Interesting old building on Rt. 66 near the Magic Lamp [update - it's gone]

Before you venture forth looking on your journey through history looking for the Brown Derby Restaurant (good luck!), a few caveats, warnings and disclaimers (is that redundant or what?). I’m sure there are many pre-seventies places I will fail to mention. Some may been missed simply because I have yet to discover them. Others may be left out or found on my non-time machine page due to a strong bias I have. If an interior has been substantially remodeled or if a restaurant has recently moved to a new location, they no longer qualify as time machines for me (unless they’ve done a good job of imitating the original interior – like the El Capitan, Gus's Bar-B-Q or Damon's). I want to be able to sit in an interior and be able to look in at least a few directions (avoiding TV’s at bars and computer cash registers) and still be able to feel like nothing has changed. Some restaurants "established" before 1970 no longer have an authentic look.

The Self-Realization Temple on Sunset - definitely worth a visit!   

The second caveat is I am a very Bohemian person. Therefore, while I am very picky about the authenticity of interior design, I am not picky at all about food, service and the quality of the neighborhood that surrounds any given place. In fact, food comes secondary to me after ambiance. If the ambiance is good, I’ll put up with barely edible food (although most places do not stay in business for 40 or 50 years in less there's something interesting about their food). I don't even mind sitting next to the occasional drunk or nut case - as long as they are well behaved and interesting (a derelict gave me advice that lead me to meet my wife - but that's a long story). So those of you who are fastidious – beware! You probably will not like my recommendations. I’ve tried to provide current phone numbers and addresses, but I’m a little lazy on that (and information seems to vary a lot on the Internet). Make sure to call before going anywhere (especially since overnight all traces of these places may disappear into history – try to find where Nickodell’s used to be!).

Great sign off Hwy 15 near Yermo, CA

Finally, a word on safety. In the modern world, no place is completely safe, and in a big cities like Los Angeles (and its metropolitan area), San Diego, San Francisco Baltimore, D.C. and Vegas (even perhaps in the small towns I mention) you have to be street wise and be very cautious about crime. Many old hotels, bars and restaurants are in relatively dangerous neighborhoods (at least by my suburbanite standards), so I leave it to you to research, ask around, and find out if any given place is safe for a visit by your own standards. I make absolutely no recommendations or representations about the safety of any place on this site (and some places are real dives that are definitely not safe at certain times or with certain types of clientele). Some old bars and restaurants may have B or C health department grades (or worse in places that don't do inspections) - I leave it to you to check before you go in. I have no information as to how to get access to some of the buildings mentioned and some may be closed to the public. Obviously, one should check with owners and/or guards before entering such places. And please do not disturb the residents of any apartments or houses that are pictured.

Interesting old Building on Rt. 66 in Barstow, CA (in the 60's it was a cafe, hotel and roadside bar).

Please remember - DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!  We'd like to have you around a little longer.  If you are not in walking distance to a bar or restaurant, do as I do and just order an O'Doul's or Perrier or Seven Up.  The ambiance and conversation is still every bit as nice (and you save a few bucks to boot). Bartenders are happy to serve you a coke, Perrier or even soda water!

Even a Los Angelesophile like me has to admit not all of Los Angeles is wonderful. Be aware of your surroundings - especially if you are hiking the beautiful Los Angeles River pictured above (not recommended).

With that – it’s time to travel back in time and history!