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Pacific Diner,
3821 S Pacific Ave, San Pedro (310) 831-5334
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The Pacific Diner is a quaint place with old
and new parts. Started out as a small diner under another name
(which I forgot to note down). I prefer the small counter out
front. Good place for breakfast. Friendly staff and lots of
locals.
This
old clock may be the only thing that saves LA metro if the one
in the Yorkshire Grill ever stops! |
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Pacific Dining Car, 1310 West Sixth Street Los Angeles,
CA 90017 213-483-6000, since 1921.
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The Pacific Dining Car is not an inexpensive
restaurant, but worth a splurge at least once in a while. I
might not be an expert, but man - the food is really good here.
Exquisite! And the coffee (about $3.86 more than Philippe's)
beat's Starbucks or any other place hands down. I would
recommend their
blueberry pancakes, made from scratch, and perhaps the best in the
world ($9.95 I believe and well worth it). I know I say "best
in the world a lot - but I really mean it - at least in the
little bit of the world I have experienced. A bit on the
remodeled side for a time machine (downtown location). Most of
the restaurant appears to be a new addition (although
beautifully decorated in a sort of 1890s fashion). I assume
the room that looks like a dining car really was a train at some
point in time. This, with the Formosa Cafe, makes Los Angeles a
two dining car town. I haven’t been to the new Santa Monica
locale. Excellent for a "power" lunch. The Pacific Dining
Car Restaurant is not far from Yorkshire Grill Restaurant,
Cole's Restaurant and bar, the Standard Hotel, the Original
Pantry Cafe, Langer's Deli and Clifton's Cafeteria.
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Pann's Coffee Shop, 6710 La Tijera
Boulevard, Westchester, 323 776 3770 since 1958 -
Armet & Davis
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Ok folks, it doesn't get any better than
this. There could not be a better preserved Googie California
1950s Coffee shop. Pann's makes you realize how far off the
fake 1950s coffee shops are. This was restored (the way places
should be restored - freshened up but not changed) in 1991. The
work of the greatest of California Coffee Shop architects -
Armet & Davis. The owner could not be nicer, the service
excellent and friendly, and the icing on the cake is that the
food is all made from scratch - great biscuits, waffles, sausage
- you name it. If you have not been here, you are in for a real
treat (I went for breakfast). The movie "Triple X" was filmed
here. Pulp Fiction was apparently filmed at an affiliated
restaurant on Hawthorne Blvd. that is no longer with us (a
tragedy!).
Pann's Coffee Shop is not far from LAX's Encounter's
Lounge and Restaurant and the Buggy Whip Restaurant, the Harbor
Room bar and Dinah's Chicken Restaurant.
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Papa Cristo's Greek Taverna, 2771 W
Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006 323 737-2970
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Papa Cristo's Greek Taverna is one of the
very few old restaurants left in the West Adams area. Like
Mexican restaurants, Greek decor is so easily changed that the
time machine effect is easily lost. Lot's of very tasty food
here however. Wonderful food market for Greek foods inside as
well. |
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The Parasol Restaurant, 12241 Seal
Beach Blvd, Seal Beach 562-598-3311 (since 1967)
The photos above are of the old Parasol
restaurant.
Above is a picture of the Parasol being
transformed into a Mel's Drive In. Well, at least they saved the
basic shape and roof. The interior appears to be gone, unless
they are going to move some of the old fixtures back in.
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Fantastic Googie restaurant, still in
completely original condition. Someone who looked like the owner
said they are about to "refurbish" it, supposedly without
changing the basic appearance. Let's hope that is accurate,
because this is a very unique place. The food had a lot of
homemade touches as well. They don't make them like this
anymore. I'd advise checking it out before any changes are
made.
UPDATE: This restaurant is now highly endangered. It
may be closed at present (check this out for yourself). There
are many negotiations going on with the Los Angeles Conservancy
and protests as well. Check with the Conservancy to see
what you can do!
UPDATE II: Steve R informs me the interior has been
gutted. Supposedly, the place will be "restored" and
incorporated into a mall. I personally have never seen a
restored restaurant that I would consider a Time Machine - but
we can only be hopeful.
UPDATE III: Jordon Y. a well known travel writer
informs me that Mel's Drive-In has bought the place. I guess we
can be grateful to Mel's for leaving much of the exterior of Ben
Frank's in tact, but they don't seem to save interiors which is
my principal interest. I'm betting this is going to be
preservation a la the Brown Derby Hat mummy. Historic airspace.
Oh well.
The remains of this place can be seen on a beach tour of
Sam's Seafood Restaurant (now reopened), Ercoles bar and
restaurant, the Mermaid Inn (Thelen's - Endangered!), the Bull
Pen bar and restaurant, the Harbor Room bar, the Arches
Restaurant (former site), Uncle Bills Pancakes, the White House
Restaurant and don't forget to get some sun at Los Angeles
metro beaches. If you go to Laguna Beach, the local municipal
code requires that your sunglasses cost over $300 (preferably
Christian Dior).
