Most people love 24-hour diners and have probably visited one for a late-night meal at some point, but according to Yelp data, from January 2020 to 2025, 24/7 restaurants in the United States decreased by 11%. Fortunately, LA has NORMS, which is celebrating its 77th anniversary on Sept. 24, and other classic choices to frequent when hunger hits before or after normal business hours. NORMS locations serving the Westside include the West Hollywood restaurant.

NORMS’ 24-hour model started early on in the restaurant’s history, probably around number four’s arrival, relayed Mark Politzer, NORMS’ president and CEO, who will mark two years with the company in January.

“Our concept was always, where life doesn’t stop, where life happens. It’s been our slogan for many years,” Politzer said. “We’re proud to be in the community this long. NORMS has always been a place for people and the community to break bread, meet, have conversation, laughs, celebrate, mourn.”

“Similar to a few great cities in America, LA has always been known as a late-night spot, and NORMS has always been at the center of that,” he continued. “That’s not just partygoers and people having a good time. It’s a truck driver or early-morning shift person or people on their way to worship. NORMS has always been a place where you never know who you’re going to sit next to. It’s all walks of life coming together.”

Politzer credits NORMS’ success to a number of reasons that all revolve around value. The brand is receptive to customer feedback. This year, it surveyed 10,000 guests to find out what they wanted and how it can address those comments. The answer was value, which comes in all forms, according to Politzer.

“We’re very aware of the pricing in terms of raising the pricing,” he said. “For example, we haven’t raised coffee or soda in several years. Value comes not only in the portion size and the price but the experience. We’ve refurbished five restaurants in the last 12 months. We’ve changed the music to fit more of the SoCal vibe, sprinkling in Michael Jackson and The Beach Boys with modern pop hits. We’ve reformatted our menu at the end of last year to play on the Hollywood vibe that everyone thinks about with Southern California. We’ve increased our number of employees in our restaurants.”

To celebrate its 77th anniversary, on Sept. 24, NORMS is offering its signature two-hotcake stack for 77 cents for one day only from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. This summer, NORMS rolled out high-impact, high-flavor Fuel Up meals starting at $9.99 and take-home meals for $5.99

“People could come in regularly and be able to afford the meals, not having to go to fast food, to have a sit-down meal, forget about life for a moment, enjoy the moment,” said Politzer. “It’s one of the things we did to say, we’re listening, we’re watching, NORMS is here for you.”

The real secret sauce to NORMS’ success is the staff. The longevity, passion and commitment are best in class, shared Politzer.

“We have 1,100 employees and this week, we’re recognizing an employee who’s worked with us for 54 years and is retiring,” he said. “NORMS is older than Disneyland. At our La Cienega location, our oldest restaurant, there are six employees who have been there over 30 years, which I think in hospitality is very rare.”

One of the main issues affecting 24-hour operations is that younger people are going on less dates, which is one of NORMS’ specialties: A couple is out on a date and looking for a spot to order dessert so that, if they are in the courting period, the night doesn’t end.

“Not that NORMS is Cupid, but we want more people going on dates,” said Politzer.

More 24-Hour Options:

• Denny’s, like NORMS, has many locations and even more specials. Diners can order breakfast for dinner, and like NORMS who donates to No Kid Hungry, Denny’s raises money for safer treatments for kids fighting cancer.

• The original location of Mel’s Drive-In in San Francisco was featured in the film “American Graffiti.” Now Angelenos can order diner classics at the end of the iconic Route 66 at its Santa Monica location in the iconic Penguin building that was constructed in 1959.

• Canter’s Deli is only open 24 hours on Saturdays, which just might be when hot pastrami sandwich and corned beef lovers need it the most. This Los Angeles institution has been serving deli favorites since 1931, and it bakes everything in its case from scratch, including the rye bread, black & white cookies and rugelach.

• Korean spot Sun Nong Dan emphasizes authentic flavor, honest ingredients and ultimate service. People stop by at all hours for its brisket broth and specially crafted kimchi. It has locations from Sawtelle to San Gabriel.

Note: Not all locations stay open 24 hours. Please check the location hours.