
American Retro Cafe in the heart of LA
I’ve always been fascinated by the glamorous and charismatic American 20-s. When I learned about this old fashioned café and eatery, The Original Pantry, I knew I couldn’t miss it. This place will make you feel like you are one of the manufacture workers on your lunch break. The atmosphere, the decorations, the food; it all comes together as one perfect picture of Old America.
Located at the corner of 9th and Figueroa in Downtown L.A., this area is always crowded. If you don’t see the line than you are probably at the wrong place. Locals call it “Pantry” and eat there along with countless number of tourists. This café-eatery was established in 1924, and has never had a day without a customer ever since. They are open 24/7.
Make sure to come here hungry! The serving portions are enormous. Pantry offers an original American breakfast menu. You won’t find anything fancy or extraordinary, only traditional old style food; the classics.
Prices are moderate, yet they are loyal to old traditions, so make sure to have some cash on you.
Don’t be fooled by the simple interior and architecture. The food is great!
I wanted to get the full experience, so I picked one of the stool seats at the counter facing the kitchen. The culinary magic was happening right in front of my face. The cooks were very fast, loud and experienced. The gigantic frying pans they used reminded me of student life in the dorms. I’ve never seen that much fried potatoes ever since!
Don’t leave in a food coma, take some time to look around. Many celebrities have visited The Pantry and it has been designated as one of Los Angeles’s Historic-Cultural Monument.
The Original Pantry has been ranked as one of the most popular eateries in Los Angeles. If you are in town I definitely recommend you and your friends check it out.
P.S. While I was enjoying my gigantic breakfast and picturing myself as one of the many manufacture workers in the 1920-s, the reflection of my neighbor’s Rolex killed the vibe 🙂
You never know where you can meet a celebrity in L.A.!

#FlyAwayFriday
Ruth
I have heard about The Pantry tons of times and haven not been there yet. I cannot even believe that. One time I was steps away from the Staples Center and a group of ladies approached and told me they were looking for a restaurant. They didn’t give me any more details. They told me it was famous and I knew they where referring to The Pantry. I pointed them in the correct way and I have not eaten there! #FlyAwayFriday
Keri | Ladies What Travel
OMG, this brings back some memories! I’d totally forgotten about this place ’till I saw your post – I ended up here on my first night in LA when I came over from the UK for work to attend the E3 videogames conference. Ah sweet memories! One of my PR friends took me here about 11pm for a late night snack (blame jetlag) and I loved it. Thanks for bring this brill place to back to the forefront of my mind!
Susie Romain
Yulia, my dad used to take us there all the time when my brother and I were growing up! Love that place.
Janine Good
What a neat experience! I love retro cafes and landmarks that bring out the nostalgia at heart. The original charm is in tact and it is incredible nowadays to find an establishment going strong since the 20’s. #flyawayfriday
Kana
How do I not know about this?! Haha! I’m definitely checking it out soon, I love retro anything! Love having you on #FlyAwayFriday!
Chloe
Ahh I love old retro diners!! They’re the best! If you’re still in California, I used to go to Ruby’s all the time! Similar concept and very affordable/cute. It’s one of my favorites and they have the best milk shakes and chicken tenders haha!! Can’t wait to se what you share tomorrow for FlyAwayFriday!