|
|
Americana Restaurant,
210 Atlantic Ave Long Beach, CA 90802
562-435-4030
T T T
 |
This place I found just by driving
by. Very quaint, with a nice interior dating from the
'40s (from a prior restaurant). Friendly owner and good
old fashion comfort food like Hot Turkey Sandwiches.
You're going to like it!
 |
(El) Adobe de Capistrano
Restaurant, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan
Capistrano, 949-493-1163 (since 1948)
 |
The El Adobe de Capistrano is a very
beautiful restaurant in a historic adobe home. El Adobe
de Capistrano became a restaurant in 1948. I'm including
it here despite a recent complete remodel, because the
new interior has a time machine effect of its own. You
feel like you have been transported back to the old
Californeano days of Spanish Mexico. The restaurant is
owned by Richard O'Neill, a member of the pioneering
family that once owned all of Camp Pendleton (Rancho
Santa Margarita) and Rancho Mission Viejo. Mr. O'Neill
at one point owned or co-owned around 30 restaurants,
including the Blarney Castle, the Bull 'n Bush, the Tiny
Naylor chain and the HMS Bounty. This is a remarkable
restaurant - a great stop between San Diego and Los
Angeles. And make sure to visit the Mission San
Juan Capistrano while you're here.
|
| Alpine Inn, 833 W. Torrance
Blvd., Torrance, CA 310-323-6520 (since around 1968)
T T
|
What a great find! The Alpine Inn
restaurant is part of a whole Alpine Village. I went to
the Alpine Inn on a Monday night when they had a big
band playing with a great singer doing mostly Sinatra.
There is a variety of music every night. The Alpine Inn
has a mildly old feel, but the food is excellent and
reasonably priced and above all the dancing makes this
one of the last true supper clubs in the Los Angeles
metro area. I don't know if it is typical, but we were
served by the cashier and the service was truly
excellent. The majority of the crowd were seniors. One
couple in particular - probably in their 80's - danced
up a storm and were kissing and hugging the whole time.
It literally brought tears to my eyes. The human spirit
soars here! Sadly, it also reminds one how much we have
lost in American culture in recent years. If you live in
the LA area and don't become a regular here - your
nuts! Very conveniently located right off the 110
freeway. UPDATE: Rumors are the Alpine Inn may
be endangered. Given the amount of land it sits on
and the incredible location - not hard to believe
someone would want this locale. There goes the last of
the true Supper Clubs?
Not far from the San Franciscan and Henry Moffit's
Chicken Pies. And don't forget, when it rains in
Los Angeles, it comes down in Torrance!
|
Anna's Italian
Restaurant. 10929 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA,
90064 310 474-0102
T T T
|
Great place. Sort of a Sardi's feel
but with a twist. The sketches on the walls are of long
time employees, if I'm not mistaken. Pizza here was
magnifico! Nice to find time machines toward the West
side of town. Reasonable prices.
Near the Apple Pan, Billingsleys and the Arsenal Bar.
 |
| The Apple Pan, 10801 W. Pico
Blvd. West Los Angeles, (310) 475-3585, Tues-Sun 11AM to
midnight, Fri-Sat to 1AM. opened 4-11-1947
T T T T - see home page for explanation.
Picture by Andre T.
|
The Apple Pan Restaurant is
considered to have the best hamburgers on the West Side
of Los Angeles [Cassell's is the challenger in Koreatown,
as well as Knowlwood's (remodeled) and of course Tommy's
all over the place]. I may not be an expert, but these
burgers are the best I've ever had. Great apple pie.