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Patsy D'Amore's Pizza, inside the
Farmer's Market off of Fairfax, Los Angeles, CA since 1949
All of Farmer's Market: T T T T
More Information on
this Classic Pizza Stand
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This famous Pizza place was originated by
Pasquale "Patsy" D'Amore who started in the restaurant business
in New York in the 20's and introduced Pizza to Los Angeles (see
Los Angeles Times, May 22, 1955 and 1-29-06, p.12 if you don't
believe me!) in his Casa D'Amore restaurant in Hollywood in 1939
with his brother Franklin. In 1949 the brothers split up
and Patsy opened Patsy D'Amores Italian Food (now called Patsy
D'Amores Pizza) in the historic Farmer's Market on 3rd. &
Fairfax. Some stars who have recently eaten there include
Nicolas Cage, Billy Zane and Vince Vaughn. Patsy also ran the
famous Villa Capri (which was insanely torn down recently) in
Hollywood on N. McCadden Place, a favorite hangout for Joe
DiMaggio, Frank Sinatra (who was a co-owner for a while) and
James Dean. In fact, the Villa Capri was the last
restaurant James Dean ate at before his crash. You can't get
anymore historic than this! One of the main dishes at the Villa
Capri was "Steak Sinatra". And you don't survive this long
without having the best Pizza in Los Angeles. I can personally
testify to that.
Now run by Patsy's daughter, Filomena - the nicest person
you'd ever want to meet!
Near Canter's Deli, Tom Bergins bar and restaurant, the El
Coyote Mexican Restaurant, the Miracle Mile and Molly Malone's
pub.
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Philippe The Original French Dipped
Sandwiches Restaurant, 1001 N. Alameda St. (Chinatown), Los
Angeles 90012, 213-8-3781, since 1908
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This website has some nice old pictures
of Philippe's customers
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First opened by Philippe Mathieu. It was
originally called "Philippe's Original Sandwich Shops" and was
first located on Aliso St. Mathieu sold Philippe The Original
French Dipped Sandwiches to Harry, David and Frank Martin in
1927. Frank Martin died at age 88. Their descendants run the
place today, although they had to move from their original
location when the Hollywood freeway was built in the 1950s, the
"new" location is plenty old for time machine purposes. Its
location just off the 101 with plenty of free parking, makes it
a good stop coming in or leaving Los Angeles. Enjoy the sawdust
on the floor, the communal tables, the eclectic crowd, homemade
biscuits, the French dipped sandwiches and of course, it’s the
only place in Los Angeles where you can still get a cup of
coffee for nine cents (update - the price is now an outrageous
10 cents)! Very diverse crowd, both in economic class and
culture. Visit Union Station, not far down the road (also a
locale in Blade Runner), with its great art deco interior.
There are also great art deco murals in the Postal Annex
across the street. Also not far from the Quon Brothers
Jazz club and Hop Louie's (the Golden Pagoda), and it's a short
drive downtown to their arch rival Cole's PE Buffet Restaurant
(currently being "restored" and temporarily closed), as well as
Casey's bar and restaurant, the Yorkshire Grill, Clifton's
Cafeteria and the Biltmore Hotel.
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| Pie 'n Burger, 913 E California Blvd
Pasadena 626-795-1123 since 1963
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I visited the Pie 'n Burger restaurant on the
suggestion of some readers. Nice local hangout, primarily a
long counter. Good comfort food.
Another good stop on the Pasadena tour of Monty's Steak House
(now closed), Gus's Barbeque Restaurant, the 35er bar, the
Fair Oaks Pharmacy and the Rialto Theater, as well as Eagle
Rock's the Bucket and Colombo's Italian Restaurant.
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| Pig ‘n Whistle Restaurant, 6714
Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, 323 463 0000 (1927 - the
original interior was designed by Morgan, Walls, and Clements -
I'm not sure how much of the original is left)
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The Pig 'n Whistle Restaurant marks a rare
example of the resurrection of a long gone classic restaurant
and most significantly in the exact same address. Resurrected by
Chris Breed and Alan Hajjar to whom all of Hollywood should be
grateful. It's hard to tell what was saved from the old
restaurant - I believe it had been a pizza place for years, but
the owners have done a nice job of recreating the feel of the
place. This is certainly a big step in reviving Hollywood
Blvd. The Pig n' Whistle is mentioned in the movie Chinatown.
As I mentioned in the Miceli section, most of the original
furnishings of the first Pig 'n Whistle (actually there were
many locations - see my extinct restaurant page) were bought by
Miceli's. Wouldn't it be great if they would do this with other
closed restaurants that are still standing like Perino's
(newsflash - they have torn it down!) and Little Joes Italian
Restaurant. Other locations for the original Pig 'n Whistle
were: 712 S. Broadway, 611 S. Spring St. (in the Hayward Hotel),
744 S. Hill St., 1633 N. Vine, 5633 Wilshire Blvd., 412 E.
Colorado Ave. (Pasadena) and 6902 Hollywood Blvd.
