Never closed since 1924- The Pantry Los Angeles

Have you ever been anywhere in Los Angeles that is historically still standing and in business since the 1920’s? If not – one must visit The Pantry Los Angeles http://www.pantrycafe.com/ . I had just returned home from New York City, telling friends how convenient it is to get around New York City due to their Metro system. Cut to a friend suggesting we jump on the red line metro at Hollywood and Highland Ave in Los Angeles to see that LA also has a great Metro system. http://www.metro.net/about/art/locations/hollywoodhighland-station/

 

Surprised to what we saw, a beautiful and functional underground Metro for Angelinos to get to and from their food destinations without the need to risk drinking and driving. I was surprised how fast, safe, and easy to use the LA Metro was. Additionally how many great stops it passed through such as; east Sunset, Koreatown, and Mid-Wilshire eventually dropping off at Union Station in the heart of downtown. We exited 7^th street/ metro station in downtown and headed south on foot to LA Live.

 

We stumbled upon Riordan’s Tavern located at 875 South Figeroa Street. http://riordanstavern.com/ The Tavern Downtown is what most call it. Former Mayor & owner Richard J. Riordan, Mayor of Los Angeles from 1993 through 2000 wanted to take the opportunity to contribute to the rapidly growing Los Angeles downtown area and provide a local tavern for all to enjoy. With a saying of -“Stiff Drinks & Great Steaks” , the food and drinks at The Tavern Downtown are simple but chosen from the best sources available. The bartender who had been there for years made our experience fun. He filled us on the history behind the bar, and its’ adjacent restaurant- The Pantry Los Angeles stating it has never been closed since 1924, not even one day. Naturally curious and two drinks down we walked next door to the Pantry for breakfast at 11pm on a Friday night.

 

A blinking neon sign outside saying 24hr Breakfast- the Los Angeles Pantry was established in 1924. The Original Pantry has spent eight decades providing its customers with generous portions of traditional American cuisine. The restaurant started with 5 employees in a building at 9th and Figueroa St. It consisted of one room — a 15-stool counter, a grill and a hot plate. It wasn’t long before patrons were forming lines for seats. To offset the wait they were asked to place orders in advance. Presently, we do not take orders in the waiting line.

 

(bacon cooked perfectly)

The Pantry survived the difficult years of the Depression and even managed to expand by adding a dining room in 1934. When World War II came in the forties, almost half of our boys joined the armed services. All but one had returned by the end of the war. In 1946, we expanded again to accommodate 60 people. Our family had grown to 46. As the business grew, so did the city, and our property was acquired by the state for a freeway ramp. So, in 1950 The Pantry moved into its present location at the corner of 9th and Figueroa streets. The day we moved lunch was served at the old location and dinner in the new, with no loss of customers.

 

 

 

Today, The Pantry is close to Staples Center and the L.A. Convention Center, Dodger Stadium and Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and is accessible from the 101, 110 and 10 Freeways. More than just a casual eatery, The Pantry offers diners an atmosphere rich in character and history. An integral piece of Los Angeles culture and known for their pancakes, the Pantry just celebrated their 90^th Anniversary.

 

http://www.pantrycafe.com/

The Pantry Los Angeles

877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017