ordered a bunch of those instead :)
(3)
Lauren H.

Om nom nom! Some of the best breakfast fares in Nashville and the country for that matter. The buttermilk pancakes are a staple and the chocolate chip pancakes are solid as well. The service is great- the waitress was kind enough to steer me away from the potato pancakes (which she brought a sample of later that confirmed her concerns- they are quite funky). The hash browns are also fantastic in texture and taste. The line moves quickly enough, and once inside you never feel rushed. Also bottomless coffee is a must
(4)
Channa P.

There's tons of reviews, so I'll make this quick. 1. Standard pancakes come with 5 pancakes and no sides. I got the short-stack with three, and that was much more manageable. 2. The line IS long, but it moves quickly. Once you make it to the coffee stand outside it's no more than 5-10 minutes to be seated. 3. If you want to get something different but aren't in the mood for a radical pancake, get the Sweet and Spicy. It's cinnamon based and AMAZING! It comes with a special syrup and apple sauce. I would skip the apple sauce. 4. Side of bacon. Period!
(4)
Lindsay S.

It might sound strange but I actually have to thank Keith Urban for turning me on to this little spot. If it wasn't for my undying love for his country songs and my hope for meeting him while on my trip to Nashville I never would have ventured into this little gem. We ended up getting there around 9am which was way too late because we had to stand in line for about 30 mins outside but there was plenty of entertainment some street musicians were playing some tunes and it was a quite enjoyable wait. Once inside I was surprised at how small the restaurant is it kind of felt like I was in Mom and Pop's kitchen back in the good old days complete with old fashioned decor and wood everything. We settled in at our table only to be greeted by a golden girl she was older and a bit hard of hearing but she knew her stuff and gave us some pretty good service considering :) I ordered the Sugar and Spice pancakes with no butter and hashbrowns and Bobby got the Ham and Cheese Croissant. My pancakes came with a special syrup but I opted to use the applesauce that came on the side to dip my scrumptious pancakes in. Pancakes were phenomenal I hate pancakes but I scarfed down every bite of these. The hash browns were to die for absolutely delicious the only downside was that I asked for yellow mustard for them and our waitress brought me Dijon. I was happy though because they were so delicious I ate them without mustard and still loved every bite in fact I am drooling for them right now as I am writing this review. Anyway, even though I didn't get a glimpse of Keith Urban on my trip I am very glad we tried this place on our last day for breakfast. Next time I'm in Nashville I might eat every breakfast here :)
(5)
Amy L.

Once you recover from the syrup coma you are bound to put yourself in, you will have to agree that this place is THE place for pancakes. Fortunately, I did not have to contend with the long lines that everyone speaks about. I did this intentionally by coming at an off hour, I think it was 1 pm. Good thing pancakes taste good at any time of day. I obviously ordered the Sweet Potato Pancakes which were amazing. The cinnamon syrup was almost too sweet. I could eat these delicious morsels of batter cooked in a pan all by themselves. In an effort to balance out my sugar levels, I ordered some salty country bacon. This helped the sugar coma, though not entirely. My friend ordered the pecan pancakes which were also pretty good but don't order something you can make at home! Help yourself to some sweet, sweet potatoes. If you're in Nashville and want to recover (or prepare) for a night out on the town, get yourself to the pancake pantry. Plus, you can sleep off your hangover and not feel guilty because you'll miss the line. Perfection...pancake perfection.
(5)
David O.

If you don't mind a long wait for breakfast, its really some of the very best you can get. When my parents visit from out of town we almost always try and go.
(5)
Josh K.

best breakfast in nashville. All there really is to say about it.
(5)
Catherine M.

Went on a tuesday so there was no waiting in line. Food came out really fast. It's real maple syrup and the cinnamon cream syrup is good. Mixed the two as another yelper mentioned. Coffee is your typical strong diner coffee. Pancakes are dense but delicious.
(4)
Kate K.

We got there at quarter to eight on a Saturday morning and only had to wait a few minutes to get a table. I was impressed with the variety of pancakes on the menu. It took a while for us to make up our minds, but the waitress didn't seem to be in a hurry at all. I had the potato pancakes, which needed to be served with a little butter, not just sour cream. They were very tasty and satisfying. I'd definitely go back, just to try a few of the other things on the menu. Prices were definitely reasonable.
(3)
T B.

My daughter and I ate at the Pancake Pantry this morning....fortunately, we did not have to wait at all. We arrived around 9:45 am. However, when we left, there was a line out the door. This was our first time eating at the Pancake Pantry and I have to admit I was not impressed. I would have rather eaten at Cracker Barrel. The coffee was horrible...I ordered the carribean pancakes...they were good but I've had much better pancakes at Cracker Barrel. The waitress NEVER came back to our table after bringing our food so we were never able to get refills on our drinks.. The girl that checked us out was not friendly at all. The tables were all out in the open with a few booths...we were seated at a small 2 person table between two other tables...it was just too close for comfort for me. My daughter had the chocolate sin..it was more like a dessert....way too sweet. The cost for two of us was $25 w/tip...this place is way overrated. We drove about 35 mins to eat here and I won't be doing that again!
(2)
Carla C.

we went pretty early on a sunday morning around 8am so we beat the crowd. by the time we left, the line was around the corner. the pancakes are pretty good but not worth the wait and sometimes distracted service.
(3)
Bobby D.

everyone in Nashville brags about this place so when I traveled there I had to see if it lived up to the hype and it sure did. THe food was sensational ! Plus everyone from the music industry hangs there , you neverknow who you will see , get there early because the place is rocking !
(5)
Erin D.

They have extremely long lines, it's always hard to get a table. I try to go before 7am on Sat or Sun to get in. Or try after 10a. I love their Sugar & Spice pancakes more than anything. They remind me of pumpkin pie something. I love their hashbrowns too. They aren't string potatoes like waffle house or something. They're thick and fried and smashed and yummy. No salt needed either. The hot cocoa is to die for as well. It comes with a nice dollop of whipped creme too. Definitely worth the wait.
(4)
Wendy M.

Run... do not walk. It is so delish so great that every time I am in town we go to the "Pancake Palace" it's too grand to be a pantry. There's 65 reviews so it's all be said... but it's also a GREAT place to take out of towners. Especially them damn Yankees.
(5)
Hilary P.

Oh Pancake Pantry, how you make me wish I lived in a town that actually ate breakfast! I went here on a Sunday morning on a visit to Nashville. My friend and I arrived at 9:30 am and braved the cold temperatures and 40 minute wait for a taste of their sweet sweet carb-arrific breakfast food. My friend ordered the original buttermilk pancakes and some eggs while I opted for their french toast with a side of sausage links. She is a regular there, so there were no complaints on her traditional fare. The french toast was some of the best I've ever had! So cinnamon-y perfect and the fact that they give you warmed-up syrup gained huge bonus points with me! Everything I saw arrive at the tables around us looked amazing too! The service was friendly and efficient and breakfast was cheap so i will definitely be back to try some more adventurous fare next time I'm in town!
(4)
Liliana G.

three words: chocolate chip pancakes. 2 stars because crazy wait + no reservation option = me not coming here more often.
(2)
Sarah S.

Still love this place. We went on a Sunday morning before 8 a.m. and we didn't have to wait. The food is always consistent. It's not a fancy place just a simple restaurant but with great food!
(4)
David F.

Don't be discouraged by the long line outside...it moves pretty quick. Opted for the sweet potato pancakes based on the reviews here and they definitely do not disappoint. I strongly recommend the cinnamon cream syrup which is amazing. The meal comes with five pancakes and a slab of butter. The pancakes are sprinkled with cinnamon, which is a perfect compliment to the sweet potato flavor. I would have rated a 5 except that our waitress was a little rude at the start of our meal. She got a little more cheerful as the meal went on, but I was hoping for a warmer Southern greeting.
(4)
Allison R.

Warning: it is almost a definite given that you will have to wait in line for a table, but it is absolutely worth it! Seeing that I cannot eat pancakes, it wasn't quite as difficult for me to decide what to order :) My friends, however, decided to take some advice from the people ahead of us in line who had been there before. They got the Sugar & Spice pancakes and the Swiss Chocolate Chip pancakes. Both loved them! I ended up getting the Grill Cook's Medley and it was delicious. We were all concentrating on eating that we never even noticed when our waitress came and filled up our coffees and dropped off our check!
(4)
Amanda R.

During our stay in Nashville, we decided to take the advice from the guidebook and Yelp reviews and grab breakfast at Pancake Pantry, even after we saw a line stretching from the door to halfway down the block. After waiting about an hour, we were finally escorted to a table inside and perused a selection of pancakes broad enough we weren't entirely sure what to order. When it comes to pancakes, these people aren't kidding. I decided to get the basic buttermilk pancakes, which were served with hot maple syrup. They were light and airy and melt-in-your-mouth good. Honestly some of the best pancakes I've had in any restaurant ever. My SO went with the wild blueberry pancakes, which were just like the buttermilk pancakes in terms of texture, but loaded with fresh wild blueberries from Maine. They were served with a warm blueberry compote that tasted like it had been made in the restaurant that day. In addition to the pancakes, the coffee was good and strong, and waitress was kind enough to give me a couple of warm-ups during our stay. They were obviously very busy, but she was nonetheless friendly and attentive. While I would definitely rate the pancakes a solid 5 stars, I'm docking the score to 4 stars because of the wait. If you're planning a visit during the weekend, definitely take that into account and maybe grab a cup of coffee before you go.
(4)
Sarah S.

FYI, we joined the infamous line halfway around the block and ended up waiting about 30 min. I ordered the sweet potato pancakes and a couple scrambled eggs. My husband ordered the eggs & bacon dish which came with three buttermilk pancakes. Impressively, the maple syrup is pretty darn good. Service was quick albeit slightly inattentive but it IS a bustling place so staff is kept pretty busy.
(3)
Ronit A.

The food was good, but the atmosphere sucks. If you like giant rooms with cafeteria vibes, then go here. We were seating in a table in the middle of the room awkwardly close to the people next to us. It's definitely not a romantic place to eat. As I said though, the food was really good. I probably won't go back just because there are other good places to eat with better atmosphere.
(3)
Amalia Y.

if you know me, you know that i LOVE breakfast. pancakes, bacon, omelettes, hash browns... i want it all. and i had it all at pancake pantry. and it was phenomenal. so phenomenal, in fact, that i almost forgot about our 40-ish minute wait in the freezy/rainy line outside. allmost. once we finally made our way inside, the resto was cozy but not too cramped. there was a steady stream of friendly-but-not-rushed service. i had a bacon and spinach omelette - perfectly fluffy and loaded with delicious thick-cut bacon and spinach. SO GOOD. i subbed out the buttermilk pancakes for the infamous sweet potato pancakes and i don't regret it. the pancakes were light and fluffy and nicely spiced- and that cinnamon syrup is dangerously delicious! i did try the buttermilk pancakes and they were superb too. seriously some of the best i've had (and i've had a LOT of pancakes). i wanted to try the rest of the menu, too. i'll be back, overall, one of my fave dining experiences in nashville... don't miss it. it's worth the wait. eat all of the pancakes.
(5)
Steve B.

Pancakes here, pancakes there, pancakes everywhere. I knew it was popular based off the reviews. While approaching the place, you can see the line, the wait. You can just sit back , roll your eyes and be patient as this has become an experience. The omelettes and combinations are plentiful. Pancakes that i never knew existed can be found on this menu. It definitely is a pantry and the name fits. The spinach omelette with bacon was superb. Fan of this breakfast spot anytime while in the Nashville Area. If you are from the local Nashville area, definitely try out this place. It's the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grade: B
(4)
Shachi B.

I understand this is a Nashville tradition, but the culinary appeal of this place is lost on me. Yes the service is great and the pancakes are decent, but I really don't get why anyone would wait in a 1-hour plus line to eat here. I ordered the silver dollar pancakes and could only eat 2.5 of the 8 they gave me. The cinnamon syrup was delicious, though I'd skip the maple syrup. (Someone at my table thought it seemed too watery to be authentic maple syrup, but who knows.) The winning flavors at our table were the sweet potato and also the chocolate pancakes. But at 5 pancakes per person, you should definitely get ready to share. Prices are exceptionally reasonable. My meal only set me back $9, which coming from DC is almost unheard of. Tip: Since you pay at the counter, be sure to leave your CASH tip for your server at your table when you get up to leave.
(3)
Chris S.

The long line is fun if you are a tourist but for locals we go other places.
(3)
Stephen O.

On my way to Gatlinburg with some friends this past February I had the chance to try Pancake Pantry. The line (of course) was out the door. I stood in a t-shirt and froze my behind off (forgot my coat) for over twenty minutes before I got into the blessed warmth of the inside. It was worth it. Let me be straight with you: I am not a big pancake fan. I like special pancakes like ones with eggnog in the batter or what have you but just plain jane pancakes? Nah. I came to Pancake Pantry expecting to be underwhelmed. I was not. The wait was long but once we were sat the service was excellent. I had a decent cup of coffee and then this scramble thing with hashbrowns and bacon and sausage and eggs and who knows what. It was incredible. Absolutely mouthwatering! The eggs were fluffy, the potatoes were golden brown and delicious, the sausage was perfectly cooked. So good! Now, I hear what you are saying, you want to know how the pancakes were. I didn't have any. That being said, the friends I came with ALL got pancakes. They had no shortage of compliments for how excellent they were. The bottom line about this place is that from the moment the first bite of food went into my mouth I forgot all about the freezing wait outside. The food was exceptional. I am saving the best for last: I got a side of bacon. I love bacon. Absolutely love it. And Pancake Pantry served me up some of the best bacon I have ever had at a restaurant. When you go there, sure, get the pancakes... but get some bacon! I am salivating right now just thinking about it. Superb pancakes, amazing bacon, and that scramble... OK I have to go it's time to head back to Nashville.
(4)
Michelle H.

Ok. SO the pancakes were great. (Sweet potato). However the waitress was soo uninterested in us, never asked to refill our coffee, an had no personality. Maybe she had a bad day and was tired??? Idk. I am glad to have had the sweet potato pancake experience! Oh, and don't forget your sweater as it was cold in here!
(3)
Washington I.

Whats the excitement. This place is not at all special. Coffee is awful. pancakes are equal to waffle house (i assume), service is crap, I fail to understand why there is a line around the block. I fail to understand why people come here at all.
(1)
David B.

This mom and pop restaurant has withstood the test of time, since 1961, and rightfully so. The Pancake Pantry has a laid back and relaxed atmosphere with lots of seats and a quick diner turnover. However, this popular pancake destination still has lines out the door - with waits in excess of an hour on weekends. On a Thursday around 10:30 we only had to wait for about 10-15 minutes. The pancakes at The Pancake Pantry were delicious. We ordered: Santa Fe Cornmeal Pancakes: This recipe comes from the Village Smithy restaurant in Carbondale, Colorado. Three stone-ground cornmeal pancakes with chunks of bacon, cheddar cheese, and roasted green chiles cooked inside. Sweet Potato Pancakes: Real sweet potatoes in a fluffy batter make this our most unique pancake. Sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Hash Browns Yes, that's a lot of food. The Santa Fe pancakes were unlike anything I'd ever had before. The cornmeal was unusual in pancake form but I liked the different and unique texture. The bacon, cheddar cheese and green chiles were plentiful and cooked directly into the middle of the pancake - not just on one side as chocolate chips sometimes are. The hash browns were equally as good and were more like home fries with a crunchy crust on the outside.
(5)
JD C.

Pancake Pantry has a great traditional breakfast that's pretty hard to beat for the area, just standard, well prepared diner food and pancakes that are some of the best I've ever had. For diner coffee its actually pretty good, if only because its brewed relatively strong. The service is typically great, and it's a great place to take a baby or kids. With all that being said, it's beyond me why anyone would wait in line for 30-60 minutes or more to eat here, not because it's bad but because nobody should wait an hour for breakfast (or have an hour of their day to waste waiting for pancakes). I eat here on the regular, and as long as you get to the door by 8:00 am, you'll have no/minimal wait to get in. Then, you sit down, order, and laugh at the schmucks lining up around the block.
(4)
Thomas G.

Johhny B's has worked on my Volvo for the past four years. They have done quality work and at a fair price.
(4)
Louie W.

We had to wait in line (20 minutes) but, the line was fast. A little entertainment on the side of some young kids with their instruments (im not sure if thats all the time). French Toast was one of the best I've ever had and was a generous portion. My son had the chocolate chip pancakes and looks great as well. He normally would only eat half of his orders but this time finished the entire serving of 5 pieces of pancakes. Worth the wait, definitely conning back when we visit Nashville again.
(4)
David T.

You will be blown away by the choices and variety of pancakes. Stuffed with sausage or ham? No problem. Cornmeal? You got it. I got more traditional breakfast - eggs with huge slice of country that kept me thirsty all day, plus pancakes on the side. Loved it. Lots of students and staff from Vanderbilt University makes for a college vibe. Definitely will go back.
(4)
Jennifer T.

Went here at 10am on Tuesday. We had barely any wait time and the breakfast was awesome. I had the sausage and eggs and my BFF had the sweet potato pancakes. The home-fries were super delish. I really loved the coffee and regret not buying a bag since they sell it at that counter.
(5)
Dan S.

What a waste of time waiting 45 minutes for a table. Service was terrible and waitress was argumanted when we complained about the cold food and so called hash browns. Hash browns on menu but you actually get chunks of burnt fried potatoes. Will not go back.
(1)
Kelly D.

I had heard a lot about Pancake Pantry, including the lines, but decided to brave them for a chance at some decent pancakes. We waited in line for over an hour, but the people were friendly, the weather was beautiful, and there was some musical entertainment along the way. When we got near the front, a guy came through asking for party size. "Two?" he said. "Yes!" I answered. "Let's go get some pancakes," he said, turning quickly into the restaurant. We followed him in, debated over the menu, and then I had the best pancakes of my life. I'm not even much of a pancake fan, but the first bite drew the look of shock from my face that only comes after trying something that is supposed to be mundane. These pancakes were not mundane. There was a hint of vanilla, a big pile of butter, and the syrup was fantastic. Worth the wait.
(5)
Ric F.

Ate breakfast here 11/13/2013. The line mid-morning on a weekday was a bummer, but testament to the popularity of the place - and for good reason. Forget everything else on the menu, just be sure to order the sweet potato pancakes with the cinnamon cream. It's the best experience you'll ever have with your clothes on. Service was prompt (once seated) if a little brusque. Dining area is clean and attractive. Food came out hot and well presented. The eggs were fine, the sausage nothing brilliant. My partner had some southwest style cornmeal pancakes and loved them. But forget all that. The place is a 3 star rating at best but the pancakes make it a special meal.
(4)
Jenny H.

I got the chocolate chip pancakes - a half order which was still 3 pancakes. There were a lot of mini chocolate chips that were melted from the heat of the pancakes. It was kind of like eating a nutella pancake minus the hazelnut flavor. The pancake was very fluffy also. Service was good. Only complaint was that they fit a pretty large group of us at a small table.
(4)
Andrea R.

Well, I have to say, I just don't know what the hype is all about. There is a line out the door waiting to get in. It moves decently fast, but we still had to wait at least 30 minutes. We were coming in on the tail end of the lunch crowd, because by the time we left, there were plenty of empty tables. The food took some time to get to the table. I realize it's busy, but we're talking about pancakes, not a Chicago style pizza. Our table got peach pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, sweet potato pancakes along with some eggs and meats. I had the peach. They were good. Not great. Not amazing. Not "oh my goodness, I need to move to Nashville so I can eat here every day." They were decent pancakes that I could have gotten anywhere. I also had a side of cheese grits, which were good, but I think they used Velveeta, which is not cool. I like my grits with real cheddar, but perhaps this is how it's made down here. So, it was fine. Would I stand in line again if I ever make it back to nashville? No. Now, for all you Tennesseeans, please come to Michigan and visit The Pantry ( thepantryrestaurant.com ) and order the German pancake with some fresh squeezed Orange Juice.
(3)
Andy H.

Sweet Potato Pancakes and I shut my mouth. The service is excellent, especially because it doesn't have to be. Great tourist stop!
(4)
Lilly G.

So the line is apparently part of the experience, and if you survive that you will live to appreciate the great food they served up. There was a lot of debate in our group over really how good can someone make PANCAKES that they would be noteworthy? That's like making really good toast. We were oh so wrong. Once we got in things moved quickly. Before we knew it our table was overflowing with greasy deliciousness. The sweet potato pancakes were "fluffy clouds of deliciousness" (my words, in between moaning bites) and the chef's grill thing (it's basically the kitchen sink) is fantastic. We had happy food coma after. Highly recommended.
(4)
Tommy T.

I've had just about everything on the menu here as me and my buddy used to go here in college. Everytime I come back to Nashville, I always make a point to stand in the Pantry line. It NEVER disappoints. The way they're able to get so many folks in and out with a smile on their faces is exceptional. The food -- you can't find better breakfast in Nashville or anywhere else I've tried. I don't know what they do to the pancakes, but geesh they're amazing. The flavor combinations and creativity is off the charts. Bravo!
(5)
Jan H.

Pretty darn good. Great service, food was good. It was a great change from Noshville, where we ate the morning before. There was a short wait, but we beat the Sunday crowd and the service was friendly and swift. The breakfast was very good. Blueberry pancakes for my friend, eggs and cheese grits for me...with one silver dollar pancake just so I could taste what they're known for. Will definitely return if I have the opportunity. Someone at a nearby table spilled a glass of milk. No problem. Servers were there in an instant to clean up, all with good nature.
(5)
J G.

