The Original Pantry Cafe
Diner · Downtown Los Angeles ·
Classic diner serving ample American eats around the clock
Classic diner serving ample American eats around the clock
"A landmark Los Angeles diner with a 101-year history, this legendary around-the-clock spot is set to reopen after a sudden March 2025 closure tied to a dispute between unionized workers and the Richard J. Riordan family trust. New owner Leo Pustilnikov plans a New Year’s Eve reopening and has voluntarily agreed to rehire the workers and recognize Unite Here 11, which announced the news at a September 11 press conference. Opened in 1924 and moved to its current location in 1950, it was purchased by then–Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan in 1981 and operated by him until his death in 2023. The diner rarely closed—legend has it it shut once in 1997 for a failed health inspection before reopening the next day—and for most of its life ran 24/7, though post-COVID it cut overnight hours. Daily crowds pile into the checkered-floor interior for French toast, omelets, and pancakes. At the announcement, balloons arched over the doorway, a red ribbon was cut, and a pancake-shaped cake was sliced, as Pustilnikov called the Pantry “the story of LA” and hoped its return would help Downtown’s rebirth; though the doors didn’t reopen that day, the place felt alive again." - Rebecca Roland
"Historic restaurant known for its impact on Los Angeles and California's civic life, now permanently closed." - Mona Holmes
"A classic 101-year-old diner in Downtown Los Angeles known for its iconic breakfasts and as a staple of LA's 24-hour diner culture. It was cherished for its ambience characterized by decaying paneled wood, bright fluorescent lighting, and a cast of characters reminiscent of a David Lynch film." - Eater Staff
"The Original Pantry Cafe was an iconic 24-hour diner in Downtown Los Angeles, known for serving countless Angelenos since 1924. It was beloved for its classic American diner meals and rich history, including its relocation in 1950 due to freeway construction. The cafe was a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and closed after 101 years of operation, leaving behind memories of a bygone era." - Matthew Kang
"A legendary diner in Downtown Los Angeles, known for its 24-hour service and classic American dishes like ham steak and eggs, steak, pancakes, fried potatoes, and crunchy coleslaw. It was famous for its lack of door locks and bustling atmosphere attracting a diverse crowd." - Matthew Kang