Silver Lake is getting a taste of a Los Angeles institution this week, as the legendary Swingers diner opens its doors in the neighborhood. Located in the former All Day Baby space on Sunset Boulevard, the new location begins takeout service on Tuesday, October 20.
Swingers, which first debuted on Beverly Boulevard in 1993, became known for serving up coffee and breakfast until the early hours. The Googie-style cafe is often cited as an inspiration for the 1996 film *Swingers* and has made appearances in other productions like *Knocked Up* and *Insecure*. After a brief closure in April 2020 due to pandemic impacts, the original diner reopened in November 2020 under the ownership of Stephanie Wilson, a long-time general manager who has been with Swingers since 2010.
Wilson had been scouting for a suitable spot in the Silver Lake area, believing the diner would thrive there. She noted that many of her long-time patrons had relocated eastward and frequently inquired about a potential expansion. "People would always comment things like, ‘Oh, I wish you guys were on the Eastside,’ or, ‘Oh, I don’t come so often because I moved to Silver Lake or I moved to Echo Park,’" Wilson stated. The availability of the All Day Baby space felt like the right fit.
The Silver Lake menu will largely mirror that of the original location. Diners can expect classic items such as California omelets, buttermilk pancakes, the Swingers burger, and a hot turkey sandwich. Wilson emphasized that "there’s really something for everybody," highlighting the availability of vegan and vegetarian options alongside traditional breakfast plates. While location-specific specials are still in development, Wilson also plans to include a dish that honors the late All Day Baby chef, Jonathan Whitener. She expressed being "honored to take over the space that All Day Baby had," wanting to offer a "sweet nod to him."
The interior of the new Silver Lake spot will carry the nostalgic, retro aesthetic of its Beverly Boulevard counterpart, featuring recognizable plaid booths, mosaic tiles, and wood-paneled walls. Wilson aims to recreate the iconic atmosphere while incorporating elements unique to Silver Lake.
Initially, Swingers will operate with limited evening takeout hours. On opening day, Tuesday, October 20, service will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Beginning Wednesday, October 21, takeout hours will expand from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. The dining room is slated to open fully in December, at which point the restaurant expects to operate from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. Wilson expressed excitement for the new venture, anticipating the energy and foot traffic Silver Lake will bring, and underscored the importance of "small restaurants like ours" to the local culture and community.
This marks a new chapter for the diner, bringing its beloved late-night fare and classic charm to a new part of the city.
