14115 Burbank @Hazeltine, Van Nuys -- 818/781-3040
Nat's is a Valley institution and we didn't really know it until we moved to Van Nuys. Food as good or better than Jerry's Deli or Solley's Now Jerry's Deli without the $10 dog-choking sandwiches. Breakfast is good and can be really cheap -- like under $5. The pancakes are always good, and they make a fine vegetable omelette that comes with home fries and toast (but get the bagel) for about $7. They have sandwiches ($5.00 or so) and basic diner/deli in the Valley fare, but the people are very friendly and everyone knows each other. People drag in from long Saturday nights and there are few Players, but many neighbors. They home bake all of their muffins and cookies, and often their pies, and the manager is always trying out new jams and jellies that he makes himself. They're always good. And the cookies are around .45 instead of $1.00 a throw, so try them. On the weekend if you get there early you'll be fine but by 10 am there will be a line and by 11 there will be a bigger line. Open 6 am - 3 pm Sat - Mon, 6 am - 8 pm Tues. - Fri. -- and the dinner is good and a good deal -- just like you wish mom could make!