The Shadyside location is a smidgen less crowded than the Strip District location on the weekend. We waited inside the building for about 15 min and got seated. Look carefully because it's housed in the most inconspicuous building ever! Upstairs is this Peruvian restaurant called Feria that I would like to visit next time we're here.
The hotcakes translate to: the best pancakes I've ever had. I don't even like plain pancakes all that much but these are crepe-style with thin, crispy edges and a mound of butter. Mmm...goes perfectly with whipped cream and syrup. Their speciality potatoes are really good! They're made with sour cream, I believe, to give 'em that delicate softness.
Their eggs are unseasoned and small though, and it's pretty hard to mess up eggs. Every table comes equipped with hot sauce and syrup so that's a plus. The sausages are a bit dry too so definitely not their strength. Our waitress was very friendly and all the customers were really friendly too. I guess greasy breakfast food just puts everyone in a good mood?
It's cash-only and you don't get a real reciept. I would say the prices are on the higher side for the basic-ness. Portions are reasonable though. Yes, I would come back or at least try another location as well.