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| Dal Rae Restaurant, 9023 E. Washington
Blvd. Pico Rivera, CA 90660 Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am -
3:00pm Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday &
Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm. since 1958 T T
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Dal Rae is a great old restaurant in Pico
Rivera. A bit remodeled but still with a nice old feel. The Rat
Pack would certainly have been at home at Dal Rae (and probably
did visit). Many think Dal Rae was named after race horses, but
it's the reverse - the former owners owned horses and named them
after the restaurant. Kevin and Lorin Smith are the current
owners. Dal Rae has 65 employees and with a yearly gross income
of approximately three million dollars. The Dal Rae restaurant
was founded in the 40s near Hollywood Park and its name was
derived from the original owners' names. There was a
downtown Los Angeles Dal Rae branch at 10511 S. Western and the
Pico Rivera branch opened in 1958. The downtown Los Angeles
restaurant came to an end in 1968, but the Pico Rivera branch
uses the same original menu. Fantastic food (though not
inexpensive). Reservations highly suggested - this place is
very popular. Dal Rae Restaurant is not far from the
Tamarack Inn, Goody's Coffee Shop, the Embers Lounge, Chris &
Pitts Restaurant, Clearman's Steak 'n Stein restaurant,
Clearman's North Woods Restaurant. A short trip to Bahooka's
Ribs and Grog Restaurant.
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| Damiano Mr. Pizza Restaurant, 412
North Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 323-658-7611 T T T
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Damiano Mr. Pizza Restaurant is across the
street from Canter's Deli. This rather austere place serves
100% authentic classic East Coast thin crust pizza. Damiano's
still throw their pizza dough here, the only way to make real
East Coast Pizza. Expat East Coaster's - this is your place for
bringing back memories of walking on the boardwalk at the ocean
and having a slice of pizza for lunch. Damianos is not far
from Canter's Deli, Molly Malone's, the Farmer's Market, Patsy's
Pizza and the El Coyote Mexican Restaurant.
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| Damon’s Restaurant, 317 North Brand
Boulevard, Glendale 818-507-1510 Monday 11am-10pm,
Tuesday-Sunday 11am-11pm since 1937
T T T T
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Damon's restaurant is a real "blast to the
past" with a wonderful ambiance. Even though Damon's is now in a
relatively new (80's?)location, you would never know it. Great
interior with many wonderful 1940s like murals. Sort of a Tiki
place without the Tiki’s (well, I believe there may be one).
Damon's Restaurant is an excellent example of how a classic
restaurant can relocate and not lose its ambiance. Good food and
friendly service. One of the greats! Damon's Restaurant
is near the Alex Theater, the Red Lion and the Astro Family
Restaurant.
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| Dan Tana's Restaurant, 9071 Santa
Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood (310) 275-9444 Daily 5pm-1am.
since 1964 T T
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Originally just called "Tana's" . Dan Tana is
another alumnus of the famous Villa Capri. This place is hard to
describe. Small, crowded by 7:00pm and very lively. Dan Tana's
Restaurant has good Italian food, albeit not inexpensive. Looks
like an appropriate place to study Westside Los Angeles
culture. The bar has regulars with interesting stories to tell
of Los Angeles history and the good old days. I believe the
interior dates from the 80's after there was a fire here. Dan
Tana, the founder, came from Yugoslavia (Serbia). He left
there in 1952 after a career as a star soccer player (his name
was originally Dobrivoje Tanaskovic or Dobrivoie Tanaskovic).
He is a well known actor here and in former Yugoslavia as
well. ABC used his name (changed to Dan Tanna) for Robert
Urich's character in the series, Vegas. Famous chefs at Dan
Tana's: Mate Mustac and Neno Mladenovic. If you can get a
table here, you're in for a lot of fun! Better use the Valet
parking, because street parking is almost non-existent here.
High movie star quotient here. People who live in LA are
required to pretend they could care less about seeing stars.
I also try to pretend but I don't do a very good job of it
Dan Tana still makes the rounds making sure his guests are
happy, at least when he's not jetting back and forth between
Yugoslavia.
