The Googie Glory of Pann's Stands Tall in Inglewood After 56 Years

Welcome to Googie A Day, a Classics Week series that chronicles some of the most beautiful diners in Los Angeles that maintain the futuristic (at the time) ethos of Googie. Think the Theme Building at LAX, basically a mesh of the Jetson's and Pulp Fiction. Diners are LA's timeless restaurant style, one that continues to go strong despite an increasing emphasis toward either healthy or seasonal cooking. Here now, Pann's in Inglewood.

If you've ever had a hankering for a good meal before or after flying out of LAX, there's two solid mid-century diners to check out. There's the expansive Dinah's Family Restaurant along Sepulveda that's always packed with hungry diners looking for a taste of that famous fried chicken. But those looking for an even better old-time coffee shop experience can drive down La Tijera toward Pann's, famous for one of the best neon signs in all of the Southland.

Wonho Frank Lee

The Googie experience is complete from inside to outside at Pann's, with a low-flung ceiling and perfect light that seems in through the slitted windows to the west. Founded by George and Rena Panagopoulos, the design comes from Armet and Davis, who also designed local landmarks Johnie's Coffee Shop and Norm's on La Cienega.

Wander around, sit down over a plate of fried chicken and waffles, and don't skip those excellent shakes.

Wonho Frank Lee