The Original Pantry Cafe

Sad it has closed. I used to eat breakfast there when I was in L.A. for shows. Fast, Good, Friendly, Inexpensive. I hear the union demands were too much. Another loss for Newsom's Minimum wage.

First time there, I enjoyed the bacon ?, eggs ?, hashbrowns, and their sourdough toast. Fantastic coffee ☕️ ?. I visited on Thanksgiving Day 2024, was very busy; but after ordering it didn't take long to get my order. I can't wait until I get to go back there again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Two Eggs Two Pancakes with Potatoes and Ham, Sourdough French, Toast

Very interesting experience for a European person as this brought me back to the American movies and their diners. The food was very good, the atmosphere was nice as well and I am glad I got to experience this place. Prices were fair as well and all in all the whole experience was worthwhile.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Back to the classical American comfort breakfast??? A rare nostalgic establishment????☕️??

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Food, not that special but good enough. I do like atmosphere. It is always crowded. Better prepared for waiting line.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

I walked into this place with no problem and was sat down in a couple of minutes. The issue was the service, I was given water but that was it. Our waiter kept having conversations with other tables instead of attending me and my family. I've seen other people come in after us and were already eating before us, this was truly a disappointing experience.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

What an amazing place this is! The best pancakes and bacon I've ever had! And the service is very, very nice. Plus they speak spanish and offer you "salsita" once they realized you're mexican. Thank you so much!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One of the best breakfast I have ever had! Cool place and great service. I may go back tomorrow...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This Downtown Los Angeles institution is still standing!

THE PANTRY has survived all the events and disasters hurled DTLA's way, including the more recent pandemic known as Covid-19 - which might be more accurately referred to as the World Wide Pandemic of 2019 to 2021...

First introduced to The Pantry by my teammates (the USC swimming & diving team) ...and then made a regular part of our near biweekly / at least monthly team members ritual following a weekend practice or home meet,... I've personally carried on the Trojan tradition of breakfast at The Pantry with friends and family over the decades since (for a morning meal, lunch, dinner and or post-midnight or 2 am delicious bite -- pre-modified post-covid hours).

It's a joy as well to still see many familiar faces from back in the day - they never fail to serve with familiar warmth, a smile, a joyful spirit, stories of eras gone by, or refrain from making a useful recommendation.

This place is sort of a home kitchen away from home.

(A few pics including a team pic - I was fortunate to be on the team with Fred Uytengsu as our team captain and our elected Dr. Spirit, while USC athletes and fans are fortunate for Fred and family's generosity in the form of the Uytengsu Aquatics Complex).

On behalf of myself, my friends and family, my Trojan Teammates and classmates of yesterday and today, I extend a warm welcome to you and yours to come and visit a persisting Los Angeles legendary institution and USC overflow kitchen :

Take a trip into this Time Machine and enjoy One of the best comfort dining experiences in So Cal!

Bon Appetite!

And, Fight On!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I dont know if its because we had the food delivered but it was probably the worst breakfast i have ever had. Everything was bland and the french toast was very very bad. Only thing that actually tasted alright was the sourdough toast they gave on the side.

Food: 2

Recommended dishes: Sour Dough French Toast, Toast

The Original Pantry Cafe in some aspects is an excellent Classic American Diner experience; the place is old school, comfortable, and lived-in feeling, and there are a handful of regulars who seem like fixtures.

The service was a perhaps a little perfunctory, but not so much as to ruin my meal.

The food however, fell flat. The potatoes were decently crispy on the outside, but undercooked on the inside, and the omelette, while large and generously stuffed with bacon, it also had a brick of lukewarm American cheese in the middle. It was reasonably tasty, and fairly priced, but was not as good as I'd hoped for.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Eggs were great.

Feels like a very popular place and is super speedy.

Very friendly and hard working.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Toast

A must visit when in LA!
My friends and I went during our long weekend visit in LA, and it was so worth it.
No reservations, only walk-ins and it is a wait, a wait that is really worth it!
It’s a lovely vintage style restaurant and brunch, lovely and attentive staffs (10/10 for customer service)
Good; outstanding and so delicious. Very very filling, my friends and I cleaned out plate, and weren’t hungry until late dinner. Worth it and price too, thank you (10/10).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

really nice place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It is a must if you are in the area, we never miss it! It is cheap, good, fast and hommie. Arrive early so the line is shorter!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5