I hate that I didn't like this place. I always see the line and think they must be the best. i just hadn't ever gone because I rarely go out for breakfast. I recently went expecting the most amazing pancakes ever. But I was so let down. The pancakes, to me, were nothing spectacular. I love the baking-soda-y taste that pancakes can give, but this was WAY too much. It was like eating chemicals. I don't know if I got bad batch, or what, but I just wasn't very impressed. Also, I saw the health rating on nashville.gov . Scary. "PANCAKE PANTRY 1796 21ST AVE S Date Inspected: 3/24/2011 Score: 59 Major Violations: * EMPLOYEE WIPED NOSE WITH HAND, CONTINUED TO COOK BACON, NEVER WASHED HANDS * MEATBALLS ON SLICER READING 122.4 * ROACH CRAWLING ON CLEAN TOWELS UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK" ew!
(2)
Diane P.

I waited in line for close to 2 hours. I still do not know why I waited.There was a Vandie student 2 people ahead of me who kept texting his friends and before long he had at least 20 friends who got in line ahead of everyone. Another person and I went in to report this and the host did nothing. The inside of the restaurant is very plain - nothing special. There was endless types of pancakes to order from. The food was average - nothing special. The service was fast. I would go again if there was no line.
(3)
Benjamin S.

For years I have been going here with both family and friends. And though you have to get up early to get there before the line is down the block, it is so worth it. Hands down this is the best place for breakfast in all of Nashville, and the selection of pancakes and other breakfast fare is immense. You will not leave here hungry, and if you are visiting Nashville, this is a great place to go. Moreover, you would think that with the place always being swamped with customers, service might not be very good, instead it is the exact opposite, the service is great and the food is delicious. Though I have never had it, their sweet potato pancakes are their best seller. However, even the regular buttermilk pancakes that are also included as a side with eggs and other breakfast items, are amazing. And their omelets are some of the best I have ever had. Just remember, snow, rain or shine, there is always a line. You do have to pay for parking though now, if you park in the lot behind the Pancake Pantry (Handicap should be an exception, last I knew).
(5)
Brent W.

I've decided to update my review of this place. It has to be the place to go according to legend and the best place to stand in line half the day waiting and looking at other fools who are staring at you...because everyone had the idea because they read something legendary about this place. Please, do tip well and enjoy the coffee and syrup buzz without even considering the idea that most people have eaten breakfast and are having their third beer by the time you drop your sausage as a result having the fasting shakes!
(2)
H C.

Man can this place serve a mean breakfast! I mean.....you can't get any better than grandma's house with this place. I don't know what they are doing in that kitchen, but they make the best breakfast and pancakes a girl could want! No wonder there is always a line.
(5)
Aaron F.

I wish I'd had a companion see me swoon while eating pancakes here. When I arrived here on a cold Friday around 11 AM, I was surprised to find a lone out the door. As I shivered outside, I found out from the woman next to me that this place is ALWAYS like that. So don't be shocked. After maybe a half hour wait (15 minutes of which was inside...thank god), I got seated. The waitress was your stereotypically warm, gracious southern woman who easily could have been my grandmother (if only she were asian). My meal was fabulous. Sweet potato pancakes served with a dollop of butter (which I thought was whipped cream - I was shocked to find this out when i took a spoon of butter and ate it whole) and cinnamon cream syrup. DEEEEEELICIOUS. Smooth and rich with brown sugar flavor. Then I had a half order of blueberry pancakes with a blueberry sauce (with blueberries in it), along with hash browns, which were more like home fries. Rinsed down with coffee and water, and I was a happy customer. All of this food for $17, and that included tip! My only grip is it took 15 minutes for someone to serve me. :-( But even that couldn't change the goodness you get here at the Pancake Pantry!
(5)
Rich C.

These are the very best pancakes I've ever had. My wife too and our 3 year old son too! We got there very early and it was still busy but when we left, the live went around the block. Normally I would criticize people for waiting that long to eat but I was actually thinking about getting back in line!! This place will ALWAYS be on our list of MUST GO places whenever we are in Nashville.
(5)
Ashley S.

Yesterday made my second stop to Pancake Pantry and both visits have left me satisfied! There's a lot to love about this place, its cozy, unpretentious, and has an original Hunter S Thompson in the corner. The staff has always been friendly and efficient. Oh, and the food is awesome! My husband always gets the plain waffle and loves it. I have tried the pecan and blueberry pancakes and both are terrific, coffee is really good too. Prices are reasonable and portions large, I always leave here stuffed! We get there early and so far haven't had to wait. Free parking in the back.
(5)
MACK L.

NEW HEALTH INSPECTION SCORE--59!! BEYOND GROSS. Roaches, mold, snot...... I thought they closed a place down with a score like that. I am so disappointed. The manager needs to be replaced NOW. Seriously. I want some sweet potato pancakes.....but I guarantee I won't be eating them there.
(1)
Ryan D.

Pancakes that actually make people line up half way around the building! No freaking way I thought. Well a short hour later there I was standing in line like an idiot with 30 or so other hungry people dieing to try some insane pancakes. Needless to say the food backed the hype all the way. The sweet potato pancakes were insane! I'd recommend this place to anyone who loves pancakes, coffee, syrup, chairs, lines, or bacon.
(4)
Josh M.

Busy and now I know why. Super friendly waitress who allowed us to mix and match pancakes, french toast with our traditional eggs and bacon. A generous portion of sweet potatoe pancakes were light yet tasty. Loved it! 4.5 stars (kinda pricey, but well worth it.)
(4)
James M.

There is a trick to getting a table in the morning without a long wait, but you have to adjust your schedule a bit. For the most part, if you get here before 7:30 - 8:00 am, you are almost guaranteed a table within 5 minutes. Get there anytime after and your pushing it. The lines wrap around the corner with good reason, the food is really good. If you like pancakes, you've picked a great place, if not, consider Noshville a mile towards downtown.
(4)
Taylor T.

I am a breakfast FANATIC. It's seriously probably my favorite meal of all the meals (though I don't usually eat it at the breakfast hour because I'm rarely hungry in the morning...breakfast for dinner, anyone?). So when I moved down to Nashtown, I knew I had to check out Pancake Pantry. I need good breakfast spots! Everyone always raves about PP, but I thought it was a little hyped up. I ordered the Cornmeal Pancakes, because I love cornbread, and the waitress said if I liked cornbread I'd like those pancakes! I'd say they were pretty good (and they did taste like cornbread) but I should have split the order with someone because I was uncomfortably full by the time I was finished. I think from now on I'll stick to good ol' fashioned buttermilk (or maybe chocolate chip pancakes like my sister got!). The hashbrowns there are AMAZING and I wish I could've eaten more of those but I was so full from my pancakes :P And I wasn't the one who ordered the hashbrowns so I couldn't go pig out on them...hahaha. Our waitress was super nice and accommodating. I'm sure I'll be back again, but I'm not DYING to go there. Be sure to get there early if it's a popular hour, because you will wait in a line.
(3)
Andrew Y.

ok...so for a chicago boy this i really wasnt sure what to expect.. i was in nashville hangin out having a good time...we were all hungry..so my buddy Paul "if not owning a car is cool, then i'm pretty awesome" R. says hey..i know this place called pancake pantry that is suppose to be one of the best breakfasts in nashville..so we drive past..and its a 30 person deep line to get inside..at this point we are all hung over and hungry and not wanting to wait..so we drive around nashville for 30 minutes and finally come to agreement to go in... 30 minutes of wait time is well worth it...the pancakes are fantastic..the options are unlimited for your pancakes..i had the georgia peach panckaes and my buddy had chocolate chip..they were both really good..they use fresh fruits and sauces and the atmosphere is loud and fun..make sure you hit this place up for a large stack of pancakes, bacon extra crispy, white toast buttered, and can you bring my glass of milk with the meal... trust me trust you
(5)
Donny W.

What is all the fuss about? Waited in line for near forever. The service was terrible. The food was ok, not any better than Ihop. I don't see how it was worth all the trouble.
(2)
Justin R.

This place has been featured on the Food Network which for me is a red flag. Oftentimes, these places are way over hyped and aren't really that good. Unfortunately, this was the case for the Pancake Pantry. I am a pancake connoisseur and I can usually tell a good pancake by looking at it. Yes, I'm that good. One look at these pancakes and I had their number. They were fluffy and doughy, much like the ones at McDonald's or any number of short order diners in the country. I personally like my pancakes with a light crisp edge, which usually means they have been cooked in butter, and they should be tasty before any butter or syrup is added. Not true of the Pancake Pantry. Just ok. Milquetoast even. Good bacon though.
(2)
Erin J.

Yum, yum, yum!!! I'm not a huge pancake fan but this place is great. Everything from their plain buttermilk pancakes to their yam pancakes are simply amazing. I wish I would have discovered this place earlier on my trip...then I could have tried more kinds of pancakes!
(5)
Courtney B.

It is a Nashville staple that must be tried, but only if you have the time, as the line to get in tends to wrap around the building and typically results in a wait of about an hour or so. Because of it's reputation, its a magnet for tourists, especially on the weekends. My favorite time to go is in the early afternoon during the week, after the lunch rush but before they close at 3. It's really the best way to enjoy Pancake Pantry. The food is sturdy, traditional, delicious breakfast fare that is served up fresh and plentiful. Don't come here if you're not eating carbs or are looking for fancy breakfast cuisine. Pretty much anything they offer is good, so much so that I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite menu item. They serve real maple syrup which is a rare thing to find, especially down south. The servers are friendly but brisk as they are well aware of the line outside. The table service and turnover is actually pretty efficient, so even though you're waiting in line for an hour, expect to get your food within 10 or so minutes of ordering. The reason for the long wait is the small size of the restaurant. They've masterfully put as many tables as they can in their dining room, but its nowhere near the capacity needed to fill the demand. Here's a hint and a tip for coming her in a large group. Don't. It's not a very good place to go eat if you've got more than three or so people with you, unless you plan to split up and sit at different tables. And it's aggravating for those waiting in line who have to wait longer because they now have to take three of their already limited tables to fit your whole group. One little unknown thing about Pancake Pantry is that you can order food to go, which is a great way to get a delicious breakfast and not have to wait around for it. If you're in a hurry, or just impatient, call your order in ahead of time, grab it and go. Also they serve sandwiches, salads and soups for those of you non-breakfast eaters, though I don't know anyone who goes there strictly to eat lunch.
(3)
Wallace S.

A Nashville institution, and I can't add much to what has already been said so I'll just say this: my grandmother, who barely remembered her own name, visited once years ago and talked about those sweet potato pancakes until she passed away. They're that good.
(5)
Doug G.

This was our third visit to the Pancake Pantry over the years. Always delicious food and friendly servers. The only negative is how popular the place is! And what can you say about that? We arrived at 10:30 on a Wed. morning in July while nearby Vanderbilt U. is at a low ebb and we still had to wait 15 minutes to be seated. When we left, 30 minutes later, the line was even longer! So be patient. And be careful where you park, too. We saw the meter man ticketing cars while we waited in line. Anita had a very unusual pancake breakfast -- corn meal (sweet and good) with chopped bacon, diced green chiles and cheese. They serve it with a hot picante sauce on the side along with sour cream. But they were best with maple syrup! They give credit on the menu to a restaurant in Colorado for the recipe. I had a half a pancake and would call them rich and delicious. Since it was near lunch time, and I was not going to eat again until later in the evening, I opted for their recent and current "special" a Reuben Sandwich. Served open face, with yummy melted cheese over the kraut and corned beef, it was wonderful. It was so big that I actually left about a quarter of it on my plate. It was served with their signature hash browns which were crisp and fresh -- not made from last night's leftover baked potatoes like so many places. Couldn't be, as they don't serve dinner at the Pancake Pantry. Total till with tax, including a great cup of coffee, was $19.88, Excellent value, great tasting. It would be 5 stars if you didn't always have to stand in line.
(4)
Jenna W.

Well, I can't lie, they were definitely good--I got the Bacon & Eggs (3 pancakes, bacon, and 3 eggs) which were great. My bf got the Caribbean Pancakes (pancakes w/ bananas, walnuts, coconut shavings, and powered sugar) & side of Grits. The grits were my FAVORITE--all super buttery--and I don't even like grits! While everything was good, and I would surely go back and try other things, I think a lot of it is hype, it's good, but people make it sound glorious and orgasmic. I've had better pancakes that just melted in my mouth (literally) elsewhere. But for the overall experience, I'd say it's good, but it's not the hype people make it to be, but I'd def go back P.S. We saw Reese Witherspoon there
(4)
Elizabeth T.

Really good food!! Just a long wait to get in!!
(5)
Anna A.

I have been going to the Pantry for years and I have it down to a science. For one thing here are the ground rules. It is a hang over cure for the Vanderbilt and Belmont University set so weekends after 9am will be a bear to get in. The line can stretch for hours and blocks BUT once you get in the service is fast and efficient. The cool factor is that I have gone in on a weekday found myself a scant table or two from Vince Gill or Kevin Costner quietly enjoying breakfast without much fanfare. Now the pancakes are obviously the thing to go with on the menu. I usually get a half order because I have a small appetite. My favorites are the sugar and spice because the syrup is something out for this world. I also like the chocolate chip because they drizzle the chips on top. So you mix the half melted chocolate chips with the half melted butter and then you poor a little bit of syrup on the pancakes and it's nothing short of a religious experience. The coffee is just OK.
(5)
Scott B.

So, this past trip to Nashville, Marie and I once again went to the Pancake Pantry... It is certainly worth it. So far, we haven't hit the infamous lines that occur... but then again (since Marie tends to sleep late) we consistently miss the breakfast crowd. I do understand the line, the food is awesome. I would recommend the Sweet Potato Pancakes with the cinnamon syrup. It is very tasty. They do serve food other than pancakes, but why would you get something else... that would be like going to Peter Lugers and ordering fish. The atmosphere is open and airy. There are booths and tables. The wait staff is very friendly. Although, a bit of a funny story... our waitress was making sure that we were well hydrated. Before I took a sip of my coffee, she already stopped by to top it off... and she brought Marie extra water... it was a funny moment you had to be there for. So, if you are in Nashville... this is a good place to get a bite to eat...
(5)
Jason C.

Why people wait in line for an hour, every weekend, is beyond my comprehension. The pancakes aren't anything special in my opinion. You could go to Cracker Barrel and have a much better experience. Still, I give it 3 stars because there food isn't bad by any means, and normally the service is good. Just can't stand the "trendy wait".
(3)
Dante' T.

What happened??? Pancake Pantry used to be the best place in Nashville for breakfast. I am very disappointed with my most recent experience at this legendary eatery. The omelet was made with cheap processed cheese & the pancakes were not very fluffy. Come on man! I hope that they go back to recipes of old...
(3)
Elliott C.

Once again who in Nashville doesn't think Pancake Pantry when you think Nashville. It is by far one of the best breakfast places in the city. The line is worth the wait and I usually go super early anyways. Make sure you ask for the cinnamon syrup. They don't have it on the tables and it is my fav.
(5)
Doug B.

My wife or daughter were already fans, but today was my first visit to the Pantry. We sampled a broad slice of the menu - the excellent Village Smithy Sante Fe Cornmeal Pancakes, the yummy Sweet Potato Pancakes, and non-pancake Grill Cook's Medley. All very well crafted, completely satisfying. Coffee was just fair, but not what you came for! The food is great, the service efficient and friendly. Highly recommended.
(4)
Adam C.

So if you don't already know this is not the same as the one in Gatlinburg, but still very good food. There might be a long wait(small dinning room) and finding a place to park can be frustrating(park and enjoy a short walk to save yourself the headache), but overall I can see this being a place I would go on a regular basis. Apparently they have the same pancakes as Gatlinburg the rest is specific to each restaurant. I had the Cook's Medley with Chocolate chip pancakes. Medley was very good, ham would have been better diced. Hashbrowns had a great flavor too. Pancakes are light and fluffy with milk chocolate chips, but whipped cream was no where to be found. When I have chocolate chip pancakes the whipped cream is the icing in the cake.....literally cake with no icing if still good but not the same. Omelet was good too, toppings were a bit pricey $1.30 each for anything past cheese and 1 meat. Our bill was over $30 for two, which I think is a bit much. You should be able to get 2 of anything on a breakfast menu and drinks for under $30. Other than the meal being slightly overpriced, the wait, and parking it is a great place for breakfast. I doubt the price will go down since people wait hours to get in here some days, but trust me for $35 I have at least 2 other breakfast places I would rather go and keep it under $30
(3)
Rebekka T.

I have lived in 3 majors cities across the US, 2 foreign countries, and although I have only been to PP twice, it is hands down the best pancake I have ever had. Sorry, Mom. And you don't even have to get the crazy Sweet Potato or Buckwheat stylings to get something special. Just get regular old Buttermilk, they are perfect. They are the pancake ideal. I was here for the first time about 5 years ago. It was amazing. I just went back for the second time, the memory of my first visit in my mind, and I was just praying it was as good as I'd remembered. It was.
(5)
jerry a.

Don't like pancakes? Try the grill cooks medley. Prepare to wait in line and if you park out back, don't forget to get a ticket and put on your dash or you will be ticketed
(4)
Miriam P.

Wow that had to be by far the worst pancakes I have ever had. Luckily it was not crowded and I did not have to wait in line. The place was dirty with crap all over the floor. Our table was not clean. We decided to stay since we had read so many great reviews on Yelp. I ordered the silver dollar pancakes and the "famous" hash brown potatoes. The pancakes were rubbery and tasted like flour. They were barely warm. The potatoes were undercooked and void of any flavor. My dining companions ordered the potatoes as well and theirs were also undercooked. The omelet they ordered was thrown on the plate and there was a lack of presentation. It looked very unappetizing. We were all underwhelmed. When we got the bill we realized that we were going have to pay a lot of money for some crappy food. I will not be going back.
(1)
Amie S.

If you are looking for a hearty morning carb-fest, look no further. The Pancake Pantry is the place to be for light, sweet, perfectly buttery pancakes like you've never had before. Just looking at the menu made my head spin. I never knew there were so many ways to cook up a pancake! In addition to your standard buttermilk cakes, you have your healthier potato or buckwheat cakes or your super thin Swedish or crepe-style pancakes. Then there's my fave - the almost dessert for breakfast cakes: blueberry, sugar and spice, and chocolate chip, to name a few...I could go on but it makes me hungry all over again. I had a stack of blueberry pancakes, and not only were they delicious, but they were perfectly filling without being overly heavy. I ate every last bite and didn't regret a single one! Long story short, best pancakes I've ever had, and the syrups and toppings (even the butter!) are stellar as well. Try the cinnamon syrup (tastes like a liquid cinnamon roll!). The Pancake Pantry is very family friendly, with special souvenir cups for kids, a children's menu to make the grown-ups jealous (I want a bear-shaped pancake with chocolate chip fur!), and staff who are all smiles even when the food hits the floor. The dÃ©cor is clean and spare, with basic table and chair setups and a decent amount of elbow room. If you have a large party, they can shove tables together easily to accommodate you in a jiffy. A bonus for celeb watchers: Pancake Pantry was voted the best local place to see celebrities!
(5)
Al S.

I visited here for the second time this past weekend in order to let my girlfriend experience this Nashville staple. Our experience brought to mind the Simpsons 1992 "Treehouse of Horror" episode: Pancake Pantry (PP): You will move through our short Monday line quickly because the place isn't that packed! Us: That's good! PP: Your middle-aged waitress will frown and demand your order in a brusque, impatient manner! Us: That's bad! PP: The waitress will fill your coffee cups without prompting, however! Us: Yay! That's good! PP: But she will then leave your pancakes lying within plain view of you while she serves later-arriving patrons first. She will ignore your attempts to make eye contact or get her attention. Eventually, another server will take pity on you and bring your plates to you! Us: That's bad. PP: The pancakes will be deliciously moist and flavorful, with crunchy tasty hash browns and crisp bacon! Us: That's good! PP: But the stern waitress will then slam your check down without ever asking how your meal is, whether you want anything else, or if you are even ready for the check. Us [puzzled look]: Can we go now? Four star pancakes, zero stars for service. I was on a recruiting trip this weekend, so I was determined to keep things pleasant and enjoy my time in Nashville. Otherwise, I would have asked to speak to the manager. My girlfriend and I were polite, said "please" and "thank you" profusely, and were quick with our orders, yet were treated poorly. So much for Southern hospitality.
(2)
Simply S.

