The Apple Pan

The Apple Pan is a counter-only American diner at 10801 W Pico Boulevard in West Los Angeles, California, open since 1947. It is one of the city's best-preserved mid-century eateries, serving a short menu of burgers, sandwiches and pie from a horseshoe-shaped counter with stools and no tables. The cuisine is classic American diner food, and the kitchen's reputation rests on consistency rather than chef pedigree or awards. The signature dishes are the hickory burger, made with a smoky barbecue-style sauce, the steakburger, and the apple pie, which is often ordered with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Cold drinks and pie are served over the same counter, and staff in paper hats work the grill and counter in full view of diners. The room is small, bright and busy, with a nostalgic, no-frills character; noise comes mainly from the grill and the conversation of diners sitting shoulder to shoulder, and no dress code applies. There is no wine programme, and the beverage list is simple, with soft drinks, milkshake-style options and coffee. Prices are low for Los Angeles, at about $12 to $20 per person. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and otherwise serves from lunchtime into the late evening, though hours should be confirmed on the website. It does not take reservations because all seating is first come, first served at the counter, and waits for a stool can run from a few minutes to well over half an hour at lunch, dinner and weekends. Payment practices and other house rules have varied over the years, so visitors are advised to confirm before arriving. The location on Pico Boulevard sits near Westside shopping and a short drive from Beverly Hills, Century City and Santa Monica, and parking is available in a small lot nearby.