Since 1948, Nick's Cafe in downtown LA whips up massive classic breakfasts—think honey-glazed ham, giant pancakes, and spicy huevos rancheros—in a no-frills, old-school diner vibe.
"If you can’t get a hold of us on a Sunday morning, it’s because we’re sitting at the U-shaped counter inside Nick’s with our phones turned off. This legendary blue-collar diner just north of Chinatown has been open since the Truman administration and is where you go to eat a giant chorizo scramble and pretend you’re someone else for a few hours. The menu has everything from oatmeal fruit bowls to avocado salads, but you’re sitting next to three octogenarians who survived Woodstock. This isn’t the place to get cute. Snag an egg combo, the ham steak, or a big bowl of chili and be on your way." - brant cox, sylvio martins, garrett snyder
"Whether seated at a table outside covered by a tent or perched on a stool at the counter inside, there’s no such thing as a bad table at Nick’s Cafe. Regulars know to order the griddled ham that’s glazed in brown sugar with a side of eggs and hash browns. This 75-year-old Los Angeles institution on the outskirts of Chinatown is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m." - Cathy Chaplin, Eater Staff
"We're not just throwing around superlatives here. Coming from the East Coast, we've had our share of great diners. Nick's is as good as it gets. They've been there since 1948 and for good reason. It feels kind of like a time capsule– you get the feeling that things haven't changed much there. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for some no-nonsense diner food. Breakfast and lunch hours only." - Rubric
"Nick’s is one of those places you walk into and instantly imagine becoming a regular. The nearly 70-year-old Chinatown diner is a flat-out breakfast institution and kind of greasy spoon spot where you post up at their U-shaped counter, eat some ham and eggs, and listen to the two guys next to you talk about their issues with Nixon. You head to Nick’s completely for the experience, but walk out thinking the food was pretty damn good too. " - nikko duren, brant cox, sylvio martins
"Nick’s is an ancient, greasy spoon diner and the kind of place that makes you realize LA is a much different city than most people realize. Now, cruising up to their U-shaped counter and listening to regulars argue about Eisenhower is admittedly a big part of the experience here, but since that’s not an option right now, just call in an order for takeout or delivery - (323) 222-1450. Whether you’re in the mood for biscuits, omelettes, or their famous ham, Nick’s is always the move after accidentally finishing that bottle of wine by yourself last night." - brant cox, kat hong
