The Apple Pan

Welcome to a Los Angeles landmark, the Apple Pan. "Quality forever," the sign reads.

A fifties style diner, with a grill in the middle of the u-shaped seating, The Apple Pan represents 60+ years of history in LA and a menu and atmosphere that has withstood time.

There are no frills here. Service is quality, the menu is simple. You can choose from 2 burgers, 5 sandwiches, 3 kinds of pies. Sodas are served in cone shaped cups with stainless steel cupholders. If you prefer, they also serve buttermilk to drink. That's how old-school they are. The woman next to me said, "I love that I come here and feel like I'm in the 50s." She's a regular,comes once a week and knows exactly what she'll receive everytime.

If not up for burgers and fries, hidden behind the front Apple Pan walls is a bakery that bakes their famous pies. Banana cream, pecan, apple - all baked fresh daily. More than enough to make customers coming back again and again.

Jorge, our waiter, served us with a smile. In fact, when we ordered fries he even served us a plate of ketchup without us having to ask. For the children, he made the ketchup smiley face.

Everything about this place made me feel like I was in a simpler time. The food was good, I received quality service, everyone working was working hard. Waiters and cooks wore those white 50s service caps and even the cash register was a classic! All around the restaurant was a community feel - we talked to our neighbors as if they were a part of our own party and I got the sense that is the way it's felt all around - from the servers, to the customers, regulars, and old-timers.

Perhaps the moment I enjoyed the most from my first Apple Pan experience was when take out customer received her pie and was about to leave she said, "Thank you, see you next time." Jorge, responded with a smile, "Okay, see you tomorrow."

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