The Pig 'n Whistle Restaurant is near Musso and Frank's
Grill (Musso & Frank's), Boardner's bar, the Power House bar,
the Chinese Theater movie palace, the Egyptian Theater (next
door) and the El Capitan theater movie palace.
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| Pines Cafe, 4343 Pearblossom Hwy,
Palmdale, CA 93552 (661) 285-0455 T T
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This roadhouse is a nice little slice of
Americana. This place, being pretty much out in the middle of
nowhere, has a primarily local crowd. Friendly staff and very
good American comfort food. A nice escape from the fast pace
and generic food of the big city.
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Pink's Hot Dogs, 709 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, (323) 931-4223 (since 1946 in this
building)
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Talk about the American dream, Pink's Hot
Dog's was originated by Paul Pink with ten cent chili dogs in a
cart in 1939. Many believe these are the best hot dogs in the
world. I certainly thought the chili dog I recently purchased
was pretty darn good. There is almost always a big line outside,
often with a few movie stars trying to look inconspicuous. It's
an outdoor stand, so I can't really speak of ambiance, but the
place is so famous, it deserves a mention. They are now serving
these at the Planet Hollywood buffet in Vegas. Seen briefly in
the film "Mulholland Drive" and the TV show "Hell's Kitchen". As
much a Los Angeles institution as Musso and Frank's Grill.
The Pink's Hot Dogs stand is near to the El Capitan theater
movie palace, Musso and Frank's Restaurant (Musso & Frank
Grill), Boardner's bar, Miceli's Italian Restaurant, the
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, and the Frolic room bar.
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| Pizza Show Restaurant, 13344 Hawthorne
Blvd, Hawthorne, CA, 310-973-9066 T T T
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The Pizza Show Restaurant is a quirky old
interior with a friendly owner and staff. Easy place to pass by
and not notice. Very cheap prices and excellent pizza. In an
area with very few time machines. Hey, it ain't the Ritz (thank
heavens!), but definitely worth a stop by. Near Chips Coffee
Shop and the Rustic Lite bar.
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| The Prince (The Windsor) Restaurant,
3198 W. 7th St., Los Angeles (Koreatown) (213) 389-1586,
(interior since 1942 or so)
T T T T T
HISTORY OF THE PRINCE/WINDSOR
This is the Chinatown Booth.
The great old lamps at The Prince. They
don't appear in Chinatown (did it mess up the lighting in the
film or were these lamps brought in later - Ben Dimsdale -
help!)
This figure above can be seen in the movie
Chinatown.
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The Prince Restaurant is one of my
favorite restaurants in the Los Angeles metro area, along with
Musso and Frank's and Miceli's Italian Restaurant. Once one of
the top ten most elegant restaurants in Los Angeles in the 1950s
called the Windsor, the new owners (Korean) have wisely changed
nothing (other than perhaps the oil paintings on the walls).
Once owned by Ben Dimsdale and his cousins, who owned the nearby
Secret Harbor (HMS Bounty) and the Dales (as well as the Windsor
apartments the restaurant is housed in). Beside the great
interior, the juxtaposition of Korean culture, food and music on
the 1940s American ambiance makes this a fascinating place. In
Korean culture you are not supposed to pour your own drink and
when the drink is poured by another you are supposed to keep a
finger on the glass as a way of saying thanks. Another
wonderful aspect of Korean culture is that the entire staff says
hello and good bye to you in Korean, when you come and go (it's
ok if you do not respond - no one expects the gringos to know
Korean culture - if it's not busy - they are happy to show you
how to eat certain things with chop sticks - it's not as easy as
Chinese food). Friendly staff and reasonably good food (most
dishes are so large they should be shared), I highly recommend
this place. Good place to strike up a conversation at the bar
with Koreans or otherwise. Their most famous dish ironically is
fried chicken (it's big) and my favorite dish there. If you are
the kind of person picky about language and mistakes in orders -
don't go here (there are plenty of other places people can go to
act snooty). English abilities vary here, but they really try
their best and the service is excellent. Be sure to use the
valet parking as this is not the best area of Koreatown. This
restaurant mysteriously closed for a month or so recently, but
magically reopened unchanged (update - they were filming "Thank
you for smoking, which features "The Prince" with a few added
posters to Americanize it.
NEWSFLASH: For years I wondered where the scene in
Chinatown was filmed were Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway are
sitting in a restaurant that is supposed to be the Brown Derby.
I just discovered it was here at the Prince (then the
Windsor). If you walk in the restaurant down the stairs that
turn and keep heading in this direction toward the back room, it
is the first booth on the right (it has a plaque saying Drury
Lane for some reason). One more reason to love this place! The
place was also recently featured in "Thank you for Smoking".