Dan Tana's Restaurant is near Barney's Beanery and the
Formosa Cafe, and right next to the Troubadour (one of rock's
greatest sites - man would I have liked to be there the night
John Lennon got thrown out! How could they do that, no matter
how badly he was acting).
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| Darby's Restaurant, 20901 Sherman Way,
Canoga Park, 818-347-0231 T T T T
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Darby's is a very nicely preserved Coffee
Shop. A rare time machine in the West of the San Fernando
Valley. Darby's is a nice reminder of what the Valley used to
be like. Classic Googie signage still intact. I guess what were
once white middle class areas in the '50s are often Hispanic
working class areas now in the Valley (not that one demographic
was any better than the other). |
| Dear John's Restaurant, 11208 Culver
Blvd., City 397-0276 Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun
11am-5pm, since 1965 T T T T
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Dear John's restaurant and bar has a great
old feel. The trademark here is that the walls are covered with
famous "Johns", most prominently John Lennon. Nice and
dark. Very relaxing. Near the Cinema bar, Tito's Tacos,
Dinah's Family Restaurant, Pann's restaurant, the Buggy Whip
Restaurant and Johnnie's Pastrami.
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The Derby Restaurant, 233 E.
Huntington Dr., Arcadia 626-447-2430
Dinner: Sun -
Thurs, 4:00pm - 10:00pm Fri-Sat, 4:00pm - 11:00pm
since 1938T (only because it's
completely remodeled)
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The Derby (not to be confused with the Brown
Derby Restaurant formerly in Los Angeles) is a really classy
restaurant. There are so many details to the history of this
place, I'll let you refer to their website. George Woolf, the
"other" Seabiscuit jockey, established the place. It is full of
Seabiscuit memorabilia. The Derby restaurant is almost totally
remodeled, but they did do an excellent job of recreating an old
feel to the place. Since the "masses" apparently don't have
much appreciation for history, I guess you can't blame the Derby
restaurant's owners for feeling they have to remodel to stay
economically viable. As I've mentioned before, I know nothing
about food, but the top sirloin I had here for about $20 was the
best I could ever remember having. Owner: Chip Sturniolo. |
| Dinah’s Family Restaurant, 6521 S.
Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles 310-645-0456 daily 6am-10pm
(since 1959)
T T
The pictures below are the Sepulveda
Blvd. location:
Dinah's Fried Chicken Original Recipe, 4106 San
Fernando Rd. Glendale 818 244-4188 (I assume these places are
related or were at some point in time - correct me if I'm
wrong).
T
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First called Dinah's Original Pancake and
Chicken House (competition for Roscoe's?) A quasi-googie type
restaurant (it was probably googier in 1959). Lots of old radios
on display. Decent food, although given my cholesterol problems
(you’d never guess where that came from!), I did not sample
Dinah's famous fried chicken. Good homemade rolls. Nice place to
eat going or coming from the Los Angeles airport, especially if
you want to escape the traffic on the 405.
There was (is?) another location at 2454 E. Gage St. in
Huntington Beach, CA.
The Glendale Location has great food, but appears to be more
remodeled.
Dinah's Family Restaurant is not far from Pann’s
restaurant, the Buggy Whip restaurant, Johnie’s Pastrami, Dear
John's restaurant and the Cinema Bar
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| Dolores Restaurant, 11407 Santa Monica
Blvd, Los Angeles, 310 477-1061 open 24 hours. since 1944
T T T
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This location of Dolores Restaurant was
originally a Sheri's Coffee Shop. One of the oldest coffee shops
around, on the outskirts of Santa Monica right off the 405.
Good coffee shop food. If I'm not mistaken the 1944 inception
refers to another late and great defunct branch - Dolores
Drive-In (see the Extinct Page).
UPDATE: I'm told there is a new owner and a lot
of remodeling going on. Scary!Dolores Restaurant is not far
from the Arsenal bar, Rae's Restaurant, the Galley Restaurant,
Casa Escobar Mexican restaurant, Snug Harbor restaurant and the
Apple Pan Restaurant.
