There was a time, before the pandemic, when The Apple Pan operated in a very unique way. As soon as I’d park, a ballet would begin.
Let me recount the steps:
I’d speedwalk ahead of whoever else was on the sidewalk in order to get a better glimpse of the long, 50s style 30-seat dining room. As soon as the thin wooden doors of the restaurant would open, my eyes would dart for a seat, and no matter when I’d walk into The Apple Pan, every seat would be taken. The U-Shaped bar only has so much room, and squished into the corners of the tiny abode were other hungry patrons, waiting for a seat. You see, there was no host at The Apple Pan— I’d just have to my your turn and snag a seat when someone finished. Also, there was an unspoken rule that it was not Kosher to cross the restaurant for an open seat, even if you were there first. Proximity over first dibs.
So I’d walk in to The Apple Pan, scan the small space, and place a bet on which side of the restaurant might clear out before the others.
For years, if I wanted a Hickory Burger and a Coke from The Apple Pan, I’d have to do this dance.
All of this was very European in a way, and for some reason, all of us would endure it, considering ourselves lucky enough to get a seat at one of the most classic restaurants in LA.
Nowadays, it’s much easier to enjoy the one of a kind menu that The Apple Pan has to offer: in their spacious backyard patio space. And although the dining experience lacks the novelty it once did, it’s also very sensible— we get to enjoy the food in a less contrived way.
But why would we do that silly seating dance in the first place?
Perhaps it was for the opportunity to watch the server whip up homemade catsup, mayonnaise, or thousand island dressing as soon as it was asked for.
Perhaps it was the nostalgic way they’d serve you a soft drink in a cone shaped tin cup.
Or maybe it was the old school cash register that was still the sole way to pay for your meal.
Experience aside— I think the reason we kept coming back is much simpler. It’s the burger. The hickory burger has some secret, sticky hickory sauce that provides an ‘umami’ unmatched by many other burgers in LA. The bread perfectly toasted, the lettuce fresh and never soggy. Coupled with a crispy, piping hot French fries…. I’ll let the business speak for themselves on this one:
The Apple Pan is the result of the effort to do simple things exceedingly well. Into every detail of our food goes that essential ingredient which is composed of quality, fine flavor and painstaking preparation. If we win your approval and repeated patronage we shall have succeeded in making The Apple Pan…
QUALITY FOREVER.
Well, yeah— I guess I’d do that whole dance again if they made me.
The Apple Pan
926 Broxton Avenue
Westwood, CA 90024
M Closed
T - Th 11AM - 11PM
F - Sat 11AM - 12AM
Sun 11AM - 11PM
$$
Parking: Street (Digital Meter) — Sometimes you can get away with parking in the Wells Fargo lot next door. Keep an eye out for security.
My order: Hickory Burger with Cheese, Fries, Slice of Pecan Pie w/ Ice Cream
Pro tip: Don’t order the coffee.
Pairs well with: The Landmark Theatre (.1 miles), Rabbi's Daughter (.2 miles)