You can see this place in a tour of Koreatown including
Taylor's Steak House, the HMS Bounty Restaurant, the Brass
Monkey bar, and Frank 'n Hank's bar. Not far from Langer's
Delicatessen, Lowenbrau Keller German Restaurant (still open?),
the Plaza hotel, and Bullock's Wilshire and the Wiltern movie
palace.
UPDATE: There are unsubstantiated rumors that
something may be changing here in about a year. Please check it
out and let the restaurant and building owner know how important
this place is to you and Los Angeles! The interior is
irreplaceable. And it's a very unique restaurant in its own
right. For a more extensive history of the Windsor
Apartments, Windsor and Prince Restaurants, click
here.
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Rainbow Bar & Grill, 9015 W Sunset
Blvd, West Hollywood 310-278-4232
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Ironically, I visited the Las Vegas recreation
of the Rainbow Bar & Grill before I visited the original in Los
Angeles. This place is a great time machine. It has been well
maintained without losing its old feel. It is perhaps most
famous for being the site of where Marilyn Monroe had her first
date with Joe DiMaggio and Vincente Minnelli proposed to Judy
Garland (although the location was the Villa Nova restaurant at
the time, which has since moved to Newport Beach). The place is
also ground zero for Sunset Strip rock history. Make sure to
order the steamed claims! Not far from Duke’s coffee shop,
Mel’s Drive-in (Ben Frank’s), the Chateau Marmont, the London
hotel, the Whiskey a Go Go club, the West Hollywood Standard
Hotel, the Argyle (Sunset Towers) Hotel and the former sites of
Scandia, the Trocadero (original), La Rue, the Mocambo, Players
(Myagi’s), the Garden of ***** and all the other current Sunset
Strip hot spots like the Mondrian/Skybar (which I guess has
backed away from Mondrian’s style). The Marlboro Man sign
(famous in the 60s and 70s has now become a woman with an Ipod).
A walk down the entire Sunset Strip is a great quick and easy
tour for anyone showing visiting relatives around Los Angeles
and the Hollywoods. Dress to impress if only to not embarrass
yourself in some of the trendy places (I always wear my
Salvatore Ferragamo shoes I got for $5 in a garage sale!).
However, no one seems impressed anyway.
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| Rae's Restaurant, 2901
Pico Blvd, Santa Monica 310 828-7937 ( since 1958 )
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Rae's Restaurant restaurant is so
cool, it's almost surrealistic. The night I was there it felt
like I'd entered an Edward Hopper painting. Perfectly preserved
and incredible neon. Food was good and cheap as well with a lot
of "homemade" touches. You absolutely can't miss this place,
although the ambiance is probably best at night. True Los
Angeles culture. Sublimely perfect neon sign. Near Snug Harbor
Restaurant, Casa Escobar Mexican Restaurant, the Circle bar,
Billingsley's, Dolores' Restaurant, the Gaslite and the
Galley Restaurant.
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| Red Lion Tavern, 2366 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, 323-662-5337, since 1959. T T T
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Green leather booths, an old German bar,
where people are known to actually speak German on occasion. I
have not actually eaten here yet, but it’s on the to do list. I
come from a long line of German butchers and tailors (Metzger's
and Schneiders). Interestingly enough, this place once had the
same owners as Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet in downtown Los
Angeles - Ted Mandekic and Edward Pagliano. During that period,
the Red Lion Tavern was an English Pub! It took on its German
theme in 1963 with a change in owners.
Not far from the Roost bar, Club Tee Gee Bar, the Astro
Family Coffee Shop, Dinah's Fried Chicken and the Tam O'Shanter
restaurant.
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| Rod's Grill, 41 W Huntington Dr,
Arcadia , CA (626) 447-7515 T T T
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Rod's Grill is a classic coffee shop with a
well preserved interior. Great place for breakfast and
reasonable prices. Near the Derby and a couple blocks from the
1967 Van de Kamp's windmill, now sitting on top of a Denny's
Restaurant. UPDATE: This place is in great danger
of closing and becoming a parking lot. I hope preservation
groups in the area do what they can to say this nice old coffee
shop. We've already lost Van De Kamp's in this area.
Unlike some other places - this great restaurant wants to stay
open. Arcadia is trying to close it through eminent domain.
UPDATE II: While the city of Arcadia has put on
the back burner its plan to take this great piece of history and
wonderful restaurant away from us, the place is still not safe.
Arcadia wants to use eminent domain to level this place and
increase its tax base. Please look into what you can do to
help Rod's Grill. You'll not only be saving a great
restaurant, you'll be preserving your own rights to private
property! Shame on the City of Arcadia.
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| Riviera at the Fireside Restaurant,
13950 Springdale Street, Westminster, CA 714-897-0477
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Another rare old restaurant in Orange
County. I did not get the chance to eat here, but I did look
around and it is a beautiful place. Let's face it, anyplace
that looks this good is going to have great food. Reminds me a
bit of Taylor's in Los Angeles but a bit pricier. Not too far
from Sam's Seafood restaurant and the former Parasol
Restaurant in Seal Beach (soon to be Mel's).
