A Celebrity Haven Born from Nostalgia (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Los Angeles – Selena Gomez and her husband Benny Blanco drew attention Sunday at Max and Helen’s, the Larchmont Village diner that has become a magnet for stars and food lovers alike.[1][2]
A Celebrity Haven Born from Nostalgia
Even Hollywood heavyweights like Steven Spielberg have endured hours-long waits at this spot.[3] Opened in November 2025, Max and Helen’s honors classic American diners while drawing on the culinary expertise of co-owner Nancy Silverton, the acclaimed chef behind Osteria Mozza, and Phil Rosenthal, creator of the Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil.[4]
The restaurant, located at 127 North Larchmont Boulevard, pays tribute to Rosenthal’s parents, Max and Helen. Its warm wooden interiors, vintage curved counter, and bottomless drip coffee evoke mid-century charm. Rosenthal has described the place as a community hub, where he personally greets guests much like old-school hosts.[3] Fans of his show flock here from afar, turning a simple meal into a pilgrimage.
Epic Lines Define the Experience
Wait times stretch up to eight hours on weekends and six hours on weekdays, marking some of the longest in Los Angeles history.[4][3] The no-reservations policy keeps the diner ethos intact, preventing bots and ensuring fairness. Hosts issue text notifications, freeing diners to shop or catch a movie nearby.
Solo visitors often wait less – sometimes just 20 minutes at the counter – while larger groups face longer delays. Rosenthal prioritizes fans in line, though his daughter Lily handles discreet requests from industry friends via a private number.[3] This approach has built a loyal following, with visitors from Hong Kong and Brazil citing the show as their draw.
Stars Queue Up for Comfort Food
Gomez and Blanco’s latest visit came amid the diner’s ongoing hype. Dressed casually – her in black, him in a hoodie and corduroy pants – they navigated the crowd as she chatted on her phone.[1] It echoed their earlier stop after the January 11 Golden Globes, where they joined Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Only Murders in the Building producers for “breakfast for dinner” in formal attire.[2]
Other notables include Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who dined twice in eight days, and Spielberg, who gave advance notice but still waited. The spot’s appeal spans awards show afterparties and everyday cravings, underscoring its broad allure.[3]
- Steven Spielberg: Requested a table for two with a day’s notice.
- Steve Martin and Martin Short: Post-Golden Globes group outing with Gomez and Blanco.
- Karen Bass: Multiple visits, including a photo op with Rosenthal.
- Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco: Two sightings, casual and glam.
Menu Staples That Justify the Hype
The bill of fare sticks to diner classics with Silverton’s elevated twists. Standouts include the golden-brown waffle from three-day-fermented sourdough batter topped with maple butter.[4]
| Dish | Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Larchmont Slam | $27 | Eggs, home fries, bacon or sausage, lemon-zest pancake |
| Tuna Melt | Not specified | Craggy battered fries as side ($8) |
| Matzo Ball Soup | Not specified | Herb-laden, with lemon notes |
Reviews praise the waffle’s crisp lightness and addictive fries, though some find eggs undersalted and the tuna melt greasy.[4] Rosenthal insists on “damn good pancakes” to reward patient eaters.
Key Takeaways
- Max and Helen’s blends nostalgia and star power into L.A.’s ultimate diner destination.
- Eight-hour waits test dedication, but the community vibe keeps crowds coming.
- Celebs like Gomez prove no one’s above the line – mostly.
Max and Helen’s has redefined the neighborhood eatery as a cultural phenomenon. Will you brave the queue for a taste? Share your thoughts in the comments.
