Nestled in Los Angeles, the Astro Family Restaurant offers a delightful step back in time. From the moment you walk in, the vibrant, retro atmosphere envelops you, promising a classic diner experience. I recently had the pleasure of dining at this iconic spot and was immediately charmed by its unique character and comforting food.
The interior of Astro Family Restaurant is a feast for the eyes, especially for those who appreciate vintage design. Bright orange booths line the walls, complemented by matching orange swivel seats at the counter, creating a warm and inviting space. Light wood tables and paneling further enhance the retro feel, while a reddish-orange brick wall behind the counter adds a touch of rustic charm. Peeking through the kitchen window, you can glimpse walls tiled in cheerful oranges, reds, and yellows, adding to the overall vibrant color palette.
Retro interior of Astro Family Restaurant with orange booths and counter seating
While the main dining area maintains a minimalist décor, the back room seems to tell a different story, adorned with numerous paintings of Greece. From my counter seat, I could spot a large poster featuring a Greek beach with the word “Dream” emblazoned across it, hinting at a possible Mediterranean influence or simply a love for Greek scenery. Outside, the patio is framed by tall bushes twinkling with colorful Christmas lights, casting a cozy glow through the windows and enhancing the restaurant’s welcoming ambiance.
For my meal, I opted for the classic patty melt, a diner staple, and a side of fruit cup. The patty melt lived up to expectations, proving to be both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully messy – a testament to a truly good patty melt. The fruit cup was exactly as described, a simple and refreshing accompaniment.
However, the counter seating presented a minor challenge for someone of shorter stature like myself. The chairs felt a bit too low and set back, requiring a precarious perch on the edge of the seat to comfortably reach the counter. I imagine those of average or taller height would find the seating perfectly comfortable.
Adding to the diner’s quirky charm, an amusing exchange between a waiter and the manager caught my attention. As the waiter passed by carrying a stack of plates, he declared, “I’m an expert, an expert!” To which the manager solemnly nodded in agreement, “a true professional!” This lighthearted moment perfectly encapsulated the friendly and unpretentious atmosphere of Astro Family Restaurant.
Near the entrance, a pair of gumball machines stood side-by-side, one a towering spiral machine where you can watch the gumball descend, and the other a smaller, traditional version. Initially, I felt a pang of sympathy for the smaller machine, until I realized it was filled with toys instead of gum, a delightful surprise that leveled the playing field.
Cozy back room at Astro Family Restaurant with vintage paintings and orange booths
A framed collage on the wall near the restrooms paid tribute to Randy Simmons, a local police officer. Labeled as the first LAPD SWAT officer killed in the line of duty and described as a good man, the collage’s presence sparked curiosity. Perhaps he was a beloved regular patron, honored by the restaurant.
Adding to the background hum of diner conversations, a woman in a booth behind me recounted a lengthy story in a monotonous drone. What punctuated the narrative were her frequent and sudden interjections of “so anyway,” delivered in a much louder voice, creating a startling, if unintentional, comedic effect.
The back room, beyond its Greek-themed art, mirrored the main dining area with more orange booths. Near the entrance to this room, an enigmatic hat and coat stand stood adorned with jackets and caps that seemed out of place, possibly part of a peculiar display, adding another layer of intrigue to the diner’s ambiance.
For families with young children, Astro Family Restaurant offers a thoughtful touch: a small box of children’s books placed on the waiting bench. This simple yet brilliant idea caters to the often-overlooked boredom of children waiting for a table, a detail that speaks volumes about the diner’s family-friendly focus.
Behind the counter, a glass case displayed an array of teas and miniature cereal boxes, including Honey Nut Cheerios, Corn Flakes, and Raisin Bran. These tiny cereal boxes evoke a sense of childlike joy, a nostalgic treat that adds to the overall comforting and slightly whimsical atmosphere of the diner.
A brief, comical interaction between a cook and the manager further enlivened the atmosphere. The cook poked his head from the kitchen, spoke to the manager, who then pointed to his own pants with a comically offended expression, triggering a wave of laughter from everyone nearby. Though I couldn’t understand the exchange, the shared laughter was infectious and added to the diner’s convivial spirit.
Observing fellow patrons, I noticed a man who bore a resemblance to a once-famous celebrity, his features altered by what appeared to be extensive cosmetic surgery. As he departed, he remarked to his companion, “I have issues. Many, many issues,” adding another layer of unexpected character to the scene.
Outside, a large banner proclaimed, “WATCH YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS & NEWS WHILE ENJOYING YOUR MEAL AT ASTRO DINER!” This enthusiastic, slightly over-the-top banner suggests a genuine excitement about offering television entertainment, regardless of whether patrons primarily watch Ninja Warrior or read news.
Vintage neon sign for Astro Family Restaurant in Los Angeles
In conclusion, Astro Family Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience. Its retro décor, quirky details, and classic diner fare create a uniquely charming and comforting environment. If you are looking for an authentic Los Angeles diner with character and a touch of nostalgia, Astro Family Restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
What I Ate: Patty melt, Fruit cup
What I Read While I Ate: Homeward Bounders by Diana Wynne Jones
What Sort of Ghost I’d Expect to Find: A group of six guys who worked together and always came here for lunch, annoyed if they couldn’t sit together at the counter.
2300 Fletcher, Los Angeles, CA 90039
