Lori’s Diner is a nostalgic 40' / 50' neon-lighted "soda shop" atmosphere restaurant. If you weren't sure you were hungry when you arrived, you would be by the time you climbed the two flights of stairs to get to the restaurant. But have no fear, if you are vertically challenged, there is a elevator available immediately inside the main entrance door.
The dining room is large, with extremely high ceilings, allowing lots of room for all the memorabilia, such as an antique stove, a radio collection, even a bi-wing aircraft hanging
from the ceiling, and a 1955 Chevy sticking out of one wall (with its headlights glowing). Over the crowd noise, we could hear the "oldies but goodies", including Chantilly Lace by the Big Bopper and other great hits of the 50's. There is also a private party room and a row of pinball machines. Lori’s is located just two short blocks from the cable car turn-around at Powell and Market and overlooks all the activities and crowds that gather to get a chance to ride this wonderful mode of transportation. The floors and walls are " very 50's" with black and white checkerboard pattern.
Menu includes a wide range of burgers such as the "Big Bopper Burger and the "Cadillac Burger". The Hot Rod Rugger is an open face sandwich with chili, cheddar and chopped onions. The L.A. Burger has Ortega Chilies, bacon, Guacamole and Jack cheese. Prices for burgers are between $6.25 and $8.50. Be sure you have a really big appetite before taking on of the babies.
Then there are the hot dogs- The Moon Doggie - which is your typical hot dog, grilled and served with a mountain of fries. $5.75
Other sandwiches include ham, turkey, bacon, and roast beef. My favorite sandwich name is the "Book of Love" which is a grilled marinated chicken breast with lettuce, tomato and Red onions. Average price for sandwiches is $7.50
Their breakfast specials could feed a family of four- or one very large appetite (I didn't know they made plates that big)
Dinners include Fish and Chips, Fried Shrimp, Southern Fried chicken, and grilled Chicken breast. $9.95 to $14.95
And then there are the desserts- Oven hot apple pie, New York Cheese Cake, and Key Lime Mousse Pie. Remember when you ordered a milk shake at the Ice Creme Shop- it was served in a tall heavy glass and you were also given the metal contained it was made in-- with more shake in it. That is how they serve it at Lori's.
Lori's is open 24-hours, seven days a week and there are several other locations as well; one at 336 Mason St, 500 Sutter St. and at the San Francisco International Airport.