The 9 Best Diners in Los Angeles 🍟🥤

Fuel Up With Classic American Fare at LA’s Best Diners

Los Angeles is a dynamic and diverse city that offers something for every kind of traveler. From its iconic beaches and glamorous film industry to its vibrant art scene and world-class shopping, L.A. delivers endless opportunities for fun and discovery. What truly sets Los Angeles apart, however, is its deep-rooted diner culture that blends nostalgia with creativity.

Classic spots like Pann’s Restaurant and Nick’s Cafe offer old-school charm with hearty American breakfasts and vintage vibes. Fred 62 in Los Feliz delivers comfort food with a twist, staying open late to serve night owls. Mel’s Drive-In captures the retro 1950s spirit with burgers, shakes, and neon lights, while Swingers Diner draws locals with its funky decor and all-day breakfast. Cafe 50’s is a trip back in time, serving up malted milkshakes and jukebox tunes. Clark Street Diner, a refreshed Hollywood favorite, adds a modern touch to classic fare. Over in Glendale, Foxy’s Restaurant delights with Southwestern flavors and a cozy, mid-century setting. And don’t miss House of Pies, a beloved institution offering endless pie options and classic comfort dishes.

With sunshine year-round, cultural landmarks, and a delicious dose of diner nostalgia, Los Angeles is the ultimate destination for fun, food, and unforgettable experiences

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But that’s enough with the introduction, let’s get right to that list of great diner in Los Angeles that brought you here today!!!

1 - Foxy's Restaurant

📍 206 W Colorado St | Glendale | https://www.foxysrestaurant.com

Foxy’s Restaurant has been a beloved LA institution since 1964. This classic diner offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with mid-century modern architecture, including an A-frame dining room and cozy fireplaces. The menu features a delightful mix of American and Southwestern dishes, such as cinnamon roll French toast, carne asada & eggs, and huevos rancheros. Guests can enjoy meals in the charming interior or on the shaded outdoor patio. 

“Wonderful resturant for breakfast with the fam! I'm a big breakfast person and the Mexican breakfast is at best and the American. Always hard to decide. So I rotate my favorites. Service was quick and staff friendly. And I dig the restaurant style. Good spot for breakfast,lunch , and dinner.” - Yelp Review 

2 - House of Pies

📍 1869 N Vermont Ave | Los Angeles | http://houseofpiesla.com/

House of Pies has been a cherished institution since 1969. This family-owned diner offers a nostalgic atmosphere with its retro décor and classic American menu. While renowned for its extensive selection of pies, including the Fresh Strawberry Cream Pie, the establishment also serves hearty meals like country-fried steak and chicken pot pie. 

“I bought the cherry pie for my recent boyfriend. For his birthday. Cherry pie is his favorite. I asked around and everyone told me here. Literally everyone. He thought it was amazing. I found out he cheated on me that day. And most of it was squished on his dumb face. But the pie was incredible before that. And the customer service was great.” - Yelp Review 

3 - Pann's Restaurant

📍 6710 La Tijera Blvd | Los Angeles | https://www.panns.com/

Pann's Restaurant is a cherished example of mid-century Googie architecture. Opened in 1958 by George and Rena Poulos, it remains a family-owned establishment. Designed by architects Eldon Davis and Helen Liu Fong, the restaurant features a distinctive cantilevered roof, neon signage, and tropical landscaping. 

Known for its all-day breakfast and blue-plate specials, Pann's continues to serve the community daily until 3 p.m. It has been featured in films like xXx and Bewitched and received a Preservation Award for its 1993 restoration

“This is a cool spot with the walls lined with pictures of celebrity visits and film features. It's located at a busy intersection but there's plenty of parking available and lots of surrounding activities. The service was exceptional and you could tell the staff was trained to be disciplined and professional. I would rate the service as top notch.The food, also top notch. I was expecting no flavor, but there was flavor and it was good.” - Yelp Review 

4 - Nick's Cafe

📍 1300 | Los Angeles | https://www.nickscafela.com/

Nick's Cafe has been a cherished Chinatown institution since 1948. This classic diner is renowned for its hearty portions and nostalgic charm, featuring a U-shaped counter and vintage decor. Signature dishes include the famous ham and eggs, often complemented by a mild house-made salsa, and the Sonora breakfast—a flavorful twist on chilaquiles with scrambled eggs, nopales, and cheeses. Open daily from 7 AM to 2 PM, Nick's remains a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking authentic diner fare.

