FRED 62
LOS FELIZ FAVE FOR COMFORT FOOD & THEN SOME

There’s something comforting about a good, classic diner—a place where you know you can always count on a good, home cooked meal. Well, you know you can always count on Los Feliz’s Fred 62, a neighborhood favorite open 24-7 since 1997.

Fred 62’s original chef and co-founder Fred Eric, born in 1962—hence the name of the cool greasy spoon—has a good sense of humor as you can tell by just taking a gander at his eclectic menu. His original motto was simple: “eat now, dine later.” But now the Fred 62 fare has been improving, and, actually, while I used the term greasy spoon as a term of endearment, it’s definitely more than that.

Serving hearty comfort food all the time, Fred 62 is beloved for its breakfasts (including The Dime Bag, Billion Dollar Pancakes, Mr. Frenchy, and Bearded Mr. Frenchy) and meatloaf, not to mention fun items like the Mac n’ Cheese Balls, and don’t forget the popular Thai Cobb Salad.  

During our recent visit for dinner, we enjoyed Fred 62’s contemporary take on classic diner style dishes. Serving beer and wine, and known for its Night Owl ‘Stoner’s & Drunkard Menu’ (it’s a food truck party at Fred 62 they like to say), munchies madness include waffle sliders, Frito pie, and Mac n’ BBQ Balls, among others. We opted for more normal fare since we were just having dinner, but did start with the Mac n’ Cheese Balls made with molten, creamy macaroni and cheese. These fried bad boys are decadent, artery clogging, and finger lickin’ good. You can’t just have one and luckily that’s not an issue as you get several per order. These so hit the spot.

But not everything at Fred 62 are stoner sensations, there are healthy, veggie options too, including the wonderful Noo Deli soup made with vermicelli noodles, Thai town vegetables, spicy lemongrass broth, sriracha, peanuts, hoisin sauce, cilantro, and green onion. This one is spicy and savory and will cure whatever ails you. I couldn’t believe how tasty this sensational soup was. It’s a newfound favorite.

But then of course, we do love Fred 62 for its outrageous take on comfort food staples, and what’s more comfort food and down home than TV Dinners? They have four to choose from, including the tasty Partridge Family TV Dinner made with pan-fried chicken, corn pudding, mashed potatoes, mini waffle and gravy. This one really took me back to my Hungry Man and Chicken Pot Pie days growing up. All that was missing was the TV Dinner tray we all know and love. Instead, these oversized dinners come on large entrée plates.

While the Sanford & Son TV Dinner, served with spice-rubbed salmon, came highly recommended, we opted for the hearty All In the Family TV Dinner served with roasted NY steak, mashed potatoes and tater tots, roasted fall roots, drawn butter and fleur de sei. An instant classic just like its namesake.

There are also specials for every night of the week, such as Chili Cornbread Pot Pie on Wednesdays (I’m definitely coming back for that); Thanksgiving Dinner every Thursday; Lobster Roll on Fridays; and Shrimp & Grits on Saturday. Let me tell you, the Cajun spiced shrimp smothered in cheesy, gooey grits are to die for—so succulent and flavorful. If you’re in on a Saturday, consider these a must-have.

Dessert options are aplenty, including Dark Chocolate and Malt Brownie, and Warm Caramelized Apple Crumble, but we only had room left to split the fantastic Snow Capped Brownie Sundae (our waiter’s personal favorite). Believe me, it’s as good as it sounds, that is if you’re a lover of chocolate and decadent desserts.

A night out at Fred 62 is always a treat. You may be eating now and fine dining later, but you sure as hell will enjoy every comforting bite whether stone cold sober or during a late night buzz fest. And to think I used to consider Denny’s nachos cool back in the day after the bars closed when I was younger, wilder and didn’t know any better. At Fred 62, it’s never ‘last call’ and the party never ends!

Fred 62 is located at 1850 N. Vermont Ave in Los Feliz. Open 24-hours-day. Call 323-667-0062.

By: Jose Martinez.

Some photography courtesy of: Fred 62