Panos Ice Cream Cafe

Hello, fellow Pennsylvanians! Today, we're taking a deep dive into a true Erie institution that has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly seven decades: Panos Ice Cream Cafe. While the name might suggest a primary focus on frozen treats, Panos is much more than just an ice cream shop; it's a full-fledged family restaurant with a rich history, serving up comforting meals and delightful desserts. For those of us living in and around Erie, Panos represents a cherished tradition, a place where generations have gathered to enjoy good food and warm hospitality. This article is crafted specifically for you, our local users, to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of what makes Panos Restaurant, and its ice cream offerings, a beloved part of our Pennsylvania community.

Panos Restaurant, which dates back to 1956, is deeply rooted in Erie's history and culinary landscape. Established at a time when West 38th Street was still unpaved, Panos has evolved from a classic countertop diner to a family-friendly establishment, consistently maintaining its dedication to quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. The legacy of Panos is tied to a family story, honoring the culinary heritage of their great-grandfather and merging two restaurant legacies with the marriage of Angelo Panos and June "Lu Lu" Pappas in 1954. June's father, James Pappas, was the proprietor of the historic New York Lunch and introduced Greek sauce to Erie in 1927, contributing to the city's rich diner culture. This history imbues Panos with a unique character, setting it apart from more modern establishments. While the initial search results might not specifically highlight "Panos Ice Cream Cafe" as a separate entity with distinct reviews for its ice cream, it is evident that desserts, including ice cream, are part of the larger Panos Restaurant experience. This integrated approach means patrons can enjoy a full meal and then cap it off with a sweet treat, all under one roof. Panos is recognized for its generous portions, friendly staff, and commitment to providing a meal that feels like home, making it a true community gathering spot.

For those of us in Erie, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas, knowing the accessibility of local dining spots is crucial. Panos Ice Cream Cafe, part of the larger Panos Restaurant, is conveniently located at 1504 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508, USA. West 38th Street is a significant artery in Erie, making the restaurant easily accessible for residents across the city and neighboring communities. Its position in an established neighborhood means it's a familiar landmark for many locals. For those arriving by car, there is typically parking available. While detailed parking lot descriptions are not available, its long-standing presence suggests it accommodates its customer base effectively. Panos also offers outdoor seating options, enhancing the dining experience during warmer months and allowing patrons to enjoy the local Erie vibe. The restaurant operates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing flexible dining times for various schedules. This central and accessible location, combined with its long operational hours (generally opening early and closing mid-afternoon, though it has adapted from being 24-hour), makes Panos a convenient and popular choice for a wide range of meals and dessert cravings in Erie, Pennsylvania.

While specific reviews for "Panos Ice Cream Cafe" as a separate entity are not abundant, the offerings within Panos Restaurant, which presumably includes their ice cream, cover a wide range of classic diner and comfort food items, topped with delightful desserts. Based on the overall restaurant information, here's what you can expect:

• Diner-Style Ice Cream & Desserts: Panos Restaurant offers classic diner desserts, which typically include ice cream scoops, sundaes, and possibly milkshakes. One review specifically mentions "Nice desserts" and "an iced salted caramel coffee which had ice cream, caramel & whip cream," indicating ice cream is certainly on the menu.
• Hearty Breakfasts: A significant part of their menu, featuring dishes like Steak & Eggs, various omelettes (including Greek Omelette with their famous Greek sauce), pancakes, waffles, and breakfast combos.
• Classic American Comfort Food: Including mouthwatering burgers, hearty sandwiches (like Reuben), and comforting daily specials such as Chicken Pot Pie and Shepherd's Pie.
• Greek Cuisine Influence: Reflecting their family heritage, Panos is known for its "homemade beef Greek sauce" used in dishes like Greek Omelettes and Greek Mac & Cheese, and they are part of Erie's tradition of Greek diners.
• Lunch and Dinner Items: Beyond breakfast, they offer a full range of lunch and dinner options, from appetizers like French Fries, Onion Tanglers, and Cheese Sticks, to main courses like Sirloin Steak, Chicken Parmesan, and Lasagna.
• Coffee and Beverages: A typical diner selection of coffee, teas, and other beverages.
• Daily Specials: Panos features daily specials, which can include both savory dishes and possibly unique dessert offerings.

Panos Ice Cream Cafe, as part of Panos Restaurant, is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a cherished local establishment:

• Long-Standing Family Tradition: With a history dating back to 1956 and a legacy spanning generations, Panos is deeply embedded in Erie's community fabric, offering a sense of nostalgia and continuity.
• Comfort Food Expertise: Renowned for its "home style food at its best," including beloved items like Shepherd's Pie, Calf's Liver, and "Chicken Pot Pie made right," which evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity.
• Friendly and Efficient Staff: Reviews consistently praise the "friendly staff," "caring, efficient" service, and how orders are "brought to us very quickly," even when the restaurant is busy.
• Generous Portions and Fair Prices: Customers frequently comment on the "generous portions" and "great price" or "fair price," indicating excellent value for money.
• Owner's Personal Touch: The owner is noted for interacting with patrons, sometimes offering "free samples" and engaging in conversation, which adds a personal and welcoming touch to the dining experience.
• Historic Ambiance: The atmosphere is described as a "typical small town diner" and "cozy," offering a comfortable and unpretentious setting.
• Outdoor Seating: Available during warmer months, providing an option for al fresco dining and soaking in the local Erie atmosphere.
• "Ice Cream Cafe" Element: While perhaps not a standalone parlor, the mention of "ice cream" in the name and desserts like "iced salted caramel coffee which had ice cream" indicates that sweet treats are a significant part of their offering.

For your convenience, here is the direct contact information for Panos Ice Cream Cafe (Panos Restaurant):

Address: 1504 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508, USA

Phone: (814) 866-0517

Mobile Phone: +1 814-866-0517

For us Pennsylvanians, particularly those in Erie, Panos Ice Cream Cafe (as part of Panos Restaurant) is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local spot. It offers more than just a sweet treat; it provides a comprehensive dining experience steeped in local history and family tradition. Locals can rely on Panos for hearty, home-style meals, from comforting breakfasts to satisfying lunches and dinners, always served with generous portions and at fair prices. While the individual ice cream offerings might not be as extensively reviewed as dedicated ice cream parlors, their presence as part of the overall dessert menu ensures a sweet conclusion to any meal. The consistent praise for the friendly, efficient staff and the owner's personal engagement fosters a welcoming environment that truly makes customers feel at home. Despite occasional minor service issues, the overarching sentiment is one of a reliable, high-quality, and community-oriented establishment. Panos is a cherished piece of Erie's identity, making it a perfect choice for any local seeking a taste of classic comfort food and a touch of local history in Pennsylvania.

Panos Ice Cream Cafe

1504 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508, USA