I used to give this spot 5 stars. But after my last visit. I wish I could give it ZERO. This has been a regular weekend spot for me and my man after we found out they so kindly were serving Gluten Free pancakes. (It's not on the menu but something that is known). I spread the word to everyone gf that I knew and had been going about every other weekend for over 2 years now. We walked in about a month ago and sat down to order my usual....a low fat egg white omelet with a small side of GF pancakes. To my surprise, the lady told me they decided to stop serving gluten free pancakes. WHAT?! Just when places are finally jumping ON the gluten free ban wagon .. you all jump off?! The lady explained that the owner had found out about "cross contamination" .. got scared .. and took it off the menu. I explained to her that as someone with Celiac we understand the concerns, but to please bring it back with a disclaimer and let the consumer/customer decide if it's worth the risk!!!! I've eaten there sooooooo many times and NEVER been sick! Our server was WONDERFUL. Told us that she totally couldn't understand and how sorry she was. She wen to say how popular they were as well. She gave me paper to write a note to the owner, etc. It should have ended there. However a rude little .. well .. a to be nice I'll call her a rude little waitress decided to interrupt and give her opinion. She ARGUED (like literally till she was red in the face) with us saying that "If she were rich and has as much money as the owner, she would do the same thing. He has ALOT of money and can't be sued over something like that". I explained to her that he wouldn't be sued. That places do this all the time, much bigger chains than Pancake Pantry and much smaller places as well. That with a disclaimer he is free of any and all lawsuits. I explained how hard it is to live with a gluten intolerance and how much disrespect I gained for them for taking it away from people. We go really late in the day so never wait in line. But what if we had been like most people and stood outside for an hour+ to come in and be told "hey you can't eat here anymore". Or even worse. What if it was a family day and one of their kids couldn't have gluten. They got in and were told "sorry your kid can't have pancakes". I was simply trying to explain to her that there really isn't a good excuse -- at all -- for them not serving them anymore. For whatever reason, she wanted to literally ARGUE about it. It was the strangest thing I've ever seen. I can't even count how many things are wrong with what she said/did. I waited and talked to a manager who seemed very "nervous" when we talked to him. I seriously doubt she got in trouble and I've heard that they haven't put them back on the menu yet. So very sad about this! I even gave them business after their nasty failing health score. Ugh! Regret that!
(1)
Becky E.

The sweet potato pancakes are worth standing in line for on any day. They come with a special cinnamon syrup and man, are they G-O-O-D. Mmmmmmmm.
(5)
steven c.

Yea, I really like this place. Two words- French Toast.
(4)
Martha H.

Food was good enough, but for the "Nashville Legend" it's supposed to be, I'd definitely say it was a place you go to simply to say you've been there. Waiting outside for 30+ minutes to get shuffled in and out isn't my cup of tea, even if the pancakes were delicious. I stuck with regular buttermilk pancakes, as did my entire table. We loved them, and loved getting to experience a Nashville legend, but I wouldn't rush back again.
(3)
Robert K.

I am truly empathetic, when I think about what it must have been like when my great-great grandfather passed through Ellis Island on his journey to America. Cold and hungry, he stood on his feet for hours waiting in line, desperate to pass through the doors and onto the promised land... I can only imagine it must have been akin to my experience standing in line outside pancake pantry in the middle of January. Yes, I have stood in line outside of Pancake Pantry like the rest of the herd. No, I will not do it again! Pancake Pantry is tough for me to frequent because the lines are so long and it is usually so packed inside! I must give the servers credit for being friendly and prompt even when they are flooded with massive hoards of people every weekend. I think their pancakes really good and I especially love being able to have a variety of fruits and sweet options to add to my pancakes. My usual order are the chocolate chip pancakes. When they arrive, they melt in your mouth! So good!
(4)
Lisa U.

On a three day trip to Nashville, I was determined eat here because of the great reviews. Day one was too late; it was closed. Day two, I went around 8am, and what I saw was a cute little brick restaurant, maximum capacity of 100, with a line spilling out into the street. I didn't have time for that so I promised myself that I'd make things right on... Day three. Third time's a charm. Boy, was I glad that I made it work. I got there a little past 7am on Easter morning, and the wait was no more than 10 minutes. My first trip to the south, I had to have the sweet potato pancakes that were absolutely the best ever! They were hot cakes that lived up to their name. There's a touch of cinnamon that makes it savory and sweet - it tasted like Christmas. The bacon was EXACTLY the perfect crispness that I like. Coffee was perfect as well (not too dark or bitter or sour). It was the perfect ending to a great trip.
(5)
Melissa W.

Took my mother visiting from out of town. Got there at about 7:30 AM on a Saturday with NO wait. It was great. The pecan pancakes were everything and a bag aof chips. My mother had silver dollars and the ham and eggs, She was also a big FAN.
(4)
sharad v.

I hit the place on my trip to nashville on a tuesday and yeah there was the infamous line that snakes around the block. It didn't move that quick but wasn't too tardy either. you could get water, coffee and periodicals from newspaper boxes while in the line which made the wait more tolerable. the atmosphere inside is very homely and cozy. its like one big square room that is loud and packed with tables placed randomly all around. there is a view of the kitchen. the booths are very open (good thing), although the seats are old and upholstery torn (somehow that did not detract from the experience though). coming to the pancakes - tried plain old buttermilk and chocolate. must say they were good. fluffy, hot and delicious. were they better than IHOP - yes a shade better. was the experience better than IHOP? hell yeah - this place is personal. you can watch families, hungover college kids, tourists all under one roof enjoying their pancake breakfast. btw the portions are huge - i got 5 pancakes per order. so if you have a bird's appetite (such as myself) plan on sharing them.
(4)
Jeff S.

Long line, crappy atmosphere, ok food except for the pancakes which are amazing. In fact, the only reason it got 3 stars instead of 2 is the pancakes.
(3)
Nick B.

The pancakes are great, the line you wait in is not. The eggs are so-so. Friendly staff. They won't seat you until the whole party has arrived, which is annoying if you're waiting for someone to show up. There is a lot of hype around this place if you are an out of towner. If you want to eat here just to say you've eaten here, that's fine, but the food is nothing really to write home about.
(3)
Suzie R.

Over 50 years ago they used to feed my dad who was a student at Vandy with no money. They are alright with me and their food is good too.
(5)
Mrs. T M.

ABSOLUTELY WORTH THE WAIT IN LINE!!! You have not had grits or pancakes unless you've had them from this place. The food is so good, I make it a point to stop here when I'm in Nashville for work!
(5)
Bonnie E.

Fry Fry with heavy which describes most Southern comfort food but this place does it really well. The cornmeal pancakes are worth the trip! Mangia!!!!!!
(4)
David c.

It's that good. Went on a tip from a friend and after seeing it on TV. The quick review, stick to pancakes or pancake type products, the omelet was HORRIBLE. The pancakes though more then made up for it, i had to full orders and would gladly have eaten more.
(5)
Andrew R.

So here's the deal, the food is quite good, but the way this place does business is pretty horrible. If you live in Nashville and someone special is visiting you, or you're here for the first time, then sure, go to Pancake Pantry and stand in line for over an hour to get the food. But, if you've already been there and you just need breakfast, go someplace else. As I said, the food is great, but the experience is pretty horrible. I've been here several times (once when we first moved here, and then more times with out-of-town visitors) and every time I'm dumbfounded by how poorly the restaurant itself and the entire customer experience is managed. Last time we waited in line (with my 82 year old grandma; they said she could wait by herself in their tiny, crowded entryway for us to work our way up in the line, but refused to seat) for over an hour in the cold, then their uncaring host sat all 5 of us around a square 4-person table. When I said "why are you putting us 5 around a 4 person table instead of a bigger one?" he said "that's how be do things." Then, as we watched, he sat 3 people at a 6-person booth, then combined 2 4-person tables for another group of 5, and the list goes on. Then after waiting in line for over an hour, we sat there for half an hour until a very kind, cute, but unattentive woman finally came over and got our drink orders. (which was extra strange, because she walked passed us probably 25 times as we sat there next to the drink station), then we watched as all the tables around us who had arrived after us got their food, ate, and left, before we even got our drinks. Then we sat around waiting for our food even longer, as whole other tables had their order taken, got their food, and left. When we finally got our food, it was very delicious and we enjoyed it, but we were done eating in about 10 minutes. Then we stood in another line for several minutes to pay, then we got the hell out there. Any business person can see that for the almost 2 hours that we were there, we only spent about 10 minutes eating. If they would clean up their act, understand how customers actually want to interact with them, implement new procedures to actually be efficient with their space, tables, seating, and serving, they could greatly improve the customer experience and allow those who love the food but hate the experience the chance to spend our money there more often. Also, even if you only count the time we were at the table, if they were to actually get on the ball, they could have have probably 5 different groups of paying customers at that same table, rather than just us paying once. Bottom line: try it once. After that, unless you REALLY love it, or want to get up to be there when they open when the lines are shorter, don't bother going back. The owner has a whole blurb on the menu about how they have such great quality, well, the food is great, but the quality of the experience is horrible.
(2)
James E.

I don't get the deal with this place. The line is ridiculous everyday and the pancakes are mediocre at best. I can't justify waiting in line and paying high margins for a single step above IHOP. I would only recommend going here if you are taking an out-of-towner or if you really want sweet potato pancakes or crepes. Also, I paid $4, unknowingly, for a large orange juice. I could have bought a liter of OJ (probably a better brand) from Kroger for $3.50. what the hell?
(2)
Matthew E.

The wait is long, the service is merely acceptable, and the food is good, but this place is a Nashville staple. The sweet potato pancakes were good.
(3)
TulanÃ© H.

Pancake Pantry is legendary. The food is incredible, the coffee is great and the service is sweet. Also, I MET TAYLOR SWIFT at Pancake Pantry in 2009! You never know who is going to eat here. I love that it's laid back and comfortable. Great restaurant.
(5)
Brien W.

It's a pancake / breakfast place. It is crowded and the food is ok. Would I ever wait in a line for an hour to eat here when you can get much better at Fido w a much shorter wait? hmmm
(3)
Vy P.

I got here around 8 or 9 ish, and the line seemed very long, but it moved very quickly. If you realllly feel like eating pancakes, don't let the line put you off! We waited about half an hour at the most. It's definitely a family-friendly restaurant, and the food is fantastic. The sweet potato pancake are killer and the portions are very large.
(5)
Grace H.

I eat here every chance I can get (ie when my son wakes us up really early on the weekends and we can't fall back asleep). I know people say that locals don't come here, but I have a theory that those local's roots don't go too deep. I came here as a kid, and I still love it. Try the grits - they are amazing here.
(5)
Amy N.

On the plus side, showing up at 8am on a Sunday won't avoid the inevitable pile-up outside this place, but it will get you very close to the head of the line. On the minus side, the food is so mediocre should you even bother? To be clear it wasn't bad. Nor was it good. It was fine. It was possibly the "fine(est)" place I've ever eaten. Pancakes were okay. I got the sweet potato pancakes and my husband had the blueberry and we split one of the Santa Fe pancakes. They were all...ummm...fine. If this was a roadside diner with no line and no hype the food might be upgraded to a sincere "pretty okay." To be brutally honest Cracker Barrel is better. Experience-wise, after waiting in line for a solid 25 minutes (not bad, from what I hear) we were rushed to a table & a waitress appeared after 5 seconds to demand our order. The second we put down our forks a busboy cleared the table & we were shown to the cashier. I only wish airport restaurants were this diligent about turning over their tables quickly. As my husband muttered as we pushed our way out the crowded front doors, " These people have quite a little operation going here..." Exactly.
(2)
Kathryn-Claire B.

Not worth the wait. Have to pay for parking. Go to Fidos just up the street.
(3)
Alyn P.

Best chocolate chip pancakes I've ever had!
(4)
Heather T.

While the line was quite long, (about 45 minutes to an hour) we weren't disappointed once we finally got in and seated. The Pecan Pancakes were amazing!! Not overly sweet, and the chopped pecans in the syrup that was brought with the dish added a nice crunch. The hash browns were crispy and fresh, and the bacon was perfectly cooked. The Sweet Potato pancakes were equally delicious, complemented nicely with the cinnamon cream syrup, which the boyfriend delightfully ate by the spoonful all by itself. Overall, we were very impressed. Worth the wait when you have time!
(4)
Jacklyn B.

This was my first stop when I arrived to Nashville. I usually am not a big pancake fan because I don't like to eat sweets for breakfast, but I had to check this place out because I had heard so much about it. I was pleasantly surprised to find the savory corn bread pancakes on the menu and they were delicious! I also tried my husband's sweet potato pancakes. They were very good but I would not be able to have more than a few bites because they were sooo sweet. Overall a great restaurant that had something for everyone!
(5)
Marie G.

The sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon syrup can't be missed! Parking can be a bit tricky and plan accordingly as there is always a line! We arrived early in the morning thinking we were fine and nope - there was a line! The pancakes are all delish! Service was OK. The area is beautiful - spend some time walking around the campus after your pancake meal!
(5)
Mimi W.

Sweet potato pancakes are ridiculously good. That syrup should be outlawed....the only issue was of course the wait - over 45 minutes but well worth it!!
(4)
Alex L.

Best pancakes around! We had to go on a Monday morning to even get in the place because there is always a line out the door full of hungry, loyal patrons in need of their pancake fix. Yes there was still a line but it moved quickly. The coffee was excellent. The service was fairly quick and attentive. We ordered the traditional buttermilk pancakes, the pecan pancakes, and the pigs in a blanket. All the dishes were decadent and incredibly satisfying. The pancakes are well worth the wait in line. And the maple syrup....oh, there's just no match. This place is a must try!
(5)
Lisa J.

My first must stop on the way from airport to hotel, and what a fantastic stop it was. These pancakes are so good you don't even need to add syrup. We shared wild blueberry and sugar and spice. Now if you can eat a cinnamon pancake that's so moist a little butter is all you need, no syrup, WOW, to me that's a great pancake! Will definitely return, need to try the sweet potato. Great, friendly service that gets you in, fed and out happy. Enjoy!
(4)
Christa P.

Not the best pancakes I have ever had. Maybe I was just so hyped because they are suppose to be amazing- but they are ok. Line is not worth the wait.
(3)
Lela T.

A great place for a full on breakfast. The menu has a lot of options, and as one would imagine there are a lot of pancake choices. The sweet potato pancakes were delicious, as were the eggs. We went on a Tuesday morning and there was no wait and the place was full but not crowded. Just perfect if you want to enjoy yoyr first meal of the day.
(4)
Anto B.

I almost ate all my fingers with the food. Holy Moses. I honestly never crave pancakes and don't really like them but this place had some amazing pancakes. The breakfast wrap was uncontrollably delicious and the hash-browns couldn't have been made better. God keep this place open forever!
(5)
David D.

Pancake Pantry is one of those places you here about and that people yell, "YOU HAVE TO GO THERE!" There's going to be a line, so either get there early or be prepared to wait. The service is great, the waiters/waitresses are really friendly and attentive. If you're looking for a good ole fashioned country breakfast, then you've come to the right place. However, the foods not as amazing as everyone makes it out to be. It's not bad, it's not horrible, it's good...but not great. I've been there twice and have had both their pancakes and french toast and each time I wasn't 100% pleased with my order. Best pancakes in Nashville? No. If you want the best pancakes in Nashville go to The Southern.
(3)
Emily P.

I am not sure what the buzz is about this place but I was NOT impressed. In fact my stomach was not so happy with it either .. for about 2 hours after leaving! I guess it's been on Man vs. Food or some other Food Network show, but I can't see why. I LOVE breakfast and I especially love chocolate chip pancakes, so I was excited to hear that this place was the top in its class. I heard there was a line all the time so we arrived early and got seated almost immediately. This was a Monday so don't expect that on weekends I hear. The waitress was ok .. not friendly, and not overly excited to serve us but she remembered our drink orders so .... Everyone gets their own ticket .. which might be nice when you are with frugal and cheap friends that don't always want to pay, but when you are in a group of family or friends that wish to be on one bill it is a bit annoying. The menu has a lot to offer as far as selection. There are plenty of specialty pancakes as well as combos with eggs bacon etc ... I got the chocolate chip pancakes and my fiance got the eggs, bacon and short stack of buttermilk pancakes. The chocolate chip pancakes were not chocolate chip pancakes for one. They were regular pancakes with chocolate chips on top and butter. I was expecting (as they are done at my fave pancake house) chocolate chip pancakes .. another words there was chocolate chips in the batter. Instead I got pancakes and chocolate ships that made my mouth dry and just made me honestly thirsty. They were too rich and not enjoyable. My fiance's eggs were good, but really how do you mess up eggs .. otherwise the pancakes were not great according to him and the syrup was strange he said. It was rather expensive as well. About $12 a person and that's without drinks .. Even more if you get the special peach or apple etc .. pancakes. I think I will stay away from here .. my stomach was not happy for the next couple hours .. I had to hit the White Castle bathroom .. sorry Whtie Castle.
(3)
Meredith C.

I give this place three stars because it's a FINE place to eat, but if you're one of those people who stands in the line that wraps around this building to eat pancakes then you're a frackin ruhtard. It's PANCAKES, people - Not duck breast eggs benedict with truffle hollandaise sauce. So please, calm your sh-t. They're big. They're fluffy. They're light. They're better than iHop. All the boxes are checked on the pancake requirement list. They were pleasant enough, much like that girl you were friends with in highschool, but you were never really sure why. "I mean, Katie is a really nice girl. She's not smart, interesting, or fun but I definitely don't hate her." I did get the breakfast link sausage which I enjoy. They offer patties or links. I recommend the links - they make you feel like a white trash slut in a fun kind of way. Uhhh skip the coffee, folks. Yowzas. Note to PP employees - If you can see the bottom of your mug when the cup is full, you're doing it wrong. Seriously, though, if you want a good breakfast without the wait, head to Fido. The food is good and you won't have to deal with all the ass-hat tourists. On a related note, if anyone knows where I can get duck breast eggs benedict with truffle hollandaise sauce, then hit me up. There might be a beej in store for you.
(3)
Kevin R.

Ok - what is up with the reviews on this restaurant? I read through a number of them and I am calling several out as just plain BS! There was one of them that said that this place had just received a health department rating of 59 (which is really bad). This was after someone else had posted something else about their health rating. So guess what - I went to the Tennessee State Department of Health website and looked up their ratings, and this place has been in the upper 80's to 90's for EVERY inspection for the past 5 years! Also, another reviewer claimed that they didn't have many options for the pancakes. I counted them - they have 22 completely different pancake selections on their menu! What more do you want? I call shenanigans!! Now, for my review... The place is good. Not the best pancakes I've ever had, but good. We arrived at 8am on a Friday and walked right in without a wait at all. Based on the other reviews, I was expecting a small place with a long wait, but the place was much larger than I thought it would be and we lucked out with the crowd. I had the sweet potato pancakes - they were great. I also had a side of bacon, and it was good too. It was a bit salty but good. Their coffee was decent as well, but typical of this type of place. My wife had the Swedish pancakes. While they were good, I don't know how they can call them Swedish pancakes other than the fact they were served with lingonberries. For someone that has had truly authentic Swedish pancakes - trust me - these are nothing like Swedish pancakes. So, all-in-all, not too bad. But be careful with some of the other reviews on this place - they are highly misleading.
(4)
Stella T.

There's a reason why this place has so many great reviews, so I'll try to keep mine brief. The first thing our server did when she approached our table was put her hand on my back and ask "would you like something to drink"?, in the same friendly tone someone would ask upon entering their home. She got a free pass on my "no touching" rule. We finally settled on sharing some Wild Blueberry pancakes (5), even though I really wanted the Caribbean ones that came with banana, nuts, and coconut (wouldn't dare order that alone, thus I compromised). So I'm thinking there must be narcotics in the pancake batter. The best.
(5)
Kelly C.

mMMMMm...they have THE best sweet potato pancakes ever. True to the words written on their sign--"A Nashville Tradition". If you go to Nashville, this cute place nestled in the midst of a small college town street near Vanderbilt University is a must-do. The only downside is that the lines are always long in the morning through brunch-time. I arrived with my friend around 9am on a Sunday morning in mid-February winter weather. Although we had to wait a good 45 min in the freezing cold, the food was worth the wait and there was plenty of piping hot free coffee provided by the Pantry staff. The French crepes were OK, but I'd go for those yummy, soft, melt-in-my-mouth yummy sweet potato pancakes any day. Ah, if only such pancakes were available in California...
(5)
Kelly R.

What a fantastic breakfast spot!! My husband and I had only a short weekend to visit Nashville for a Blues vs. Predators game and I'd read Pancake Pantry was a spot to hit. As we drove up for breakfast on Saturday, we were a bit intimidated by the line outside. It didn't quite wrap around the building, but it was enough to make us think we would have to try it another time. I asked a gentleman in front of us if the line tends to move quickly and he assured me it did. He wasn't wrong! After only about 20 minutes, we were seated and drink orders were promptly taken. I had the chocolate sin, and it surely shouldn't be allowed as a breakfast meal! The tastiest, fluffiest crepes I've ever had covered in chocolate ganache and raspberries. Sinful it was. My husband had the Georgia Peach pancakes which did not disappoint. The ingredients tasted extremely fresh and the portion sizes were plenty. My only complaint is that the price is a little steep. We ended up getting 2 plates of pancakes/crepes, a small side of bacon and 1 orange juice and it came to just under $30 w/ tip. It was worth it, but I definitely wouldn't be able to make this place a habit. Of course, it didn't stop us from doing breakfast there on Sunday, too. :-) My husband is boring and stuck with what he knew, but I couldn't help but try the regular potato pancakes. Oh. My! SOOOO wonderful. The batter was flavorful without being too overwhelming and it's served with applesauce, butter, and sour cream. I'm a sucker for the potato/applesauce combo and it was incredible. I'd definitely suggest this place for an out of towner, but I'd be sure to warn them about the line (though it usually only takes 20-45 minutes) and the prices.
(4)
Trish T.

I'm new to TN. When my sisters came to visit me a couple of months ago, I wanted to take them to this place because everyone from Nashville was raving about it. The first day we went, we saw the line and drove off. LOL. We decided to try it again the next day but head out earlier. On the second day, we didn't have to wait too long. However, the food was not that good for the wait. I ordered an omelet with mushrooms and bacon. The mushrooms had the consistency of canned mushrooms, and it tasted like it too. It was definitely not "fresh." My oldest sister ordered the french toast, and honestly Cheese Cake Factory makes it better. Then, my middle sister ordered pancakes (I forgot what flavor), and we didn't think much of it. It's a pricey place and not worth it. This might be sacrilege to some, but I would pick iHop over this place. The service was okay. It did take a little while for our drinks and food, but the place was packed so it's understandable. However, what we didn't appreciate was the male waiters hitting on us, every time they walked by, while we were eating. Some may find that as a compliment, but that's incredibly unprofessional and rude. I will not be coming back to this place.
(1)
Kaitlyn K.

