LAist: LAist Talks Late-Night Downtown Dining, Part I: The Pantry Edition

Scott Mercer

Sun, 10 Jun 2007 18:27:34 -0800

They don't serve the relish tray anymore. I miss it. I first went to The Pantry around 1992. They were still serving the free relish tray then. They must have discontinued it sometime in the 1990's. I just remember that I went there after a long absence and there was no relish tray. I moved downtown two years ago so now I go there at least once a month. At least they still give you free cole slaw and the bread is good and always fresh. When I lived in Hollywood and wanted a cheap steak, I'd have to make my way over to Norm's.

db

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 15:35:23 -0800

I always sit at the counter. I always know what I'm going to order before I sit down, or am prepared for the consequences. I always order the hash browns, never the mashed. If I remember, I order my bread toasted. I never give money to the homeless guys, since they've gotten belligerent. I used to give them my leftovers, but decided it was too demeaning to just go up and ask them if they wanted my old food. So now I only do it if they ask me, which they don't (they want cash), so I get two meals for the price of one. Breakfast is a deal. All other meals are expensive, especially given the mediocre quality of meat. It is the only restaurant where I don't bring something to read while I'm eating, since I'm rarely bored while eating there.

LA City Nerd

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 06:05:24 -0800

To know The Pantry, you must order correctly. See #2 in this post.

Supercramp

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 20:16:43 -0800

I made the mistake of going to the Pantry on acid and I was too freaked out by the waiters and the relish tray to remember anything else.

SatanLeather

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 19:29:42 -0800

My family took me to the Pantry after I graduated college.They were always mean to me.

MC

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:55:01 -0800

Those who think The Pantry is "gross" should probably watch your back. One, the sheer volume of food that goes through that place per day pretty much ensures that it's fairly fresh. Two, the pancakes are delicious. Three, I only eat the breakfast items and generally only come in while I'm drunk or super hungry in the morning, thus I have a slightly sheltered opinion of The Pantry but still it is AMAZING.

malingering

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:51:48 -0800

The Original Pantry, a famous 24- hour diner owned by the then mayor of Los Angeles, was closed for the first time in its 73-year history on 36 separate violations. Weeks later the ratings system was in place. Canter's and the other restaurants exposed by CBS mended their ways, and many earned A- ratings for their pains. Ah, I looked it up. The closing happened in 1997 (okay, after I was in high school, but whatever). I still get nauseated when I drive by.

Nadia

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:38:59 -0800

One too many cocktails at The Edison or any of the trendy downtown bars could easily have you ending up at this "Historic landmark" for late night eats. It happened to me yesterday and although I didn't order anything, I heard talk that the cheese omelettes aren't half bad. Then again at 2:30 a.m., Can you really complain?

Marshall

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 15:54:43 -0800

The Pantry is the Alpha and Omega of Downtown.

Natalie

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 15:46:47 -0800

I agree with you guys - the pantry is gross. Just because it is ancient, doesn't make it good! Pete's is open until 2am, the Standard all night, and my sweet gem TV CAFE is 24 hours! go to any 3 and your night will not end in a tummy ache.