The Pennsylvania Diner Everyone Overlooks But Locals Say Has The Best Biscuits And Gravy
In Export, Pennsylvania, Wade’s Breakfast and Grille is the kind of place you might pass without a second glance, and that is exactly how locals like it.
Inside, mornings unfold slowly, coffee stays hot, and plates arrive loaded with comfort.
The biscuits and gravy steal the spotlight, soft, flaky layers soaked in rich, peppery gravy that tastes like it came from a family recipe book.
It is the sort of breakfast that makes you relax your shoulders and settle in. Regulars chat with staff like old friends, while newcomers quietly realize they have stumbled onto something special.
There is no flash here, just honest cooking that hits every note.
This overlooked diner proves that the best meals are often hiding in plain sight. You can find it at 5891 Washington Ave, Export, PA 15632, where breakfast loyalty is earned one bite at a time.
The Biscuits And Gravy Are Legendary For A Reason
People don’t just like the biscuits and gravy here. They obsess over them.
One regular described them as perfectly cooked with sausage gravy that hits all the right notes, and honestly, that’s underselling it.
The gravy is rich, peppery, and loaded with actual chunks of savory sausage that taste like someone’s grandmother has been stirring the pot since dawn.
The biscuits themselves are fluffy, buttery, and substantial enough to soak up every drop without turning into mush. This isn’t some sad, gloppy mess you get at chain restaurants.
Locals come back week after week specifically for this dish, and some even admit they’ve tried ordering other things but always circle back to the classic.
The country fried steak smothered in the same gravy is another fan favorite, with one customer claiming it was the best they’d ever had and tender enough to cut with a fork.
If you only try one thing at Wade’s, make it this.
Homemade Donuts That Taste Like Funnel Cakes On Steroids
Forget everything you think you know about diner donuts.
Wade’s makes theirs fresh daily, and they’re nothing like the sad, stale circles gathering dust under plastic at most breakfast joints.
Customers describe them as tasting like funnel cakes with filling, which is about as accurate as it gets.
They come stuffed with strawberry, blueberry, cream cheese, or a rotating seasonal flavor like red raspberry.
One reviewer called them simply fabulous and insisted people get them to go if they’re too full to eat them on the spot.
These aren’t dainty pastries either. They’re generous, indulgent, and borderline ridiculous in the best possible way.
Multiple reviews mention them as a must-add to any order, and the staff clearly takes pride in them.
Even people who come in for a full breakfast end up ordering donuts for the road because once you see them, resistance is futile. They’re a meal all on their own.
Pancakes The Size Of A Small State
Wade’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to pancake portions.
Reviewers consistently mention pancakes the size of a small child, plate-sized flapjacks, and stacks so big they dare you to finish them in one sitting. This isn’t exaggeration for comedic effect.
The giant pancake is apparently notorious in the area, and families make it a point to order at least one just to see the look on their kids’ faces when it arrives.
One customer joked that the pancake could cover a small state, and based on the photos people post, that’s not far off.
They’re fluffy, golden, and cooked to perfection, not just big for the sake of being big.
The price is shockingly reasonable too, with several people noting you’ll spend more at a fast food joint for way less food.
If you’re the competitive type, go ahead and challenge yourself to finish one solo. Just know that locals have been trying for years.
It’s Located At The End Of The Westmoreland Heritage Trail
Wade’s sits at 5891 Washington Ave in Export, Pennsylvania, right near the Westmoreland Heritage Trail area.
That makes it an absolutely perfect brunch stop after a long bike ride or morning walk.
One reviewer mentioned stopping in after riding the trail and called it a wonderful end to their workout, which is peak wholesome Pennsylvania living.
The location is a little off the beaten path, which is probably why so many people overlook it. It’s not on a busy main drag with flashy signs and competing restaurants.
Instead, it’s in a quiet, cute area that feels like stepping back in time.
The peaceful surroundings add to the charm, and the fact that it’s not swarmed with tourists means you’re more likely to snag a table without a crazy wait.
Export isn’t exactly a household name, but for breakfast lovers willing to venture just outside Pittsburgh, Wade’s is worth the drive every single time.
The Atmosphere Feels Like Breakfast At Grandma’s House
Walking into Wade’s feels less like entering a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone’s home.
Multiple reviews mention the down-home feel, the homey and inviting vibe, and one person even said the customer service has a southern charm despite being up north. That’s the kind of warmth you can’t fake.
The dining area is small and cozy, decorated seasonally, and has a relaxed, unpretentious energy.
Cartoons play on the TV for kids, which is a nice touch that shows they actually care about families feeling comfortable.
