The Original Pantry Café
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| (1978)* - Original Pantry Café, located at 877 S. Figueroa in Downtown Los Angeles. Photo by William Reagh |
Historical Notes The Original Pantry Cafe is an iconic coffee shop and restaurant situated at the corner of 9th and Figueroa in Downtown L.A.'s South Park district. Affectionately known as 'The Pantry' by locals, it boasts a remarkable claim: since its establishment in 1924, it has never closed its doors or been without a customer—until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even during its relocation in 1950 to accommodate a freeway off-ramp, the establishment maintained its tradition of continuous operation. Originally serving lunch at its original location and transitioning seamlessly to serving dinner at the new location on the same day, this tradition was disrupted by the pandemic. Presently, the restaurant operates from 7 am to either 3 or 5 pm, depending on the day. |
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| (1979)* - View across 9th Street of Original Pantry Café from behind a bus bench. Photo by William Reagh |
Historical Notes The diner is known for its no-frills decor, counter seating, and classic American diner fare served 24/7 like pancakes, burgers, and milkshakes. |
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| (1982)* - Original Pantry Café, at 9th & Figueroa Streets, on a Saturday morning with the ever-present line in front. Photo by James Ruebsamen |
Historical Notes The Original Pantry Café is known for serving coleslaw to all patrons in the evening hours, even if they ultimately decide to order breakfast. It claims to serve 90 tons of bread (or 461 loaves per day) and 10.5 tons (20,000-tree harvest) of coffee per year. |
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| (1985)* - The Original Pantry Café, as seen from the parking lot across the street, off 9th Street. Photo by James Ruebsamen |
Historical Notes The wait staff, and even the cook, were known for wearing impeccably starched white dress shirts with black bow ties. |
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| (2011)^ - View showing The Original Pantry Café, N/W corner of 9th & Figueroa Streets, on a Saturday morning with the ever-present line in front. Photo by Downtowngal / Wikipedia |
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| (2023)* - Looking across 9th Street toward the Original Pantry Cafe. |
Historical Notes The restaurant was owned by former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan until his death in 2022. In 1982, The Original Pantry was designated LA Historic-Cultural Monument No. 255 (Click HERE to see complete listing). |
Then and Now
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| (1979 vs 2019)* - Looking across 9th Street toward the Original Pantry Cafe. |
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