Pancake Pantry   

Often referred to by locals as "PanPan," this restaurant is a Nashville cornerstone and the place to be on a Saturday or Sunday morning. With 30-40 people in a line that wraps around the block, patrons with a desire to feel like a part of the local scene are quite content to wait for a table. The regulars are primarily area residents, but PanPan attracts the attention of tourists as well. Be sure to take a good look around the dining room because it's common to see a country star munching on pancakes or music business execs wolfing down waffles. You might be tempted to just go with pancakes and warm maple syrup or French toast with cinnamon syrup, but don't overlook the Grill Cook's Medley, which combines ham, cheese, potatoes and green peppers, all topped with eggs over-easy, salsa and sour cream. The veteran servers make all customers feel like regulars and are known for fast and personal service. -- Daniel Kuninsky