It’s the kind of place where your coffee mug never goes empty and the staff remembers your face after a couple visits.
One couple mentioned they come almost every Saturday morning and are treated like family, which says everything you need to know.
Sure, the interior could use some updating according to a few reviews, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. This is a real diner, not some corporate concept.
Portions Are Massive And Prices Are Shockingly Fair
You know a place is special when customers keep mentioning how much food they get for the price.
Wade’s serves breakfast options in the nine to eleven dollar range, which is downright cheap compared to most sit-down spots these days.
One reviewer said you’ll spend more at a fast food place, and they’re absolutely right.
The portions are so generous that people regularly take home leftovers. A customer who ordered the country fried steak ate half for breakfast and saved the rest for lunch because the serving was that big.
Everything comes with eggs, potatoes, toast, and enough food to fuel you through the afternoon. Even the omelets and skillets are loaded with ingredients, not skimpy little sad scrambles with a sprinkle of cheese.
In an era where twelve dollars gets you a muffin and a latte at some places, Wade’s is a refreshing throwback to when value actually meant something.
Fair pricing plus huge portions equals happy customers every time.
The Staff Treats You Like Family From The First Visit
Good food is one thing, but good people serving it makes all the difference.
Wade’s has built a reputation for phenomenal customer service, with staff described as friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm.
One reviewer said the team was very helpful and attentive even during peak hours when the small dining area fills up fast.
Another customer mentioned being treated like family, which is exactly the vibe you want from a neighborhood breakfast spot.
The owner even responds to almost every online review with cheerful thank-yous and smiley emojis, showing they actually care about feedback.
Staff keeps coffee cups full, answers questions about the menu without making you feel rushed, and genuinely seems happy to be there.
That kind of positivity is contagious and makes the whole experience better.
Even first-time visitors comment on how nice everyone is, which means the hospitality is consistent, not just reserved for regulars.
When people say they feel welcomed, that’s not marketing speak. It’s real.
They Open At 6:30 AM Every Single Day
Early risers, rejoice. Wade’s opens at 6:30 in the morning and runs until 2 PM, making it a reliable spot for anyone who needs a solid breakfast before work, a long drive, or just because they’re up with the sun.
Hours run until 2 PM, so this is strictly a breakfast and lunch operation.
That consistency is rare and appreciated, especially on weekends when a lot of places sleep in or have weird hours.
Whether it’s a Tuesday or a Sunday, you know Wade’s will be ready to feed you by 6:30.
The early opening also means you can beat the rush if you get there right when the doors unlock. By mid-morning, especially on weekends, the limited seating fills up and you might face a wait.
But even then, reviews mention waits are usually reasonable, around fifteen minutes, and totally worth it.
Knowing you can count on Wade’s every single day of the week is a comfort that regulars clearly don’t take for granted.
The Corned Beef Hash And Home Fries Are Standouts
While biscuits and gravy steal most of the spotlight, other menu items deserve serious recognition.
The corned beef hash gets mentioned specifically in reviews, with one customer calling their corned beef hash breakfast excellent.
Hash can be hit or miss at diners, often coming out of a can and tasting like salty mush, but Wade’s clearly does it right.
Home fries are another recurring favorite, described as incredible and part of what makes the skillets and omelets so memorable.
They’re crispy, seasoned well, and cooked fresh to order, not reheated from a batch made hours earlier.
One reviewer raved about the sunrise skillet being top-notch, and another said the eggsport meal is a classic worth trying.
The open-faced steak sandwich also got a shoutout as phenomenal, proving the menu has depth beyond the breakfast staples.
Even the sausage links get love, with one person specifically calling them out as a highlight. When customers remember individual menu items by name, you know the kitchen is doing something special.
It Has A 4.8-Star Rating With Nearly 500 Reviews
Numbers don’t lie, and Wade’s numbers are seriously impressive.
With a 4.8-star rating based on many reviews, this place has earned its reputation fair and square. That’s not a score you get by accident or through gimmicks.
It comes from consistently good food, friendly service, fair prices, and a genuine commitment to making people happy.
The overwhelming majority of reviews are glowing five-star ratings, with customers using words like amazing, phenomenal, incredible, and fantastic over and over.
Even the few critical reviews are mild, mostly nitpicking small things like toast butter distribution or potato color, which honestly feels like reaching for something to complain about.
The fact that the owner responds warmly to nearly every review shows they’re engaged and care about their reputation.
When a small, family-run spot maintains that kind of rating with hundreds of reviews, it’s a clear sign they’re doing everything right. Wade’s isn’t riding on hype or trends.
It’s built on quality, consistency, and heart, and the reviews reflect that beautifully.