This is a breakfast hot spot in Nashville - or as they say "A Nashville Tradition" - and if you're just visiting, I highly recommend this place! There is usually a long line wrapped around the building, but don't fret...the line moves relatively speaking. Plus, there is usually coffee and water outside to keep you refreshed. While this place is known for pancakes (hello "pancake" pantry!), the Grill Cook's Medley is simply amazing - and TONS of food. My husband almost always gets that, and I am amazed. I tend to go for the Small Appetite Plate, which is anything but small: 1 egg, 4 silver dollar pancakes, bacon or sausage and the price includes a drink. Now, onto the pancakes. You really can't go wrong with anything, but here are a few of my fav's: 1. Buttermilk - Traditional, and the best buttermilk pancakes I've had. They have just the right amount of sweetness. 2. Sugar and Spice - And everything nice! These are great! The syrup that goes along with it is delish. I mix a little maple with the cinnamon cream syrup. 3. Chocolate Sin - I confess I've never indulged, but every time they pass by (which is a lot, and should tell you something), I drool. Figuratively, of course. Side note: The coffee is bad. Like really bad. Just wanted you to know. "Snow, Rain or Shine...There Is Always A Line." - The Pancake Pantry
(4)
David G.

Woot! Review 199, next person wins a free sticker from me for being review 200. (Ok, I lie.) I am a pretty big fan of the pancake pantry, but I'm not a religious freak about it by any means. I would gladly wait 30 minutes and under to eat at the pantry, but I would not wait an hour or more which some people are known to do. The pancakes, in case you did not figure it out, are their specialty. I enjoyed the Georgia Peach pancakes today with a side of two eggs over-easy. Nice pieces of peach and a sauce like the inside of a peach pie topped my pancakes and was stuffed inside my rolled up enormous pancakes. There was also butter and some whipped cream. They serve pure maple syrup, but who cares! Did you read the ingredients of my pancakes? I did not need the syrup on this day, dear Yelpers. You can find parking both on the street and in the pay-lot behind the building. Sure, traffic is a nightmare in the village but that's part of the village's charm... I think. That's what I tell myself every time I am beating my head on my steering wheel trying to navigate and find a park. I find it does wonders for my chi. Anyhow, I've digressed. Seriously, this place is worth it people. Love it!
(4)
Jay G.

Pancakes. Who doesn't love pancakes? Apparently not many, judging by the line that forms outside this place in the later part of the morning. Its a large open space that fills quickly. We actually were here early, about 7am, hoping to see some Vandy girls in their PJs or teddies, you know...having some breakfast. But alas, it wasn't to be. I had the 'sweet potato pancakes' with cinnamon cream syrup. It tasted better than imagined. My sides of bacon and hash browns were great too. The hash browns were done correct, just a tad burnt on some edges and corners. perfect.. If you need to get your pancakes jones on, this is THE place. Try to go at an earlier hour to avoid the lines. They open at 6am.
(5)
Hoa T.

3.5 stars but I rounded up since this was pretty good pancake and I don't even like pancake. I guess others agreed since there was a line even at 8am. I did like the fact that there was coffee and water outside as you wait. I definitely took advantage of that. I had a pretty simple breakfast of eggs and sausage with 4 silver dollar pancakes. The egg was cooked well. The sausage was good...I love meat. I would have rated this place higher if they had a bigger selection of omelet. They had some basic omelet and allow you to add extra stuffers but at $1.30 per extra ingredient, that's a little too much.
(4)
Cheryl S.

I found this place after searching for the best breakfast in Nashville. We arrive there around 9AM on a Monday morning. I was expecting it to be busy. There were alot of empty tables. I heard one of the employees say they are packed from about 930AM till 1PM and he wasn't lieing. When we left around 1015 there was a line around the corner! I had the Grill Cook's Medley minus the onions and peppers. It was very good but I did have to send it back to be warmed up. I didn't care for the cheese not melted. My partner had the Pecan Pancakes and said they were very good! We have the address saved in our GPS and when we return to Nashville on another trip across the country we will be having breakfast again at the Pancake Pantry!
(4)
Jen W.

The line here is obscenely long. Obscene in as around the block and them some. Like we're all on line to get into a concert or the DMV. With that said, don't be a baby about it. If you want to eat here, there will be a line. They offer you free coffee while you wait which is cool. Luckily we didn't have to wait that long since we showed up at 2 and they close at 3. Staff was pretty friendly and efficient, they get you in, get you seated, take your order and turn tables. Ordered the sweet potato pancakes cause people recommended them. They're good, I won't lie. They're the kind of good that reminds you of waking up in the morning, mom's making pancakes, while you run out with your pj's on and watch cartoons. Tasty! Basically they make any breakfast thing good! You won't be disappointed. I said breakfast! Though I wouldn't wait that long ling, just saying. I guess its the thing to do around here. These pancakes aren' t the It's so FLUFFY I'm gonna die! They're good but not THAT good. Clinton Street bakery, you still have the fluffiest pancakes ever. But pancake pantry don't be a storm cloud about it. You're still good, just in a different way.
(4)
Kimberly S.

My husband and I came here around 8 am on Sunday and had to wait about 20 minutes for a table. By the time we sat down the line was wrapped around the restaurant and easily was an hour wait. We both had the Grill Cooks Medley with pancakes. My husband had blueberry and I just went with the buttermilk. The food was filling and a perfect blend of savory and sweet. The hash browns were crispy and not soggy, the veggies were fresh and the fried egg on top brought it all together. The only thing I could have done without was the Swiss cheese. The American cheese was gooey and the Swiss was just layered over half the plate like an afterthought. The pancakes were like a dessert to the eggs. As someone who does not eat a lot of pancakes I thought they were perfect. They were fluffy and held their consistency when covered in syrup (meaning they didn't become mush). I did scrape the big slab of butter off but made up for those calories with a huge pour of syrup. Overall this was a great breakfast and a good way to kick off our day!
(4)
Tuli S.

What they say about the sweet potato pancakes is true. Get them. Once you have cinnamon cream syrup you'll wonder why it wasn't in your life before. We were smart and came early on a Monday morning, no line, no wait! Coffee is blah! :/
(4)
Lori O.

I finally tried this one out after being told by the locals that it's a place u must try when in Nashville. There's always a line to get in. It was good but I wouldn't say it lived up to all the hype. In their defense I didn't order any of the specialty pancakes they offer though, i just had an omelette that came w buttermilk pancakes and their version of hashbrowns (really they were just chunks of fried potatos, good but nothing special). I liked the food, but can get the same quality elsewhere w/out waiting in line for 30+ minutes. If I'm ever craving pancakes I would try them again for that but for regular breakfast, I'd only go if there was no line.
(2)
Angela C S.

AWESOME! I love breakfast and this is where you want to have it while in Nashville TN. Thank you AG for sharing your hometown spot! The wait in line was worth it and it moved fairly quick. The line is part of the appeal...they even have a painting of the restaurant with a line of people in it to go along with the whole experience. I had the sweet potato pancakes with eggs I think - the sweet potato pancakes were so damn good and I can't remember if I had eggs - but I think I did. Loved it!
(5)
Rex H.

There's a reason the line is so long to get in. Hearty, well prepared and fresh breakfast. Nothing fancy. Just good, home-cooked-like breakfast staples. I've been eating at the Pancake Pantry for 30 years and one of the reasons it's so popular is the consistency -- little changes. It's hard to mess with perfection. A note about those lines: They move fast -- especially if you are a party of two.
(5)
Drew H.

Obviously the sweet potato pancakes were awesome. However, since the place is so popular, we had a 45 min wait, and the service wasn't awesome. We're the pancakes worth the wait? Yea, maybe just the one time. Can't see myself waiting in line for an hour every other weekend though.
(3)
Mellie M.

I frequent the Pancake Pantry every time I am in Nashville. While living there I would go at least once a month to give in to my craving for these delicious breakfast items. You would think my favorite meal was breakfast but the truth is I really don't eat or order breakfast items normally. I always get the buttermilk pancakes...TO.DIE.FOR. I drench them in the house syrup which is soaked into the pancakes ever so nicely. My friend is obsessed with the Chocolate Chip panacakes...which if you enjoy chocolate then these are a must have. You really can't go wrong if you love pancakes. From the Sweet Potato pancakes (sweet little bites of heaven and comes with Cinnamon syrup) to the Sugar and Spice pancakes (special cinnamon and spice batter) or any fruit your pallet craves on top of a pancake...the Pancake Pantry is the place to go. And the staff there are AMAZING! Warning...you will have to wait in line on any given day of the week. Saturday and Sundays are the longest wait...anywhere from 30-60 minutes and weekdays are usually 15-30 minute waits. But honey it is worth every minute. There are adorable coffee shops right across the street where you can grab something to drink while you wait. Please make sure to take the time to stop here while in Nashville!!
(5)
Jamie D.

Well, its breakfast food you can get till roughly 3 pm. We had the sweet potato pancakes, an omelet with cheese and tomatoes and a stack of the chocolate chip pancakes that we shared between three of us. I got some insight prior to eating here and promptly asked for the cinnamon syrup to be brought with our meal. Good move. Yes, "rain or shine, there is always a line," states a framed picture above the cash register. Is it worth the wait, well, you can ponder that yourself while you keep warm with free coffee while standing in line people watching. The prices are reasonable for breakfast food. The size of the place lends to being available for small groups. The more people, the longer the wait. You are not able to put in your name and number of guests until you hit the front of the line. The cinnamon syrup is simply amazing. Oh, and ALL the syrups come to the table hot. You know what hot syrup does to pancakes? It soaks right through. Mmmm mmmmm I was told that the pork/sausage that came with the meals was barely average at best. I'll be back. But, next time, I might want to eat a little before going, because by the time I got in, I was shaking with anemic excitement after smelling the sweet fragrance of pancakes for our 20 minutes wait.
(4)
Jeremy E.

would have given one star if not for the bacon and syrup. Here is a great idea. Let's wait in line for an hour or two to eat mediocre pancakes at a place that has almost been shut down by the health board twice. Oh, and you are going to overpay too. Show me where to sign!!! The one and only time I have been stupid enough to wait, I saw sweat dripping off a nose into food. At least I won't need salt at my table! They do have great bacon and tasty syrup, but that hardly makes it worth the wait.
(2)
Kim C.

YUMMY! Go early to avoid the line,but if you do have to wait it is well worth the wait. I had the regular pancakes and they were super delicious. A must visit if you are in Nashville
(5)
Jonathon S.

First time ever coming here and it will not be my last. This place I amazing. The food was good, the service was good. Everything was good. I recommend this place to anyone who enjoys good food and good service.
(5)
Eden L.

The food is good, but I don't think it's great. Fido, which is just next door, has (in my opinion) much better pancakes, though Fido is a bit more expensive. There is always a line for the Pancake Pantry so other people must love it.
(3)
Janet Y.

If you want to eat at Pancake Pantry, expect to wait. Whether it's 20 degrees or 70 degrees, I've had to wait at least an hour... OUTSIDE. The line is usually wrapped around the building, especially on the weekends. Once you get in, the food is definitely worth it. The steak and eggs are fantastic! The hash browns are out of this world. I wasn't terribly excited about the normal buttermilk pancakes, but the sweet potato pancakes are AMAZING!! The only reason that I didn't give the restaurant 5 stars is because some of the servers aren't the friendliest. Many of the employees are great (like the greeters), but in my most recent experience I was served by a woman who was unbelievably rude. Then to end the experience, the woman at the register acted like she was hating life. I just hope I don't see them again so I can enjoy my next experience.
(4)
Tyler B.

One of the finest breakfasts I've ever had the pleasure of eating. The Pancake Pantry is a bright, boisterous, yet uncomplicated and unpretentious place for dining. I would recommend it to anyone with a tremendous appetite. I had the Santa Fe Cornmeal Pancakes, which are on the saltier side of this dessert-heavy menu, but everything I saw around me looked as appetizing as my Southwestern-influenced meal. Each dish contains a generous helping, and the coffee is strong and constantly-poured. The servers are helpful and kind, though not saccharine in their service. In addition, my dish was well-cooked and well-plated, and it came with several toppings choices (honey, hot maple syrup, sour cream, salsa, butter). I could envision a busy time being frustrating for the hurried diner, but if you're looking for a relatively slow-paced dining experience, then The Pancake Pantry rivals the best of places.
(5)
Roger M.

I visited my daughter in Nashville and the first place we had to go as the Pancake Pantry. Plan your visit well because the lines go out the door and around the corner. It is for good reason. Great food and reasonable prices. (Try to sweet potato pancakges!)
(5)
Tim N.

This place doesn't live up to the hype. Strictly average breakfast place.
(2)
Paul K.

So people know, the health code score of 59 has been replaced with an 87 in a follow-up score according to the Tennessean. The score of 59 still shows on health.nashville.gov at the moment. You can read about what all it failed by looking at the 3/24/2011 inspection there and you can see the follow-up inspection report on the Tennessean. For the people freaking out over the low score - main thing is they got caught, watch a restaurant kitchen sometime, sad but true. The place still has great pancakes, bleh hash browns, and I'm told meat that varies from one visit to the next. It's not worth the line, never has been, when there's a line that insane service is going to be slow, the place is going to be loud, and the food quality is going to be considerably less consistent. It's a solid little breakfast nook though, it's usually nice and warm during the winter due to the insulation and heat provided by the customers wrapped around the block. But seriously, it's ok, you can get the same quality elsewhere and not put this place on a pedestal that's collapsible the instant a bug walks in and a cook scratches his nose. Oh yeah, skip the coffee... I dig it... but yeah, coffee.. that's what they should have scored failing on.
(4)
Lisa B.

Very good. Worth the wait... No. Worth the price definitely not 4 people, 4 orders of pancakes, choc milk , white milk and sm OJ with 1 side of bacon $52 dollars plus parking. Not worth it.
(3)
Leana H.

Bad choice for my mom's birthday. Waitress was rude when called on to replace a coffee cup that came with a side for pink lipstick. "Do you think I could see that through my glasses?" Was her response. Later on she ended up apologizing. But aside from the rude service the food was less than impressive. Pecan waffles that were ordered by my mother and grandmother weren't warm OR crunchy. The butter on the waffles didn't even melt....
(1)
Amanda A.

The first time I waited in the silly line that winds around this establishment, a couple walked by and recommended to those of us in line that we go to Fido, which is tastier and where you don't have to wait nearly as long. We watched a few people take the advice and after another 5 or so minutes of rumbling tummies jumped ship and walked over to Fido (which was wonderful). Eventually, it came time to really try this place, and honestly? I think Fido was the better choice. Pancake Pantry definitely has their gimmick. When my pancakes arrived after quite a bit of waiting, they looked wonderful. But what should I find after about two bites? Not totally cooked. The pancake was mushy in the middle. If you've ever been to an Original Pancake House, you know what the non-IHOP version of all types of pancakes should taste like. The person I was with wasn't real impressed with their pancakes either. Add to that the ridiculous wait time both outside and in (seriously, where was our waitress? can i ever get a coffee refill?) and I don't plan to return.
(2)
Mary L.

The line is always out the door, but the pancake's make up for it!! The grandkids LOVE this place!!!
(4)
Chris M.

My first breakfast after moving to Nashville. Mom found it on the web so me, my brother, my sister and mom went. As you can see from all the other comments, there is always a line to get in. When you go to a BBQ Fest do you go to the cart that has the least amount of people or do you go to the cart with the longest line? There's a reason why people wait in line for the Pancake Pantry through good weather and bad. There are pictures behind the counter of the line wrapping around the corner with snow on the ground and rain falling. I'm just putting my two cents in among the crowd of believers.
(4)
Mark S.

After getting past the wait, if you go at a peak time, everything else is fantastic. I had the bacon, scrambled eggs, and plain pancakes. This was a delicious meal. I can't imagine a more perfect pancake. Even the bacon and eggs were well above normal, and I don't know how you can improve those staples. Just go and take someone you love, but try to go when the line is short.
(5)
Sabrina L.

Despite the line being half way around the block, we managed to get in within 20 minutes. The pancakes were divine, and the fresh-squeezed orange juice was worth the bump in price. I got the silver dollar pancakes with a side of raspberry sauce, and they were some of the best pancakes I've had. Much, much better than the best you could get at Cracker Barrel. For me, the best part of my meal, though, were the hashbrowns. Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, they were to die for. I've been thinking about them for a week!
(4)
Rachel B.

The line was still far out the door on a Monday morning but it moved very fast! We had the nicest waitress, Crystal, that we nicknamed the Pancake Angel. She was very nice and even brought us a free sample pancake! I had the peach pancakes and they were delicious!
(4)
Caroline G.

While the Sweet Potato Pancakes and the blueberry pancakes were a homerun and slam dunk on my tastebuds, what was going on with their omelette?! Is it a Nashville thing to put your omelette ingredients ON TOP of the omelette? Well, this type of unique omelette makeage would be fine except that it didn't taste good..... We got there at 7:00AM. No lines, no crowds. By the time we left around 8:15AM, the place was already getting packed.
(3)
Brad W.

Best Quick Service Breakfast in Nashville as long as you get there early. No way I am going to wait in line for an hour to eat pancakes. Here is a little secret.. Call it in and order it to go. I have taken my pancakes over to Dragon Park and had a nice breakfast that took 15 minutes to get, and in peace and quiet.
(4)
Nicole B.

Loved our breakfast at the Pancake Pantry!! We had french toast and a skillet. The amazing alternative to maple syrup was their cinnamon cream syrup. It was absolutely delicious. The line was rather long, and didn't move really fast, but we decided it was worth the wait. Quick and friendly service.
(4)
Jim G.

Parking can be difficult and if you park in the back be sure to read the sign carefully. I had the bacon and eggs with wild blue berry pancakes. The bacon and eggs were very good but the pancakes were lacking. The Original Pancake House has much better pancakes. I don't understand why people wait in line outside for an hour for this place, it's ok but certainly nothing special and not worth the money for the portion.
(3)
Thomas K.

Not quite what I expected, especially seeing the long lines to get in every weekend. I ordered Swedish and Potato pancakes, and both were as good as a box mix at best. Food came out to quick, maybe they had been sitting for awhile. Just sayin
(2)
Patti H.

Have eaten here twice now on two separate trips to Nashville and each meal has been fantastic. The first trip I got the sweet potato pancakes which are so fluffy it is like they are made with clouds Delicious. The second go round I got some eggs and sausage which of course comes with a side of pancakes. Not only are the pancakes great but everything else was cooked perfectly and served with whipped butter that was probably made in heaven. My son got the wild blueberry pancakes which were equally fantastic. Get there before 8 AM and you shouldn't have to wait in the lines out the door. Make sure you get a free parking pass to put on the dash of your car as well. Great experience and worth getting up early for. Probably worth the wait too but I'm not into waiting in the snow like most folks on our first trip there!
(5)
Jocelyn V.

Yes, the pancakes are THAT good! Still, I'd never stand in line for breakfast food. I mean it's "break fast," so I'm super hungry. And when I'm hungry, I want food right away and I whine about starving. Then my boyfriend reminds me, "you're not starving. People in Rwanda are starving. You're just hungry." True. Still, we were warned by someone born and raised in Nashville that you must get here before 7:30 a.m., and that we did. Three of our party of four were on vacation and one was working. When it was our turn to be seated, the working one had to take a call and went outside and yet the rest of us were walked to our table. None of this crappy policy of waiting until our entire party was ready before being seated -- a policy common in busy DC restaurants. And so we sat and drooled over the menu while our friend finished his business outside. The phone call, I mean. He wasn't pooping outside. We waited, and waited, and so did our server, who kept checking on us and topping off our coffee while we patiently waited for our friend to join us before ordering. Imagine that, not being rushed and not getting a 'tude from the busy staff! And then the food came -- sweet potato, cornmeal, caribbean, and regular potato pancakes were shared and enjoyed at our table. My sweet potato pancakes came with some sort of creamy cinnamon syrup, which I could have drank from the dispenser. My pancakes were heavenly, light, and fluffy, but as good as they were, they only served as the vehicle for the wonderful sauce/syrup! So it's not just hype. It's REALLY good, so get there early!
(5)
Lindsay W.

I wondered what the hype was all about and if the wait was worth it. Yes, it is but you don't go to Pancake Pantry just for pancakes, you go for the full experience. This was the last stop on our "bookies gone wild weekend" and we were all exhausted. We remained mostly conscious as we waited in the line for 40+ minutes. Once in side the host Albert got us laughing and joking, learning our names and where we were from. Once we were seated Ann our cute little 60 or so year old waitress, treated us like we were guests in her own home. The restaurant was full with a line out the door and she made us feel like we were her only customers. She gave great suggestions and even gave me two different kinds of pancakes as my side order because I couldn't choose. I split this enormous mix of hash browns, bacon, cheese and eggs along with each of us getting a side of pancakes. The portions were so huge that we could not even eat half of the eggs or the pancakes. But the food was awesome, I got one pancake with homemade peach compote and one with homemade cheery compote- both amazing. My friends got the pecan, blueberry and to die for sweet potato pancakes. I understand that locals may not get it and it isn't a place to grab a quick meal but it is a lot of fun and the food is great! And it was the first restaurant I have ever seen with a Yelp sticker in the window!
(5)
S S.