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| Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, 1514
North Gower Street, Hollywood, 323-466-7453,
since 1975
T T
Another branch at 5006 W. Pico
Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90019 (it seems to have taken over a
former Googie restaurant site)
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I don’t know how old the building and the
interior is, but the restaurant has been here since 1975 (Gower
location), which is of course a good thing (sort of a 1940s
streamline Moderne Deco interior). I'm breaking my pre-1970 rule
because this place is really unique and the interior may be
older. The food is high quality and unique - great for
breakfast. Good spot to learn about Black pop culture, as Rap
and hip hop stars often hang out here.
Michael L informs me that the original location is actually
on Washington Blvd. and is quite old. I'll have to get
over there to check it out.
Close to Musso and Frank's (the Musso and Frank Grill), the
Pantages Theater, the Warner/Pacific movie palace, the Frolic
Room bar, Boardner's Bar, the Powerhouse Bar, and Grauman's
Chinese and Egyptian theaters.
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| The Royal Hawaiian Restaurant, 331
Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949-494-8001
(since 1947)
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Laguna Beach is another place I only seem to
visit in the morning. Since this place is not open at that
time, you'll have to write me to tell me what it's like. It
looks really promising for Tiki lovers, and I don't remember it
being mentioned in any of the recent Tiki Books. The sign
saying it's being refurbished scares me but hopefully they don't
mean remodeled. For those of you who watch "Laguna Beach" on
MTV from Uzbekistan, you might wonder if Laguna Beach is really
as incredible as it appears on TV. Unfortunately for those of us
who don't live there, the answer is Yes! UPDATE: Dean
"The Jab" C. tells me the original interior is gone!
Laguna Beach above - exceedingly beautiful!
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| (The) San Franciscan Restaurant, 2520
Sepulveda, Torrance, CA, 90505, 310-325-5231 T T T T
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Very nice old place in Torrance. Nice curved
bar. Seemed to be a good spot of locals who longed for the good
old days. Great steaks. It can be a bit hard finding their
parking lot in back (you enter from the back). It's best
to approach the place on Sepulveda going east. Take the right
turn just before reaching the restaurant.
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| Sam's Seafood Restaurant, 16278 S.
Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach 562 592-1321 The bar: T T
T
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As far as I know, this is one of the last of
the original Tiki restaurants in the Los Angeles metropolitan
area (not counting San Diego) still with the Tiki theme (the
Tiki Ti is a bar. There is still Trader Vic's, 9876 Wilshire
Blvd. in Beverly Hills, but it the original restaurant is gone
and it's now more of an appendage to the hotel's pool. Trader
Vic's was one of the great originators of the Tiki explosion in
America, but many of the current locations have toned down the
Tiki aspect dramatically. Back to Sam's - the restaurant itself
is not too time machine, but still very beautiful in its
tropical decor. However, the bar is still in excellent Tiki
condition. There are a number of incredible Tiki books
available at present. "The Book of Tiki" by Sven A. Kirsten is
the definitive book on the subject and I'm sure soon to be a
collector's item. The "Tiki Road Trip" by James Teitelbaum is
also a wonderful book that focuses more on what places still
exist and how to find them. For authentic Tiki Bars in the Los
Angeles area, see the Tiki Ti and the Tonga Hut on my bar page.
UPDATE! - According to Dean "The Jab" C. this place is
closing on June 4th! Another devastating blow to Seal Beach pop
culture and Tiki history. How could this place not have
lines around the block!
UPDATE II: The place is now reopened under
different ownership. There have been some changes but the new
place is getting good reviews. Don't know if the interiors to
the left still exist.
Not far from the Riviera at Fireside restaurant and the
former Parasol restaurant (soon to be Mel's and substantially
remodeled).
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| The Saugus Cafe, 25861 San Fernando
Rd, Saugus, CA 91350 661 259-7886
(since 1887)
T T T
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It's a bit out of town if you live in Los
Angeles, but worth the trip. I had a nice old fashioned bowl of
chili when I was out there. Definitely a unique recipe. One of
the best old neon signs around. It moved a long time ago from
the train station that was once across the street. Open since
1887, it is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Los
Angeles County, although Cole's PE Buffet is probably the oldest
restaurant in the same location in the city of Los Angeles and
the Sycamore Inn (very nice owners!) probably oldest origins in
the Los Angeles metropolitan area - 1848 - (but in San
Bernardino County). There are so many ways to calculate these
things! See my chronology page. |
| Sutton's North Hollywood Diner, 11329
Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood 818 761-3341 since 1959
T T
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Interesting place. The primary feature is a
massive collection of photos of stars who have eaten there.
