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Posted by Jon Hoffman in Places to Eat
It's time for that rare experience: a leisurely, hot pancake breakfast. Not cooked by a family member at your Smokies rental cabin, but served to you in a restaurant-where no one on vacation has to make everything and then clean up afterwards. Eat it all, and then walk (or waddle) away. Here are some out-of-the-ordinary breakfast treats you really should try while in our area. All of them are locally owned establishments. There are more locations, and some excellent chain choices available, but consider starting with these.
They know how to do pancakes right, and for more than a few generations of family. The restaurant offers a broad, delectable variety of specialty pancakes, and also many crepes. Try the blackberry crepes for a special twist, or the buckwheat pancakes for a richer option than the standard stack.
A red metal roof, vintage tractors, and the token giant red rooster statue at the front door let you know you are in the right place. The chocolate eclair pancakes are the special favorite here. The stack is layered with Bavarian cream, drizzled with (not just a little) chocolate and then sprinkled with powdered sugar. Sweet teeth absolutely crow with delight (I promise no more bad puns in this blog). Regular respect on Trip Advisor and large portions keep people returning each time they visit town.
A long-time family establishment, Reagan's has served many tourists and won best area pancake awards multiple times. For something different, try their fruit roll ups. This is not the kid plastic chew from a box, but a berry and cream cheese combination rolled between pancakes (choose your favorite berry). Definitely different and delicious. For those wanting a cross section of items, try their filling breakfast buffet.
These folks are near you wherever you may be roaming, with six locations sprinkled across Sevier County. Start here with sticky bun pancakes: cinnamon swirled pancakes with pecans, and then drizzled with creamy icing. These are fan favorites, and the food here has received national award recognition and has also been mentioned in Southern Living Magazine.
This country breakfast restaurant is a place that anyone with a big appetite can love. Hearty portions can make this a two-meal's worth carb extravaganza. Think about the Bacon Belgian Waffle, with the bacon cooked inside and topped with butter. Make sure and drizzle the peanut butter syrup with a heavy hand (also excellent over the chocolate chip pancakes). Some swear there have been Elvis sightings here!
You cannot talk about pancakes in the Smokies without mentioning the iconic Pancake Pantry, the original pancake purveyor on the Sevier County map. Many visit this downtown Gatlinburg location again and again, as a family tradition. Along with many fruited versions, there are also choices like cornmeal pancakes and pigs in a blanket. Something worth a try that isn't actually a breakfast, but a lunch item: the Blue Ribbon Burger. This hamburger is topped with green pepper, bacon, cheese and banana slices, and a special sauce to complete a blend of flavors you won't find elsewhere. The Pantry will also make box lunches for carryout. So if you have visited before, try them again for something different.
There are many options in our neighborhood for those golden brown orbs of goodness. Whether you enjoy adventure with new flavors or are just looking to indulge in your old standby, all of these locations offer good choices, along with all the other breakfast trimmings, and most offer hearty lunch menus too. All offer casual atmospheres where the entire family can be comfortable and well-fed without over-the-top pricing (check for coupons too). What's not to love?
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