The Original Pantry Cafe

The Original Pantry Cafe is an iconic coffee shop and restaurant located at the corner of 9th and Figueroa in Downtown L.A.'s South Park district, The Pantry claims to never have closed or been without a customer since it opened in 1924, including when it changed locations in 1950 to make room for a freeway off-ramp. It served lunch in the original location and served dinner at the new location the same day.

The menu is pretty simple.  They have your typical breakfast selection and then steak and chops and salads.  Notably, they have a Gallon of Coffee on their menu as a side.  It must be for cops or other night workers that come in.

 

 

We stopped in on a Thursday afternoon, the cafe wasn't too busy so we sat at the counter in front of the grill. We went for a side order they call the "Set Up" which is bread, butter, and cole slaw.  Sounds weird, I know, but they are known for this side so we got it.  The cole slaw is creamy and sweet.  It is not the healthiest dish but very good and goes really well with the thick grilled bread. It was filling for a side but very fitting for the diner.  They boast about their generous portions and they're not lying.  Plan on taking a lot of food home or sharing.  This place is definitely worth the visit, even if only for a slice of pie and coffee.  Stop in and soak in a little bit of history.