Hit or Miss: Nickel Diner in Downtown LA

Since my brother moved to Downtown LA a couple weeks ago, I've been spending much more time in the area. He's been raving about a tofu scramble at a diner right by his place, and this weekend I got the chance to see what all the fuss was about.

Nickel Diner is a Downtown hotspot, with lines out of the door and a feature on Diners, Drive-in and Dives (one of my favorite shows and part of the inspiration for this site). You can't make a reservation but you can call and put your name in ahead of time and enjoy coffee in your brother's loft instead of waiting in line until it's your turn to eat.

I checked out the menu quickly online before, and decided that the tofu scramble would have to wait until my second visit. What caught my eye was the Vegan Ranchero, which features grilled tofu on tortillas with polenta with maple syrup beans, soy cheese, avocado and salsa. If you read this blog regularly at all, you know I love Mexican food. Breakfast is no exception.

I am SO glad my brother took us to this spot. I inhaled this meal while discussing the ethics of veganism with my brother's non-veg buddy and the quality of this food was a testament to the fact that we don't need to eat animals to really enjoy what goes into our mouths.

The tofu was perfectly cooked, lightly seasoned, and when combined in a single bite with the maple beans, soy cheese, avocado and salsa, was heaven. Speaking of maple beans, what a unique dish. These may have been the best stand-alone beans I've ever had.

My coffee cup was constantly filled by our friendly waitress and the weekend crowd was lively and talkative. Beyond this dish and the tofu scramble, for lunch Nickel Diner offers vegan chili which can also become vegan chili cheese fries and a few other options that could be veganized.

Rest assured, this first time will not be my last at Nickel Diner. For it's clearly labeled vegan options, friendly staff, bold flavors and cool ambiance, I am calling Nickel Diner in DTLA a HIT.

Click here to visit the Nickel Diner site.