The Pancake Pantry offers a huge variety of pancakes (try the blueberry, peach or sweet potato) and most impressive, they will let you order one of each variety as long as you ask nicely. The syrup is also great - it's cinnamon sugar flavored and they keep it warm. For whatever reason, as a party of two, we basically got to bypass the huge line of families and other big parties and had maybe a 5 minute wait. The street parking is a little iffy but we found lot parking easily.
(4)
Anastazia V.

The line for this place went by pretty fast and they bust out the food quickly too! I had yogurt and granola and hashbrowns and tried my friends strawberry (since they were out of raspberry) and pecan pancakes. EVERYTHING WAS GREAT! The hashbrowns are really delicious and both the pancakes I tried were really great too! I'd definitely come here again and try the sweet potato pancakes on my next visit to lovely Nashville.
(4)
Roger W.

*heart* the grill cook's medley. The only unfortunate part is that it leaves very little room for pancakes :(. Pancakes are definitely good too though. As a testament, I sent one on a 2 hour drive back home to my sister who still thought it was great. The line outside says it all, :D.
(5)
Don C.

Pancake Pantry is an institution in Nashville. A place to see country stars and have a great breakfast. Pancakes are good. It's a thing to do in Nashville. Plan to stand in line and enjoy the conversation.
(4)
Josh S.

Being a fan of all that is breakfast, I had to recruit my girl and head to the much talked about Pancake Pantry(PP). 45 minutes in line later (you don't wait in line at the waffle house - you might already know where I'm going with this), we find ourselves being quickly ushered across the restaurant floor to be squeezed at a table nuzzled a sparse 6 inches from our neighbors on both sides. Hello, New Unwanted Friends(at Waffle House you can have your own booth and enjoy the company you intended to enjoy). At this point I'm thinking they must bring grand portions of the most divine breakfast culinary treats and feed it to you while an attendant under the table cleans your feet with a warm towel and then gently massages away until your feet are happy and relaxed. Reality comes crashing in as I realize there is only room enough for my legs under the table and the menu consists of your stereotypical breakfast fare with astronomical prices tagged on(12 dollars will STUFF two people at the Waffle House). A brief synopsis: sausage - looks fresh from a microwave, hash browns - large cut and flavorless, eggs - McDonalds does it better, pancakes - i'd rather make them myself, mushrooms - from a can(seriously, ick) I wasn't really sure what I was paying for here. It wasn't the ambience. Perhaps I was paying for sidewalk space while I waited for over-hyped, poorly prepared, over-priced cafeteria food. I thought of giving the PP two stars for serving breakfast in a town with a shortage of breakfast joints, but then I once again remembered that you could walk into a Waffle House and not wait, know what to expect, get decent service, not get packed in like cattle, and have food that competes with the PP for a third of the price. Perhaps I'm a little grumpy in the morning...
(1)
Bob B.

I am so surprised by the number of negative reviews. We went at 1 pm since we knew the morning would have a huge line - still had to wait for 40 minutes but the line moved fast and was well organized. Brunch was just what we expected -- casual, big portions, not at all fancy, high volume atmosphere. Despite that, the server took her time to educate us on the menu and the pros/cons of each dish. Her recommendations were spot on. All five of us were thrilled -- the only complaint was too much food! I recommend the french toast and sweet potato pancakes. Don't go for style or elegance -- go for a big, casual, no frills, hearty breakfast. If you do that, its a great feed.
(4)
Brandon H.

I love pancakes, so it's no surprise that I love going to the pantry. The plain pancakes aren't anything extraordinary (you can probably make the same thing at home for much cheaper) but their special flapjacks, like the sweet potato pancakes with the sweet cinnamon syrup are a reason to come back and maybe spend a little time waiting in line. Go super early and you won't have to wait in line at all or for very long.
(4)
Scott R.

Its just pancakes, people.
(3)
Leigh M.

Best. Pancakes. Ever. So good, in fact, that we went 2 days in a row, and on the 2nd visit, waited an HOUR in line to get more. I couldn't decide if I wanted savory or sweet - an all too common conundrum when I go out for breakfast/brunch - so thankfully the Pancake Pantry offers both together. I ordered the bacon and eggs combo that comes with 3 buttermilk pancakes. They let you sub in other types of pancakes, but I figured I'd go the traditional route and let the flavor of the plain ol' pancakes stand on their own. The eggs were...eggs. But the pancakes, bacon, hashbrowns, and cinnamon syrupy-thing were out of this world! I ate every last bite the first time around (so much for working out that morning...) but somehow couldn't finish it the second time around (yes, I ordered the same exact thing 2 days in a row, it was that good!). I highly, highly recommend dousing the bacon in the syrup - it's an incredible combination that shouldn't be missed. It's definitely well worth the long wait, and the longer you wait in line, the hungrier you get and the more pancakes you can eat! Oh, and if it is your birthday, they bring you a cute little stack of pancakes with a candle in it and covered in all different types of toppings...make sure you let them know it's your special day! Also, cheers for the automatic separate checks - makes going with a group very convenient.
(5)
Retired B.

I wish I came when Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner were here. ;) Pancakes galore! I had a hard time choosing which pancake to choose out of the 15 or so that they listed. I decided on Georgia Peach pancakes. I ended up only being able to finish 2 of the 3 and brought home the last one for a snack. I also tried the sweet potato pancakes which were delicious. I also recommend going on a weekday. Weekday lunch is surprisingly empty.
(4)
Kyla A.

I will never understand why people think this place is worth the hour wait in the line that wraps around the building. I think half the appeal is the apparent appeal it has for other people. That line out front is a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy. If you're smart enough to hit Pancake Pantry up at non-peak hours, it's a pretty good breakfast place. I don't find their ability to put different ingredients in pancakes all that remarkable, so again the menu's mystique is lost on me. I was disappointed to see the pecan pancakes weren't served with bananas (seemed blasphemous really) so I asked for them to be added. I received one banana quartered and was charged $1.79. Do you know how many bananas you can buy at the grocery store for $1.79? Don't make the same mistake I did. I had an egg sandwich there which was huge and delicious. If you're not the pancake type I certainly recommend ordering one.
(3)
Otis M.

The picture of the line in front of this place is spot on. The pancakes are worth standing in line for 20 minutes maybe... but not longer. If the line is too long, go down to Noshville and come back here another time. Pancakes are a comfort food to me, any time of day. The variety of cake here is extensive and unique. Every type that I have tried have been yummy. Okay, maybe a 25 minute wait is warranted ... unless you are super starving.
(4)
A K.

Went there for late lunch, no lines. The price here is great for the amount of food. I got five pancakes for 8.19, and they were incredible. Definitely try the orange-walnut.
(5)
Christian S.

Yes, you have to wait. Yes, it's worth it. But you must like pancakes. They have many interesting pancake varieties - the sweet potato pancakes are a particularly delicious concoction. Most of the pancakes are of the sweet variety, however during my first trip, I tried one of the few savory options - southwest-style pancakes made with a cornmeal base, stuffed with bacon, cheddar cheese, and green chiles. Served with sour cream, salsa, and butter (and yes, you should use all three - perhaps along with some maple syrup, depending on how adventurous you're feeling...) They were surprisingly light and unsurprisingly delightful. The pigs in the blanket are also a solid choice, mostly because the pancakes were just sweet enough and not dry at all, as they have been during several other 'pigs' encounters. My only real complaint is that when it comes to breakfast/brunch, I'm really more of an eggs, bacon/sausage, home fries and toast guy, and there aren't a ton of options available on that avenue. Everything I tried was delicious, but the menu heavily favors the pancake lover, mostly because none of the a la carte items are particularly cheap. However, if you are like-minded and bring an appetite, order the Grill Cook Medley. It contains all the great things you could possibly want from breakfast in one kitchen sink-style dish (ham, peppers, fried eggs, home fries, etc.). And, despite it's rather typical appearance, it's tastes pretty darn awesome. Coffee is fine, nothing special. Come for the pancakes and leave happy.
(4)
Charles A.

My wife and I took our 4 kids (10 years old and younger) on a Saturday morning, and because of Yelp!, we knew there would be a line. We waited for about 50 minutes and could have been seated earlier if we needed only 4 chairs. Many couples were able to sit in less than 10 minutes. Once we were sitting, we were promptly met by our waitress who quickly took our drink order and retrieved them as well. I ordered the wild blueberry pancakes and it was excellent. i especially liked the blueberry syrup that was on top. As a VERY positive note, all four of my kids ate their entire meal, plus they wanted more. That is rare for my kids who can be pretty picky. They ordered pancakes with chocolate chips and M&M's, my one son ordered his plain, plus they all had some sausage links. We did not try anything but pancakes, and for the pancakes, they were fantastic. My wife also ordered some hashbrowns, which were also excellent. I would give 5 stars, but the wait does not warrant it, otherwise a great experience for a family of 6.
(4)
Erin C.

So I FINALLY made it to the Pancake Pantry, after being a Nashvillian for 2 1/2 years. My family (who lives in KY) was traveling to Alabama, and wanted to meet up for breakfast. I biked over to Pancake Pantry and got there around 8:05 or so. The dining room was full, but there was only 1 party of four in line. In the 15 minutes it took for my family to get lost & then find their way there, about 20 or so people kept coming. So the line kept growing and growing, and the host kept seating everyone behind me. I must give MAJOR props to the host though. Once my family arrived, he seated us at the very next available table. Very very nice of him! On to the food. My parents both ordered the cornmeal cake that has jalapenos, cheese, & bacon in the middle. My sister ordered the low fat breakfast, and I ordered the blueberry pancakes. Were my pancakes good? Yes. Were the best I'd ever had? No. I guess I sort of get the hype. We all had a really hard time deciding what to order. Next time I might get sweet potato, or the whole grain, or the silver dollar! Too many options! I will be back! (Though not any time soon. A breakfast of sugar & carbs is not my usual morning start!)
(4)
Declan G.

Despite the wait and the blasting AC, there is something appealing about the Pancake Pantry. The waitresses are very no-nonsense and are good about keeping your coffee cup filled, the service is amazingly quick considering the size and popularity of the Pantry, and getting to choose from all those crazy styles of pancakes is kind of fun. I also like the diner/old-timey feel of the restaurant. The peach pancakes were too syrupy and sweet for me, but the buttermilk pancakes are pretty tasty. The portions are huge, so go hungry or choose a couple of items a la carte. However... The Pantry isn't the kind of place I would patronize regularly. Since it's such a Nashville establishment, it would be a good place to take the relatives from out of town. But when I think about the lines, the noise, and the prices at the Pantry, I'd much rather just make my own pancakes, or go get some real coffee and a bagel at Sam and Zoe's.
(3)
Matt C.

i place pancake pantry in the 'gotta try it once' category. it's a nashville institution and somewhat of a tourist trap. the food is pretty darn good, they have some unique pancake preparation options, and i doubt you could leave unsatisfied... but the massive line that it ALWAYS has on a weekend morning is, in my opinion, just not worth it. i'm happy to wait in a lengthy line if the food merits it, but in my opinion, the pancake pantry doesn't put out anything sensational enough..
(3)
MJ Y.

3 stars pancake pantry is considered a hotspot if your visiting the neighborhood. but i definitely disagree that it's a "must"... nothing that new/spectacular/novel about it~ just fair... it often has long lines... esp sunday mornings~ but if you come really early on weekdays, its pretty quick. service is usually quick if you're a small party~ They have good coffee~ with free refills :) i would recommend the sweet potato pancakes~ eggs are good too. some of the sweet/desert-ish/fruity pancakes are abit too much sweet overload... overpriced for what it offers... just not much to rave or rant about... its just a-ok... ~
(3)
Sylvia R.

We went on a Thursday morning, so we didn't wait in the famous line, and I'm glad for that. We got seated fairly quickly, and our waitress was OK, probably wouldn't have hurt her to crack a smile once in awhile. The menu had an overwhelming amount of breakfast items to choose from. I ordered the Sugar and Spice pancakes and my husband got the Blueberry Pancakes. Don't get me wrong, the pancakes were GREAT- and came out fast, but I'm not sure ANYONE needs to eat 5 huge pancakes in one sitting. I would have preferred they let you get a few of those pancakes and some sides (which we ordered seperately), and the expensive dry sausage and hashbrowns weren't anything to write home about. Overall, the atomosphere was OK, the food was good, but a little pricey, and I'm glad we tried it- however, we'd probably try someplace else for breakfast in the future.
(3)
Kris A.

1) You are going to wait in line. They don't take names, so you have to wait. I believe I would despise this concept in the heat of summer. However, we were there in the spring and it was cool and gorgeous out, so I didn't mind. The line was incredibly long. You'll wait again once you get seated. The whole brunch process there took literally 2.5 hours. 2) The food makes it kind of worth it. These are damn good pancakes and the syrup is freaking insane. It's homemade and I've never tasted anything like it. 3) You'll barely dent your wallet.
(4)
Paul R.

Let me tell you a little something about Pancake Pantry- this place is fantastic. My buddies and I were in town for no good reason other than to hang out in a different city and drink and wound up here on a recommendation from a friend. The line was out the door when we got there (and I can assume it's usually like that) but we stuck it out and we enjoyed some of the best pancakes of all time. Look, don't be a big shot and order something other than pancakes. My buddy made that mistake and wound up staring at the three of us having the times of our lives. When you look at the menu, go with your gut and you can't go wrong. I ordered the grits as a side. It wasn't my first time ordering them in life, so I kind of knew what to expect, but I still wasn't a huge fan. Maybe I'm just not a grits man. Anways, this place rocks and if I'm ever in Nashville again, I'm definitely coming here.
(5)
Jeremiah B.

Cinnamon cream syrup!!!
(4)
Wes K.

I can only say one bad thing about this place--it's too popular, and you can wait over an hour to get in on a Saturday morning or any time when there is a Vanderbilt football or basketball game. We usually eat there before going to Vanderbilt basketball games, since pancakes are a winter food to us. You have to try the sweet potato pancakes. It makes me hungry just writing about it.
(5)
Caitlin D.

What is the big deal with this place, anyway? People line up around the block, and for what? Hype, as far as I can tell. There was absolutely not a damn thing special about my breakfast. Maybe a step up from IHOP, but not deserving of a long wait by any standard. Large portions, sure; but you can get that most anywhere in the South for breakfast. I have nothing special to tell you about my meal, or my friends' meals which I tasted. Just standard breakfast fare. And my breakfast potatoes are WAY better! I don't know, I would skip this place unless you're starving and there happens to not be a line that day. I'd rather eat at Noshville even.
(2)
Michael C.

The line is long and people will cut. So much for "Southern hospitality"! It's worth the wait.... Once! Seriously, you must try this place out. I had corn bread pancakes that were unlike any pancake I've ever had. I remember that eating experience to this day. Food that is memorable and good is worth waiting for. But waiting in line every weekend? That would be lamer than lame.
(5)
Ashley D.

Best buttermilk pancakes I've ever eaten! So yummy! Also, great service and for how long the line looked to get in the restaurant it moved quickly. Definitely check this place out for breakfast, so GOOD!!
(5)
Matt M.

The food's good, but really... standing in line outside for an hour? The food wasn't stand-in-line-good. Eat across the street. You'll get better food and you won't have to wait so long.
(2)
Virginia G.

Although I remembered the long lines from my college years, I was surprised to see a longish line in 30-degree weather at 10 AM on a weekday! By the time we left, the line was around the corner, which I thought was only typical for weekends. Anyway, my husband didn't understand what could be so awesome about pancakes that it would be worth the wait...until we were served. He had the chocolate sin pancakes (which are 3 giant crepes with chocolate filling, chocolate sauce, raspberry sauce, and whipped cream) with a side of bacon, and he demolished them. I had the orange walnut, which were five huge pancakes served with a dish of slightly-orangy sauce and nuts. I wish there were more zest to the orange sauce, but I still couldn't get anywhere near finishing all the pancakes. My husband and I agreed it was great, and the food came quickly. The only downsides were the freezing wait and the two couples who were seated very close on either side of us!
(5)
Mark G.

Great food, friendly staff. Maybe tad pricey by local standards, by New York's standards - just right. Loved the georgia peach pancakes.
(5)
D W.

As a former resident of Nashville, Pancake Pantry is a must-try breakfast destination. The lines wrap around the building - so arrive early. Standing in line with the locals is part of the experience of going to the place. And everyone stands in line - even the stars (Vince Gill when we were there on one occasion). The pancakes are good and eggs/omelettes are a nice option for those without the sweet toothe.
(3)
Flora B.

Meh. Srsly, I can make pancakes at home. Not my favorite breakfast food anyway... And the line is a MAJOR deterrent.
(2)
kate c.

My former room-mate's parent ate here everymorning, and it is actually THAT good. enough said.
(5)
kristen p.

Please tell me what all of the hype is about. As a local Nashvillian I still just don't get it. It's decent. But certainly nothing special. A friend told me that it's because the meat is so good. I wouldn't know because I'm a vegetarian. Is that really what it is?!
(3)
Paula M.

Sweet potato pancakes...yummo! And worth the wait!!
(5)
Andrew B.

If you get there around 7am you can get the best breakfast in town without the wait. If you are not a morning person, plan on waiting a really long time. I definitely recommend the Sweet Potato Pancakes and the Pigs in a Blanket. I do have to say that I would never deal with that kind of line for breakfast.
(5)
John G.

Everytime I drive by and see a long line of people waiting outside I want to yell out of my window "It's just pancakes!!!!" I've eaten here twice, and think the food is fine, but I just don't understand the hype. Yeah, the pancakes are ok, but I don't see myself waiting in line for them.
(2)
Liz H.

Oh, the Pancake! Many a hung-over breakfast was spent there in my single days. This place is fun if you want to meet up with your friends in the Village and stand in line a long time (out the door!) or wake up at 2:00 p.m. and roll in shortly before close. I love Southern breakfast food. While this is standard fare, the reason why Pancake got so popular, for people wondering what the big deal is, has to do with Nashville being Music City U.S.A. and musicians eating there- not so much for the food. That is the secret. I, personally, am not a country music fan nor have I ever been the star struck type. Who knows (or cares) whether the rich and famous even deign to descend on the Pancake anymore. But, as a native Nashvillian reading the bad reviews here, I feel it my duty to give you the DL on why Pancake became the hot spot that it is.
(3)
Amy B.

First timers don't get very good instructions about how the line thing works. It was really really cold in there. Other than that, the food (omelette and pancakes) was delicious and the service was top notch, so I'll be back.
(4)
Nate C.

pancake pantry smentry. this place is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay overrated. this was one of the first breakfast joints that i've tried when i first moved to nashville. people couldn't stop raving about this place. so i dragged my friends out of their bed on a sat morning to wait 40 mins before we got our table. the service was descent and so were their breakfast. it's not anything to die for. i guess i didn't get the memo, but what's so SPECIAL?!?! i would have given this place two stars due to their long line and them not opening for lunch or dinner (only breakfast), but they get a bump up because their potato pancake was pretty good, but that's about it. maybe i was irritated and anticipating some food to die for, but this was ok. sure, it's better than the chain pancake places, but not specialty store where i would wait longer than 15 mins!
(3)
Carolyn G.

That pourable cinnamon butter alone is worth the price of admission. Everything else (including the wait)...not so much. Go on a weekday and things are less rushed, for sure.
(4)
Katie W.

It seems that surviving the line is almost as important as enjoying your pancakes at the Pancake Pantry, but I would agree that it is worth the wait. I am one of the rare folks in the world who can take or leave a pancake. I blame my grandmother who believed that pancakes should be made with equal parts Crisco and Aunt Jemima and I have yet to find a crispy, yet fluffy artery clogging cake to compete with hers...that is until I made it through the throngs of hungry people at the PP. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. I don't know if they are 2+ hours awesome, but give them at least a good 45 minutes. If the line is too long head across the street to Pangea or next store to A Thousand Faces and browse until it dies down.
(4)
Richard S.

The only reason people say good things about this place is because you go there early in the morning before your brain and taste buds are awake! What ever the reason might be for the line at the door... it ain't worth the wait or experiance. One trip will convince you that your time was wasted!
(1)
Nicole W.

Sweet southern service and more kinds of pancakes than I ever thought possible! I'm nuts about this place and plan to go back every time I'm in Nashville. I don't care which side of the Mississippi you reside........Pancake Pantry is THE best. Make sure you try the sweet potato pancakes. Oh em gee!!!!!
(5)
Tony M.

Good place for breakfast. An interesting slice of Nashville life apparently comes here all the time for great pancakes - Vanderbilt is nearby but there's all ages, races, etc. who come here to eat.
(3)
nick c.

This place is great. Okay well the pancakes are great, but the grits are to die for. I don't think I've had grits so good in a long time. Also we didn't know this when we got there, but they will price each pancake individually so you can try them all.
(4)
Safa S.

The pancakes here are definitely unique and worth a try. This was my favorite breakfast place we tried in Nashville. The restaurant is set up like your classic diner. The service was good. Ordered: Santa Fe Pancakes - A - cornmeal, peppers, salsa and just deliciousness. Sweet Potato Pancakes - A+ - These pancakes were amazing! They were served with a cinnamon syrup. This is a must eat item!
(5)
Jessy Y.