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| Dresden Room Restaurant, 1760 N.
Vermont Ave. 323-665-4294,Weekday hours: 5pm - 2am Weekend
hours: 5pm - 2am. since 1940 T T T T T
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This address was first a paint store and then
it became Pucci Cafe owned by John Pucci around 1937. It became
the Dresden Room Restaurant in the 50s. Perfectly preserved
interior and the best Cobb Salad I’ve ever had, Los Angeles or
otherwise. As you might know, Cobb Salad is named after Robert
H. Cobb aka Bob Cobb, former owner of the Brown Derby
restaurant and inventor of the salad. The Dresden room is
featured in the movie "Swingers". The dining room reminds me
somewhat of the last incarnation of Perino's restaurant. Owners:
Jim and Sara Ferraro. The Dresden Room Restaurant is not
far from the site of the Los Feliz Brown Derby (the Derby
Nightclub), as well as Ye Rustic Inn.
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| Dukes (Tropicana) Coffee Shop, 8909 W.
Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 310-652-3100, Mon-Fri 7:30am to
8:45pm, Sat-Sun. 8am to 3:45pm T T
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Dukes (Tropicana) Coffee Shop has a very
friendly feel, with communal tables and a friendly staff (my
waiter was perhaps a little too friendly the last time I was
there!). Its location next to the Whisky a Go Go and its
previous location has given it a high position in Rock history.
Good place for breakfast, especially if you’re staying at the
London or any of the expensive hotels on this area of Sunset
Blvd. Silverlake Bodhisattva tells me the restaurant started
out as "Dukes at the Tropicana" on Santa Monica. The hotel was
the property at one point of baseball great Sandy Koufax. It
was torn down in 1988. Update: The original
address was 8585 Santa Monica Blvd. In 1982 the stars hanging
out at Duke's Coffee Shop were Jon Voigt, Jackie Cooper and
Donald Sutherland, among others. Joe of the UK tells me the
Tropicana is now a Ramada Inn.
Update II: Duke's Coffee Shop and the Tropicana
have a history of being a musical Mecca. Jim Morrison
lived at the Tropicana for a long time and Tom Waits hung out
there as well. Many other famous groups stayed there
before making it "big". It is obviously loved by musicians.
Duke's Coffee Shop is not far from the Rainbow Bar and Grill,
Greenblatt's Deli, Myagi's (Player's) Restaurant, the Mondrian
Hotel, Mel's Drive In (Ben Frank's) , the Sunset Grill
restaurant, Barney's Beanery restaurant and bar and Coach
and Horses bar.
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Dupar’s Restaurant, Farmer’s Market
location, 6333 W. 3rd. Street, Los Angeles
since 1938
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Not only does this place have a great old
feel, but it is the closest place I have found to serving a hot
fudge sundae almost as good as the long gone C.C. Brown’s. Boy,
I wish I had bought up a 100 cans of C.C. Brown’s hot fudge
before it went out of business (although recently I was told the
fudge is available on the web). The farmer's market in general
has a nice old feel and a tremendous variety of food and goodies
to buy. There is also one of Los Angeles' oldest adobe homes
hidden near the parking lot. There is a branch established in
1948 at 12036 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, California (818)
766-4437 UPDATE: With the same excitement I would
have for hearing they are doing a remake of Citizen Kane (or
perhaps Citizen Kane II - the comedy) - Dupar's Restaurant at
Farmer's market is closed with a sign that it will soon reopen
after remodeling.
UPDATE II: I just checked back and the interior of
this Dupar's is completely gutted. Gone are the great booths and
counter (and everything else). The signs promise a much better
place is coming. I'm skeptical!!!
UPDATE III: Dupar's has reopened. I peeked
inside and it looks pretty much remodeled. I would have taken a
picture but the host gave my camera a menacing look.
Not far from Tom Bergin's bar and restaurant,
Canter's Delicatessen, the El Coyote Mexican Restaurant and
Molly Malone's bar.
