Jonah O.
Yelp
A Visit to LA's Historic Dining Institution
This legendary spot has been on my bucket list for years--being the oldest restaurant in LA and Orange County made it a must-visit destination, and today I finally made it happen.
The atmosphere immediately transports you back in time with its wonderful vintage décor and authentic old-school diner ambiance. The classic counter seating adds to the nostalgic charm and gives you a front-row seat to the kitchen action.
Their menu is impressively sized with plenty of tempting options across breakfast and lunch. However, as any seasoned diner knows, execution varies wildly from restaurant to restaurant, especially when it comes to staples like country gravy and hollandaise sauce. I've learned to request small tasting portions before committing to dishes that rely heavily on these sauces.
The hollandaise sauce proved to be a perfect example of this inconsistency. While flavorful, it bore little resemblance to classic hollandaise--instead presenting as something closer to a thick, cheesy like soup. Tasty in its own right, but not what you'd expect from traditional eggs Benedict.
This common substitution ultimately steered me away from that dish.
Instead, I opted for the corned beef hash with two eggs over easy, country potatoes, and a side of biscuits and gravy. The corned beef hash delivered exactly what you'd hope for from a classic diner--that satisfying, old-school canned variety cooked to perfection with a generous portion size. My eggs were prepared just right, and the country potatoes impressed with their well-balanced mix of peppers and onions.
The biscuits and gravy fell into that middle ground of "perfectly acceptable." The biscuits were solid, and while the gravy didn't reach the heights of places like The Blackbird Café in Long Beach, it had enough flavor to avoid being bland or disappointing. It simply lacked that extra something that elevates good to memorable.
The black coffee was unremarkable--standard diner fare that gets the job done without any flourishes.
What truly stood out was the service. The staff was genuinely friendly and attentive throughout the meal, creating the kind of welcoming atmosphere that keeps diners coming back.
Overall, I'd rate this experience a solid C+. The food exceeded average without quite reaching the "very good" territory--but a respectable execution of classic diner fare in a setting steeped in local history. While the distance makes it unlikely I'll return regularly, I'm glad I finally experienced this piece of LA dining history.
For those curious about local landmarks or seeking that authentic vintage diner experience, it's worth the trip at least once. With their 24-hour operation and extensive menu, there's plenty to explore beyond my breakfast selection.
Consider it a worthwhile check-off-the-list destination that delivers on atmosphere even if my breakfast doesn't quite soar in my humble opinion, but I was overall happy with the whole experience.