The Apple Pan restaurant is small but has a very
authentic ambiance. Counter seating only, but fast
service. I'm not sure, but the their neon sign is in
such good condition, my guess is that it's new. I'll
have to investigate. Tillamook cheddar is used on the
cheeseburgers. Johnny Rockets is said to be influenced
by the Apple Pan. The Apple Pan restaurant has 26 red
stools, which comprises its entire seating space. The
Apple Pan is still with us because longtime owner Martha
Gamble fought off mega offers for her property. The
first owners were her parents Alan and Ellen. Martha
Gamble’s grandmothers invented the pie recipes. The
Apple Pan's motto: "Quality forever" and they live up to
it. The Apple Pan Restaurant is near to the Arsenal
Bar, Billingsly's Restaurant and not too far from Dan
Tana's Restaurant and Nate 'n Al's Restaurant, and
a short drive to the Buggy Whip bar and restaurant,
Pann's restaurant and Dinah's Family Restaurant.
|
| Astro's Family Restaurant,
2300 Fletcher Dr. Los Angeles 323-663-9241 open 24
hours. Since 1958
T T T T
|
Astro's Family Restaurant is an
outstanding example of Googie architecture, in great
shape inside and out. Good food too. Let's make sure to
support the Astro's Family Restaurant with our business,
so it does not go the way of Johnie's Broiler! The
Astro's Family Restaurant is owned same owner as Jan's
Restaurant in West Hollywood.
A good stop on a tour of the Red Lion, the Tam
O'Shanter Restaurant, the Roost bar, Club Tee Gee bar
and the former site of Algemac's Restaurant.
|
Bahooka Ribs and Grog, 4501 N.
Rosemead Blvd, Rosemead, 626-285-1241, Hours
Mon-Thu 11am-9pm
Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm
Sun 12pm-9pm since 1967Rating: T T T T T
 
 
|
Bahooka Ribs and Grog may well be the
most original and unique restaurant in the Los Angeles
metropolitan area. Well worth the drive no matter were
you live (even Alaska). Bahooka Ribs and Grog has 105
aquariums. The most famous fish here is a Pacu named
Rufus, who weighs more than 34 pounds. Impossible to
describe accurately but it’s dark, romantic, quasi-Tiki
Polynesian/nautical, with beautiful aquariums
surrounding each booth. They have recently increased
their number of Tiki's - always a good move! Tropical
drinks and great food, especially the ribs. The Bahooka
Ribs and Grog restaurant should have lines around the
block, but it has been fairly quiet each time I’ve gone.
The plates are huge – you might want to share one.
Patronize this place!!! Some one will have to explain
to me some day why they can't make creative places like
this anymore. A scene from "Fear and Loathing in Las
Vegas" was shot here, as well as the
Jim Carrey picture "The Number 23".
UPDATE: Rob M. informs me that Bahooka's
drinks are now in Tiki Mugs! Great idea. They are also
having a 40th year celebration in November of 2007.
Bahooka Ribs and Grog is not far from Petrillo's
Restaurant, Goody's Restaurant and Clearman's North
Woods Restaurant. You can also combine your trip
with a visit to not too far away Tamarack Inn,
Clearman's Steak 'n Stein restaurant and Dal Rae's
Restaurant.
|
| Barney’s Beanery, 8447 Santa
Monica Blvd., Hollywood 323 654-2287,
Mon-Fri 11am-2am; Sat-Sun 10am-2am.
Since 1920. The bar - T T T T
Restaurant - T T T
 
|
Barney's Beanery is a colorful place
and quite historic. It is located on a part of Santa
Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood that was once Route 66.
Established by John "Barney" Anthony who died
11-25-1968. Just about every classic movie star you can
think of has eaten here. The bar at Barney's Beanery
appears in the movie "the Doors" and it was a major Jim
Morrison hangout (Janis Joplin as well). Bukowski hung
out here at the bar and unfortunately liked the bar's
former controversial sign. Body Double was also filmed
here. Very extensive menu of down home American food.
Barney's Beanery claims to be the Third Oldest
Restaurant in Los Angeles proper. I guess that's true if
you add "in its original location" (then I guess the
oldest is Cole's and then Tam O'Shanter using that
criterion).
Barney's Beanery is not far from Dan Tana's
Restaurant, the Chateau Marmont Hotel, the Rainbow Bar
and Grill, the Standard Hotel, the Troubadour, Duke's,
Greenblatt's Deli and the Formosa Cafe.
|
| Barones Famous Italian Restaurant,
13726 Oxnard St. Van Nuys, CA since 1945
T T T
Booths at the original Barones
Current location of Barone's in the former Matterhorn
site. Photo by Kathleen B.
|
Good old time feel. Good food. What
more could you want in an Italian restaurant?