“Stepping back in time at Nick's Diner. After the Firecracker Run, I had their ham and egg breakfast, and it was so delicious. The nostalgic 50s vibes made it feel like a scene straight out of an old-school diner. Definitely a spot worth revisiting.” - Yelp Review 

5 - Fred 62

📍 1850 N Vermont Ave | Los Angeles | https://fred62.com/

Fred 62 is a beloved retro-style diner located in Los Angeles' Los Feliz neighborhood. Established in 1997, it offers a nostalgic 1950s ambiance with chrome accents and vintage decor. The diverse menu features classic diner fare, including the "Hunka Hunka Burnin' Love Pancake" and "Mac Daddy and Cheese Balls," alongside vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 3:00 AM, Fred 62 is a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking comfort food in a lively setting.

“It's a very cool place, little expensive but it not bad for la.
Food is prefect dinner food for a good hangover day or just want some classic dinner style food.
The service is as you could imagine, nothing super spectacular. But also not the worst thing ever, I've gone on some busy days and will say this. They don't forget about you, just trust the process and it'll come. I promise, usually the servers will tell you if it will be a little longer if they're slammed which is nice, we love honest and open communication.
Should check it out Fred's is a classic staple dinner in the Silverlake Los Feliz area.” - Yelp Review 

6 - Cafe 50's

📍 11623 Santa Monica Blvd | Los Angeles | https://www.cafe50s.menu/

Cafe 50’s  is a nostalgic diner that has been serving classic American fare since 1982. The establishment boasts a vibrant 1950s ambiance, complete with neon signs, vintage advertisements, and jukeboxes at each table. The menu features all-day breakfast options, including blueberry blintzes, stone-ground grits, and malted waffles, alongside a variety of burgers and hand-crafted milkshakes. Open daily from 8:00 AM to midnight, Cafe 50’s offers a fun and family-friendly dining experience in West LA

“This place is great. Everyone is super nice, they accommodate children (coloring, kids menu, Mickey Mouse pancakes, toys they give you etc),
The ambiance is like no other. Plenty of Parking in the front off Santa Monica...metered. For an hour it was $1.” - Yelp Review 

7 - Swingers Diner

📍 8020 Beverly Blvd | Los Angeles | https://www.swingersdiner.com

Swingers Diner is a beloved retro-style diner that has been serving the community since 1993. Known for its nostalgic ambiance and classic American fare, Swingers offers a diverse menu featuring dishes like brioche French toast, breakfast burritos, and vegan Cobb salads. The diner is open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:00 AM, making it a popular late-night spot for both locals and visitors. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, Swingers Diner continues to be a cherished institution in the heart of Los Angeles.​

“I love, love, love Swinger's Hollywood! It has quickly become my partner and I's favorite breakfast spot. The menu is extensive, vibes are immaculate and the staff are all so sweet and attentive. This place is a Los Angeles staple so it definitely does get crowded but well worth the wait!” - Yelp Review 

8 - Mel's Drive-In

📍 8585 W Sunset Blvd | Los Angeles | https://melsdrive-in.com/

Mel’s Drive-In in Hollywood is a beloved retro diner located at 1660 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Established in 1947, it gained fame as a filming location for the 1973 film American Graffiti. The diner features classic American fare, including burgers, milkshakes, and breakfast items, served in a nostalgic setting with neon signs and vintage décor. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight, Mel’s Drive-In continues to be a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of Americana.

“Perfect spot for a late night snack after a night out with the girls. Love the Caesar salad and curly fries. Service was great and they are open super late. :)” - Yelp Review 

9 - Clark Street Diner

📍 6145 Franklin Ave | Los Angeles | https://clarkstreetdiner.la/

Clark Street Diner in Hollywood offers a nostalgic dining experience with a modern twist. Located in the former 101 Coffee Shop, the diner preserves its mid-century charm while introducing elevated comfort food. Menu highlights include challah French toast, patty melts, and hearty breakfast burritos. The in-house pastry case features treats from Clark Street Bakery, such as cardamom buns and kouign-amanns. 

“Clark Street Diner is a my go-to local spot for an easy, classic breakfast. The corned beef hash is and their breakfast sandwich are standouts, with fresh ingredients and a great sourdough. The diner has a relaxed, nostalgic feel and has friendly service with no frills. Definitely one of my favorite easy breakfast/lunch places in the area.” - Yelp Review 

And There You Have A List of 9 of the Best Restaurants You Can Find in Los Angeles California!!!

I hope one of the restaurants on the list looked like the perfect option for the kind of LA adventure you are planning to have. It’s impossible to know just what everybody is going to be looking for so I tried to get some good variety in on the list so that way there would be a little something for everyone. But if you know of a great LA diner that I missed, be sure to sound off below in the comments section and let everybody else know!!!

Trae Bodge

Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.

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