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| El Chavo Mexican Restaurant, 4441 W
Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles Monday-Wednesday 4pm-10pm, Thurs-Sun
11:30am-10pm, 323 664-0871
T T T T
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Talk about a great find. El Chavo may
possibly beat El Coyote for being Los Angeles' most unique
Mexican Restaurant (in a town flooded with cookie cutter generic
Mexican restaurants and as well as some very good "hole in the
walls" places). The El Chavo Mexican Restaurant is hard to
describe - sort of a psychedelic Diego Rivera. I usually don't
like Knick Knacks but they seem to work well here. Strangely
there is a large photo of Dolly Parton (I guess she comes here
from time to time). Good food and good prices. Parking in the
rear and metered parking on the street. I highly recommend
checking out the place. The El Chavo Mexican Restaurant is
right next to the Tiki Ti bar and near Millie's restaurant, El
Cid Restaurant, the Brite Spot Restaurant, Taix French
Restaurant and the Short Stop bar.
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| El Cid Restaurant and Dinner Theater,
4212 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323) 668-0318
T T
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I recently returned to the El Cid after an
absence of about 20 years. Time flies - but this institution for
Flamenco dance has remained true to its origins. The El Cid has
a mildly old feel, but a heck of a lot of fun. Pretty
reasonable prices (about $29.00 for dinner and a show). The
dancers are truly spectacular as well as the guitarist on the
Wednesday night I went. The El Cid Dinner Theater is definitely
recommended for a fun night on the town. The El Cid Restaurant
is not far (like two blocks) from the El Chavo and the Tiki Ti.
Also near Millie's, the Short Stop bar, the Brite Spot
Restaurant and the Taix French Restaurant for a nice Sunset
Blvd. tour.
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| El Coyote Mexican Restaurant, 7312
Beverly, Los Angeles, 323-939-2255, Sun-Thurs. 11am-10pm,
Friday-Sat. 11am-11pm since 1931 (from 1951 in
this location) T T
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The present building the El Coyote Restaurant
is housed in was first "The Griddle" in 1927. Then "the Queens"
in 1930. In 1934, it became McDonnell's Monterey (an "old
California" restaurant). Later, Slim Obley's Monterey Dinner
House. Founded by George Klein March and his wife, the El Coyote
Restaurant itself was originally located at 105 N. La
Brea. George purchased the present location of the El Coyote
for $37,500 in 1951, but died a year later on 11-19-1952 at age
58. The El Coyote Mexican Restaurant is a Los Angeles
institution. A quirky Mexican restaurant with fun, mildly old
décor and excellent Margaritas (if you're not driving). It's
dark and relaxing despite the crowds. It's amazing how well they
move people and cars in and out. It really cuts down on
the wait. Don't expect Boyle Heights authenticity here.
This is gringo Mexico food (but good in any event). Rumor is
that this is the last restaurant Sharon Tate dined at before
meeting up with the Manson family the same night in August,
1969.
The El Coyote Restaurant is not far from Molly Malone's
bar, Tom Bergin's bar, Jan's Restaurant, Swingers Coffee
Shop and Canter's Deli, as well as the Farmers Market (Patsy's
Pizza)
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| El Toreo Mexican Restaurant, 21 S.
Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 626-793-2577 T T
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I recently at at the El Toreo Mexican on one
of my monthly trips to Pasadena with my good friend John B.
Sort of a humble place with a nice neon sign - it would be easy
to miss among all the flashy places in Old Town Pasadena. Very
good Mexican food (I recommend the Menudo). Nice old pictures
of Mexico on the walls. Great jukebox with Ramon Ayala y sus
Bravos del Norte and Los Tigres Del Norte, my two favorite
Norteno bands. It's a major adventure to find their men's room
(unmarked in the back of an alley after passing through the
kitchen!). No one there that night knew when it opened, but it's
at least 40 years old. Why pay upscale prices when you can have
good food here! The El Toreo Mexican Restaurant is near the
35er, El Cholo (Pasadena branch) Mexican Restaurant, Monty's
Steak House Restaurant (now closed!), the Fair Oaks Pharmacy,
and Gus's Bar-B-Q Restaurant.
