Pann’s: Los Angeles, CA

Pann’s is a Los Angeles institution located off La Tijera and La Cienega, just north of LAX.  The diner looks like its still stuck in a time warp, with the decor still being circa 1950-1960, with the formica tables and vinyl booths. They have a counter which can accommodate 20+ diners, and the servers provide just the right amount of attitude to remind you that you shouldn’t be in a hurry to eat.

I am a huge fan of Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, and I am going to give this place a thumbs up, and here’s why: 
– First, at Pann’s you can mix/match from a variety of sides from yams, collard greens to onion rings.
– Second, the prices are cheaper than Roscoes, and you’re also not stuck to just chicken on the menu.

The waffle at Pann’s is Belgian style,which are fluffy and thick. The one at Roscoe’s is a normal, thin waffle, and a bit crispy. Both are tasty, and each place uses their own recipe, so it depends on the type of waffle you prefer.  Unfortunately, Pann’s does not have smothered rice, but they do offer mashed potatoes and gravy, where Roscoe’s does not.  Of course, both places offer the reliable mac n cheese.

On our first visit, we came on a rainy Sunday, and the place was packed with church goers.  I ordered the waffle with 4 wings, while Stephen ordered the chicken plate: breast and wing with mac n cheese and collard greens. The food is cooked to order, and it was worth the wait.  The chicken arrived piping hot and my syrup for the waffle was nice and warm.

Stephen’s order also came with corn bread or a biscuit.  He originally wanted a biscuit, but it wasn’t ready yet.  The server gave him a corn bread first, and when the biscuit was done, gave him that as well.  Stephen said the corn bread was good, but the biscuit was worth the wait, and gave it a thumbs up approval.

We have been back many times since, and have tried other items besides their fried chicken.  On weekends they offer a barbecue plate, which I didn’t care for. The meat wasn’t tender, and there’s far too many barbecue places in LA to compete with.  Not a fan.

Stephen tried their fried fish, which was very good. I’m sure they were frozen fish, but it was comfort food and reminded me of the fish filets my mom would make me as a kid.  The serving size was generous, and priced right, and we even took some fish and fries home.

Waffle and wings

Chicken plate with collard greens and mac n cheese

Fried fish plate

Weekend special: Barbecue brisket and ribs

Parking at Pann’s is limited to a small lot, with the capacity of 30 cars or so. I guess you can park at the shopping center across the street, although La Tijera is a very busy street. Sunday afternoon seems to be the busiest day of the week for the church goers, while Saturday night is an easy time to grab dinner.  They do offer food to go, and they also have a frequent diner’s card you can sign up for.

Pann’s is located at 6710 La Tijera Blvd. Los Angeles, CA