Most people know one thing about Pancake Pantry: There's always a line. This is almost true. If you go there on the weekend between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., there will be a long line snaking down Hillsboro, filled primarily with tourists and hungover Vandy/Belmont students. Is it worth the wait? Some say yes, I say... be deliberate about your timing. If you are willing to sacrifice normal brunching hours, you can enjoy the best pancakes in Music City without having to wait in line. Either go at 7 or 8 a.m., or get there at 2:30 or 3 in the afternoon (my personal preference - hey, that's what Sundays are for). The problem with going early is that by the time you leave, there is guaranteed to be a line, thus it feels like you're rushed. If you go late (more like 3:30 when they close at 4), then you feel guilty about keeping the waitstaff there. But I still think it's worth it not to wait in line. In fact, I refuse to wait in line, and even with a pancake-obsessed boyfriend, if we see a line, it's not like there's only one spot serving breakfast food in Hillsboro Village - we'll just go to Jackson's or Bosco's, both have delicious brunches themselves. Now, brunch usually requires mimosas or bloody marys to be decadent enough to be considered "brunch" and not "breakfast" - but I'm giving Pancake Pantry a pass on this one. Their menu of light, fluffy, delicious pancakes goes to such great heights that I consider it an indulgence even without the booze. Sure, their coffee is diner-quality, but in an age of local/pricy Bongo Java and Drew's Brews, it's kind of welcome that they haven't changed with the times. (I'm pretty sure some of their servers have been working there since it opened 50 years ago.) Plus, this place is all about the pancakes. And the giant slab of butter on every plate rivals that of the pancake scene in Uncle Buck. The first rule of Pancake Pantry is to make sure someone at your table orders one of the pancake varieties that comes with cinnamon cream syrup. This is the sugary equivalent of crack, or so I imagine, and I could eat it with a spoon. Usually I order the sugar and spice pancakes, which are cinnamon pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar, but the crack syrup also comes with sweet potato pancakes (my alternate) or the French toast (but who orders French toast at the Pancake Pantry?). If you're allergic to cinnamon or want something a little different, they have a number of fruity options (not to be confused with IHOP's Rooty Tooty Fresh 'n Fruity), including Caribbean, peach, blueberry, raspberry, orange/walnut and even Swedish pancakes with lingonberry. The buckwheat or cornmeal pancakes are good for the illusion of being more nutritious, but I rarely ever stray from one of the options that comes with the real thing. Not to say that their other menu items aren't worth trying. I always get the hashbrowns, which are the cubed-and-crispy variety - one $3 order is enough to feed two or three people. They also have bacon, country ham, eggs, etc., and a lot of the egg dishes come with a side of their classic pancakes, so you can't go wrong there. The last thing to note about Pancake Pantry is that you almost always see a local celebrity gorging on pancakes at the table next to you. I'm horrible at recognizing country stars, but we've seen a Wooten brother or two several times, along with a few Titans players with their families. It's always good to know that no matter who you are, there's nothing like a $7 butter-laden, syrup-smothered pancake meal from the Pancake Pantry.
(4)
Kristen R.

We went on a Sunday morning. Not sure how it is on other days but we waited about 50 min to get in. We were warned ahead of time about the wait. The food was awesome. We all had pancakes and a few had eggs, hashbrowns, and sausage too. As long as you're not in any hurry or have impatient people with you it is well worth the wait.
(4)
Randee T.

when i visited my friend in TN, the one place he said he had to take me is pancake pantry. im glad we went despite having to wait in line to enter for about 30 minutes. i dont think ive ever done that in my life for breakfast, but if i were to go back to nashville again, id definitely make sure to come here. i got the southern style ham dish. it came with pancakes and eggs also. despite the generous sized piece of ham looking like a cross section of a females private part (as proclaimed by my friends of fb) it was quite delicious. im not sure what southern style entails but it was nicely seasoned and cooked just right. it was perfect with hot sauce. the pancakes were also cooked perfectly and delicious but the thing that took them over the top was the cinnamon syrup. i actually went to a pancake place in CA just to see if theyd have cinnamon syrup. im giving it four stars because the service was not perfect. the waitress explained that maybe our ticket was misplaced or the cooks forgot, so we had to wait considerably longer for our food. however to make up for it they did discount our meal. ive been told that they usually arent like this service wise so i wont ding them too much.
(4)
Ally W.

best pancakes!
(5)
Pilar A.

Great place for some delicious pancakes. The only issue I have is the long line. I wish they would cover it up and enclose it some how because it can get really cold when waiting for their pancake goodness! Well, I guess maybe thats why they taste so delicious once you do get to them!
(4)
Chyng H.

This place was highly recommended by every single person I told when I was headed to Nashville. We made a commitment to go there as early as possible in the morning to avoid the long lines. We got there 5 mins before the door opened and we were still in a short line. We had the sweetest lady as our waitress and they all operate like a well oiled machine. We ordered the Grill Cook's Medley and of course pancakes. We opted for plain pancakes, which should be the basis of the rest of the delicious pancakes. They were really really good pancakes. The medley was delicious as well. Overall, great food, great service but if you arrive after 7am be prepared to stand in line! Its worth it!
(4)
Andy C.

Whenever there's a line out the door you know somethin' good is happening inside. Pancake Pantry brought it! Excellent service, great food, family atmosphere. Definitely a place to frequent again.
(5)
Tin N.

If you look at the rating distribution graph, my 3 star review of Pancake Pantry would place me in the minority on Yelp. I simply don't get the hype. To me, this has got to be the most overrated restaurant in all of Nashville. Every city in America has at least one tourist trap. In Nashville, that place would be Pancake Pantry. It's a fun place if you can tolerate the lines. Some of the pancake items are very creative. But the food quality is about 3.5-4 stars. Quality-to-cost ratio is about 2.5 stars. I've ordered almost every favorable item that has been mentioned in Yelp reviews over the past 3 years on my numerous visits. I'm not entirely sure if my expectations were too high or what. Maybe I've had better pancakes in NYC and this was all Nashville could offer. The food wasn't bad. I just think it's over-hyped. Yup I'm Debbie Downer. =(
(3)
Jim H.

We got there at the perfect time today. No line. A few vacant tables. We were seated right away. Fast service. Great food. Quick refills on our coffee. Decent prices. Great time. What more could we ask for? A definite must do every time I come to Nashville to work.
(5)
Susan W.

I had the sweet potato pancake. It was very delicious. But sometimes I wonder if the deliciousness come from waiting in the cold for 45min and hungriness. I had to say this place good at what they are doing, but overrated.
(3)
Molly G.

I got the famous sweet potato pancakes. They were AMAZING! Whatever syrup they give you to put on those things are like crack in a bottle. We did have to wait a little over 30 minutes to get in and get seated and our waitress could have been a little more attentive/friendly (esp. it being in Southern Nashville!). But, the pancakes and hashbrowns are definitely worth going for. I couldn't finish them they gave us so much! YUM!
(4)
Barb B.

We went there and didn't have to wait. It's all in the timing. Soon after we sat, there was a line forming right around the corner outside. We had the sweet potato pancakes and my husband loved them. He doesn't normally eat pancakes, but he finished the last one! We were able to get 2 visits here during our 4 night stay!
(5)
Lyndi S.

The Pancake Pantry is a well-oiled machine. That is, if well-oiled machines make delicious pancakes with a variety of wonderful flavors, toppings and textures. After my first visit to this devinely old-school style establishment, I think I have come up with a way to maximize the experience. And thus, I provide you with a how-to guide for Pancake Pantry: 1. Dress appropriately for the weather and for your belly. If it is summer, wear light, breathable clothing. If it is winter, pack on the warm layers. And whatever the weather is, ensure your belt can withstand the intake of this deliciously filling meal. 2. Have one member of your party (the one with the least amount of tolerance for waiting) go to Fido's to get everyone coffee. 3. People watch. Enjoy the day. Know that the line you are waiting in is well worth what is in store for you once you cross over to the great indoors. 4. Once you arrive inside, sit down and look at your long list of incredibly flavored pancakes. Find the one that looks amazing, and go with your gut. No matter what you choose, you just will not be disappointed here. 5. Last but not least, don't be discouraged when you read that there will be FIVE pancakes on your plate. They are not the size of your face, like other diners. 6. Do not weigh yourself for the rest of the day. You experienced something amazing. Pancakes made with real ingredients. And love. ENJOY!
(5)
Alex L.

Oh, Pancake Pantry, you definitely are a place of extremes. The first thing you'll realize is the long line of people waiting outside the place. The line moves relatively quickly but it's still a good sized wait so plan to be there a little while. After getting in there, you see a huge room packed with tables and, of course, pancakes. It has a large selection of breakfast items and pancakes and via substitutions you can basically have any pancake item you want with your breakfast. To start off, I'll say I was not terribly impressed with the size of the food portions. I really expected there to be more food then I actually got which was disappointing since after the wait you will be starving. The breakfast was solid if not spectacular. However, the pancakes definitely give it a huge boost (which you really should have suspected given it's name). I got the sweet potatoe pancakes, which were delicious, but when topped with the liquid crack that comes with it (they say it's cinnamon cream syrup but who are they kidding?), took it to a whole different level. Seriously, you could pour that on anything and it'd taste amazing. If you're in Nashville, just suck it up and wait the 2 hours and enjoy a pancake meal of goodness.
(4)
Jasmine B.

Great place!!
(5)
Stryceelyn J.

I just finished the sweet potato pancakes. They will make you want to slap somebody because they are so good! Yep, I had to Yelp. The ambiance is a bit lack-luster, but service is friendly.
(4)
Alexandra S.

Not worth the wait and not what everybody says it is.
(2)
Justin R.

Finally I made it to Pancake Pantry! I have been hearing such great things about this place since I moved here, and finally made it for Sunday breakfast. I was super stoked about having some delicious pancakes for breakfast. We showed up around 10 o'clock and there was a line around the corner. I have heard that this is a regular thing so I was not at all surprised. So, plan on waiting and dress appropriately. We were in line for about thirty minutes, not to bad. I suggest sending one member of your group down to Fido's for some coffee while you wait. Once you make it into the restaurant you are faced with a very hard decision.....what type of pancakes are you going to order. I ordered the pecan, my girlfriend ordered the blueberry and we split an order of the hash browns. Everything was awesome! I loved my pecan pancakes so much, that I ate the entire plate. The maple-pecan syrup was great! The hash browns were so crispy on the outside, you need to try these things. I honestly believe that you will not be disappointed no matter what you order. Pancake Pantry is delicious and well worth the wait!
(5)
Mary D.

Not sure how you can NOT love this place...even waiting in line is worth it.
(5)
Ken J.

The sweet potato pancakes are ridiculous, but get here before 8am as the line builds down the sidewalk. They have complementary coffee and water for those in line, but the coffee is pretty terrible if you're a coffee snob like me. Chocolate chip pancakes have the equivalent of a Hershey bar on them, literally. Bacon reminds me of my grandmas, which is not a compliment since she always got pretty cheap bacon, but it is crispy.
(4)
Fareed T.

Yes, believe the hype about the sweet potato pancakes. They were the best pancakes I have ever eaten in my life. I dream about them. And yes, I stood in line 30 min.
(5)
Stephanie P.

OKay Okay- there's the line that everyone writes about- but it moves fast and the food is always worth the wait! I always get the buttermilk pancakes with a side of bacon or sausage- but I've had the Mexican pancakes too and they are FAN-freaking-TASTIC! Every time I go back to Nashville I make it a point to go to the pantry.
(4)
Jessica P.

Perfect place for both pancake lovers and non lovers because these pancakes are delicious!!! So you can't find a reason to hate. But there are other breakfast foods on the menu. I had the sweet potato pancakes with the cinnamon cream syrup it was heaven, so light and fluffy. But also super filling and full after 2 pancakes it comes with 5. My sister had the Santa Fe cornmeal pancakes and it sounds like a lot going on especially drowned in maple syrup but it works and sweet and savory def work for this pancake!! Line was out the door but wait wasn't bad about 30 min and def worth it. Service was fast and staff was friendly.
(5)
Bryan B.

This place is an institution of Nashville, a person waiting in line behind me was saying how they first came here in 1961 and outside I spotted an award the place received for "most likely place to spot celebrities". Don't be daunted by the line (as long as it's actually inside the place), it seems to move pretty fast. They don't take names however so you're going to have to mind your place in line. Once you get seated you're presented with a huge list of pancake options, all of them great I'm sure. Thankfully I had read some of the reviews before coming here and decided to switch out for the "sweet potato pancakes" with my ham and eggs, they were fantastic and I'd highly recommend them. A number of people I was with had the buttermik pancakes and them looked great as well. All in all this is definitely worth a visit but I'd try to go on a weekday morning when the line isn't as crazy. You can definitely tell that people get stressed waiting in line here.
(4)
H. W.

When I lived in Hillsboro Village, this was a Saturday tradition for us. We'd even give up a rare opportunity to sleep in, in order to beat the crowd. The pancakes were great, the coffee was plentiful, and the crowd was always entertaining. That said, I don't find myself missing it, now that we've moved. I'm sure we'll go back sometime, and it will be as great as it always was, but I can't say it's worthy of the abundant hype. If you have an opportunity to go, I'd definitely suggest you take it. But if you're only in town for a weekend and you're debating if it's worth the wait, I'd suggest trying the french toast at Provence rather than spending your morning in line.
(3)
robby m.

I'm not sure how I grew up here and never managed to go to this place before. I always heard how great it was, but never felt like waiting in the perpetually long lines. So I was surprised to see it mostly empty when I was back visiting for xmas. I guess I got there at just the right time (around 2:15). After taking a look at the menu i immediatly started to kick myself for passing this place by so many times before. Usually, I can pretty quickly zero in on the one or two things I'm interested in on a menu. But here, just about everthing looked good, and I had a really hard time deciding. I ended up getting the sweet potato pancakes with powdered sugar and cinnamon syrup. Incredible. The sweetness got a little overwhelming towards the end, but that was my fault for going crazy with the syrup. I also tried the blueberry pancakes, which were less over-the-top but still just as delicious. I wish I was in town longer so I could go back and try some of the other stuff. I wonder how the non-pancake fare is? They had some omelettes that looked pretty tasty. The only thing that i didn't really like was the service, which kind of made me feel like there was, in fact, a line of people around the block waiting to get in. Maybe it just becomes habit after a while? It wasn't bad, just felt a tad bit rushed. I would recommend this place to anyone, and certainly go back, even if it means waiting in line forever to get a table.
(4)
Joshua R.

They are JUST pancakes...nothing more nothing less...For a truly great breakfast hit up the Copper Kettle's Sunday brunch!
(2)
Trina E.

I hadn't been to Pancake Pantry since college, over 10 years ago. Honestly, I wasn't anxious to go back. I always thought the place was over hyped. We went a couple of weeks ago on a week day morning and I was pleasantly surprised. Pancakes were light and fluffy. Breakfast meats were excellent and a side of fruit was decently sized and fresh, despite the winter season. We won't wait so long to return next time.
(4)
Matt L.

I took the red-eye from Oakland to Nashville and made a bee-line from the airport here. Try the sweet-potato pancakes and you'll swear you've found a new religion.
(5)
John W.

yr so nashville if ... you wait in line for an hour to eat pancakes
(2)
Mariela C.

I have to force myself to forget about Pancake Pantry because if I didn't I would weight 1,000 lbs. It's delicious, and if anyone tells you anything different they are lying (just kidding everyone is entitled to their own opinions I guess even if they are horribly wrong!). Being named Pancake Pantry you clearly should take a gander at their pancakes, but my #1 choice is their French toast. I would make sure to order the 1/2 portion because their full portion is ridiculous and no one person should be eating that much French toast. If had to pick one reason why people line up around the corner to eat here I would have to say that it's because of their apple cinnamon syrup. If it weren't a disgusting thought, I would just pour it straight into my mouth. I hate waiting in line so I try to avoid the Saturday or Sunday morning rush, but if you stalk it closely you can usually figure out a time when it's not horribly busy.
(5)
Cameron P.

Go early or wait in an awfully long line. They have the largest pancake selection that I've ever seen. The sweet potato pancakes and Swedish pancakes were excellent. I just wish that they would bottle and sell the ginger cream that is served with their pancakes.
(5)
Emily Y.

We usually take our out-of-town guests here, because it is overall very good. But, if it weren't for the sausage-cheese omelettes, I think it's a bit overrated, fo the wait-time. I prefer Le Peep (eggs benedict!) or Noshville (smoked salmon--as different than lox--and cream cheese) for something lighter, and for more variety.
(3)
Donna K.

For the price you get for breakfast, it is a good spot to eat in Nashville. I'm an avid foodie from California who like going to places such as the Pancake House and hole in the wall breakfast spots all over the country. Although it is not the quality of the Pancake House in Anaheim, CA, it does have similar menu items and you can get a breakfast for two in just under $13.00. It is a notch above an IHOP.
(4)
Sara M.

Honestly you guys, I don't get it! There is a constant line every time I drive past this place and I was always curious as to why this was. Yesterday I went for an early breakfast before work and got there at around 7:00am. Thankfully there was no line and we were able to get sited right away. The place inside looks like a Cracker Barrel but without the souther charm. It is just a big room with plenty of tables and booths along its diameter. The service was great! The lady that took care of us looked busy, so she was not very chatty but she made sure we had our coffee filled to the top every time she walked passed us and asked how everything was going. The food was not impressive. Mind you, I had french toast and NOT pancakes, but regardless, for a place that has a constant line everyday the assumption that their entire menu would be good is not far fetched. Their portions are bigger than most breakfast places, but like I said, if you're not a pancake person, this place is not worth the line. Now, for my friend who had their caramel apple pancakes, he could not get enough.
(3)
Linda L.

I don't know where to start the wait was long but worth it !!!!so if you ever go and have to wait in line for more than an hour do it!!! you'll be glad you did the service was great very friendly but the food will make you want to go kiss the cook finger licking good I think I'll go back tomorrow :)
(5)
Chelsy L.

This place is a MUST! Yes you will wait in a line no matter what day or time you go but it is worth it. My husband and I went and he had the buckwheat, blueberry, and pecan pancakes and I had the banana nut pancake... Perfection is the only word to describe these fluffy, delicious pancakes. I am not a pancake person(not into sweets) but these were so fresh and light. We also had eggs, grits, sausage, and hash browns all of which were equally amazing! You will not regret waiting to eat here! The staff is super friendly and very quick especially for how busy they are.
(5)
Lisa K.

I'm told Pancake Pantry is an institution in Nashville and I believe it based on the lines. I've been here twice now and there is always a ridiculously long line. People say it moves quickly, and I suppose it does if waiting in line 30 minutes to an hour is factored into your agenda. The people I was with swear Pancake Pantry makes the world's best pancakes, but here is all I'll say about that: they are pancakes. You'll find an impressively long pancake-filled menu here, but at the end of the day they're still just pancakes.
(3)
Dayna M.

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day especially when it comes to pancakes. I ordered the sweet potato pancakes and buttermilk pancakes in case I didn't like the sweet potato pancakes. Boy was I wrong. The sweet potato pancakes were delicious. It is definitely worth the wait. However, get there right when it opens. Any later, you will wait. We had heard about this place through a friend of mine who had been there when she was in Nashville. So I had to try it no matter what. We decided to come back the next day when we saw the long line. So make sure you get there early.
(5)
E G.

It has to be good if the line is that long, right? It is pretty good. And it's a Nashville tradition, so why not wait in line? They have potato pancakes, Caribbean pancakes, buckwheat pancakes, orange walnut pancakes, and the list goes on and on. My personal favorite would be the cornmeal pancakes. The waitstaff offer a fabulous service for having to deal with the sheer volume of customers. Better get there EARLY. The line starts to form rain or shine.
(3)
Danielle S.

We were told the pancake pantry was an iconic place that we had to visit while in Nashville by many, but a friend from home had told us it was not worth the wait. We decided to make the trip anyways and were lucky enough to get there at 8:30 on a Sunday and were seated almost immediately. I chose the small appetite breakfast and my choices included egg whites, sausage and chocolate chips added to my silver dollar pancakes. I enjoyed it all except for the sausage patties which were greasy. The egg whites came with salsa on the side which added the perfect amount of heat and flavor. My mom had the banana walnut pancakes. She enjoyed them but said they weren't anything she would rave about. We also shared an order of the hash browns which were my favorite part of the meal. Overall a decent experience and I'm glad we went but plan on trying other breakfast destinations on our return trip to Nashville. Also, try the cinnamon syrup. It's delicious!
(4)
Channing C.

Definitely a go to place while you're in Nashville! Got there around 8AM on a Monday morning so there wasn't any wait at all. I got the blueberry pancakes and my friend got the French toast. Both were excellent! I highly recommend this place to anyone in the area!
(5)
Michael N.

OK, I get it man. You listened to Modest Mouse before they were popular. That sweet jacket of yours is tots vintage and was $0.99 at Goodwill. You're just drinking PBR for the irony. I understand. So I get why you don't want to come here - it's on all the lists. It's already been discovered. Anything this popular is no longer cool. Really - I get it. However, you need to make an exception. Just this once. Hide your face in a hoodie if needed, but get your cool butt over here. Speaking as the official* Yelp Pancake Snob, I'm giving Pancake Pantry the official** Pancake Snob Seal Of Approval. I got a plate that was half wild blueberry pancakes and half Parisienne (strawberry pancakes). Both were awesome, though I think the strawberries won in the end. My lady friend had the silver dollar pancakes and some breakfast potatoes. The silver dollars were good, but I will say that the potatoes were a bit boring. We waited about 20 minutes after getting there at about 7:45AM on a Saturday morning in the summer. Service was prompt with a bit of sass. Prices were totally reasonable, and parking was available for free immediately across the street. Seriously, go here if you have a chance. *not really official **still not really official
(5)
Randall F.