UPDATE: A reader has informed me that Barones
Famous Italian Restaurant has temporarily closed and
that possibly it will be moving to the Matterhorn. Let's
hope they can recreate the great old ambiance in the new
location.
UPDATE II: Barones Famous Italian
Restaurant has now reopened in the historic Matterhorn
Chief site, If one old place has to go, at least
it's nice to have another old one come back.
Required stop on the Ventura Blvd tour of Dupar's
Restaurant, Art's Deli, Casa Vega Restaurant and the La
Frite French Restaurant.
|
| Barragan's Mexican Restaurant,
1538 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 213-250-4256
(since 1961) T T
|
Barragan's Mexican Restaurant is
mostly remodeled, but it has a few old wooden booths.
Can't beat their huge $3.99 breakfast specials that
include coffee! Barragan's Mexican Restaurant is near
the Short Stop bar, Millie's, El Chavo Mexican
Restaurant, El Cid Dinner theater and restaurant, Taix,
the Brite Spot and the Tiki Ti.
|
Bear Pit Bar-B-Q Restaurant,
10825
Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, 818 365-2509 since the
1940sT T T T T - for their sign
T - Interior
|
You have to love the Bear Pit Bar-B-Q
Restaurant neon sign. And they have a long established
rep for great barbeque. Sawdust on the floor is always
the mark of a good restaurant in my opinion. Up toward
the north of the Valley. Owned by Andrew Schatz.
Strangely, one ad for it in 1964 had it spelled Baier
Pit. It was soon corrected.
There were (are?) two other locations: 132 N.
Glendale, Glendale and 12377 Roscoe, Canoga Park.
|
| Beeps Fast Food, 16063 Sherman
Way, Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 781-0830 since 1956
|
I have left most drive up stands off
of this site, since the theme here is basically historic
interiors - but Beeps Fast Food has such a nice Googie
sign, I could not resist (and the Valley is running low
on time machines). Had a great sandwich here as well.
 |
| (Tony's) Bella Vista Restaurant,
3116 W. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 818 843-0164
T T T
|
Tony's Bella Vista Restaurant is a
classic old and cozy Italian restaurant. Scrumptious
food. What more can I say? Formerly, the Lava Isle
Restaurant (which closed in 1964), this is a nice place
to stop on the time machine tour of Burbank including
Chili John's Restaurant, the Smoke House Restaurant,
Genio's Restaurant (now closed), Frank's Restaurant, the
Safari Inn Motel and the Blue Room bar.
You can have an easy tour of Time Machines just
driving down Magnolia Blvd. from North Hollywood to
Burbank passing the Fire Fox Room, Sitton's North
Hollywood Diner, Tony's Bella Vista, the Monte Carlo
Delicatessen and Pinocchio's Restaurant and finally Tin
Horn Flats (and I've probably missed a few on the way!).
|
| Billingsley's Restaurant,
11326 W Pico Blvd - Los Angeles, CA. 310-477-1426 T
T T T (the bar)
T T T (the restaurant)
|
It appears Billingsley's Restaurant
started out at 5827 Sunset Blvd. (unless it was another
place with the same name). It's funny that no matter how
much I research, I still find great places by
accidentally driving by them. This was a great find.
The bar is in almost perfect original condition. I had a
great Cobb Salad here as well. Owned by the Billingsley
family of whom everyone knows Barbara Billingsley of
"Leave it to Beaver" fame. She was the model for
American mothers for years. And I think her scene in
"Airport" as an interpreter of "jive" was a classic of
comedy. Her warmth is more than adequately represented
in this restaurant.
Billingsley's Restaurant is near the Arsenal bar, Nate
'n Al's, the Gas Lite bar and the Apple Pan restaurant.
 |
| Boardner’s Bar, 1652 N.
Cherokee Ave. Hollywood 90028-6212, 323-462-9621,
11:30am to 2:00am daily, since 1942 Recently
totally remodeled (but I'll keep it here since they have
a nice owner and it's still a great place)
This is the original interior below of Boardner's:
Original Interior of Boardners above
New Art Deco Interior
|
It appears this location was first
known as the "Cherokee House" in the 1930s. When Steve
Boardner first took it over it was called the "52 Club".
