Centennial Celebration and Devoted Patrons

As the doors opened before dawn on its centennial anniversary Wednesday, devoted patron Ronnie Medina proudly took his place as the first in line. For Medina and countless others, stepping into The Original Pantry is to be transported back through the decades.

“When I was 10, my dad brought me here for my first ‘man meal,'” Medina shared. “And 30 years later, I brought my son on his 10th birthday. And the [server] who helped us said, ‘I’m actually the one who served you.'”

A Cultural Fabric of LA

It’s these types of multi-generational bonds and oral traditions that make The Original Pantry such a singular part of LA’s cultural fabric. From fathers introducing their sons to the diner’s famous pancakes to late-night revelers seeking a post-party meal, the experience has remained steadfastly unchanged across 10 decades.

Centennial Celebration Events

To commemorate the 100-year milestone, the restaurant pulled out all the stops for its centennial celebration. From 6 am to 3 pm, guests who purchased a meal received a complimentary stack of pancakes. Live mariachi performers serenaded diners, while commemorative souvenirs were handed out.

Historical Significance and Notable Guests

Officially designated a Los Angeles Historical-Cultural Monument, The Original Pantry has played host to a cavalcade of iconic guests over its century-long existence. According to the diner, stars like Marilyn Monroe and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have all dined within its signature red neon-lit interior.

A Storied History

Originally opened in 1924 before moving to its current Figueroa location in 1950, the cafe remained under the same ownership for decades until former LA mayor Richard Riordan’s passing in 2023.

An Immovable Bastion of Consistency

As the city it calls home continues evolving, The Original Pantry remains an immovable bastion of consistency, nostalgia, and civic pride. Here’s to 100 more years of flapjacks, late nights, and landmark memories. I sincerely hope you like reading this “LA Original Pantry Cafe Hits 100 Years-What Makes It a Classic?” article.

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