I know Pancake Pantry is a staple of the Nashvillain touristy breakfast stops- but I gotta say... its just not THAT great. The line around the block is off-putting and the service is pretty brash... the main goal is to get you in and get you out and this is definately made obvious by the servers... Food-wise they have pretty amazing sweet potato pancakes that are really pretty righteous... but not good enough to justify the line around the block- or the hassle of going there. When I first moved here, it was a spot we went to regularly- but to me now it is clearly a tourist stop to be avoided.
(2)
Kevin W.

45-60 min wait on Memorial Day, but well worth the wait. And it was in the rain. Long line and nobody complaining. They knew it would be worth it!
(5)
Teresa M.

Small wait but we got there before the long line began to form. Banana Bread pancakes are the BOMB!! Great service, friendly staff and clean bathrooms.
(5)
Cheryl H.

We'd heard a lot about this place and decided to do brunch here when my in-laws were in town. We arrived around 8:15 am (on a weekday) and were seated immediately. They had a ton of great pancake options, but I wished that some of the "crepey" like dishes had an option to be served hot. Our server didn't seem to be too concerned with questions like this. I had the sugar and spice pancakes which were pretty good, but I also tried the sweet potato and Parisienne dishes, also pretty good. My FIL seemed to love the blintzes, but I can't stand cottage cheese so I stayed away. We also tried a side of ham, which was good, but so salty that I could only eat one bite! The service left a lot to be desired...our waitress was prompt and attentive, but showed no interest in being friendly, and was rather curt. When we left the line was out the door into the freezing cold so we were pretty happy that we got in when we did! I guess I was a little confused as to why this place earned the notoriety it enjoys. It was OK, but I make the same sugar and spice pancakes at home for a lot less money, though the cinnamon cream syrup was pretty heavenly! I guess I'd only go back if there was no line. Oh yeah, free parking for the first 1.5 hours in the lot, but you have to push option 1 or else pay the whole fee. Pro-tip!
(3)
Miriam M.

I wish I could believe the hype but honestly this place was pretty standard. I consider pancakes to be one of my favorite food groups so if pancake is in the name of the title I expect more. They weren't bad in taste, just unimpressive, small, and comparable to Denny's. we had the blueberry pancakes and pigs in a blanket. The blueberries were so small (I suspect that they're frozen) and one of the cakes had only two berries in it. But I hate to only write about the negatives so here are the things I liked: -cinnamon syrup -wide variety of cakes -free coffee outside as you wait Other than that, really not worth the wait in my opinion.
(2)
Sam L.

Great luxury institution of Nashville. The wait can be long, but the atmosphere and vibe of the place is worth it. We got the potato pancakes and eggs, which were good as well as omelette. Apple sauce also came with it. Cooking here isn't fancy and reminds me of more of home cooking but great nonetheless.
(4)
Jonathan M.

This is the first place I take out of state visitors. It is a staple of Nashville and for good reason. I don't consider myself a pancake fan. In fact, breakfast isn't my favorite meal, but I could eat at Pancake Pantry every day. Typically, I stick with the good ol' original batter pancakes, but occasionally will switch it up with one of their specialty plates like the Santa Fe Cornmeal dish. Their Grill Cook's Medley is possibly my favorite dish though. It takes me back to eating at the 24-hour truck stop diners after a night on the town, except it is delicious sober and you aren't bathing in grease. There is always a line. I don't think I've ever been there and have had a wait that is under 30 minutes, but it is worth every second.
(5)
Breanna C.

Best breakfaat i have ever had. Great service, great food. I waited an hr to get in and deff do not regret it. Will be here next trip to Nashville.
(5)
D. N.

We got to this place early because we heard about the lines that start, and after we got done eating around 8:30am, sure enough we had to walk through a crowd of people to get out. We got there around 7:45 and half of the tables were empty, mind you, this was a Tuesday morning. The eggs are completely worth skipping. I thought 5 pancakes, which is their pancake order serving size, would be too much, so I decided to break it up with an omelette. Completely not worth it. The plus side of an egg dish is they let you substitute 2 of their specialty pancakes for the 3 plain ones that come with the dish. My mom got the sweet potato pancakes, which she maybe got two bites of because my sister and I ate most of them. They were unbelievably good and different than any other pancakes I've had. My sister got two scrambled eggs and 3 plain pancakes. Again, eggs were super thin, not fluffy at all, definitely worth skipping. Her plain pancakes were also delicious. I got the cheddar omelette with two blueberry pancakes which were just ok. Barely any blueberries, but the cake itself was pretty good. Parking is free in the back for the first hour or two....can't remember which one. I'd definitely go back and order just pancakes next time.
(4)
Sarah C.

The food is good. It's creatively done and I appreciate that. However, the wait is so long for something I could pretty much make at home. It's not worth the wait for me personally. However, if you're not one to come up with your own creations and you don't mind waiting, it is delicious.
(3)
Yifei W.

Who's dumb enough to wait in line for pancakes?
(1)
Tim M.

Here at 7AM on a Thursday, this place had a completely different atmosphere. It felt more like a diner or cafe - waitress giving you 10 min to just shoot the breeze between bringing beverages and taking orders. I almost forgot where I was until the always cold fans blew down my neck. Went back to where I know best - Georgia Peaches Pancakes and a side of bacon. Loved the bacon today - not burnt or overly crispy but just right. Pancakes - loved them as always.
(4)
Qui T.

They have THE worst customer service. I call in for a pick up order. I'm on hold while I hear the cashier ring up every customer and then once he was done he didn't even address me. The line disconnects and I call back, both times it goes straight to voicemail. It's like they have so many customers that whether or not they give good customer service or not, people will come back regardless. So they really do not care about you. Food is only good compared to everything else around but overall, very average. This place is the worst.
(1)
Oznur A.

great foodm - great service.. French toast..oooo mmmmm gggggggggg
(5)
Ryan B.

Uh...yes. Say yes to the omelette (comes with pancakes).
(5)
Donald C.

I wasn't impressed. Didn't taste any different from chains. Maybe it was what I ordered.,.sweet potato pancakes...but I just was not impressed.
(3)
Ali B.

Village Smithy COLO Sante Fe Cornmeal (cornmeal pancakes with bacon, cheddar chunks and green chilies inside) and sweet potato pancakes are awesome. Go early. Try the homemade syrup.
(4)
Peter M.

A Nashville landmark and obligatory stop on the toursit circuit, they say you will see celebrities here (I once saw Kevin Costner). The line is outrageously long but it actually moves pretty fast and it is actually worth it. Best pancakes I've ever had. Go with a group so you can each order a different pancake conconction... they are all so intriguing and it is impossible to decide. I like waking up before 7 on a Sunday to beat the crowd and going there with the paper. Service is very friendly in an authentic, warm Southern way.
(5)
Mad I.

Yup, the infamous line.... what is it about a line that makes us flock to places??? Has to be good right? This place appears to be a Nashville staple, but frankly, there is nothing that stood out to me. The pancake was good... that's about it.... and the corn cake "blue ribbon" special item #2...not good, at all....we left most... I'd skip this one...
(3)
Lisa S.

We stopped here at the recommendations of several friends and we are so happy that we did! We weren't very hungry but knew we had to try the famous sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup. We shared one order, which wasn't a huge portion but that was perfect for us. They were hot and soft and fluffy and served with powdered sugar and butter on the side. Omg amazing! The staff was friendly and service was quick. Very close to the Vanderbilt campus. Would definitely return!
(5)
Renee B.

Love the pancakes and hash browns. This is definitely one of my guilty pleasures. The pancakes are light, fluffy, and full of flavor. The syrup is perfectly sweet and the hash browns are cooked to perfection. The perfect spot to treat yourself for a carb overload. I usually come when there is no line and I can get pretty quick service (usually during the week).
(5)
Jennifer R.

I know people love the Pancake Pantry but I am not a fan. It's very touristy, expensive for breakfast food and the lines are always ridiculous. The food is good but there are much better breakfast options in Nashville to wait that long for a table in my opinion. I prefer Noshville's griddle cakes or even something from Fido (both in the same neighborhood) if I'm going to splurge on breakfast.
(2)
Tim G.

I don't get it. The food isn't AMAZING. It's pretty standard food when it comes to the pancakes and the rest of it. For all of us locals, I think we can fairly call this place a tourist trap. There's absolutely no reason to wait hours in a line to eat this food. I may be the only person that thinks this, but if you want good breakfast food in Nashville, I can honestly name 5 places WAAY better than this place!
(2)
Webdy L.

Great food and ambience! The wait staff were so friendly and helpful. The food.... Where do I start? One word.... Amazing! We had the traditional pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup, ham, eggs and has browns.... So good!
(5)
Kay L.

Paula was an awesome waitress. When I asked for extra butter she flew like the wind and it was there in a wink. This was my first experience with sweet potato pancakes and I ate almost all of them. FYI... It is now 12:40 PM and there is no line around the corner. If you can wait for pancakes until Highnoon you might avoid a long line. They bring three different types of syrups for you to indulge. I am sitting here about ready to burst and happy as a lark. I will have to walk 10 miles to take off all of these calories so I better get to walking. Yummy!
(5)
Ted C.

I brought my co-travellers here with me because it's a 'local legend' spot despite my opinion of it being just okay. I mean the wait is a little weird and in my opinion not really worth it. Despite that though our server was great-when one of my friends I was with couldn't decide on which type of pancake to order she suggested having one of each. Simple fix and easily done. I got the Grill Cook's Medley which was okay. What I got was mostly hash browns and the picante was really mild but it was filling. I brought my friends here because they can say they came to a Nashville institution but I'm not a pancake person and their savory side is okay.
(3)
Adam R.

OK. Decent place for pancakes and breakfast. Is it worth the ridiculous line that usually forms and runs out the door and around the corner? No. I'd rather go to Waffle House, eat, drive back home, get in comfy pj's and watch a game on the couch than still be there standing in line. Again, good food, worth the money, not worth the ridiculous wait. Go when you can walk right in and eat without a wait. It'll make it taste better. I promise.
(4)
Michelle P.

Get there early if you don't like waits. My friend and I came at 8 almost on the dot and didn't wait but there was line when we left. Fairly fast paced service and definitely is worth the experience, but not entirely sure how I feel about the side costs (might as well order a "regular meal" and pancake meal at that rate). Had the chocolate sin and a black coffee which was naturally a great combo! Their portions are fair so I say for a normal person that is all you need. But if you're like me and always running on 100 you'll want to get a side item or convince your partner(s) in crime to split a regular item on top of your pancakes. Left feeling content but I know I'll be hungry again in the next hour (reiterating the fact that I eat A LOT now for those who want to knock the size of your meal. It's pretty well portioned).
(3)
Jennifer B.

Cool concept, but unfortunately it lacks any creative execution. Lots of pancakes to choose from. I don't really like pancakes though, so was stuck getting some bacon and eggs. I'd say the food quality compared to that you'd get at IHOP or Waffle House. My meal came with some pancakes on the side. I got the banana bread ones. They were decent, but far from amazing. Actually, I could have made them at home. This place is overhyped and not really worth the wait. Also, they don't offer anything but basic coffee and juice out of a carton to drink. This is a typical diner, which happens to offer a million different combinations of pancakes. I wouldn't go out of my way to return.
(3)
Candra G.

Perhaps I need to come back and order something else - but, I think the food doesn't match the hype or the line. I ordered your standard eggs, bacon, and buttermilk pancakes and I was a little underwhelmed. Dare I say that Cracker Barrel or IHOP would have satisfied my pancake craving better. I'm thankful that I got to the restaurant right before the crowd started to pick up (I got there around 7:45 am). The strange thing about eating there are the guys that continuously walk around looking for when you take your last bite - so that they can take your plate. Kinda puts the pressure on to eat quickly and get up and out. Bottom line: Decent food (not worth waiting more than 10 minutes for), great service, and prime location.
(3)
Karen S.

Hundreds have said it before me, but these pancakes are fantastic. The comfort of home is served up in a stack, just like how granny makes 'em (if my grandma were from the south and knew what pancakes were). Really puts IHOP to shame, and don't even mention the D-word that rhymes with Benny's. The Santa Fe cornmeal pancakes really deliver on taste- it's like eating flat cornbread with bacon bits, cheese, and peppers dispersed throughout. The sweet potato pancakes are highlighted on the menu for good reason. Fluffy and delectable; I couldn't ask for anything more...BUT WAIT. There's more. Here comes the cinnamon cream syrup. Who is responsible for this brilliant creation?!!!! Marry me. The hash browns are perfectly crispy, but tasteless. You'll need some ketchup or Tabasco sauce. Get here early or there will be a long line! Just imagine the delicious cinnamon cream syrup you could be having before you hit that snooze button again.
(4)
Savannah P.

I have loved the pancake pantry since I tried it for the first time a couple of years ago while visiting Nashville. I always made it a point to visit when I was in town. My husband and I recently moved to Nashville and were excited to take our visiting family to this Nashville must-eat. However, we were so disappointed when we did because the legendary pancake pantry has recently made huge cuts to their portions (but not their prices), and their meals are now comprised of 2-3 silver dollar pancakes rather than regular pancakes. For a place that is renowned for their pancakes, it ended up being a big disappointment to our family. I definitely won't be take visitors back.. Skip the line and go next door to Jackson's for their incredible brunch!
(2)
Rhonda B.

Line was pretty long showing up but since my party was 2 people we got to cut a lot. Great place if you like breakfast food.
(5)
Adam C.

Was in Nashville visiting, and was looking at yelp for suggestions... Took the fam, to stand in line......and wait...and wait.. Well, I cannot agree with all the fabulous reviews.. The serve was poor to fair, the food was good, and every body liked their breakfast. The sweet potatoe pancakes seemed to be the hit, I had buckwheat..which were just so so ... IMO good, but just not worth standing an hour in line for..there are many as good if not better breakfast son out there.. I really wanted to like this place better ,
(3)
Ann W.

I met one of my team in Nashville for work and she had certainly talked this place up beforehand. I had heard amazing things about the sweet potato pancakes, not just from her, but from a local we met with there, and I was really looking forward to checking the place out. Sadly, it was a bit of a let-down. The dining area is fairly nondescript with lots of tables and booths packed in fairly tightly. The place was buzzing around noon on a weekday which would normally indicate to me that I was in for an amazing treat. But sadly, I think this one needs to be chalked up to "to each his own" status. The service wasn't particularly amazing. I had gotten up at 3:40 a.m., so I needed coffee and lots of it. I indicated that to our server who let my cup go bone dry twice. Yeah, it was an inexpensive cup of coffee, but it wasn't particularly high quality, so it wasn't asking a lot to get a couple of refills. The sweet potato pancakes were very fluffy, but also so dry that they just slurped up the special "cinnamon caramel" syrup which is....get this...Smucker's caramel topping for ice cream with cinnamon added. Ok, yeah, that stuff tastes good, but please don't claim it as something unique and special about your restaurant, because it really isn't. All in all, the place wasn't awful, but I really don't think that it stood up to all the hype. Fortunately, the prices were easy on the pocketbook, so I didn't have to endure a great deal of sticker shock while coming down off my sugar high.
(3)
Grant C.

This is purely based on breakfast. This is where my family and I go for a treat instead of a corporate meat & three for breakfast. I've had slow service once. I don't know that I ever received "quick" service. Then again, I don't go to the Pancake Pantry to have a quick breakfast. I go to the Pancake Pantry when I want friendly service, good food, at a good price, with good friends. For the food . . . I don't ever get anything exciting or exotic. If we run a race in Nashville, we hit the Pancake Pantry on the way home. If you are from out of town and visiting, this is one of those iconic Nashville eateries you need to visit.
(5)
Arjun K.

As good as it can get! Hashbrowns, Chocolate Chip Pancakes are must have. French toast is pretty amazing.
(5)
Joe A.

After you've spent the night screaming out your obligatory "YeeHaws!" and making all kinds of cowboy cliche jokes while walking up and down Broadway, you'll want to wake up and head to Pancake Pantry for a little Nashville hangover cure. I recommend getting there early and bringing every ounce of patience you can muster (the line can be a little intense - read the other reviews on here). We got the Sweet Potato Cakes topped w/ the cinnamon cream syrup and Santa Fe Cakes (bacon, peppers, and cheese stuffed in cornmeal cakes). Hint: put syrup on the Santa Fe Cakes too! All-in-all, once you get in, you'll forget about the wait, the service will be lovely, the food will be quick, and you'll leave with a full, happy stomach.
(5)
Kina L.

SO you know how every popular restaurant has a T-shirt? Well Pancake Pantry is so recognized by their long lines that it's featured on their shirt. Yesterday was my first time visiting the Nashville staple and while waiting in line in the sideways rain, I was texting my roommate that this better be worth it. AND it was duhlicious. I got the sweet potato pancakes, spinach turkey omelet (toppings go on top FYI) and the grill cook's medley (hashbrowns with peppers, tomatoes, fried eggs, ham and 2 buttermilk pancakes). The sweet potato pancakes were perfectly fluffy and sweet enough where you didnt even need syrup... even though it comes with its own special extra duhlicious kind. In regards to portion sizes, it is reasonable. I would not say it is overwhelming at all. We (3 of us) finished everything easily. The pancakes come in a stack of 5 and if you order an omelet, it comes with 3 buttermilk. (Of note, it does not cost extra to have your omelet made with egg whites). Now that I have tried the sweet potato, Im ready to move on. They had banana bread, caribbean, and Georgia peach (oh heyyy) pancakes that will be on my must eat list . Parking: You can try to get a parking spot in the lot in the back. MAKE sure to go to the little, blue parking machine thing (specific... I know) and get a free 1.5 hr ticket to put on your dash. Also keep in mind that 1.5 hrs might be tight given the wait. We made it out with about 15 mins to spare. However we came on a Monday at 1 p.m. I really hate that I had to knock down my review by one star, but the service was not great. We felt extremely rushed and aside from ordering/giving us our food (and our check at the same time) we never saw our waitress again. However, I do understand that with such long lines they have to have a quick turn over! Regardless, I will be back again!
(4)
W W.

Saved By The Syrup. Take the Pancake Pantry for what it is, a popular, down home breakfast joint. The Decor is fitting, the ambiance is exactly what I want in a place known for its breakfast, and the service is downright exceptional. I really wish I thought to ask the name of my waitress, because she was warm and very attentive. So much so my uncle, who and aunt visiting from Georgia stated, "she really takes her job seriously." She was much older than the other waiters and waitresses and wore lovely grey locks and a bucket of charm. As for the food, the pancakes were ok on their own but was very good once the butter was melted and the warm syrup poured over them. The pancakes were bought to the table at about room temperature, however, the syrup was warm and quickly raised the temperature of them. The homemade hash browns were good as well, but they also arrived to the table a little cooler than I would have liked. Overall a good dining experience, but I know they can definitely do better.
(3)
D'Anelle D.

I know Pancake Pantry has a large and loyal following so I hope I'm not crucified when I say I didn't like it. I know I know! I really wanted to love this place but my experience just wasn't great! At all. Maybe my expectations (stemming from all the unwarranted hype) were too high. I had a group of friends visiting from out of town and I was eager to take them to the famous Pancake Pantry. I was referred by a coworker who spoke very highly of the food and the atmosphere, so this was first on my list for our breakfast outing. We got there and there was a fairly long line formed outside, so I thought well that's a good sign! However, when we got in, I immediately wondered if my coworker who recommended this place pulled a fast one on me. The energy of the staff was a bit off. It sort of felt like I was at a cafeteria in a nursing home where the staff were the residents themselves. If that's what the folks over at the pantry were going for then they nailed it! I could sense that this wasn't a place where I should get fancy with my order so I kept it simple. I ordered plain pancakes and scrambled eggs with sausages. My meal was ok. But my friends got fancy. One of them got the chocolate pancakes with an omelet which was less than average according to her. I had no desire to taste and judge for myself. Another got the "island style" pancakes which were basically lazily made banana pancakes topped with dry coconut shreds and pecans. I'm from the islands so that annoyed me a bit. My other friend got eggs and steak which he ordered medium well but got medium rare. He ate it because he eats anything. But you get where I'm going with this. Pancake Pantry left a bad taste in my mouth-- pun intended. I'm struggling to find something I love about the place. I loved my hot chocolate! And yes, the staff were nice people despite everything. I may go back if I'm in the area and it's a choice between there and.. nowhere else. I'm probably one of very few people who feels this way so you may still want to give it a shot. Who knows, you might like it...
(2)
James A.

The meal was absolutely pitch perfect. Savory, fluffy, and with in-house made maple syrup. I sampled the blueberry pancakes and the french toast. My only regret is that there isn't a Pancake Pantry in my hometown. Get there early, the line was wrapped around the building on my first attempt.
(5)
Carmen H.

Visited the Pancake Pantry this past Saturday 1/31/15. Heard this place was the #1 spot for breakfast in Nashville and that the long line & wait was worth it. Not so much. After waiting an hour in line we then had to wait 49 minutes for omelettes. My omelette had a hair in it. After tracking down our waitress to let her know she promptly took my plate to the kitchen. No apology. Nothing. The hashbrowns aren't hashbrowns. They're potatoes. Crispy potatoes that were delicious. That's the only thing that was good. So not worth the wait. It was definitely a hairy experience but I won't be back for future visits.
(1)
David H.

Outstanding breakfast place. The sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon syrup are fantastic (perhaps the best pancakes I ever tasted). Note that I do not especially like sweet potatoes at all but my son got them and they were superb. I got egg white omelette with onions and cheese and it was cooked perfectly. The sausage patty was good but the hash browns were excellent. Love the service food and ambience. Definitely recommend this place as a breakfast must go.
(5)
Carly H.