Stephen L. Boardner was born around 1914 and married at
least three times, including a very brief marriage to
actress Crystal Reeves. Boardner's barwas featured in
the movie "Ed Wood". The crowd at nighttime in
Boardner's is definitely more interesting. It's
funny how the ambiance of a bar, like this one, improves
dramatically at night. Boardner's is nice and
dark. Generally a young crowd. Despite the young
crowd, this place doesn't make the mistake of playing
music so loud, you can't have an intelligent
conversation. The location is ideal being a block
from Miceli's and Musso and Frank's - the Golden
Triangle of Hollywood!
Boardner's is completely remodeled, which would
normally send it to the "Old but Remodeled page - but
the owner "Tricia La Belle" is so nice and the location
and new interior are still great that I'll keep it
here. Regulars still love it.
Boardner's is near the Frolic Room, the
Pantages Theater, Miceli's Restaurant, Musso and
Frank's, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Grauman's
Chinese and Egyptian Movie Palaces, and the Power House
bar.
|
Bob's Big Boy Restaurant, 4211
W Riverside Dr Burbank, CA 91505 818-843-9334 since
1949
 |
Bob's Big Boy is a classic Wayne
McAllister coffee shop. This is the oldest surviving
Big Boy Restaurant. Modernism par excellence. Well
worth a visit, especially when they have a classic car
show in the parking lot. Bob's Big Boy Restaurant is
near the Smoke House Restaurant, Frank's Steakhouse,
Genio's Restaurant, Dimples Restaurant, Chili John's
Restaurant, the Bella Vista Italian Restaurant, Tin Horn
Flats, Monte Carlo Deli & Pinocchio's Restaurant and the
Blue Room bar.
|
| Bobby's Coffee Shop, 22821
Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364 818 225-1324
T T
|
Bobby's Coffee Shop is really
popular, probably due in part to the lack of other old
fashioned places in the area. Recommended by "April
Baby" (check out her great website on life in the San
Fernando Valley -
Aprilbaby's California ). According to her "From
1947 until the early seventies It was a restaurant
called the Chicken A-Go Go. For 32 years now it's been
Bobby's ". I can verify the food's great here. Bobby's
Coffee Shop does not have a whole lot of decor to speak
of other than an old fashion counter, but you can't beat
their breakfasts.
|
| Brite Spot Restaurant,1918 W.
Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 484-9800
T T
|
The Brite Spot Restaurant is a very
friendly and hip place. Mildly old feel. Unique
naugahyde booths. A mixed crowd from old folks to very
stylish, hip young people. Good food with a creative
menu. I definitely enjoyed eating at the Brite Spot,
even though it's somewhat remodeled to appeal to the
Silverlake/Echo Park hipster crowd. Affiliated with
Little Pedro's.
The Brite Spot Restaurant is near Taix French
Restaurant, El Cid, El Chavo Mexican Restaurant,
Millie's Restaurant, the Short Stop bar, and the Tiki Ti
bar. Got to be one of your hippest areas!
|
| Buggy Whip (The), 7420 La
Tijera Blvd. Westchester, 310 645 7131 since 1949
T T T T T
|
The Buggy Whip Restaurant is an
excellent find near the Los Angeles airport (after
numerous suggestions by readers). This restaurant has
it all - great old time atmosphere and in my humble
opinion fantastic food. The Buggy Whip is not
inexpensive but huge plates can be shared. Very good
service. Two large rooms and a bar. Highly recommended.
Owner: Paul Darricarrere. Originally called "Peterson's
Buggy Whip".
The Buggy Whip Restaurant is not far from Pann's
Restaurant, the Cinema Bar, the Tattle Tale Bar, Dear
John's restaurant, Petrelli's Steakhouse and Dinah's
Fried Chicken Restaurant.
|
The Bucket
Restaurant, 4541 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock, CA
(323) 257-5654
since 1935
T T T
|
The Bucket Restaurant was a nice find
in Eagle Rock. I thought it might have once been a
house. Debra Jane, who has one of the best
websites
around, on roadside architecture or otherwise, points
out that it originally was supposed to resemble a lunch
pale. Programmatic architecture or Roadside
Vernacular architecture depending on who you talk to!
