For decades, deciding what to order at Dinah’s Family Restaurant has been a delightful family debate, especially when it comes to their legendary breakfast menu. While options like chicken and waffles, chocolate waffles, and even a bacon-and-cheese waffle are tempting, the ultimate family favorite always wins: the apple pancake. It’s not just a pancake; it’s like indulging in a giant, warm apple pie first thing in the morning.
Dinah’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a place filled with cherished memories. A photograph in my home captures my Mom and me, each beaming behind a massive apple pancake. Dinah’s has consistently been a special spot for our family, a tradition we treasure and continue to this day. It’s a place where life’s big moments feel right when discussed over good coffee and a comforting omelette. So many friendships have been strengthened and good times shared within these welcoming walls.
No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a visit to Dinah’s. It’s a must-do for our family, and my kids are particularly enthusiastic fans. While I might skip the chicken myself, they rave about it, declaring it the best chicken and wings they’ve ever tasted. For me, the club sandwich is the perfect lunch choice, always satisfying and delicious.
Stepping into Dinah’s is like taking a step back in time to 1959, but with food that’s genuinely good and full of flavor. The service is impressively quick and genuinely warm. From the moment you arrive, you’re treated like family. On a recent visit, we finally tried their famous chicken and waffles – and wow! The flavor was incredible. It’s clear why Dinah’s is known for being so family-friendly and offering spacious, comfortable seating.
Growing up in the late 70s and early 80s, Dinah’s was a regular treat. My parents would bring me for the delicate Dutch Baby pancakes or the all-you-can-eat chicken with creamy spinach and bacon. And let’s talk about that creamed spinach – it’s unbelievably good, a dish I truly can’t imagine living without. As a child, I might not have fully appreciated the service, but now, bringing my own mother, it’s clear how exceptional it is. They remember us, or at least make us feel wonderfully remembered, every time we walk in. It’s this feeling that truly makes Dinah’s feel like coming home, again and again.
Dinah’s Family Restaurant easily ranks in my top three favorite diners in all of Los Angeles. The menu is extensive, offering a fantastic range of choices. We started one memorable meal with a cinnamon roll, and it was everything you could hope for – gooey, incredibly sweet, and utterly wonderful. It’s massive, generously frosted, and absolutely delightful to share. We also ordered the German Pancake, known to many as the Dutch Baby. Honestly, it was outstanding, surpassing many other versions I’ve tried. Dinah’s consistently delivers classic diner favorites with a quality that keeps us coming back.