When it comes to these types of photos, I don't think any place
beats it, if that's what you're into. Very popular. Open 24
hours. Not far from the Fox Fire Room bar, Chili John's
restaurant, Frank's Steak House restaurant, Genio's (now
closed), the Blue Room bar, the Bella Vista Italian Restaurant
and Tin Horn Flats bar.
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| Smeraldi's Restaurant, 506 S. Grand
Ave. 213-612-1562 (inside the Biltmore hotel), Los Angeles, CA
T T T
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I don't know how long this restaurant has
been in the Biltmore, but they have wisely left much of the
original interior of whatever was there before. Outstanding
service and truly one of the best buffet I have ever seen (and
I've been to all the ones in Vegas). The quality of the buffet
is amazing and very reasonably priced. A variety of smoked
fish, fresh salads and fruit, interesting variety of cheeses and
nuts - you name it. They do the memory of Baron Long proud.
Close to the Yorkshire Grill Restaurant, Clifton's Cafeteria,
Cole's French Dipped Sandwiches restaurant, the Original Pantry
Cafe, Philippe The Original restaurant and Hank's Bar.
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| The Smoke House Restaurant, 4420 W
Lakeside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505 (818) 845-3731 since 1946
T T T T T
 
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Dark with rich woods. Nice wooden bar with
carved figures. Great bartenders. The Smoke House Restaurant
is a classic American restaurant by any measure. One of
the true greats! Located near a number of studios, this place
has a lot of Hollywood, Disney and animation history as well.
If you sit at the bar, be prepared to hear a lot of "Industry"
talk. They age their own meat and cook it over a hickory grill.
Great steaks. Highly recommended. Valet parking. Try to get
here before or after rush hour. Near Bob's Big Boy Restaurant,
Frank's Steak house restaurant, Tin Horn Flats bar, the Bella
Vista Italian Restaurant, the Blue Room bar, Dimples Restaurant
and Genio's Restaurant (now closed).
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| Snug Harbor, 2323 Wilshire Blvd, Santa
Monica 310 828-2991 T T T T
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I have not gotten the chance to eat here yet,
but you can see from the pictures that it has an excellent, well
preserved interior. Restaurants like this inevitably have good
food. I’ll update you in the future.
Near Casa Escobar Restaurant, Rae’s, The Galley restaurant, the
Apple Pan restaurant, Billingsley's restaurant, Patrick’s
Roadhouse restaurant, the Circle Bar, Dolores Restaurant and
Chez Jay’s bar and restaurant.
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| (Clearman's) Steak 'n Stein Inn, 9545
Whittier Blvd, Pico Rivera, 562 699-4716
T T T T T
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Discovered by Kim and Nathan of the
1947project (hey - if Columbus could discover America - they can
discover this restaurant!). This place is time machine par
excellence - absolutely perfect and hiding out in Pico-Rivera.
It's dark, unique and has great food. Great wooden menus that
sit up on your table. Brass curtains and one of a kind lounge
chairs. This restaurant is a must see. The exterior is similar
to the Magic Lamp.
Not far from the Dal Rae restaurant and the Tamarack Inn bar
and restaurant. Another "Golden Triangle" of restaurants.
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| Swingers, 8020 Beverly Blvd Los
Angeles, CA 90048-4504
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This used to be the Beverly Laurel Coffee
Shop. It's been almost completely remodeled, but still has an
old time feel. I was impressed by the health conscious food
here, including vegan dishes, real whole wheat bread (not white
bread with a tiny bit of fiber put back in) and organic eggs. Of
course there is a friendly and very hip staff here with a lot of
style. A quintessential LA spot (Vegas should have a place like
this) I believe scenes from "Swingers" were filmed here. What
a coincidence! Also seen in the TV show "The Hills"
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The Sycamore Inn - 8318 Foothill Blvd.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA (909) 982-1104 since 1848
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Another restaurant that I'm never near at the
right time, when it's open. The structure doesn't look that
old, although this place claims the oldest establishment date of
any Los Angeles metro restaurant - 1848! Maybe be the oldest
restaurant in California (a title they battle for with the
Tadish Grill). On Rt. 66.
Almost across the street from the Magic Lamp restaurant.
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| (Les Freres) Taix Restaurant, 1911
Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, 213-484-1265 since 1927 T
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I think the main draw for this restaurant is
the excellent food (excellent soups served in massive
quantities). The place has sort of an old feel. It is one of
the most historic and well known restaurants in Los Angeles
(despite not being in the original location). The restaurant
traces its roots to Marius Taix who immigrated to the U.S. from
France in the 1880s. It has been run by descendents ever since
(see the restaurateur page). They moved to this location when
the original brick restaurant was condemned by the Federal
Government to make a parking lot for the old Federal Building in
August of 1964. Their original location was 321 Commercial St.,
a building constructed in 1912. Their "famous Chicken Dinner" in
the 1940s was sixty cents. Friendly staff and convenient
parking. Not far from Millie's Restaurant, El Chavo Restaurant,
El Cid, the Bright Spot restaurant, the Short Stop Bar and the
Tiki Ti bar.
