Downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Original Pantry Cafe
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 6, 2019
1. The Original Pantry Marker
The Original Pantry, opened in 1924, moved to present location in 1950.
Never closed since opening.
Erected 1982 by City of Los Angeles. (Marker Number 255.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 34° 2.78′ N, 118° 15.775′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Downtown Los Angeles. It is at the intersection of Figueroa Street and James M Wood Boulevard (9th Street), on the left when traveling north on Figueroa Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles CA 90017, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Variety Arts Center (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Variety Arts Center (about 300 feet away); Mississippi Blues & The Grammy Awards (approx. 0.2 miles away); 7th and Figueroa Streets (approx. 0.2 miles away); Staples Center (approx. Ό mile away); Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
this page online
Regarding The Original Pantry Cafe. The Pantry opened in 1924 at its original location at 9th and Francisco streets. When it changed locations in 1950 to make room for freeway construction, it served lunch in the original location and served dinner at the new location the same day, allowing its claim that it never closed.
The Pantry closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has since been open Wed-Fri 7-3 and Sat-Sun 7-5.
Recent owner and former mayor Richard Riordan passed away in 2023. The Richard J. Riordan Trust tried and failed to end the employees union representation, so they closed The Pantry indefinitely on March 2, 2025.
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 6, 2019
2. The Original Pantry Marker
The marker is to the left of the door, above an essay about standing in line outside the Pantry.
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 6, 2019
3. The Original Pantry Cafe
Photographed by Craig Baker
4. Street Sign
On display inside the cafι.
Photographed by Craig Baker
5. The Original Pantry Cafe
Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 727 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 7, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5. submitted on March 2, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
