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NORMS Restaurant
Master Critic Review
NORMS Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
The La Cienega NORMS is a classic Southern California coffee-shop diner where massive breakfasts, patty melts, and late-night plates come fast and cheap. It’s more about bottomless coffee, booths, and reliability than culinary finesse, which is exactly why it still draws a steady crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sirloin Steak & Eggs, Classic Bigger Better Breakfast, Lumberjack Breakfast
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school diner fare, big portions, and hours that suit night owls.
Who should go: Groups craving pancakes, eggs, and burgers at odd hours.
When to visit: Off-peak mornings or late nights to skip the rush.
What to order: Classic Bigger Better Breakfast, Sirloin Steak & Eggs, patty melt.
Insider tip: Combo breakfasts usually feed two; split one and add a side if you’re budgeting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large on-site lot shared with adjacent businesses; usually easy except weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Come-as-you-are diner casual; anything from gym clothes to jeans is standard.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively depending on the hour; you can usually hold a conversation but expect steady diner hum.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak weekend evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including omelets, pancakes, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited; a few sides and customizable breakfast plates can work with modifications.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu, but basic proteins, eggs, and some salads can be ordered without gluten ingredients.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something extremely casual; it’s more functional than romantic and better for easy conversation rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—NORMS doesn’t take reservations. Walk-ins are the norm, with short waits during peak breakfast and late-night rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Booth seating, simple menus, crayons, and large portions make it ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Late-night comfort food, big portions, and reliable diner classics at low prices.
Skip if: You want upscale atmosphere, craft cocktails, or chef-driven menus—this is a classic diner, not a trendy spot.