Dining with Royalty at Fred 62.

Ahhh, Fred 62. A hip North Hollywood diner that doesn't really get going till after 11 p.m. In Los Feliz, Fred 62 is the ultimate in greasy spoon fare, trendy greasy spoon fare that is. There's always a bit of a wait to get in, but the food and ambiance are well worth it. On Vermont, a block from the Dresden (where the boys from Swingers go to look at the "beatiful babies"), sits Fred 62 in all its retro glory. The booths look like vintage car seats, cheesy framed pictures of wilderness hang on the walls, and there's more secondhand clothing on the patrons than in a Hollywood thrift store. From the pixie hostess to the waiters clad in black t-shirts with saying like "I'm Fred" or "I love 69," it's not exactly your typical restaurant. But what's better than the scene is the tasty goodness all over the menu. Feeling a burger? The Juicy Lucy ($7.75) is tops, with all the fixings and 1000 Island dressing. For those feeling a burger, just not a half-pound of it, go with the Wimpy burger ($7.25). It's just as good, but smaller. But what would be the fun in diner dining without having breakfast for...dinner? Any place that serves breakfast 24/7 is the place for me. An ode to the King, I go for the Hunka Hunka Burnin' Love pancake. Initially I'm drawn to it because of my strange fascination for all things Elvis (which has gradually subsided since my younger years...OK, so maybe I am listening to Suspicious Minds while I type this), but it's the peanut butter in it that seals the deal. For $7.82 you get one very much oversized pancake with chocolate, banana, and yes, peanut butter all folded inside. It's not as gooey as it sounds, and it's like heaven in your mouth. Trust me, just try it. If Elvis-themed pancakes aren't your thing, there's plenty of other items to choose from, like the Bearded Mr. Frenchy (cornflake-crusted french toast for $6.50), Apple Punk Tarts ($4) or the classic Red Velvet Cake ($5). Maybe it's a little more pricey than your standard diner, but no place else is this much fun.

How to find it:
Fred 62
1850 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323.667.0062
www.fred62.com