See her site for an earlier picture. A unique restaurant
with a very small bar (were it not for outside seating
and being mostly a restaurant - this would beat the
Harbor Room for smallest bar). Friendly owner. I had a
great concoction called something like the "Cardiac"
that was one of the best hamburgers I've ever had. Gives
the Apple Pan a run for its money. I hope this is a big
hang for the Occidental kids - this is great for the
college crowd. Wonder if Barack Obama ate here when he
went to Occidental? The Bucket Restaurant is a nice stop on
the Eagle Rock tour of the Casa Bianca restaurant, the
Capri restaurant, Colombo's Italian Restaurant and the
Chalet Bar - and very close to Pasadena for the mega
tour.
|
| Bun 'n Burger Restaurant, 1000
E Main St, Alhambra, California (626) 281-6777 ( since
1941 ) T T
|
The Bun 'n Burger Restaurant is a
cool place in an Hispanic area of town. Their special
omelet (Adkins health food) may be the best I've ever
had. Really nice neon sign. Nice round counter area. I
think I tend to say nice and great a bit too much!
Please send me suggestions for better adjectives. The
neon looks great at night (wish I had a picture). Not
far from the Hat (original location).
|
| Canetti's Seafood Grotto, 309
E. 22nd St. San Pedro, CA 310-831-4036 (since 1949)
T T
|
Canetti's Seafood Grotto is a diehard
old historic restaurant in a very quiet part of San
Pedro. Classic old neon sign. Canetti's has a fairly
simple decor but good seafood at low prices. Good stop
on a peaceful trip to a great old city. The owner has to
be one of the friendliest guys in town and he's been
here for the whole run (with his parents starting out
even earlier nearby). I sort of wonder if this place
was the inspiration for the restaurant in Mildred Pierce
that has a big fish sign and is near the water (when
Mildred is thinking of jumping in!).
Canetti's Seafood Grotto is near the Indian Bar, TC's
Cocktail Lounge, the Alhambra bar and Rebel's bar.
 |
| Canter’s Deli, 419 N. Fairfax
Ave. Los Angeles, 323-651-2030, since 1928 (1948
in this location) Open 24 hours. T T T T (The
room that includes the bakery)
:
|
Canter's Deli is one of the most
famous restaurants in Los Angeles. Ben Canter started
out in the restaurant business in New Jersey in 1924.
The Canters moved their restaurant to East Los Angeles
(Boyle Heights) in 1931 when that was still a
predominantly Jewish neighborhood (the grave yards of
East Los Angeles are full of Jewish names, reflecting
those times). Canter's Deli moved to this location in
1948. Well preserved interior (it was once a movie
theater). Outstanding deli food (stick with the specials
for breakfast if you're on a budget), and validated
parking. It’s open 24 hours which is one of the reasons
Canter's Deli was once a Frank Zappa hangout (as well as
a whole slew of 1960s Sunset Strip rock stars). Canter's
Deli was also one of Jack Benny's favorite places. Did
you know they now have a Las Vegas branch? In Las Vegas
they decided on ulta-modern decor (probably a good idea
since you could never replicate the original
restaurant). The only movie I've noticed Canter's in is
"Sunset Strip", which is probably worth seeing just for
this reason. A minor but scary partial remodeling of the
glass dividers between the booths recently occurred. Not
an improvement in my opinion. I wish these wonderful
places would understand that you can't improve on what's
already perfect! Canter's Deli is not far from Molly
Malone's pub, the Farmer's Market (Patsy D'Amore's
Pizza), Damiano's, El Coyote Mexican Restaurant and Tom
Bergin's bar and restaurant.
|
| Casa Bianca Italian Restaurant,
1650 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 323 256 9617,
Tues-Thur. 4PM to midnight, Fri-Sat, 4PM to 1 AM, closed
Sunday and Monday.
since 1955
|
I have not eaten at the Casa Bianca
Italian Restaurant yet, but I liked the exterior as I
drove by and the interior as I peaked through the window
seemed pretty original. I'll update you in the future.
