Nick's Cafe

Across from LA State Historic Park sits a little diner—unassuming, unadorned and totally delicious. It's been open at the same spot on Spring Street since 1968, which should tell you something. The best ham and eggs in town are served here, plus crispy hash browns and a baller, 1lb monster burger. The waitstaff is friendly, the decor is legitimately retro (a working train set runs the perimeter of the diner, just below the ceiling), and the lunch specials are cheap and surprisingly tasty, with unique twists like homemade spicy salsa or jalapeño bacon meatloaf. Note: This old-school joint is cash only (natch).