For nearly seven decades, Panos Restaurant has been a cherished part of the Erie community, serving generations of families with warmth, tradition, and a commitment to great food. Established in 1956 at 1504 West 38th Street, Panos opened its doors when the road was still unpaved and a farm stood across the street. Today, while the city has grown around us, our dedication to providing a welcoming atmosphere and quality meals has remained unchanged.

At the heart of Panos is a story of family and legacy. Customers still share fond memories of the round table where Florence, Nick, Sophie, and Angelo Panos would "hold court," exchanging stories and laughter with guests over the years. In 1954, Angelo Panos married June "Lu Lu" Pappas, merging two restaurant legacies. June’s father, James Pappas, was the original proprietor of the historic New York Lunch. An immigrant from Greece who passed through Ellis Island, James introduced Greek sauce to the Erie community in 1927, contributing to the city’s rich diner culture alongside his fellow Greek restaurateurs. To this day, a friendly rivalry remains among local establishments, each vying for the unofficial title of having the best Greek sauce in town.

When Panos first opened, it was a classic countertop diner with an open-concept kitchen, a menu centered on breakfast and “Greeks,” and a haze of cigarette smoke from both staff and devoted coffee drinkers. Open 24 hours, it became a late-night haven where generations of Erie residents gathered after nights on the town. Over the years, as the community evolved, so did Panos. While no longer catering to the late-night crowd, we have embraced our role as a family-friendly establishment, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the same passion and quality that defined our beginnings.

Through every change, one thing has remained constant—Panos is and always will be a family-run restaurant, deeply rooted in Erie’s history. We are honored to serve our community, providing a place where families, friends, and neighbors can come together over a meal and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you are a longtime customer or visiting for the first time, we welcome you as part of the Panos family.