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| Encounter's Lounge, 209 World Way at
LAX Airport, 310-215-5151 (building since 1961) (except
for the lobby - not the original interior - but time machines go
into the future as well!)
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This is located
in the great themed building of LAX that looks kind of like a
huge atom. I had been here once some twenty years ago and had
no memory of the original interior. The new mid-century modern
Encounter's Lounge interior is a lot of fun with 360 degree
views of LAX. Would probably be good for a romantic date.
Strangely, by my tastes, the interior was almost understated - I
would probably have made it even more exaggerated if I had
designed it (but I'm known for my bad taste!). But it's
definitely very nice and worth seeing. If you're not from Holmby Hills - you might just want to just come for a
non-alcoholic drink (the food prices were a bit above my budget
- though I'm sure they are reasonable for a restaurant of this
caliber). You can get all the great history and information on
the architecture on their website (hyperlink to the left). |
| Five Crowns Restaurant, 3801 East
Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA, 92625 949 760-0331 T T
T T since 1965
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The Five Crowns Restaurant is another place
I'm never at during the right time of day. I tend to go South
only in the morning to end up back in Los Angeles by dinner.
The Five Crowns Restaurant was open the day I walked in only for
a private party, so they were nice enough to let me take a
picture. Looks like a really beautiful old English interior.
Got to come back - someday! Not too far from the Crab Cooker
Restaurant, La Cave Restaurant, and the old site (empty lot?) of
the Arches Restaurant.
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| Frank's Steak House, 916 W Olive Ave,
Burbank, California 818 845-2216 T T T
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Frank's Steak House is sort of a prototype
for all California Coffee shops that are not overly Googie
(although the outside is Googie-ish). Healthy homemade food
here. Don't let the new sign fool you. Frank's Steak House
dates from the 40's.
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| Formosa Café, 7156 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, Monday-Friday 4pm-2am, Saturday-Sunday 6pm-2am.
323-850-9050, since 1929
T T T T T
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I recently revisited the Formosa Cafe and
thankfully it is still in very good shape. It was darker than I
remembered, but darkness is always a good thing in a time
machine restaurant. If there's anything I hate, it is a very
bright restaurant. You can't relax. One thing missing from the
Formosa Cafe was the former owner, Lem Quon, who would often be
sleeping at a table. He died in December of 1993. Quon had
started out as the chef here. The owner, at least in 1963, was
originally a man with a very Chinese sounding name - Jimmy
Bernstein, who used to have a free Thanksgiving dinner each year
for hundreds of underprivileged children. In the 40's it may
have been called the Formosa Club and it was owned by Max Gold.
A famous gangster and associate of Mickey Cohen was arrested
here in 1951 - Freddie Sica. You can see the Formosa in the
movie " LA Confidential " (the Lana Turner scene) There are
claims that Elizabeth Short (the Black Dahlia) hung out here,
but you have to take such claims with a grain of salt.
The rear of the restaurant was made out of an old railroad
car. Lots of nice pictures of Hollywood stars. This place
has survived at least one plan to tear it down. It is said that
Elvis ate here and as a tip, he left his waitress a Cadillac.
The Formosa Cafe is near Dan Tana's Restaurant and Barney's
Beanery restaurant and bar, and not far from all the Hollywood
Haunts, Musso and Frank's Restaurant (Grill), Miceli's Italian
Restaurant, Boardner's Bar and Restaurant, the Chinese Theater,
the Egyptian Theater, the Power House bar, the Frolic Room bar,
and the El Capitan Theater.
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Galley Restaurant (The)2442 Main
Street, Santa Monica, open seven days a week at 5:00pm
310-452-1934
T T T
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I had eaten at the Galley Restaurant some 15
years ago and recently returned. Thankfully, not much has
changed. Brave holdout in a rapidly disappearing area of time
machines – Santa Monica. Great salads (I’m trying to get away
from the Cholesterol onslaught that many time machines bring
on). Friendly staff. You have to go here if you're in Santa
Monica. It's an institution. Very nice owner. The Galley
Restaurant is near Chez Jay’s bar and restaurant, Patrick’s
Roadhouse, Father’s Office bar, Rae’s Restaurant, Casa Escobar
restaurant, Dolores Restaurant and Snug Harbor Restaurant.
