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Fred 62
Master Critic Review
Fred 62
7.6
This retro Los Feliz diner opened in 1997 and runs nearly 24/7 with an encyclopedic menu spanning breakfast, burgers, pizza, and comfort classics. The hipster-casual spot attracts post-movie crowds, neighborhood insomniacs, and anyone craving late-night patty melts and peanut butter malts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Juicy Lucy Burger, Peanut Butter Malt, Mac Daddy & Cheese Balls
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: 25+ years serving creative diner fare nearly around the clock
Who should go: Night owls, post-bar crowds, budget-conscious diners
When to visit: After midnight or late afternoon to beat crowds
What to order: Juicy Lucy, breakfast enchiladas, malts and shakes
Insider tip: Open until 1am weekdays, 3am weekends for late-night cravings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Vermont Ave and side streets, typically available. Small lot behind building (8-10 spots). Easy to find a spot except Friday/Saturday after 10pm.
Dress code: Ultra-casual - jeans, tees, whatever you wore to the movies. This is a diner, not a date spot. Come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate to loud - retro jukebox, clattering dishes, lively crowd. Fine for casual conversation, not ideal for intimate talks.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait 7-9pm Fri/Sat. After midnight wait drops to 5-10 min as late-night crowd filters in.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically. Walk right in for lunch Mon-Thu. Counter seats always available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including veggie burgers, garden scrambles, cheese enchiladas, salads, and meat-free comfort classics. Easy to customize any dish.
Vegan options: Limited but doable - vegan burger available, breakfast scrambles can be made with tofu, several salads. Ask server to modify; kitchen accommodates.
Gluten-free options: Minimal - no dedicated prep area. GF buns available for burgers. Mostly eggs, salads. Not ideal for celiac but can work for gluten-sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're going for quirky and low-pressure. The diner vibe is fun but loud, booths are tight, and you're surrounded by post-bar crowds. Better for 3rd-date casual hangs or testing if they're cool with your real personality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Fred 62 doesn't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served. Weekday visits are easy walk-ins. Friday/Saturday 7-10pm expect 15-25 min waits, but after midnight it clears out fast. Counter seating always moves quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, especially for breakfast and lunch. Kids menu available, staff is patient, and the retro diner vibe entertains younger ones. Avoid late-night weekend crowds when the bar crowd takes over - stick to daytime or early evening with children.
What's the best time to go for a quiet meal? Weekday afternoons 2-5pm are your sweet spot - post-lunch lull, pre-dinner calm. Late Monday-Thursday nights (10pm-midnight) also work if you want the diner experience without the chaos.
Is the late-night menu different? No - full menu runs nearly 24/7. That's the magic of Fred 62. You can order breakfast enchiladas at 2am or a burger at 7am. Everything available anytime (except during the 1-3 hour closure weekdays).
Can I work here with my laptop? Weekday afternoons only. Don't try this during peak hours or late-night weekend rushes. Stick to off-hours, order more than coffee, and read the room - if there's a wait, pack up and free the table.
Best For
Better for: Fred 62 beats competitors on all-hours accessibility and menu variety - where else gets you breakfast burritos at 2am? Better value than trendy brunch spots ($12-15 vs $20+). More fun and less pretentious than upscale Los Feliz restaurants. Ideal when you want familiar comfort food without planning ahead.
Skip if: You want a special occasion meal (this is strictly casual), need a quiet conversation space (too loud/busy), or you're gluten-free/vegan with limited options. Also skip if you're seeking Instagram-worthy plating or innovative cuisine - Fred 62 is about reliable diner comfort, not culinary artistry.