ShareWhat People Are Saying About Nickel Diner
The Editor
Pierce Martin
Citysearch
Keepin' it real with authentic vintage paintings on the wall (from a previous-previous-previous owner), this retro Downtown Los Angeles diner serves all kinds of comfort food to heal your soul--and your hangover. Nickel Diner's breakfast and lunch menu is packed with classics like spaghetti and meatballs, sloppy joes, hamburgers, homemade pies and cupcakes. Plus, for those handicapped by a hangover, there is the highly touted "Hangover Helper" that features scrambled eggs with bacon, Italian sausage, potatoes, pepperjack cheese, avocado and salsa.
11/01/09
DTLA Diner and Breakfast Too
by Michael Fran at Citysearch
If you haven't heard the desserts and donuts are pretty damn good. Try the red velvet or strawberry shortcake donuts, and for dessert get the Cher cupcake -- inspired by Cher but they won't tell you why. It's great having another restaurant on Main (besides Pete's) that serves a full breakfast menu. I probably have the eggs and spinach with polenta once a week. I've heard some complaints about service, but I've yet to have a problem.
- Pros: Desserts
09/28/09
La Cucarachas
by BRB at Citysearch
Was eating at Nickel Diner when la cucaracha came across the table and just stopped in the middle long enough for me to call over the server and show her. She was not phased by the appearance and told us that it's Downtown and there are cucarachas in all restaurants. Nothing was comped which was even more surprising than the pest.
- Pros: Ahh NOPE
- Cons: La Cucaraches
07/23/09
Excellent, Trendy, Shady area of town
by BBELA at Citysearch
My friends “Captain and Tennille” and I went to see a screening of the film “Cabaret” tonight at the historic 80+ year old Los Angeles Theater downtown. We thought we would also knock out a good downtown restaurant from our expansive list. Captain had mentioned The Nickel Diner was supposed to be good and inexpensive.
Plus, I heard they have a Maple Glaze Bacon Donut. What?? Yes, please.
I don’t know the history of the old space this new restaurant occupies but I did notice it’s only a stones throw from skid row. However, I’m a scaredy cat, so both Captain and Tennille audibly roll their eyes at my nervousness of that area of town. The street the Nickel is on seems relatively safe.
The Nickel, with it’s 1940’s vibe, seems to specialize in retro comfort food with a somewhat healthier twist. At least, that’s what my uneducated mind gathered from the visit. I left my business card, they can correct me if I’m wrong! :)
I ordered a dish (pictured above) called “Eat Your Veggies”. A delicious plate of sauteed veggies on a big ‘ole pile of buttermilk mashed potatoes. Yum. I could eat this every day.
Captain ordered a cobb salad with all the fun stuff taken out so I won’t bore you describing it.
Tennille ordered the salmon in a red pepper sauce with the aforementioned mashed pots. She seemed to love it. But that’s just what I gathered from the silent and somewhat violent shoveling of the food into her mouth.
Now, let’s talk about the waitress. I asked for some change and was promptly ignored. Sure, she was clearing our dishes at the time but her cold disregard for my question irritated me. Then I asked again as she walked away and she threw some more metaphorical ice my way.
Then, Tennille told me she thought the lady was the owner. If you’re reading this Ms. Owner, calm down. Smile, even if the annoying a**hole customers ask you things at innopportune times. It’s your job.
I would definitely still go back, having said all this. However, in case she recognizes me, I might don a disguise as to avoid any “special” ingredients being added to my meal.
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