Part restaurant, part in-your-face comedy show, Hollywood pop-up Karen’s Diner is where staff scream at you. Terrible service is actually a selling point here.
In the 1990s, Downey rapidly shifted its demographics to become mostly a Latino area. It was then labeled “Mexican Beverly Hills,” but longtime residents say that’s unfair.
After the pandemic led to financial troubles, Downey’s float returns this year to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. It’s thanks to a community effort and beauty pageant fundraiser.