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| Taylor's Steak House, 3361 W 8th St
Los Angeles, CA 90005-2438 (213) 382-8449, since 1953.
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This is an excellent example of a classic
restaurant that changed locations without losing its "time
machine" feel. I don't believe the current location is very old,
but you would never know it. Large semi-circle booths, dark and
relaxing, and great food. Taylor's, along with the HMS Bounty
and the Prince (along with what's left of the Brown Derby
restaurant) reflects the last traces of when Koreatown was still
basically Hollywood (technically I guess Wilshire Center). This
place is similar to the Riviera at Fireside in Westminster. |
| Tom Bergin’s Horseshoe Tavern, 840 S.
Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036-4421 323-936-7151 (since
1936) T T
 
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Nice bar and restaurant. Apparently the
restaurant not only changed its address, but it was actually
taken apart and reassembled at its present locale in 1949. Great
idea. Some say that this is the bar that inspired the Cheers TV
show (others disagree). Lot's of great history here. They
brought Irish Coffee to California. This place has many loyal
fans. Not too far from Canter's Deli, the Farmer's Market, El
Coyote Restaurant, Patsy's (D'Amore) Pizza and Molly
Malone's bar.
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| Trader Vic's - 9876 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-276-6345 (since 1955)
T T
 
 
The above is the interior prior to the move to the pool area.
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This place is one of the originators of the
Tiki restaurant. There are others in this chain that are
still quite Tiki. This one has become very toned down
with nautical decor. I had placed it on the remodeled page for a
couple of years, but after a recent visit (and in light of the
endangered nature of the place), I've decided to put it back in
the Time Machine category (you can tell I place an exaggerated
importance on everything I do!). It's interesting that in most
de-Tikified places, it's the support posts carved like Tiki's
that are the last to go (they can't remove them since they hold
the place up!). Granted that my wife is known for not being
picky about food, but she thought her fried rice dish here was
the best thing she had ever eaten in her life on a recent visit.
There is a great story about how the big Tiki in front of the
restaurant had to be modified after it was uncrated from its
trip from Polynesia where it was purchased, but due to the
G-rated nature of this site, I'll have to let you look into it.
The drinks are still excellent (although it took a lot of
explaining and two attempts to get a "virgin" Pina Colada), but
the Tiki mugs are gone. It would be very easy to
retikify this place. Have these places not caught on that
the Tiki craze is back full swing!
UPDATE: Developers are threatening to take this place
away from us as well. Check with the Los Angeles Conservancy to
see if anything can be done about protecting this historic
place. It's looking like a fait accomplis.
UPDATE II: The classic old place is gone, but
they have reopened in the Beverly Hilton Pool Area. Let me know
what it's like (hope they added some Tiki's!). Algo es algo dijo
el diablo! Note also that Las Vegas now has a Trader Vic's in
the Miracle Mile (rip off!) shopping center. The Vegas Trader
Vic's has an ultra modern decor with two massive Tiki's holding
up the place.
Not far from Nate 'n Al's, the Brighton Coffee Shop & Cafe,
Billingsley's Restaurant and the Apple Pan restaurant.
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| Twin Dragon Chinese Restaurant, 8597 W
Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 310 657-7355 (since 1966?)
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The food here must be great, because there is
no ambiance to speak of. Thus, for a place like this to last
this long, you can be pretty sure the chow is wonderful (and so
say many reviews I've read). Unfortunately, I only had time to
poke my head in, so I'll have to give you a food review next
time! |
| Uncle Bill's Pancake House, 1305
Highland Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310-545-5177 T
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This place is always packed on the weekends -
so the food must be good. Definitely an affluent crowd here in
Manhattan Beach. The place seems pretty much remodeled,
although it still has an old fashioned counter. Wholesome place
for the family and good people watching.
See it on a beach tour of Sam's Seafood Restaurant (now
reopened), Ercoles bar, the Mermaid Inn (Thelen's) bar and
restaurant (one of the true classics for a beach area!), the
Harbor Room bar, the Bull Pen bar and restaurant, the site of
the Arches Restaurant, the White House Restaurant and the
former Parasol (soon to be Mel's).
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| Uncle John's Ham 'n' eggs, 433 W 8th
Street - Los Angeles, 213-623-3555 Recommended by Paul M.
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I'm not sure how old the lunch counter is
here. Looks like the first place in this location was probably
the 1930s, from the terrazzo in front. It's not the original
owner, but this place is very quaint and old. Somewhat stark
with mirrors being the only decorations on some walls, it has
the feel of being a real slice of Americana, despite the fact
that it now serves Chinese food. The staff is very friendly.
They serve massive quantities of food for rock bottom prices and
at the speed of light. I'm not exaggerating!
Near the Golden Gopher Bar, where Mickey Cohen hung out, as
well as Hank's Bar, the Yorkshire Grill, the Original
Pantry Cafe, Philippe the Original French Dipped Sandwiches
Restaurant, Cole's PE Buffet Restaurant (in hiatus)and Clifton's
Cafeteria. Downtown Los Angeles is the place to be!