Good Italian restaurants are hard to find. Casa Bianca
Italian Restaurant is not far from Colombo's Restaurant,
the Capri Restaurant, the Chalet bar and the Bucket
restaurant
|
Casa Escobar Mexican Restaurant,
2500 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 310-828-1315 since
1965
T T
 |
Casa Escobar is a pleasant place,
with an interesting exterior. It seemed quite similar to
the Casa Vega restaurant (although not as dark). I
didn’t get the chance to ask if they were owned by the
same people.
Casa Escobar Mexican Restaurant is near the Galley
Restaurant, Rae’s Restaurant, Rick's Tavern on Main
Restaurant and bar, the Gas Lite Bar, Patrick's
Roadhouse restaurant, Dolores Restaurant and Snug Harbor
cafe.
 |
| Casa Vega Mexican Restaurant,
13301 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks, (818) 788-4868. T
T T T
|
Casa Vegas Mexican restaurant is a
unique sort of place in the Valley. Very dark. Very
friendly staff and good food. As you know, I'm a big fan
of dark restaurants - much more relaxing. You can make
a great tour of old restaurants just traveling down
Ventura Blvd. You'll find Dupar's restaurant
(newer branch), Art's Deli, and the La Frite French
restaurant.
|
| Chez Jay’s, 1657 Ocean Ave,
Santa Monica, 310 395-1741 |
See my Los Angeles Bars pages |
| Chili John's Restaurant, 2018
W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, CA (818) 846-3611 T T T
T T
|
Chili John's Restaurant was an
incredible find (based on a reader's suggestion) in
Burbank. Chili John's Restaurant almost looks like a
movie set from a 1940's period piece (actually would be
a great place to film a movie scene). Unique horseshoe
shaped counter. Chili John's is a must see. I don't
know if the Gen X'ers have discovered this place or not,
but they would love it for sure. Friendly staff
(owners?). Now that Chasen's is gone, Chili John's
Restaurant at least deserves a nomination for the best
Chili in LA metro (very unique and spicy). Curiously,
the bathroom door has no lock, but you need not fear -
it's so small you can easily hold it closed!
Chili John's Restaurant is not far from the Bella Vista
Italian Restaurant, Genio's Restaurant (now closed), the
Smoke House Restaurant, Tin Horn Flats Bar and Frank's
Steakhouse Restaurant.
 |
| Chips Restaurant - 11908
Hawthorne Blvd, Hawthorne, CA 90250 (310) 679-2947
T T
|
Chips Restaurant has a great Googie
exterior and sign. Fairly remodeled but still with an
old feel inside. Good food of course. This is one of
the very few time machines in Hawthorne. Chips
restaurant is the only one I recognized being used in
the movie Hollywoodland. I'd give that movie
3 out of 5 stars. Well acted and definitely worth
seeing, but the set design just didn't catch the old Los
Angeles flavor quite as well as Chinatown and LA
Confidential. They didn't use enough recognizable Los
Angeles 50's sites, and using the remodeled Chips
interior kind of threw things off. They did much better
at costume design however. Of course, what the heck do I
know about movies! I enjoy all movies about
pre-70's LA.
Chips restaurant is near the Pizza Show Restaurant
and the Rustic Lite bar.
|
| Chop Suey Cafe & Lounge, 347
E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 213-621-2872 (interior
dates to 1935 I think) T T T T
|
Given the recent massacre of historic
restaurants in this town, the resurrection of a classic
place (in the mode of the Pig 'n Whistle in Hollywood)
is always happy news. Chop Suey Cafe & Lounge was once
the famous "Far East Cafe" which dates from 1935 (the
building may be 1896). Somehow, the wonderful wooden
booths with a patina of over a seventy year's of use
have survived. The new owner very wisely did not change
them. I didn't get a chance to eat at Chop Suey Cafe &
Lounge, but I did click off a few shots of the
interior. Kudos to the new owners.
