We go to Pittsburgh maybe twice a year and we always try to go Pamela's every trip. This place fills up very quickly and I remember often having to line up to get in.
One of the first things you will notice is that there is a photo of Obama at the cash register right out front.
Some things to point out before I get to the food is that the washrooms are upstairs through the South American restaurant that shares the same building. Another thing is that the tables do not move so there is no re-arranging for larger parties. This place only accepts cash unless they've changed that from the last time I was there it's always been like this at least for this location.
The tables are small considering the amount of plates you will get when you order breakfast. Really with the coffee and side plates of toast, hash, etc it will be a balancing act to get everything on one plate maybe... So if you ordered side of sausage or whatever, if you can throw it on your main plate and stack all the side plates if possible.
Now to the food. It's damn good period. I mean breakfast is tough because you can really only twist it so many ways so what makes Pam's special? The crepes and pancakes is what is unique if I had to pick something. The crepes you can get will walnut and creme and whatever but they ultimately become humongous and if you had something else like bacon and eggs then you will have no room on your table and in your stomach (maybe) because the portions can be big.
I prefer plain pan cakes with butter and syrup and nothing else added myself... their pancakes... the edges are crispy and light but not too fluffy.
We usually get a side of corned beef hash which is just awesome but wow I try not to think about how much sodium is in it especially since I always get bacon too.
The place has packed for a reason and they're not all tourists because Shadyside is a nice cozy neighborhood. When locals pack a place consistently the reason is simple... the place is +++