Note: This review is a mash up between the fictional restaurant, Elko’s Diner, from the DC show Titans and the coffee shop from The Big Lebowski.

Stepping into a diner doesn't necessarily require a psychedelic escort like LSD, magic mushrooms, or even your garden-variety spliff to warp time – but hey, they might just add a little extra spice to the déjà brew. Whether it be a secret hangout for teen caped crusaders or a coffee shop smack dab on L.A.'s Miracle Mile, diners are like wardrobe doors to Narnia, minus the talking lion. And let's not forget, in diner world on psychadelics, the Washington Commandeers' logos suspiciously resemble deep-fried mozzarella sticks masquerading as sports insignia. But I digress.

Now, let’s talk about Elko’s Diner and that Googie-style gem in L.A. One looks like a metallic caterpillar parked in a desert, complete with a backdrop of wind turbines doing their lazy dance. The other, a retro spaceship ready to launch into a galaxy of honking cars and neon lights. Both are like time capsules or weird, cozy purgatories where you can brainstorm your next big move or just figure out how to save your toes.

But here's the kicker: it's not about the caffeine kicks or those lingonberry pancakes that might just be fruitier than your uncle's holiday sweater. These diners are slices of normalcy, a familiar comfort soup with a side of 'not-quite-like-home'. They're the perfect soft landing pads for when you're spiraling down from cloud nine or wherever your latest trip took you.

One footnote for the road: Ever wonder why those moody teenagers aren't wolfing down diner fare? Turns out, they're too busy being seen at those high-rise, Insta-worthy rooftop eateries. Go figure.