Apple Pan

12/07/09

It's about the EXPERIENCE

by WORX4FUDE at Citysearch

This is one of LA most controversial burger spots, and all the excuses for the nay-sayers are illegitimate, to put it lightly.

Adored by all the folks I grew up with on the Westside, the Apple Pan is a historical landmark of epic tastiness. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? HELL YEAH! I highly suggest the "Hickory Cheesey," the Hickory Burger with a thick slice of Tilamook cheddar, and their near-perfect fries. The burger's barbecue sauce in combination with the chunk of hand-leafed iceberg lettuce "set off" this burger. It is my favorite burger in LA (along with the Double-Double, and the burger at Father's Office)

The place hasn't changed much in the past 50 years, as you may notice from the original counter top and swivel stools. The waiters range from the smugly rude little fella on the left counter, to the always smiling Gordon on the right side. Gordon is the gray-haired monster of a man who is always working late nights, and is always happy to refill your ketchup plate without you needing to ask. I suggest sitting in his section; the other waiters can be a bit abrasive during rush hours.

The fact is: you can get a very good burger at In-n-Out, but it doesn't have the same feel, the same taste, OR the ambiance. Even during my periods of unemployment, or as a struggling college student, I would happily pay 10 bucks for a burger and IBC root beer, here. The taste and the satisfaction after crammin' down a Hickory Cheesey at midnight is unmatched. And the hordes of people who line the walls during peak lunch and dinner can attest to that fact.

If you haven't tried the place, save up your pennies, and hit the A-Pan at 11 o'clock at night, with a mellow beer buzz. You will almost certainly return for another experience... and another... and another.

• Pros: Tasty burgers, old school feel, great fries, open LATE
• Cons: Standing wait during busy hours, pricey, cash-only

07/21/09

Excellent food if you can deal with the place

by philipchasen at Citysearch

We went there today for the first time. When we sat down, we could see the counter man was in machine mode. Fast, fast, fast. Don't ask stupid questions. Give me your order. I had a tuna sandwich with swiss cheese on toasted rye. Came out just as I asked and delicious. My wife ate an egg salad sandwich and she loved it. In the meantime, people are starting to congregate around you watching as you eat. Don't take an extra minute or someone will be upset with you that you took too long.

Unique place with good food, but we won't be back. Too frenetic and high pressure. Just not worth the hassle. In addition, their signature apple pie wasn't that wonderful. OK, but I've eaten way better.

• Pros: Excellent
• Cons: Frenetic place

03/27/09

Apple Pan

by TrealTalk at Citysearch

Some great all around food. Good wholesome dishes and who would have thought you could do so mch with apples!?!

• Pros: Example: best croissants in town
• Cons: What are the drawbacks?