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| Village Coffee Shop, 2695
N. Beachwood Dr. 323-467-5398 T T T
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A friendly and serene coffee shop in
Hollywoodland (Superman lives in the Fortress of Solitude - not
in Hollywoodland! And I am sure that George Reeves never ate
here given that it wasn't built until the 70's) - up above the
hustle and bustle of the Los Angeles urban center below. While
the building is older, the coffee shop dates from around 1971
(I'll break my time rule yet again). Fine place to get away
from it all and hang out with nice people. Fine place to eat
on a tour of Hollywood including the Hollywoodland development,
but drive extremely slowly and carefully around those narrow
Hollywoodland streets. This is no place for aggressive people in
a rush.
Not far from Musso and Frank's Grill (Musso & Frank's)
Micheli's Restaurant ( I occasionally misspell things for search
engine purposes), Boardner's bar and restaurant, the Pig 'n
Whistle Restaurant, the Frolic Room bar, and the Power House
bar.
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| Valley Inn (The), 4557 Sherman Oaks
Ave. (818) 784-1163 ( since 1947 ) Restaurant T T
Bar T T T T T
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This Steak House is a great find in Sherman
Oaks, right off the 405 and blocks from the Galeria Mall. The
bar here is an antique brought in from New York long ago. This
is perhaps the best looking old bar in Los Angeles. Small and
cozy with friendly people and staff. Well worth the trip over
the Sepulveda pass. Highly recommended. A great piece of
Americana with a Russian influence.
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| Venice Room, 2428 S Garfield Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91754-7222 (323) 722-3075 T T T T T
 
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Terrific find based on a reader's
suggestion. This place is really in pristine shape. Friendly
owner and regulars. A big plus is Karaoke in several different
languages at night. Another fun aspect of the place is that you
can cook your own steak on their grill and at a ridiculously low
price (like the Turf Club in San Diego). One of the better places I have come across
in recent years. Interesting paintings with black light
highlights (perhaps not on the level of a Modigliani, but I
like them!). It is also conveniently only a block North off the
60 Garfield Ave. exit and has its own parking. What more do you
want! Please patronize this place. We can't afford to lose it.
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| Vince’s Spaghetti, 1206 W. Holt,
Ontario, CA 909 986 7074, since 1945. T T T
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There are three branches which are all
incredible deals on food, but the original restaurant location
from the 1940s is in Ontario. While I’m not sure the interior is
that old, it has a very old feel to it. Some areas are
wonderfully dark and others have this great florescent glow. The
food menu is limited but what they do, they do very well and at
rock bottom prices. Mostly Spaghetti (watch out for ordering
cheese on it – you’ll get a mountain’s worth) and French Dipped
Sandwiches. Can get a little crowded but well worth the wait.
The line moves fast. Good stop off point traveling to and from
Los Angeles from Las Vegas and points East. Located on Holt
Blvd. which used to be highway 99, an important old route in and
out of Los Angeles. Perfect for the whole family. Besides
Filippe's in San Diego - this may be the best spaghetti place
anywhere.
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| Watson Drugs & Soda Fountain, 116 E.
Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92866 714 532-6315 (the drug store
dates from 1899 and the counter perhaps from 1910)
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An extremely rare remaining drug store food
counter. The only other one I know of in Southern California
(except for a mundane place I forgot the name of in El Centro,
California) is the Fair Oaks Pharmacy. If anyone knows of
another (other than of recent construction), please write me! On
the East Coast these were once as ubiquitous as McDonald's.
Since I didn't grow up in California, I don't know if it was the
same out here. Watson's is located in the very old fashioned
downtown of Orange, California. Watson's is a bit overwhelmed
with nostalgic "knick Knackism", but still a very nice place.
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| Yamashiro’s Restaurant– 1999 North
Sycamore Avenue Hollywood, CA 323-466-5125, 4:30 pm to 1:00Am
This website has a nice section on history
I'll give this one T. It's really
big draw is that it is a very romantic view of the city and has
a lot of history behind it.
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Incredible view from this historic restaurant
on top of a hill in Hollywood. If you can’t afford the food,
drive up the hill, and pay the parking and buy a drink in the
bar. Very romantic place and setting for various films.
Constructed in 1913, this was actually once someone's home.
During World War II it was remodeled to hide the Japanese style
during more bigoted times, but now has been completely
restored. They filmed "Sayonara" and "Teahouse of the August
Moon" here. The lands around the restaurant contain the oldest
building in Los Angeles - a 600 year old pagoda. Did I mention
the views! Not far from Musso and Frank Grill (Musso's), the
El Capitan movie palace, Boardner's bar and restaurant, the
Power House bar, Miceli's Restaurant, the Frolic Room bar,
and Grauman's Egyptian and Chinese movie palaces.
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