Sabbatikos

Pann’s is a shining example of mid-century Americana and a must-visit destination for lovers of comfort diner food and the retro-futuristic space-age architecture popularized in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Established in 1958 by George and Rena Panagopoulos, the diner remains family-owned and operated by the founders’ children, maintaining its welcoming charm and authenticity.

The building alone is worth a visit, featuring its striking slanted roof, glowing neon sign, expansive oversized glass windows, bold angled lines and vintage diner booths, chairs and light fixtures that transport you back to a classic moment in LA history.

Pann’s serves up classic diner fare with hearty portions and a touch of Southern influence. Signature dishes include their famous fried chicken and waffles (offered as wings, breast and wing, thigh and leg, or tenders), crispy fried pork chops, savory country-fried steak, and golden cornmeal-fried catfish gems—all accompanied by two classic Southern sides and a fluffy buttermilk biscuit. Best of all, breakfast is served all day, making it the perfect spot for indulging our lazy mornings while on vacation with mid-day lunch. The food was impressive, with high-quality ingredients that were well prepared, and portions that left us satisfied but not too full. And their coffee!—a deliciously bottomless cup of brew that completed our retro dining experience.

Like many an LA establishment, Pann’s has been featured in several films and television shows, such as xXx (2002) (there’s a picture of Vin Diesel on the wall) Next (2007) (one of thousands of Nicolas Cage movies), Bewitched (2005) (with Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell), and most recently Based on a True Story (2023). However, we were disappointed to find out that contrary to popular belief Pann’s was not the filming location for the Quentin Tarantino cult classic Pulp Fiction, but it certainly felt as if it could have been.