On the outskirts of Thai Town in East Hollywood located between cartoon-like murals of old film stars on the exterior walls of a Days Inn (Audrey Hepburn looks more like Minney Mouse) and a bustling resale shop called Out of The Closet stands a little flapjack diner that could be straight out of the movie Thelma and Louise - except the servers and clientele aren't character actors acting quirky, they are authentic characters whose "motivation" is served right there on the counter.
Angel’z Diner is the quintessential greasy spoon that’s been around for over 50 years (Angel Zurita bought it over 20 years ago but has worked there since the 60’s). Angel is a tall man with a full head of silver grey hair always adorned in a clean white apron and a well used kitchen rag. You’ll probably notice he doesn't say much but when he flashes that warm smile of his you’ll see that he still loves what he has been so busily doing over that griddle all of these years. Watching him hard at work is a feast for the eyes as he scrambles up eggs (with lots of butter) and flips a few burgers, passionate about serving his handful of regulars and the sprinkling of tourists staying next door.
The patrons at Angel’z are great for people watching. But it doesn’t end there. Watching passersby through a long row of windows accompanying the eight or so red vinyl booths facing Hollywood Boulevard is always entertaining. Bellying up to the counter also has its advantages; a close-up view of a chef’s commitment to his profession with a pinch of chatter with his loyal staff and customers works just fine too.
Angel’z is a once a month destination (minimum) for my circle of friends that live in and around the neighborhood. Which means the food is good. The breakfast menu offers a variety of omelets and the usual egg/bacon/sausage combos with hashed browned potatoes and toast. Whatever way you like your eggs, Angel will cook ‘em up to order. My favorite is the Chili Cheese omelet with gooey cheese smothered on the inside and out. It’s just plain delicious.
The lunch menu (served all day as well) includes soups and salads to start, or as a meal, as well as a good selection of burgers, sandwiches and dinner plates including old school favorites like Chicken Fried Steak, Grilled Liver with Onions, Pork Chops and T-Bone Steaks. I’m of the Patty Melt persuasion and it truly melts in my mouth at first bite. And the fries never fail. They are always perfectly crisp and tasty. I even ventured out a bit from the norm the other day and tried the Beef French Dip. Once again, I was not disappointed.
If you’re looking for a hole-in-the-wall with splash of truck stop beauty and a little attitude, Angel’z Diner is your place. If you’re on a diet, drive to another part of town (unless it’s your splurge day). When I mentioned “ lots of butter” earlier, I wasn’t kidding. Angel doesn’t mess around.
Angel'z Diner
5420 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90027
323-464-1303
CASH ONLY.
Hours:
Monday - Thursday 5:30am - 5:30pm
Friday - Sunday 5:30am - 2:30pm
