Staying nearby, we had breakfast here 3 mornings in a row. They prepare delicious crepe pancakes served plain or with fruit. So many sweet and hearty options to choose from. Side of eggs was rich and buttery. Coffee is basic diner black. Service was especially fast and friendly.

This Pamela's makes the best breakfast. I used to order bacon now I have tried the carved ham . OMG!

We went to Pamela's for breakfast on a weekday and the place was packed--no line to get in and no wait for a table, but not a single additional table available either. Service was OK but not terribly attentive. Our breakfasts were large and delicious, with both of us getting their croissant French toast. This place accepts cash only so be forewarned if you are thinking of paying with credit cards. (NOTE TO OWNERS: This is 2016. Ever heard of that new thing called a credit card?)

We had breakfast at Pamela's on Walnut Street (Shadyside) on a Friday in October 2016. We arrived before 8:30 AM and there was no waiting for a table. By the time we left at 9:15 there was a line. Service was fairly prompt but a bit slow with coffee refills, as other reviewers have noted.

The cash-only policy, announced by a sign near the entrance, was an unpleasant surprise, and on most days would cause us to move on to another restaurant. But on this occasion, driven by hunger and strong recommendation from our hotel, we decided to stay. Two of us ordered the "morning after" breakfast special, one of us ordered a waffle, and one ordered pancakes plus a side order of strawberries.

The food was good, but standard diner fare. The pancakes are touted as "crepe style," and although they are different from pancakes elsewhere-- thinner than classic pancakes but heavier than true crepes-- that doesn't necessarily make them better. Cash-only is often cited as a way for restaurants to keep their prices low, but the prices at Pamela's are actually on the high side for a diner.

Although the dining room is wheelchair accessible, the restrooms are not. They are located upstairs, at the back of a different restaurant.

On balance, it's hard to see why Pamela's would be worth the extra inconvenience of cash-only and a possible long wait in the vestibule, when there are so many other restaurants serving similar food without the disadvantages.

We were staying near by and everyone said we had to try Pamela's. We like diners, so walked over to try to get breakfast. Both of us agreed that it is a good diner, but not great. Prices are reasonable, and since we arrived at a good time we got a table for breakfast right away.