Gab Chabran

4 weeks ago | laist.com | Gab Chabran

After our diner series last week, you might think we are tired of talking about diners — but you’d be mistaken. Our love for diners shines as bright as a neon sign beckoning hungry customers to syrup-laden pancakes with crispy edges and endless refills of watery coffee. The series focused on three diners that reflect the current diner scene. Afterwards, we heard from many of you expressing love for your lifelong favorites—so many, in fact, that we compiled them into a list to share with everyone.

1 month ago | laist.com | Gab Chabran

We’re a week in, and we’ve already got boatloads of nominations! Thanks to all of you. But we want more!While some frontrunners are already beginning to emerge (our lips are sealed), there’s still room for your favorite. That cheeseburger that has a special place in your heart — and stomach — is begging right now to be noticed. Even in these early stages, we’ve noticed trends in a few categories you’re highlighting.

1 month ago | laist.com | Gab Chabran

Phil Rosenthal has an almost mystical belief in the power of diners to bring people together. “I've been to diners all over America," he says. "Sometimes they're called coffee shops, sometimes they're called luncheonettes. But when you sit at that counter next to someone you don't know, there is a chance that you'll make a new friend.

1 month ago | laist.com | Gab Chabran

[This is part of a three-part series on L.A.'s diner scene, (partly) inspired by the soon-to-open Tesla diner in Hollywood. Check out our story on Swingers on Fairfax, and the upcoming Max & Helen's in Larchmont]. When you're nominated for a James Beard Best Chef in California award, as Daniel Castillo was for his restaurant in San Juan Capistrano, your future is pretty wide open. Maybe open a high-end restaurant and show off your culinary expertise?

1 month ago | laist.com | Gab Chabran

You may have heard that Elon Musk is expanding his Tesla footprint with a 24-hour diner opening some time later this year smack dab in the middle of Hollywood. Musk promises that the space on Santa Monica Boulevard, near La Brea, will be “Grease meets The Jetsons with Superchargers,” equipped with two movie screens and multiple supercharging stations featuring “1950s retro charm” and “dazzling neon lights.”From my drive by the construction site earlier this week, that's certainly its vibe.