Gab & Eat   

Why is this nondescript, hard-to-find restaurant so popular? Come in for a bite, and the reason will be clear. The cracked vinyl of the booths may not be beautiful, and the hundreds of photographs lining the walls may seem strange at first, but these will mean little once your big, syrupy waffle or huge sausage-and-pepper omelet arrives. Though breakfast is the star meal here, crowds don't subside during lunchtime, either -- favorites include burgers and sandwiches, many assembled with buttered Mancini's toast (any true Pittsburgher knows Mancini's) and served with an unsteady heap of waffle-cut fries. Gab & Eat is low on elbowroom, and you might have to kill a few minutes while waiting for a booth (or even a counter stool), but the delay is worthwhile. This cozy, down-home diner offers prices and flavors that can't be beat.