Found on Los Angeles Skid Row, the Nickel Diner is a classic diner that has become famous for its fresh baked desserts and innovative twists on traditional comfort food. With reasonable prices and a laid-back atmosphere, the Nickel Diner is a solid choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner - and be sure to save room for desserts like their famous maple bacon doughnut.

Serving traditional diner favorites with California flair, the Nickel Diner is a sure bet when choosing from LA downtown restaurants. Named after Skid Row’s nickname “The Nickel” (thanks to its location on 5th street), the Nickel Diner is a no-frills restaurant with food that can stand up to any fancy location. With shabby-chic décor reminiscent of the World War II era, the Nickel Diner offers fun variations on classic comfort food that is sure to please. Chef Monica May has injected new life into old favorites, and dishes like Hangover Helper, Steak Sandwich, Homemade Pop Tarts and “Smac and Cheese” (macaroni and cheese with roasted tomatoes and bread crumbs) feed the hungry masses that line up outside the door on weekend mornings. Desert is always fresh baked from scratch at the Nickel Diner, and there are plenty of options. Along with the now infamous maple bacon doughnuts, the Nickel Diner serves a wide variety of pies, cakes and pastries, including homemade ding dongs, s’mores cake and peanut butter potato chip cupcakes. With a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, Nickel Diner is an ideal outing for lunch with friends, dinner with visitors or a late lingering breakfast after a long night out.

Interesting Facts

The Nickel Diner was featured on the Food Network’s show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri for its famous maple bacon doughnut, catfish with candied pecans and other fun surprises on the menu.