The Apple Pan

I've lived in West LA most of my life, always passing by The Apple Pan but never stopping in. It just never crossed my mind. Then, the other day, while mindlessly scrolling X, I saw a post about their tuna melt--served with pickles and black olives. Yum.So, I finally decided to visit the one near the old Westside Pavilion Mall (no longer there). Stepping into the small diner with bar seating, I ordered the Tuna Melt on white bread with Swiss cheese. I skipped the fries, assuming they came with the meal--big mistake. Watching other patrons enjoy their crispy golden fries filled me with mild regret. My plan was simple: sandwich, coffee, and, to finish, pecan pie with two scoops of vanilla ice cream. In hindsight, the fries would've been overkill.The sandwich? Perfect. The bread was toasted just right, the tuna filling creamy, and the melted Swiss tied it all together. Each bite was followed by a pickle, then a black olive--an oddly satisfying ritual. The place was packed, coffee refills flowed endlessly, and the old-school charm was undeniable. I noticed they have a side window for to-go orders, but next time, I'll dine in again--this time, with fries.

The Apple Pan is a true classic to its core. Without frills, everything from the stools to the roof is treasured. With a simple menu, the burgers are the star of the show. Fortunately, other sandwich items are near equally good including the simple grilled cheese because Tillamook is one of the best.All first-timers must try their Hickory Burger. Available and made your way, this creation is adorned by fresh ingredients and an unrivaled flavor profile. Many long time patrons also give the Tuna Salad and Egg Salad equal attention as they are excellent. For desert, the classic list of pies are available and often the Banana Cream runs out first.The service is intimate and attentive as you sit at the counter and just a couple of arms length to the flat top grill and all the folks who make the magic happen.Parties larger than two must be prepared to sit outside on their back patio and serviced from a side window for your food. Counter space is limited on a first come first serve basis and do mind the etiquette for everyone does not tolerate rude people.

I finally stopped by to try this classic spot and since I was in the area back to back days, I figured I swing by each day to try all the items The Apple Pan is known for.First off, let me say the vibes are awesome here. Nostalgia has not left the building and the help of staff who have been around 30, 40, 50 years is pretty neat.The first day I stopped by I tried the Hickory burger with fries which was about $18. The hickory sauce is unique but I will say it's a bit overpowering, heavy on the ketchup and vinegar. It's not bad at all but it takes away from the burger. I also am not a big fan of the lettuce mountain stuffed inside the burger. BUT The burger itself is solid. Nice bun, juicy meat, fresh veggies, can't go wrong. Is it worth $10.25? I don't think so.The fries are great. Simple, crispy, and a good portion size.The second day I tried the Steak burger and Banana cream pie for about $20. I definitely prefer the steakburger. It has more of a classic burger feel and taste with a sauce that isn't overpowering or taking away from what this burger or any burger should be. The banana cream pie is awesome. Look at all those banans! Light layer of whipped cream and light layers of custard between the bananas, this is the way to go for banana lovers.On my last day I tried the not-so-secret tuna melt with a slice of apple pie for $24. The waiter also recommended grilled onion in the tuna melt so I went with it.Look, for $15, the sandwich is absurdly overpriced. The tuna itself is as basic as it gets with just mayo and relish. The bread is toasted nicely and it's cheesy, but what makes it better are those grilled onions. But even then, it's not really worth the price or anything special of a sandwich.The apple pie however was such a disappointment. It's soaking in that syrup/juice with mushy apples and the thinest pastry crust that is completely soggy on the bottom, and completely dry on top.Overall, The Apple Pan is a solid classic diner spot. The burgers are good but nothing to go crazy over. Other items are a hit or miss. It's also pricey for what it is. I don't mind paying $15+ for a burger in this economy but that burger needs to have the quality, taste, size, and sauces or flavors to match the price. I'm glad I tried it and that I was able to try it for a few days. But it's not a place that I would return to

Update: Had the hickory burger tonight with my fries and iced tea. 5 stars!All the food was prepped perfectly tonight.

Can't believe it been so long since I last ate here. I was in the neighborhood and I couldn't pass up not eating here. I was lucky enough to find a spot at the counter to eat. Steakburger with cheese was great. Fries were ok. Funny enough the person that helped me today was the same guy that helped me years ago Hector. Thanks Hector for your great service. All business. Until next time hopefully not too long. If you're in the area check out The Apple Pan. Don't sleep on the pie.

What happened to the Apple Pan? The burgers used to be juicy and favorable. The fries were seasoned and delicious. Tonight I ordered what used to be a delicious Hickery Burger, and fries. It's been 8 years since I've eaten here. Tonight it didn't taste anything like I remember. Something was missing ...

I looked online for the best tuna sandwich in the area and was not disappointed. Ordered it online for pick up, lots of customizable options, pickup was on the side window and was quick. I had to park in front of Well Fargo on a meter. Good banana cream pie as well

It's an old-school diner in West L.A. with nearly a century of history. OG of burgers.They claim to have the best burgers in L.A., but honestly, that's pretty damn far from the truth. Their burgers are some of the worst I've had with just meat, lettuce, maybe a couple of pickles, and that's it. No tomatoes, no mushrooms, no creativity. And to make it worse, they're expensive. A basic burger costs about $12, plus you have to pay extra for every single add-on. Even a slice of cheese will set you back another dollar.However, what keeps me coming back are their pies. As odd as it sounds for a burger joint, the Apple Pen serves some of the best desserts in L.A. Here's my breakdown of their pies, ranked from best to worst: 1. Banana Cream Pie - Absolute perfection. This is their crown jewel, and if you're on the Westside, you need to try a slice. I've even bought whole pies for parties, and they're always a hit. 2. Banana Chocolate Cream Pie - Available on weekends, this is also excellent but noticeably sweeter than the regular banana cream pie. 3. Apple Pie - A classic, done right. It's flavorful and would pair wonderfully with ice cream. 4. Coconut Pie - Very good but a bit too sweet for my taste. 5. Cherry Pie - This one is a miss. It's made with overly sweet canned cherry jam, and the result is almost inedible. Way too sweet.In short, don't waste your time (or money) on the burgers, but absolutely stop by for the pies, especially the banana cream pie or apple pie. They're worth the trip.

First time trying this place and it was D licious ! I def will be back - tasted like the ingredients were fresh and I dont normally eat desserts but had to try !!

after seeing this place on Youtube, we had to stop by. the best savory thing at this place that I've tried was the tuna salad sandwich. it was soo good and had cheese, dill, and black olives which were a lovely complement to the sandwich!! we also had the classic burger (not pictured) and I thought it was just okay. the hickory sauce reminded me of battery acid for some reason but I'm pretty sure that's just a me thing LOL. the fries were good, but the pies were the BEST!! banana cream pie and cherry pie are available, and they are both so good I can't pick just one. during busy times, it's hard to get a seat, it's first come first serve. waiters are nice but always in a rush so they don't speak with you much. the place is nice and definitely vintage/old but that's what gives it its charm! just wish they would close some of the windows during the winter months because it's so difficult to enjoy the food when it's 50 degrees outside.