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Genio’s Restaurant, 1420 W. Olive Ave.
Burbank 818-848-6937
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I really liked Genio's Restaurant. Old
curved bar with matching overhang. Dark woods, a fireplace. As
relaxing as can be, with a very friendly staff, including the
bartenders. This is a highly endangered time machine, as I
believe it is up for sale. Please - send in the crowds. Why
haven't the Gen X'ers discovered this place? If you don't
appreciate great places like this - they will continue to
disappear. UPDATE: Genio's Restaurant closed
10-1-06. A big loss for Burbank. This was definitely a nice
place!
UPDATE II: Allan F. tells me some of the decor went to
"The Rock Inn" in Lake Hughes (near Palmdale) and many of the
regulars now go to Gary Bric's Ramp. These are both old
restaurants, so check them out!
Genio's was near the Smoke House Restaurant, Bob's Big Boy
Restaurant, Chili John's Restaurant, Bella Vista restaurant, the
Blue Room bar, Frank's Restaurant and the Safari Inn Motel.
Is Burbank great or what?
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| Goody's Restaurant, 865 E Las Tunas
Dr, San Gabriel, CA 626 286-3515 (since 1957)
T T
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Goody's Restaurant has a classic Googie sign.
Still in pretty good shape (not too Googie inside, but with an
old feel). Yummy food. Given that Hispanic employees abound,
they make a great salsa here. San Gabriel makes for a great
tour with Goody's Restaurant, Bahooka's Restaurant, Clearman's
North Woods Restaurant, Petrillo's Restaurant and then
down to Pico Rivera for Dal Rae'sRestaurant, the Tamarack Inn
and Clearman's Steak and Stein. Then off to Whittier to
Chris & Pitts Restaurant and the Embers Lounge bar. A virtual
feast of time machines (and all very good!).
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| Grand Central Public Market, 317 S.
Broadway, Los Angeles (downtown), 90013, Mon-Sat. 9am-6pm, Sun.
9-5, 213-624-2378 T T T
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Originally built to serve the wealthy on
Bunker Hill, this is still a wonderful place for produce and
exotic ethnic foods (mostly Hispanic). You won't get better food
for cheaper prices anywhere else in Los Angeles. Well preserved
neon signs inside. Incidentally, if you want to experience what
Bunker Hill might have been like before the skyscrapers, San
Diego, California has a similar hill where the El Cortez Hotel
is located that has not been leveled and is full of Victorian
houses. Back to LA, check out the Bradbury building nearby (used
in that great film - Blade Runner. Why can't they make science
fiction films adults can take seriously anymore. Blade Runner
and 2001 are about it). Not far from Cole's PE Buffet, the
Original Pantry Cafe, Hank's bar, Casey's bar and restaurant,
the Standard Hotel and Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria.
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| Gus's Bar-B-Q, 808 Fair Oaks Ave.
South Pasadena, Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-midnight; Sat
8am-midnight; Sun 8am-10pm 626-799-3251. T
Below are pre-remodel Pictures of Gus's:
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A viewer of this website recommended Gus's
Barbeque restaurant to me. Sure enough, it is very authentic,
with counter seating, old booths, a nice neon sign and a bar in
the rear similar to Taylor's Steak house, with a race horse
theme. Apparently the interior is fairly new after the original
was damaged in an earthquake. They did a good job because they
fooled me. I didn't have time to eat there yet, but the food
looks good! You can visit Gus's Bar B Q restaurant, Monty's
Steak House (now closed), the 35er bar, El Cholo Mexican
restaurant, the el Torero, the Fair Oaks Pharmacy, Pie 'n Burger restaurant and
the Rialto movie palace all in one short trip to Pasadena. Los
Angeles isn't the only time machine city!
UPDATE: Carol G. tells me this place was
remodeled lately and probably no longer fits the "time machine"
definition.
UPDATE II: I poked my head in. Looks
like a sort of upscale remodel. 'nuff said.
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