My friends “Captain and Tennille” and I went to see a screening of the film “Cabaret” tonight at the historic 80+ year old Los Angeles Theater downtown. We thought we would also knock out a good downtown restaurant from our expansive list. Captain had mentioned The Nickel Diner was supposed to be good and inexpensive.

Plus, I heard they have a Maple Glaze Bacon Donut. What?? Yes, please.

I don’t know the history of the old space this new restaurant occupies but I did notice it’s only a stones throw from skid row. However, I’m a scaredy cat, so both Captain and Tennille audibly roll their eyes at my nervousness of that area of town. The street the Nickel is on seems relatively safe.

The Nickel, with it’s 1940’s vibe, seems to specialize in retro comfort food with a somewhat healthier twist. At least, that’s what my uneducated mind gathered from the visit. I left my business card, they can correct me if I’m wrong! 🙂

I ordered a dish (pictured above) called “Eat Your Veggies”. A delicious plate of sauteed veggies on a big ‘ole pile of buttermilk mashed potatoes. Yum. I could eat this every day.

Captain ordered a cobb salad with all the fun stuff taken out so I won’t bore you describing it.

Tennille ordered the salmon in a red pepper sauce with the aforementioned mashed pots. She seemed to love it. But that’s just what I gathered from the silent and somewhat violent shoveling of the food into her mouth.

Now, let’s talk about the waitress. I asked for some change and was promptly ignored. Sure, she was clearing our dishes at the time but her cold disregard for my question irritated me. Then I asked again as she walked away and she threw some more metaphorical ice my way.

Then, Tennille told me she thought the lady was the owner. If you’re reading this Ms. Owner, calm down. Smile, even if the annoying asshole customers ask you things at innopportune times. It’s your job.

I would definitely still go back, having said all this. However, in case she recognizes me, I might don a disguise as to avoid any “special” ingredients being added to my meal.

Anyhow, the film was great, Michael York, one of the film’s stars introduced it. However, the place had no air conditioning, so I was either fanning myself like a freak or uncomfortably moist the entire time.

Here are some pics I took of the theater after we attempted to leave but were misdirected to the projector room!

524 S Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 623-8301
www.5cdiner.com