Before we moved to L.A. and lived in San Diego, we would have to stop at the 101 anytime we were passing through, or visiting friends here. Once someone introduced us, it became one of our favorite restaurants in L.A. (as far as casual, comfort food goes). Our favorites include the black bean taquitos, the homemade mac-n-cheese is huge success among our children and fellow adults alike, the fried chicken specials, the huevos rancheros...oh forget it - we like it all! I've never had anything bad here. The milkshakes are deeeelish. Sometimes it's packed so you'll have a little wait. But that happens anywhere. Often it's not more than a few minutes. And the service is always impeccable. Super-friendly staff that are hustling for many more tables than just ours. Both being veterans of the service industry, my husband and I are really easy, patient and understanding customers. I've seen some complaints about the service in other comments, and I can't help but wonder if they're just high-maintenance customers who don't tend to frequent establishments that aren't solely concerned about customer service. As I said before, I've never had anything but wonderful service with a smile. It's just one of those places where the emphasis is on the giant-sized portions of amazingly yummy homecooked food...not kissing every customer's behind while ushering the food from kitchen to table. Keep in mind it's a diner - so you will find grease. Mmmmm....wonderful grease. If you're looking for non-greasy greasy-spoon food, I don't know what you're doing at a diner!
Pros: Interesting ambience and crowd; Ridiculously delicious grub
Cons: Sometimes it's super-packed and you have a cue, and expect to not be waited on hand and foot
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