Not far from the Staples Center, the Original Pantry is a choice stop for fans after Lakers’ games. Never having closed its doors since opening in 1924, this round-the-clock temple of honest eats is renowned for hot cakes and full-bore egg breakfasts accompanied by sourdough toast, thick slabs of bacon, and piles of excellent hash brown potatoes. OJ is fresh-squeezed and the coffee keeps coming.
At supper, you can’t go wrong with a steak platter or such stalwarts as roast beef or short ribs. Portions are immense. Sourdough bread and cole slaw are served with every meal.
When the Original Pantry was threatened by developers in 1980, former Mayor Richard Riordan bought it, and His Honor’s aura helped make it a destination for city politicians, big wigs, and wannabe players, especially at breakfast, when people-watching is a sport. A relatively small place, it is always bustling. Service by hash house pros is nearly instantaneous.
| Sunday | 7am - 5pm |
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | CLOSED |
| Thursday | 7am - 3pm |
| Friday | 7am - 3pm |
| Saturday | 7am - 5pm |
18 MILES
|
43 min
If you visit Los Angeles from the East and have a stubborn circadian rhythm governor that has you awake and hungry in the middle of the night, prepare to eat well. L.A. has a number of excellent open-all-night restaurants. Here some classic faves.
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
Manhattan Beach, CaliforniaBy the Ocean in Manhattan Beach, Uncle Bill’s is known for eggs, pancakes, and waffles; we love the hash brown scramble known as potatoes Stroganoff.
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Shaky Alibi
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles’ Shaky Alibi is all about the best imaginable Liège Belgian waffles, both sweet and savory. On the side: best-in-the-city coffee.
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Cassell’s Hamburgers
Los Angeles, CaliforniaMany were saddened when the original Cassell’s closed, but now we can rejoice. A revamp of the classic burger diner respects traditions that made it famous.
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Kettle
Manhattan Beach, CaliforniaA classic southern California coffee shop, open round the clock, serving high-quality square meals with especially good breakfast. Kettle muffins are a must!
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Harriet’s Cheesecakes Unlimited
Inglewood, CaliforniaCheesecake is the single thing on the menu at this Los Angeles take-out-only storefront bakery. Dozens of varieties are available; the best is praline.
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Sugar ‘N Spice
Newport Beach, CaliforniaThank Sugar ‘N Spice for frozen bananas’ popularity on Newport Beach’s Balboa Island. Since 1945.