Original Pantry Cafe, Los Angeles
The Original Pantry Cafe (or just The Pantry, as the locals call it) is a historic restaurant in Downtown LA that claims to never have been closed or without a customer since its opening in 1924. This claim is also attributed to the fact that the founder, Dewey Logan, never refused a customer even if they were short on money.
When it changed locations, in 1950, to make room for a freeway off-ramp, the place served lunch at the original location and then served dinner at the new location the same day. Still, this iconic LA institution did close once – on the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Otherwise, it operates seven days a week, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
Those walking in will be astonished by the restaurant's old feel – from the 1900s paintings to the four different layers of flooring. Indeed, the Pantry has a long and eventful history. During the 1960s and 1970s, the restaurant was a popular hangout for celebrities and politicians, including Richard Nixon and Tom Bradley. Bill Clinton famously stopped by for a late-night meal here in 1992, during his presidential campaign.
Currently owned by former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan, the eatery is popular for its no-frills and a classic American food menu that has remained largely unchanged over the years. Their breakfast (available all day) is so big that there is no need for lunch; it features all the usual favorites, such as wonderful sourdough bread, eggs, omelets swimming in cheese, French toast and bacon, sausage, or a ham steak that doesn't quite fit on the plate. And don't forget the hash browns grilled to greasy perfection either.
Despite its popularity, the restaurant has never accepted credit cards and has no air conditioning, keeping its original old-school charm. With its hearty portions, classic diner atmosphere, and around-the-clock service you won't leave hungry, that's for sure. And with all the cool surroundings, everything tastes better here. Comforting comfort food in a timeless and comfortable spot!
When it changed locations, in 1950, to make room for a freeway off-ramp, the place served lunch at the original location and then served dinner at the new location the same day. Still, this iconic LA institution did close once – on the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Otherwise, it operates seven days a week, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
Those walking in will be astonished by the restaurant's old feel – from the 1900s paintings to the four different layers of flooring. Indeed, the Pantry has a long and eventful history. During the 1960s and 1970s, the restaurant was a popular hangout for celebrities and politicians, including Richard Nixon and Tom Bradley. Bill Clinton famously stopped by for a late-night meal here in 1992, during his presidential campaign.
Currently owned by former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan, the eatery is popular for its no-frills and a classic American food menu that has remained largely unchanged over the years. Their breakfast (available all day) is so big that there is no need for lunch; it features all the usual favorites, such as wonderful sourdough bread, eggs, omelets swimming in cheese, French toast and bacon, sausage, or a ham steak that doesn't quite fit on the plate. And don't forget the hash browns grilled to greasy perfection either.
Despite its popularity, the restaurant has never accepted credit cards and has no air conditioning, keeping its original old-school charm. With its hearty portions, classic diner atmosphere, and around-the-clock service you won't leave hungry, that's for sure. And with all the cool surroundings, everything tastes better here. Comforting comfort food in a timeless and comfortable spot!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Los Angeles. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Original Pantry Cafe on Map
Sight Name: Original Pantry Cafe
Sight Location: Los Angeles, USA (See walking tours in Los Angeles)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Los Angeles, USA (See walking tours in Los Angeles)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Los Angeles, California
Create Your Own Walk in Los Angeles
Creating your own self-guided walk in Los Angeles is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Movie Studios Tour
The film studios of Los Angeles, collectively known as the “dream factory”, are indeed factories. Here, countless iconic films and television shows have been produced over the years, creating stars and attracting great movie-makers from around the globe. Let's take a brief look at some of these vital hubs in the entertainment industry.
Raleigh Studios is one of the oldest continuously... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Raleigh Studios is one of the oldest continuously... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Los Angeles Downtown Walking Tour
The history of Los Angeles – "a bright and guilty place," as Orson Welles described it – began on September 4, 1781, when a group of 44 Spanish settlers established a hamlet on the territory of present-day Downtown LA which they called “The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels” (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles).
The land became part of Mexico in 1821,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The land became part of Mexico in 1821,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Arts District Walking Tour
The Arts District is one of the hottest neighborhoods in downtown LA, located between Little Tokyo at Alameda to the west and the railroad yards and Los Angeles River to the east. Formerly an industrial area of warehouses and factories, it has been home to art studios and galleries since the 1970s. Having undergone another downturn in the 1990s, the area was officially renamed the “Arts... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Chinatown Walking Tour
Unlike other cities where Chinese immigrant neighborhoods were formed organically, the Los Angeles Chinatown is the only planned Chinatown in the US. A blend of Chinese and American architecture, it was developed in downtown LA, as a tourist attraction, in the 1930s.
Designed by Hollywood artists as a "Chinese" movie prop to create an exotic atmosphere, LA's Chinatown gives out... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Designed by Hollywood artists as a "Chinese" movie prop to create an exotic atmosphere, LA's Chinatown gives out... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Downtown Architecture Walking Tour
For different people, Los Angeles means different things. One such is undoubtedly architecture. Being one of the centers of the Art Deco movement, LA features a great number of amazing historic houses and buildings attributed to this and other, older and more modern styles.
One prominent landmark is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, a contemporary construction masterpiece with its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
One prominent landmark is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, a contemporary construction masterpiece with its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Beverly Hills Walking Tour
Undeniably one of the most famous places in the world, Beverly Hills is widely known as the most fashionable destination in Los Angeles county to shop and have fun at. Originally a Mexican ranch where lima beans were once grown, this place has long been a home to many Hollywood stars and other celebrities, luxurious hotels, and high-end boutiques.
Beverly Hills started to gain prominence in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Beverly Hills started to gain prominence in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Charming Cafes with Fast and Free Wifi in Los Angeles
Need to find free wireless connection AND a great cup of coffee? These charming cafes, hot-spots and writers’ hang-outs are scattered across LA but catalogued by neighborhood. These indie cafes cater to screenwriters, students and tourists who want to set up camp with their laptops for a few hours...
10 Amazing Food to Try in Los Angeles (LA)
I love food. You love food too. And because we’re foodies, we want every meal to be as good as if it were our last. So for those few times us foodies sit at a table and unexpectedly strike gold, we must remember, honor and share that memorable meal. Here is a list of affordable LA area culinary...
Los Angeles: 15 Souvenir Shopping Tips and Ideas for Travelers
With some many celebrities per square mile, living or just visiting, practically any stone in LA could pass for a souvenir that one time or another was touched, held or walked upon by some of the movie or rock stars, or was filmed in one of the many movies shot in the City of Angels for almost a...