The Original Pantry Cafe

now this place is old in a good way. food service is nothing special, but the original pantry makes you feel comfortable.

I'm glad the Hahn's cleaned it up a little, becasue the pantry is an LA staple. Soul food doesn't even begin to describe the love that they have for traditional American breakfasts. By traditional, I mean HUGE!!! The staff is caring, attentive, and happy. You can tell that each waiter loves being a part of this historical treasure. I can't think of anything bad to say about them other than you better be ready to wait for a table. When you are there, you are in their house, so be polite.

We were a party of 10 last night, a busy St. Patrick's day. Without even greeting us, a waiter came to us to tell us to move to the other side of the line as we were blocking the entrance. He told us it is clearly stated in the front door which is the entrance and which is the exit. We waited for around 20 mins, then a grumpy waiter asked us how many we were and settled down a table for 10, but never called us, we seated ourselves (despite the first waiter telling us the second one would tell us 'what time you are allowed to sit'). We sat for another 20 minutes, waiting for our menus... the grumpy waiter came to take the order, but we had no idea there are no menus, he was pissed and pointed to the board. Left for another 10 minutes. He came back, asked one of my friends what was she ordering, she wasn't sure, so he turned around and told us ""when she's ready, I'll be back"" another 20 minutes... I honestly ordered whatever I saw: a hamburger and a coffee. They brought me a tasteless beef patty in between two slices of sandwich bread, not even a bun. It was totally gross! I never got my coffee. And yes, you guess right: he charged the coffee! Bottomline: avoid this stinky place, it's not worth it at all.

My wife and I have been going to the pantry for over 20 years and the portions at breakfast were hefty. Not any more. The thick bacon got thin, potatoe servings are 1/2 of what they used to be and they use small (no longer jumbo) eggs. The bargain is gone and people will catch on.

After having heard so much about this place I went there today. Waited in line for 45 minutes. While waiting thought to myself ""hey it must be good if there is a line."" Boy was I wrong. First it was very difficult to read the menus on the wall because of the table position. Yup, they got no menus other than the faded chalk writings on the wall. I tried the so called country fried steak. My friend got the eggs, french toast, and sausage. I find it hard to come up with a word to properly describe the nauseating material served to us. Nothing was edible. Not even the peas which were stale and overcooked. Other than the horrible horrible food it took us 30 minutes to finally convince someone to give us the check so that we could leave the dive. DON'T GO, DON'T GO, DON'T GO. .

this is not a restaurant where everything on the menu is good, however if you are looking for an authentic melt-in-your-mouth steak, this is the place. and the atmosphere is certainly of a style that may not appeal to all, but i find it charming and nostalgic with the gruff and elderly waiters, the formica tables and the lack of pretense. stick to steak and potatoes and you won't be disappointed.

We wouldn't recommend this place to anybody. After years of hearing what a good place this is to eat, we finally got a chance to try it. What a disappointment! We both ordered breakfasts, and both were lacking a key ingredient in any good food. Flavor! Save yourself the trip and if you must eat at a ""diner"" go down the street to Denny's! Save yourself from the overpriced, blah-no flavor food!

I waited 45 minutes to get in to a busy restaraunt. The inside was gross, and the worst part the food was disgusting!! I can eat from weird catering trucks, I ate grasshopers when i took a trip to the pyramids, but this food was beyond nasty. It just was not good. the waiter was in a hurry, the food was not done well. I know its busy but man. it was nasty. i had a stomach ache for a while. dont go there do not go there. it is a shame some people say it's a gem in downtown and that it is la history, it's just nasty. I'm from L.A and I'd rather go to a taco stand for an authentic L.A experience!

FOOD- you get a lot of food, so if you are hungry and don't care about good taste/quality - go here. Loads of grease on most foods, the coffee is tasteless. IF you eat here, stick to the salads and soup - they are o.k. SERVICE-they are only o.k. - PARKING- got to pay across the street - only $1.00 which is a good deal around here. Don't use their restroom - filthy. You might want to try Filipe's over on Alameda - better quality food, free parking, you pick up the food up front and take it to your table, food taste is a little better.

The portions here seemed hearty all around, but I wasn't impressed by the variety of dishes. The chalkboard menus weren't offering much meatless, and though the bacon and egg breakfast sounded like it had a lot of what I wanted it was close to $9 when I went in around 9pm; figuring out what about it was going to be $9-good and if it would still be worth it with no meat just didn't happen. Considering that the french toast was my second choice, I came out pretty satisfied; though next time I'm feeling diner food I'll probably try to get to Fred's 62 before the Pantry again.

LONG LINE FOR LUNCH! GREAT CLASSIC PLACE. AS FAR AS SERVICE AND MENU KIND OF CONFUSING. BUT I REALLY ENJOYED THE CLAM CHOWDER. MY SANDWICH NEEDED LOTS OF HELP.

You have to try this joint. The pantry burger is quite delicious and filling. Service is good. Price, however, is a bit steep. If you are at staples center or convention center, you should try it at least once.

People don't come here for the quality of the food, although it isn't bad, just heavy. They come here because they've by have been coming here since they were children. People are not converted to the Pantry, they are born to it. Recently, though, they have changed its menu, making it lighter and more modern, and raising the prices significantly. This is a heresy and I think many people will be offended. I am. Whatever motive inspired these changes, it's misguided. The Pantry is no place for experimentation. The fact that it never changes--until just recently--has been its main draw. The waiters also have become less motivated or something I can not put my finger on. In any event, I see it in decline. It may be a changed management, but whatever the cause I am distressed. I will still come for the breakfast but less often.

This is my pick as an after hour club stop. After the dance club closes and you feel like stopping somewhere to get something to eat.........this is it. It's totally 50's style with the same type of tables and chairs dating back. I recommend going there for the breakfast after 2am. Actually it's the only time I've gone and the only thing I've had off the menu. It's like going somewhere lost in time! It's nothing to talk about in the way of presentation nor decor........it's a diner!

I really don't know why I love this place, but I do. It's a dive, it's in a seedy location, the food is full of grease, I don't eat coleslaw, it's kinda dirty...but dammit, I love it! I love that nothing has changed at the Pantry, especially when we live in a society that is always looking for the newest, prettiest, and shiniest. Don't go expecting a 5-star experience, you won't get it. Oh, and remember to tip your servers!!! Have fun!

So there are some reviews here that are less than savory, BUT IT'S A DINER...remember that. It's a diner, but isn't that why you went? Yes, you will wait in line outside. Yes, it is cramped inside. Yes, the food is greasy, but it's a diner! BUT here is why you go: OMG! Go for the sourdough that they make fresh daily. It is amazing! And if you are going for breakfast (the only time I ever go), ask for the sourdough to be toasted. If you are going because you think you are special, stay home. If you want to just revel in an atmosphere that hearkens back to an innocent age, GO! If you realize it's a diner with some history in our city, give it a shot. But, my God, get some bread!