Every time I go to L.A., I pass a coffee shop called Pann’s on my way into town from LAX. It’s on a wedge of land between La Cienaga and La Tijera boulevards, with a funky swooping angled roof and a crazily tilted sign. The letters that spell out “Pann’s” come in a font that’s unmistakably ‘50s.
As you all know, I love a good diner. So last Thursday, on our way into town, Christopher and I stopped at Pann’s. We sat in one of the maroon vinyl booths and had milkshakes - mine was vanilla with peanut butter and a swirl of chocolate fudge. Mmmmm...
Pann’s, built in 1956 and designed by the firm of Armet & Davis, is a prime example of the kind of California coffee-shop architecture that was exported to the rest of the country in restaurant chains like Big Boy and Denny’s. Large plate-glass windows, angled roofs, exposed stone and lush plantings all typify this style, chronicled in Alan Hess’ excellent 1985 book “Googie: Fifties coffee shop architecture.”
The restaurants evolved this way in California’s warm, sunny car-loving climate. But they seem to work in other parts of the country, too -- and I’m glad. They're so futuristic, and yet so yesterday!
Even the tiles in the bathroom at Pann's are retro.
Nice joint, although "I don't dig on swine."
ReplyDeletePann's is gorgeous! It makes me want french fries and a coke. Wow!!
ReplyDeletegot a hankering for a shake now! gorgeous stop! love the fishy tile!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Reya-- I'll take onion rings and a coke!
ReplyDeleteOnion rings and a Cherry Coke for me, please. (Those tiles are so cool.)
ReplyDeletegreat choice in milkshakes. i'm headed that way in may, is it worth a shake detour?
ReplyDeleteHerding: First, they serve it in the big metal tumbler from the mixer, and you pour it into the glass yourself -- I LOVE that, because you get a shake and then some. Second, I've never had a shake with PB but I have to say it was awesome. If you find yourself passing by, I'd definitely pop in!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun and informative post! You described this so well. Now, I'm hungry for a milkshake ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping by - I'm still looking.
Dennis wants shrimp in a basket. Do they have shrimp in a basket?
ReplyDeleteThat's a timeless design. My first job was at Big Boy. In fact, the lovely Mrs. Sneed and I met at Big Boy.
ReplyDeleteLG says Yum.
ReplyDeletein fact, i say yum too.
fab fab diner - to a Brit this is really iconically american.