Though they take on something of a different meaning on the two U.S. coasts, the quintessential diner represents an institution that traces its lineage to Walter Scott, a Rhode Island entrepreneur who repurposed a horse-pulled wagon into a car that served eggs, pies, sandwiches and coffee to customers late at night. He ended up quitting his job as a printer to sell food from this wagon, and it wasn’t long before he took notice of others following in his footsteps, opening lunch and early dinner mobile dining establishments of their own.
Decades later, the American diner has become a home away from home for countless people, often open 24 hours a day and boasting a menu that incorporates pretty much anything and everything. It’s a place to socialize, eat when working a late shift or just enjoy a meal any time of the day, considered an icon by millions and appearing in all facets of American culture.
Diners in areas like Woodland Hills have been constantly evolving with the times, modernizing their menus and ultimately redefining comfort food in this current day and age, and the following locales around town represent what we feel are the best of the best on this scene.
Nat’s Early Bite Coffee Shop and Diner, located at 22737 Ventura Boulevard, has been serving up incredible food and coffee in the San Fernando Valley for over three decades, becoming a favorite dining spot for residents in Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Encino and surrounding areas. It’s here you’ll find the ultimate diner experience, with a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes served alongside homemade muffins, cookies and pies. From classic American plates to authentic Mexican entrees, Nat’s is not to be missed when diner-hunting in SoCal. Open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 2 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 7 am to 2:30 pm.
Horseless Carriage Restaurant, located at the Galpin Motors Ford dealership at 15505 Roscoe Boulevard in North Hills, still stands as the first and only eatery in the country to be presented as a full-service dining establishment on a car dealer’s lot. Open since 1966, the award-winning Horseless Carriage Restaurant has been serving the Valley for over 50 years, this casual yet stylish diner boasting comfortable counter and booth seating; a complete and varied menu that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner items made fresh to order; an array of specialty sandwiches, salads, angus beef burgers, pasta dishes and sizzling fajitas; all-natural ranch-raised Buffalo steaks and more. Indulge in a terrific meal and view the latest models of new vehicles in the adjacent showrooms – it doesn’t get any more American than Fords and food. Open Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm.
Beeps Diner, located at 16063 Sherman Way in Van Nuys, is, hands-down, the epitome of the classic 1950s diner, complete with classic American fare, old-school wall menus that hearken back to high school hangouts of the Grease era and throwback counter service that will transport you right to the sock hop and poodle skirt days. Step inside and be greeted by the aroma of sizzling bacon, the sight of fluffy pancakes drizzled with sweet syrup and the taste of perfectly-cooked eggs, all served round the clock. The menu also extends to a range of classic and contemporary dishes, from juicy burgers made with quality ingredients to delectable sandwiches packed with bold flavors. Open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 7:30 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm.
Black Bear Diner, with locations all throughout the west and midwest but residing at 18355 Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana, has established itself as a chain of eateries serving scrumptious food in a friendly “bear”-themed atmosphere, born from a desire to bring home-style comfort food classics and personal service back to the dining experience. This fast-growing, community-oriented family dining concept features custom artwork from the inside out, the chain’s co-founder Bob Manley having been a sculptor and art enthusiast himself, sharing the sweeping Mount Shasta landscapes he calls home – as such, the unique and clever bear carvings reflect the local flavor of each diner. Among the myriad of almost endless menu selections is one that Black Bear loyalists return time and time again for, the absolutely scrumptious Chicken Fried Steak, smothered in one of the tastiest homemade gravies you’ll ever experience. Open Sunday through Thursday from 6 am to 9 pm and Friday/Saturday from 6 am to 10 pm.
Henri’s Canoga Park, located at 21601 Sherman Way in Canoga Park, serves classic food with classic flavor and is one of the few diner spots anywhere to offer a full bar – so you can get that kind of vibe to go along with your eggs. Unassuming from the outside, Henri’s hits the comfort food hankering once you sit and take in the comprehensive menu, running the gamut from the Country Boy Breakfast to a classic Tuna Melt, Hot Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich, coffee and even Bloody Marys. If it’s nostalgia you’re after on your diner hunt, this is your place. Open daily from 6 am to 9 pm.
Mel’s Drive-In, with locations all throughout northern and southern California but residing at 14846 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, has been an American classic since 1947, showing up in a number of famous Hollywood films and ultimately keeping the spirit of the diner, home-style cooking and drive-in concept alive. The tradition of serving quality food prepared amidst immaculate conditions in a courteous and cheerful fashion – with fair prices and a high standard of excellence, to boot – continues at all eight Mel’s locations…a tradition that dates back to 1947 when Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs opened the first drive-in restaurant in San Francisco. If you’ve seen 1973’s American Graffiti, you’ll recall the familiar neon sign at the gang’s favorite hangout spot, buzzing in the background and blazing forth with the name Mel’s Drive-In. Be a part of iconic California history by stopping in and relishing one of Mel’s famous burgers, shakes and hospitality. Open daily from 6 am to 12 am.
Sometimes referred to as “greasy spoons,” the diner is a beloved and familiar figure in American life, with every city filled with restaurants that help start the day by serving stacks of pancakes or hearty egg combo platters that usually include hash browns or home fries. And while lunchtime dishes include patty melts, Cobb Salads or salty pastrami sandwiches, these selections hit the right spot during late night hours, too. Los Angeles diners tend to go beyond the traditional, and this roundup of Woodland Hills options definitely prove that sentiment.
No Comment