I'm from Nashville, but I had never been here before. When some friends came to visit me from Atlanta, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to head to a place I'd always wanted to check out, but had always deemed too inconvenient and touristy to really be serious about trying. We got there mid-afternoon (I couldn't rally them any earlier, no one believed me about the line) and we waited in line for a couple hours. My friends were looking at me like I was crazy. It didn't help that people kept joining us, and so we ended up with a party of 8. There's no way that pancakes could be worth this, right? Well. The pancakes were, indeed, awesome. Everyone was raving about the pancakes. I had sweet potato. They were incredible. Sometimes I wake up randomly craving them. But. Waiting in line for 2 hours for pancakes is a little ridiculous. That's the only reason I'm giving this place 4 stars instead of 5. TL;DNR The pancakes are awesome, but the line is not.
(4)
Kaitlyn M.

I'm not sure why there is always a line out the door of this place on weekends. The pancakes are good, but at the end of the day they're still just pancakes. In my opinion, you can get a much better breakfast a few doors down at fido. Then again, if you're really craving pancakes, this place is worth it if there's no line. The service is really fast, too.
(3)
Kristin M.

The Pancake Pantry is a staple for a breakfast spot from what I heard from the locals of Nashville. I totally believed it, as I stood on line on a Friday morning for 35 minutes to wait to grab a lucky seat. Meanwhile the line continued to grow as it wrapped around the block. As other reviews mentioned, I agree these are some of the best pancakes money can buy. I totally recommend the sweet potato pancakes or the pecan pancakes that is served with a wonderful rum sauce! The place also has a parking lot behind that serves free parking up to 90 mins. If you want to skip lines I recommend going at 1-2 hrs before the places goes according to the manager.
(4)
Ashley H.

I have never stood in a line outside of a business for breakfast, and questioned myself when doing so here. It was worth it from where I started waiting (a couple people behind the sign) but had it been any longer my opinion may have changed. It's the charm of a restaurant with history, coupled with friendly service, and topped with delicious food that did it for me. My mom and I each had a basic egg breakfast with sweet potato pancakes, and they were perfect as a sweet ending. Any of the breakfast plates that come with "buttermilk pancakes" can be substituted for any of their 23 pancakes. As our server reminded us, you'll just get a smaller portion than if you got a full order of those pancakes.
(4)
charles j.

I noticed all the Afro-American bus boys..and I said "Hmm". So I inquired at the cash register if they were any Afro-American male wait staff and he said unashamedly "No." Food was ok. Service was quick. Took forever to get a coffee refill.
(1)
John G.

If your making a weekend trip, get up early!! Its worth it and the line gets crazy long! Hashbrowns are money in the bank, and the four of us got different types on pancakes and they were all delicious! The first day, we drive by at around 10am, and the line was around the block.......So we came back the next morning (Sun) at 7am, and walked right in. By the time we left, there was a line building up. Def worth the trip!
(4)
Cindy F.

The best breakfast ever! Worth waiting in line for. My first visit to Nashville I was told to go to this place for a great breakfast experience. Waited about 45 mins on line but was intrigued. The service, food and ambiance were worth the wait. Went back again last July.
(5)
Curtis N.

An absolute must if you are in the Nashville area. And don't get discouraged by the long line, it moves fast and is worth the wait!
(5)
Heidi G.

Went to this place especially for the pancakes, hence the name. Had the sweet potato pancakes with warm cinnamon maple cream, yes I said warm cinnamon maple cream, your interested now aren't you. They were just as heavenly as they sound. Tried the sugar ham for some protein as well as their special hash browns. I think the hash browns had coconut in them and were very interesting and unique. Staff was very friendly and place was cute and clean. Free parking in the rear of the building for the first hour and a half. Worth a stop if you are in town.
(3)
Keith C.

During an impromptu weekend trip to Nashville, the wife and I searched for and found the Pancake Pantry as our local, non-chained eatery for Sunday brunch (we found out about another location in Gatlinburg later that day - lol). Nice little place - open dining area, extremely friendly and courteous staff, reasonable prices, great food. I tried the sweet potato pancakes which, as a few other reviewers have mentioned, were really tasty. Despite being a cinnamon fan, I was less impressed with the cinnamon cream syrup than most others (a little cinnamon sometimes goes a long way), and opted for the maple syrup which worked very well on its own. Of all the things I tried though, the one thing that stood out as absolutely fantastic were the hash browns. Little chunks of starchy goodness - crisp, thick, and hearty - absolutely loved them and highly recommend them to anyone that can't do a breakfast/brunch without 'em. From what I understand there's typically a lengthy wait for a seat but, judging from our visit, it's not much longer than 30 mins or so. YMMV though, especially considering the day you visit. One thing to note - the place stays open (at least on Sundays) til 4pm, and by 1pm the line was significantly shorter to get in, so if you're not a fan of waiting in line, that may be a good tip to remember. All in all we enjoyed the eats and experience at the Pancake Pantry and will most likely visit again after giving a few other local hotspots at least a try first. Give it a shot - I doubt you'll leave dissatisfied.
(4)
Alicia M.

I am NEVER dissappointed when I visit the pancake pantry! I've been here in Nashville almost 7 months and when friends visit I always recommend this place. There is a wait but it's worth it! LOVE LOVE LOVE THE BLUEBERRY PANCAKES! YES LORD!!! My favorite server is Miss Mary and I ALWAYS request her if she's working. If you ever get this sweet lady as a waitress please tip her well!!
(4)
Justin H.

We've lived in the Nashville area for many years now and never braved the long lines outside of Pancake Pantry. Feeling adventurous, we decided it was time to give it a try this weekend. Pancake Pantry is near the Vanderbilt campus. For some reason, it has quite a following and routinely has long lines outside. It's always been intriguing to me. Once we managed to get in Pancake Pantry, our waitress was a grumpy old lady. She looked very annoyed to be working there and seemed to view every table as an inconvenience. We placed our orders -- two of their most popular pancakes. We also added eggs as a side (at additional cost). The food came out and was plopped down on our table. That was the last we saw of the waitress. I had to flag down a busboy to get the check. The pancakes were unremarkable. No sides. Just a plate of pancakes and a bottle of syrup. They were decent -- but nothing special. Must be a nice profit to charge $8 for 50 cents worth of flour. All the mainstream competitors -- IHOP, Waffle House, Cracker Barrel have equally (or better quality) pancakes and INCLUDE sides like bacon, jelly, eggs, etc. I'd strongly recommend avoiding Pancake Pantry. A few years back, they had a very low health score. Moreover, if their server is any indication, it seems like they care very little about customer experience. Save yourself time, expense, and a carb rush. If you want a Nashville icon for breakfast, try Loveless Cafe. I felt like Loveless was pretty good and lived up to the hype. Unfortunately, Pancake Pantry fell flat ---- as a pancake.
(1)
Ann W.

Seeing a line of soccer moms, university kids, and families all waiting for a table at Pancake Pantry at 11:00am on a Thursday definitely had me sold! In true Ann fashion, I had already picked out what I wanted from reading the menu online for weeks. For serious. First come, first serve is the policy and whatever table will fit you is the table you're gonna get. I love this non-pretentious and very fair way of running their restaurant! I wouldn't say the service is the best, but they get the job done. I ordered the corn cakes and added mini chocolate chips, which they certainly did not skimp on. The velvety gifts from heaven were soft and melted on top of the corn cakes. Guess how many corn cakes this one serving came with?? 5!! Yes, f.i.v.e. I certainly couldn't finish my whole plate but I sure tried. Each bite was sweet and sinful, and I convinced myself that it was ok because I was going to eat salad for my next 2 meals. My husband ordered the pecan pancakes-- a stack of buttermilk pancakes with pecan pieces nestled inside, served with a side of silky maple pecan syrup. Let me tell you, he is NOT a breakfast food kind of guy, but he raved about these pancakes being incredibly fluffy and magical. Ok, maybe he didn't use the word "magical," but still...this is high praise coming from him! We also got some meaty sides--Tennessee country ham for me and sausage patties for him. Both were overly salty and dry... Definitely a waste of stomach space, but it IS called "Pancake" Pantry for a reason. Tip--stick with what they are known for and you can't go wrong.
(4)
Afkham N.

Okay so they get 4 stars for the pancakes only. in my opinion its a tourist trap for anything other than pancakes. which is fine cuz it is pancake pantry not omlette pantry. but i got really exasperated from the hour wait time and when i ordered an omlette with chicken a medley of veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes and onions that cost me almost $11 and its FU#*ING CANNED VEGGIES..are you kidding me? the sweet potato pancakes were real good but the omlette just completely killed it for me.
(4)
Adam L.

I arrived around 9:30am on a Monday and was seated right away. My waitress was happy and helpful and recommended the sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon syrup. I ordered those and a side of hash browns. The order came with five medium sized pancakes, which were indeed very good, but the hash browns were pretty bland. I'd probably come back for the cinnamon syrup, and the service.
(3)
G. S.

The food is delicious! Wait staff are super sweet and bubbling with southern charm. Great atmosphere for a nice peaceful meal. I can't go through Nashville without grabbing some breakfast at this place at least once.
(5)
Darlene O.

Not worth the hype in my opinion. Maybe if I had tried a flavored pancake my rating may have been higher but if the original pancake doesn't appeal to my taste buds why would I even think to come back? I only came once and never returned. Luckily I avoided the crowd and long lines by coming close to closing time on a weekday. But I have seen the lines out the door and packed especially on a Saturday morning. Honestly, this place doesn't hold a candle to my all time favorite Mama's Pancake Breakfast from Cracker Barrel.
(3)
Kevin K.

If there is a line outside the door, turn around and get back in your car. The food is mediocre, nothing special. But then, again how do you screw up pancakes? I genuinely felt back for the serving staff as nobody looked happy. Unpleasant atmosphere.
(2)
Tony O.

Tasty buttermilk pancakes and sweet potato pancakes. Far superior to any chain. Make sure you get there early or be ready to wait.
(5)
Joe M.

I ate here before my Gluten free issues. I loved this place. I had the Sweet Potato Pancakes. Out of this world. The best Pancake i have ever eaten. I also had the hash browns and Sauase. All Tasty. Michelle our waitress was very helpfull. we did not know what to order and she pointed out the Sweet Potato pancakes. You have to eat here if you like Pancake's. Its a must in Nashville. We arrived around 9 am. I hear the lines are bad, we had no line. Visited November 2011
(4)
Stephanie Y.

Not worth the wait, but if you get there with a short line the pankcakes are TASTY
(4)
Leslie M.

Great for the price and location. As a night shift nurse at Vandy, this is my ideal spot for breakfast after a long, tiring night. Nothing better than rewarding myself here w my crew, family style! The sweet potato pancakes are super popular but they're a tad bit too sweet for me. I love their French toast, buttermilk pancakes as well as the hash browns. Mmmm.
(4)
Liz F.

This place was OK... but I did not get pancakes! So many people said it was a must go to breakfast place in Nashville. My friend ordered plain pancakes and I ordered the hashbrown special on the menu and a side of grits. My meal was fine. Grits were a bit bland and watery. The hashbrowns did have a nice crisp on the bottom which was tasty. I would have liked my meal more if I had excluded the American cheese, but I forgot. My friend said the pancakes were good.
(3)
Xan T.

Nothing extraordinary. I ordered pancakes with blueberries and pecans, along with poached eggs and bacon. The three pancakes we very fluffy and light and had no blueberries or nuts inside. What I got was two little cups of super sweet blueberry compote and nuts. The Cracker Barrel's pancakes are better. Disappointing.
(2)
Lauren M.

Awesome. We were intimated by the line the first time we tried to go, but we shouldn't have been. It moves very, very fast. And the pancakes are insanely good. I never knew I could love a pancake so much, but I really, truly do. I got the Sugar and Spice and my husband the Sweet Potato... ah-maze-zing. They both come with Cinnamon Syrup, which I'm sure I could easily find 1,000 uses for. Light, fluffy and flavorful - everything the perfect pancake should be.
(5)
David S.

Nashville tradition? It's pancakes for cryin' out loud. High-carb comfort. Quick food available anywhere else at one tenth the wait. Maybe even sooner. But it's "tradition." Tevye sings it from the rooftops as you wait your requisite half hour in line. Outside...baking or chilling as is seasonally appropriate and, yes, my tan is a bit more golden today. Thank you. The fiddler works the sidewalk crowd offering to take credit cards for tips as Tevye sings and dances overhead. Service is brisk once you arrive inside. Let's face it: the waitstaff's breakneck pace keeps the cattle moving from the sidewalk, to the table, to the sidewalk. Tevye's muffled lyrics filter through the ceiling as you wait at your table for the next requisite half hour for your order. But who wouldn't wait for hashbrowns? Best in town! And here I depart from platitudes. Potato chunks. Uncrisp. Mostly unbrown. WTH? They can't hold their own against most truck stops and wouldn't be allowed in many other self-respecting waffle houses. But this is pancake country without a lumberjack to be found for miles. Soooo, what's this place REALLY got going for it? College strip kitsch is about it. But, you can also check it off your bucket list assuming you carry a bucket. NEXT!
(3)
Brandon L.

i've always heard mixed reviews of this place, but after continuously seeing long lines pouring out the door on weekends, i finally got to give this place a try. The food is definitely above average.. the blintzes were not spectacular, the pancakes were definitely good. It is considered a Nashville staple so I do recommend giving it a try, but only if you have the time. The wait in line took nearly an hour on a saturday.
(4)
Margo K.

No matter how legendary this place is for pancakes, the staff and management make it absolutely horrible. I have been there multiple times because of its iconic nature and frankly, I love pancakes but I have always had rushed and rude service. Today was the worst service I ever had in my life and I have NEVER walked out of a restaurant before but it was so bad, there was no other choice. The waitress was rude from the very beginning and extremely disrespectful to my friends and then eventually, me. I guess its because we were a culturally and ethnically diverse table of three because all the white families were being treated way better than us. After literally having to wave her down for a refill, she snatched my friends coffee mug up without giving us any eye contact or even acknowledging us. I'm a non confrontational person but this was the last straw. So I went to management and the manager was so unprofessional and instead of just simply trying to give us a new waitress, she pulled the waitress over and they both were trying to defend her. I returned to my table and she came to my friend and said "I don't care what you are" and stormed off. Then, we saw the rude waitress at the table in front of us whispering to those customers behind a menu what happened and giving us evil looks and that was it. We offered to pay for our drinks but the mean waitress said "Just go, leave, we got it." Most disrespected I ever been in my entire life and its enough to make me write my first review here ever because that establishment doesn't deserve its fame or any business at all if they are going to discriminate. Please pass this on to others because if this country is ever going to change, we need to not support those that are aren't.
(1)
Rodney H.

Selection was vast, speed of service good, price on par with what I expected. I arrived and the lineup was fairly short. Once I was seated the coffee was hot, the orange juice tall and cold and the place was virtually packed to capacity. Staff was friendly and efficient. Overall a nice place to have breakfast as long as you have some patience for a lineup and a crowd
(4)
Christy B.

Husband and I visited this place on a Sunday during brunch abt 11am. The line was long but we decided to stay. We waited an hour but the line actually moved pretty fast for it to be a sit down restaurant. The food was incredible! The pancakes were like butter! I had pecan pancakes sausage eggs and hash browns. Hubby had ham and cheese omelet which was very tasty. The staff and service was top notch . I would say professional with a southern charm. They look like they enjoy their jobs! I plan to go back again and again :)
(5)
TJ F.

Good pancakes and they should be after 50 years or so of business! Used to also be a place to see the occasional celebrity chowing down on some awesome sweet potato pancakes, but I doubt they wait in the line these days. They're famous for a reason - their pancakes really are good, and they have a nice vibe inside, friendly service, and the prices are fair. If you don't mind standing in line for a while, come see why they've been around so long.
(3)
Nate B.

Two words. French toast. You will want to take a nap afterwards, won't want to eat for the rest of the day, but they are amazing. Whenever I go I make sure and get there around 730. I hear the line gets long the later the morning gets.
(4)
Hunt H.

Arrive right at opening (early AM) for quick service without the line. Quality breakfast, but I wouldn't stand outside for more than 10 minutes to wait for it. I had the Tennessee Ham & Eggs with a side of Pancakes.
(4)
Andrea F.

I like this place...I usually don't go because the line is always SO long howeveer its definitly a NAshville place to go. I reccoment their Sweet Potato Pancakes--DELICIOUS! .
(2)
Sean H.

I feel bad, but I've got to buck the trend here a bit. Pancake Pantry was pretty good, but so incredibly not worth the wait. We stood around for what felt like forever, taking turns going for coffee while the others held our place in line. When we finally got seated, I was practically foaming at the mouth to get something to eat. I think my mistake was that I didn't get the pancakes. I got a burger and a side of the black bean soup. They were both okay, but I didn't finish either. I'm a bit of a burger fanatic, but this one was just so underwhelming that I had no problem tossing the second half of it. That said, my friends got pancakes and raved about them. I tried a bite of the Santa Fe cornmeal pancakes, and they were pretty damn good. I didn't try my friend's sweet potato pancakes, but he seemed pretty happy with them. I'm glad I went, and it was an experience, but I'll only go back if the lines aren't as absurd. And I'll definitely give in and get some pancakes. Oh, and the service was lovely, for what it's worth. Very efficient and friendly. Very Southern, really.
(4)
True R.

Somewhat overrated. Waited in line for about 45 minutes, service was okay, and the food was good but nothing spectacular.
(3)
Jenny M.

My first time at Pancake Pantry and it's exactly how they reported on Yelp. Long line but worth the wait. I had ham and eggs with the Parisian. The Parisian was more like a strawberry shortcake desert. Simply Divine. My son had the Pecan Waffles. I was surprised at age 13 he made sure he left nothing on his plate. Beware about parking. Make sure you get your 1.5 hour free ticket before you walk in. I got slapped with a $20 ticket while I ran inside for a minute with my baby boy. Came back out and saw the backpacking.net ticket. That's the only reason why I didnt give this place 5 stars.
(4)
Allison K.

So we waited outside in the cold for an hour for this place! And it was worth it! My brunch mate and I thought about going somewhere else with a shorter line but then we were worried we'd miss out on the place everyone else was going! So we waited and finally were lucky enough to be seated. We both got eggs that came with their basic pancakes and added hash browns. First the hash browns were so good! Real potatoes that had been crisped up deliciously! The eggs were eggs. But the pancakes were like fluffy bites of heaven! So good and had a sweet almost cinnamon-like taste. Definitely go here and get in line early!
(4)
Meg C.

This review is going to be all over the place, but deserved for the length of time waiting in line for pancakes. This place was recommended by pretty everyone we met before and after arriving in Nashville, so we gave it a whirl on a Saturday morning. The line was out the door and around the corner alllll the way down 21st Avenue. We heard the line went fast, so we braved it. We made friends in line - a large family from Indiana and a family from New Orleans. We all concurred that we must be crazy for standing in a line this long for pancakes. We heard there was actually a system for determining how long you'd be waiting in line. We were at the point on the street that was definitely going to be over an hour. Husband brought us coffee from across the street. I had time to peruse a really cute gift shop (A Thousand Faces) where the line began and was able to purchase yet another dog print by Marc Tetro. A few people gave up waiting, which I had mixed feelings about because, if they waited even 20 minutes, that was too long to wait to then give up but on the flip side, it meant yay, we moved a little closer to the front of the line! Good riddance, impatient ones! ;) As we neared the entrance, I began to feel quite faint and wondered if I was even going to make it in to try one of twenty three flavors of pancakes. At the front of the line, near the entrance, there was a coffee station, which we missed. TWO HOURS LATER, we were called to our seats. The bus boy cleaned off our table and promised us the greatest breakfast of our lives. I had the Caribbean pancakes. It's hard to say if the meal was life changing because I felt physically ill by the time we sat down and ordered. My pancakes were good; the syrup was especially delicious. Were they life changing? I'm afraid not. My beloved Tupelo Honey still holds the "best pancakes in the world" award and I don't think anyone has ever had to wait two hours for them. I can't recall what my husband ordered but he definitely had the cured ham which I tried and did not like. At all. We felt a little disappointed when we left, but I'm not saying I wouldn't go back. But I would not wait in line that long again. I would NOT advise going when you are a little or a lot hungry. Catching up on Portlandia episodes the next night, we felt the "Brunch Village" episode was especially hilarious and fitting given the time we spent in line the day prior. While we didn't experience any Tim Robbins pirate types, we did wonder why Provence didn't have an Ed Begley Jr. out on 21st shouting to Pancake Pantry patrons to come to their restaurant with little to no wait.
(3)
Max S.

Waited in line for 35 minutes on a Monday morning. There's always a line but they seem to get people in and out pretty quickly. The server was very friendly, the food was good, service was reasonably quick. The Santa Fe cornmeal pancakes are unique and really good! It is freezing in there, be prepared.
(4)

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Address : 1796 21st Ave S
Nashville, TN, 37212
Phone (615) 383-9333
Website https://www.thepancakepantry.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :6:00 am - 3:00pm

Specialities

Delivery : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes

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Pancake Pantry

1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37212

Pancake Pantry Menu

Homemade Soups

Salads

Eggs

Sandwiches

Waffles

Pancakes

A La Carte

Healthy Meal suggestions for Pancake Pantry

Homemade Soups

Salads

Eggs

Sandwiches

Waffles

Pancakes

A La Carte

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