The Apple Pan

The Apple Pan – Los Angeles, CA (Since 1947)

West LA’s unassuming Apple Pan, unchanged since 1947, is a time-capsule diner known for its “Quality Forever” promise. Opened by Ellen and Alan Baker, this beloved neighborhood burger joint has become a living relic of the 1940s.

Tucked into a small white cottage with a jaunty red sign proclaiming “Quality Forever,” the diner’s interior features 26 red leather stools wrapped around a U-shaped counter. Generations of Angelenos have gathered here for made-to-order hickoryburgers and fresh-baked pies, served on paper plates by staff who often remain for decades. The founders brought recipes from their Midwestern roots—some dating back to the 1880s—and have stayed true to their no-frills, cash-only tradition.

The Apple Pan’s short menu has attained legendary status. The signature Hickoryburger, introduced in 1947, features a quarter-pound patty topped with melting cheddar, crisp iceberg lettuce, pickles, and a tangy-sweet hickory barbecue sauce—all nestled in a soft bun and cooked on a griddle before your eyes. Regulars also rave about the Steakburger, golden thick-cut fries (doused in ketchup on a paper plate), and the house-made pies. The apple pie, a cherished family recipe from “Mama” Baker, boasts a crackly sugar crust served with vanilla ice cream, while the banana cream pie features real bananas and fluffy whipped cream.

What makes The Apple Pan truly special is its steadfast devotion to “doing simple things exceedingly well.” The décor is straight out of 1947—with wood-paneled walls, a checkered tile floor, and a horseshoe counter that invites conversation. Long-tenured staffers, some with 40+ years under their belts, work briskly to deliver sizzling burgers and nostalgic diner hospitality. As Pulitzer-winning critic Jonathan Gold once noted, dining here is like traveling back in time; long after you leave, you’ll find yourself craving that smoky Hickoryburger and a slice of pie, a testament to Los Angeles comfort food history.