Original Pantry Cafe

Doesn't Recommend

donisland

Joined 6 years ago

LOTS OF FOOD, Quality is below average. FOOD- you get a lot of food, so if you are hungry and don't care about good taste/quality - go here. Loads of grease on most foods, the coffee is tasteless. IF you eat here, stick to the salads and soup - they are o.k. SERVICE-they are only o.k. - PARKING- got to pay across the street - only $1.00 which is a good deal around here. Don't use their restroom - filthy. You might want to try Filipe's over on Alameda - better quality food, free parking, you pick up the food up front and take it to your table, food taste is a little better.

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simplydarius

Joined 5 years ago

Not the late-night selection I hoped for. The portions here seemed hearty all around, but I wasn't impressed by the variety of dishes. The chalkboard menus weren't offering much meatless, and though the bacon and egg breakfast sounded like it had a lot of what I wanted it was close to $9 when I went in around 9pm; figuring out what about it was going to be $9-good and if it would still be worth it with no meat just didn't happen. Considering that the french toast was my second choice, I came out pretty satisfied; though next time I'm feeling diner food I'll probably try to get to Fred's 62 before the Pantry again.

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pattycakes1

Joined 5 years ago

BEST CLAM CHOWDER. LONG LINE FOR LUNCH! GREAT CLASSIC PLACE. AS FAR AS SERVICE AND MENU KIND OF CONFUSING. BUT I REALLY ENJOYED THE CLAM CHOWDER. MY SANDWICH NEEDED LOTS OF HELP.

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f150screw

Joined 6 years ago

You have to try it. You have to try this joint. The pantry burger is quite delicious and filling. Service is good. Price, however, is a bit steep. If you are at staples center or convention center, you should try it at least once.

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avoice

Joined 6 years ago

SOME DISTURBING TURNS. People don't come here for the quality of the food, although it isn't bad, just heavy. They come here because they've by have been coming here since they were children. People are not converted to the Pantry, they are born to it. Recently, though, they have changed its menu, making it lighter and more modern, and raising the prices significantly. This is a heresy and I think many people will be offended. I am. Whatever motive inspired these changes, it's misguided. The Pantry is no place for experimentation. The fact that it never changes--until just recently--has been its main draw. The waiters also have become less motivated or something I can not put my finger on. In any event, I see it in decline. It may be a changed management, but whatever the cause I am distressed. I will still come for the breakfast but less often.

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dunderw1059

Joined 6 years ago

Great After Hours Stop. This is my pick as an after hour club stop. After the dance club closes and you feel like stopping somewhere to get something to eat.........this is it. It's totally 50's style with the same type of tables and chairs dating back. I recommend going there for the breakfast after 2am. Actually it's the only time I've gone and the only thing I've had off the menu. It's like going somewhere lost in time! It's nothing to talk about in the way of presentation nor decor........it's a diner!

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devilcat99

Joined 6 years ago

I can't explain why I love this place. I really don't know why I love this place, but I do. It's a dive, it's in a seedy location, the food is full of grease, I don't eat coleslaw, it's kinda dirty...but dammit, I love it! I love that nothing has changed at the Pantry, especially when we live in a society that is always looking for the newest, prettiest, and shiniest. Don't go expecting a 5-star experience, you won't get it. Oh, and remember to tip your servers!!! Have fun!

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38plays

Joined 6 years ago

Go for the bread!. So there are some reviews here that are less than savory, BUT IT'S A DINER...remember that. It's a diner, but isn't that why you went? Yes, you will wait in line outside. Yes, it is cramped inside. Yes, the food is greasy, but it's a diner! BUT here is why you go: OMG! Go for the sourdough that they make fresh daily. It is amazing! And if you are going for breakfast (the only time I ever go), ask for the sourdough to be toasted. If you are going because you think you are special, stay home. If you want to just revel in an atmosphere that hearkens back to an innocent age, GO! If you realize it's a diner with some history in our city, give it a shot. But, my God, get some bread!

Doesn't Recommend

tballw32

Joined 6 years ago

Overated. Sure the ambience is kitchy and nostalgic, but the food is underwhelming and expensive. They make you pay for cole slaw you didn't order unless you order a full entree. The food is large in portion and lacking in quality. You can't even order a burger without getting unwanted onions chopped up and mixed in. And to top it off, it's expensive for greasy spoon diner food. I'd much rather go down the street to Denny's where there's not a huge line, they don't force cole slaw down my throat, and I can pay with a credit card.

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pwwong0001

Joined 6 years ago

Great Breakfast. Okay, I'm biased because I've been going to the pantry for the last 35 plus years. I'm a regular for Sunday breakfast and even have a favorite waiter. Although I've been brainwashed for so many years, I have to admit that in my travels, I still rank the Pantry as one of the best breakfast places in the US. The portions are great and you cant beat their sourdough toast. The hash browns are excellent. Yeah, this place may be overhyped but it is what it is, an old fashioned coffee shop that hasn't really changed in decades. I think the problem with citysearch reviews is that people hype restaurants and the readers go with high expectations thinking the meal will be the ultimate. For the Pantry, go and enjoy the food. It's not pretentious and it will harden the arteries but you'll be comforted by the ambience.