I believe the Brady Bunch came to Dinah’s for their Sunday dinners long before Greg became a square and gave up his guitar. Probably on their way to the airport (as it is right next door) for their next groovy gig in Duluth or Topeka or Pueblo, CO.

Dinah’s, located near LAX, is the essential 1960’s diner and hasn’t changed one bit. With the exception of the ugly (in the modern, convalescent home sense) added back room where we were seated.

Mildly disappointed we were not in the main room to look at all the kitchy, vintage glory, I realized that oversized parties (such as the family reunion I assumed was happening next to us) were thrown back here. This is where the outcasts and unruly folk were placed.

Exactly where they would have placed the Brady Bunch, come to think of it.

Like the gregarious gaggle of middle aged women who asked me to take a nice group shot of them since they saw me shooting my food and I clearly had vast experience to understand the complexities of pushing the “take picture” button on an iPhone.

Then, they proceeded to hand me 4 more iPhones and 3 cameras. “Just one more!”

When I was finally allowed to enjoy my meal, I focused on the two foodstuffs this place is known for.

Chicken and the baked pancakes.

Instead of getting the complete chicken dinner like my friend Susarella did (you can order varying sizes of dinners, depending how many sides you want) I simply ordered one fried chicken breast.

And the Apple Pancakes.

While everyone raves about the chicken and it was good (if not a touch on the dry side. Perhaps that’s why they served my chicken with a baffling side of butter??) the Apple Pancakes were OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Loved them! The dish was basically super thin layers of sliced apples and minimal pancake batter, so it was light and good for sharing. I especially loved the crispy outer edges which had been already been soaked in butter before baking but I knew could used an additional quick spread.

Just a note. You pay up front, not at your table.

The waitress will NOT inform you of that fact.

You will have to wait for about 20 minutes, being ignored, before you get up and ask someone.

Then you will accidentally leave your leftovers in your hot car for about 12 hours and still debate whether or not to still eat them.

6521 S Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 645-0456
dinahsfamilyrestaurant.net