12 Classic California Diners Still Serving Pie And Coffee
California’s classic diners hold a special place in American food culture. These nostalgic eateries have survived changing times while still offering that perfect slice of pie with a steaming cup of coffee.
From Route 66 landmarks to hidden neighborhood gems, these 12 diners continue to serve up comfort and tradition to hungry customers who appreciate authentic dining experiences.
1. Cindy’s (Eagle Rock, Los Angeles)
Nestled along historic Route 66, Cindy’s has been an Eagle Rock staple since 1948. The R&B-themed café maintains its vintage charm with chrome accents and vinyl booths.
Regulars rave about their house-made pies topped with clouds of freshly whipped cream. The coffee comes strong and hot, perfect for washing down a slice of their famous boysenberry pie.
2. Pie ‘n Burger (Pasadena)
Time stands still at this mid-century marvel in Pasadena. The counter-service setup hasn’t changed since opening day, and neither has the quality of their legendary pies.
I still remember my first visit as a teenager: watching the server pour coffee with one hand while sliding a perfect slice of Dutch apple pie across the counter with the other.
Their award-winning pies pair perfectly with their robust coffee menu.
3. The Apple Pan (West Los Angeles)
Operating continuously since 1947, The Apple Pan remains defiantly unchanged. The U-shaped counter creates an intimate dining experience where patrons watch their food being prepared right before their eyes.
Their apple pie deserves its place in the restaurant’s name, though the banana cream pie has its devoted followers, too.
The no-frills drip coffee comes in sturdy mugs, completing the authentic experience.
4. Du-par’s (Farmers Market, Los Angeles)
Founded in 1938, Du-par’s stands as a testament to enduring quality. The iconic Farmers Market location continues to draw crowds seeking comfort food excellence.
When my grandmother visited from the Midwest, she insisted we go to Du-par’s for their fruit pies. Their diner-style brewed coffee comes in bottomless cups, encouraging lingering conversations in the worn leather booths that have witnessed decades of Los Angeles history.
5. Norms (Various SoCal locations)
The distinctive Googie architecture of Norms restaurants signals a true California institution. Since 1949, this 24-hour chain has been there whenever hunger strikes.
Their pie selection rotates seasonally, though coconut cream, apple, and chocolate remain year-round favorites.
The classic diner coffee flows freely, served in their signature orange-rimmed mugs by waitstaff who often know regulars by name.
6. Polly’s Pies (Chino, Santa Ana, and a few remaining SoCal locations)
Since 1969, this family-run chain has built its reputation on freshly baked pies. Walking into Polly’s means being greeted by display cases showcasing the day’s offerings, often still warm from the oven.
The coffee selection ranges from standard diner brews to specialty drinks. I celebrated every childhood birthday at Polly’s, always finishing with their signature strawberry pie topped with a mountain of whipped cream.
7. Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner (Yermo)
Road-trippers on Route 66 find sweet respite at this retro oasis in the desert. Peggy Sue’s opened in 1954 as a tiny roadside stand and has grown into a destination diner with nostalgic charm.
Jukebox music fills the air as servers deliver slices of cherry and banana cream pie. Their bottomless cups of diner coffee fuel weary travelers continuing their journey through the California desert.
8. Grubstake Diner (San Francisco)
Housed in a repurposed railway car, Grubstake has been a San Francisco landmark since 1960. This unique setting in St. Francis Square creates an unforgettable dining experience.
Late-night revelers and early birds alike flock here for hearty slices of pie. The diner-style drip coffee flows continuously, served in sturdy white mugs that complement the no-nonsense approach to comfort food.
9. Shari’s Café & Pies (California locations)
Though originally from the Pacific Northwest, Shari’s has found a welcoming home in California with ten locations across the state. Their hexagonal building design creates a unique dining atmosphere.
The extensive pie case dominates the entrance, showcasing seasonal and signature offerings. Their always-brewed coffee policy means no waiting for a fresh cup, making Shari’s perfect for impromptu pie cravings any time of day.
10. Coco’s Bakery (3 CA locations)
A subsidiary of Shari’s, Coco’s maintains its own distinct identity focused on bakery-fresh offerings. Their signature green roofs have been California landmarks since the 1960s.
The first time I brought my out-of-state relatives to Coco’s, they couldn’t believe the size of the pie slices.
Their made-from-scratch Dutch apple and coconut cream pies pair beautifully with their selection of coffee drinks served in oversized mugs.
11. Joyce’s Coffee Shop (Northridge, Los Angeles)
Since 1955, Joyce’s has been serving the Northridge community with unpretentious diner fare. The family-owned establishment maintains its mid-century charm while evolving with the times.
Homemade pies are baked fresh daily, often selling out by afternoon. Their custom coffee blends, developed specifically for the restaurant, demonstrate their commitment to quality despite their humble “coffee shop” designation.
12. Black Bear Diner (Various CA locations)
Founded in California in 1995, Black Bear Diner brings mountain lodge aesthetics to the classic diner experience. Carved wooden bears welcome guests to each location, setting the rustic tone.
Their pie menu focuses on cream varieties – chocolate, banana, and coconut – served in generous portions. “Bear’s Choice” diner coffee comes in branded mugs that many customers collect, adding a souvenir element to the dining experience.