 |
| Chris & Pitts Restaurant,
11350 E. Washington Blvd., Whittier, CA (562) 699-9069
T T
|
Chris & Pitts Restaurant is a
venerable old barbeque joint in Whittier with a mildly
old feel to the interior. The Chris & Pitts chain
itself dates from 1940 when Chris Pelonis opened the
first one in Lynwood. I think this is the second oldest
surviving location and the oldest is in Bellflower. To
the best of my knowledge, some of the older Chris &
Pitts have disappeared but there are plenty left. I
thought the food here was pretty good and reasonable
prices. Friendly staff and clientele (it's not the kind
of place where you find vegans, dieters and organic
cuisine!). A big plus here is that there is another
Time Machine in the same parking lot - the highly
recommended (at least during the day) Embers Lounge (see
the bar page).
A quick and productive tour of Whittier, Pico Rivera
and the San Gabriel Valley would include Chris & Pitts,
the Embers Lounge, Clearman's Steak and Stein,
Clearman's North Woods, Goody's Coffee Shop, the
Tamarack Inn, Dal Rae's Restaurant, Petrillo's Italian
Restaurant and Bahooka's Restaurant.
|
| Cicada Restaurant - 617 S.
Olive St., Los Angeles (downtown) 213-488-9488 Dinner
5:30pm - 9:00pm, closed for Lunch and on Sunday T T
T T T
|
The restaurant as a business is not
old, but its locale is a former men's store with an
incredible art deco interior resembling an old ocean
liner. The Cicada Restaurant is full of priceless
Lalique art deco glass. If you can't afford the
restaurant (highly rated and not cheap) you should get a
drink in their second floor lounge. One unfortunate
thing is that the restaurant is so popular for shooting
movies that the film crews are damaging parts of the
interior. This is where the scene of Julia Roberts
having trouble eating snails was filmed in "Pretty
Woman". The restaurant is located in the James Oviatt
Building, where James Oviatt had his upscale men's
furnishings store. Oviatt started out in business in
1912. The penthouse of the Oviatt Building is perfectly
preserved and may be the best art deco interior anywhere
in the world. The Cicada Restaurant is near Clifton's
Cafeteria, the Original Pantry Cafe, Cole's PE Buffet
Restaurant, the Yorkshire Grill restaurant, Casey's bar
and restaurant and Philippe the Original French Dipped
Sandwiches restaurant.
|
| City Hall Coffee Shop, 2327
Honolulu Ave. Montrose, CA 91020 248-4905 T T T
Neat art deco bowling alley exterior in Montrose.
|
The City Hall Coffee Shop is a fun
little traditional coffee shop I discovered on my first
visit recently to Montrose. A word or two about
Montrose. I had never heard of it, but set out to find
the "Barru" bar on the recommendation of a reader (which
looks interesting but was closed). Upon arriving at
Montrose it seemed like perhaps I had entered a portal
to paradise. This city looked so perfect, it was hard to
believe it was real. A fantastic main street with this
coffee shop, an art deco bowling alley, several old
classic bars and a local population sort out of an
idealized vision of America. I began to question my life
and the unfairness of not having grown up in Montrose.
Oh well.... Someone will have to explain to me some day
why life is so random in how the good and the bad is
doled out to each person. |
Clifton’s Brookdale Cafeteria,
648 So. Broadway, Los Angeles (downtown), 213 627 1673,
daily 6:30am to 7pm, since 1935.
The first floor: T T T T T
Gone but not forgotten, Clifton's
Silver Spoon.
Clifford Clinton, a relative of New York Governor DeWitt
Clinton, died in 1969 at age 69. A native of Berkeley,
California, both of his parents were captains in the
Salvation Army. A crusader against not only hunger, but
city corruption, at one point his home was bombed,
because his group "Citizens Independent Vice
Investigating Committee" was getting a little too close
to exposing high level corrupt leaders. Clifford Clinton
was truly one of the great heroes of Los Angeles.
Beautiful Terrazzo in front of
Clifton's Cafeteria chronicling early LA history.
This is two of many wonderful pieces.
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I love Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria.
One of the true iconic restaurants of Los Angeles.
Extremely historic. They didn't steal any recipes from
Perino's, but I've always loved the comfort food here.
The interior of Clifton's is exceptionally well
preserved and quirky. I find the waterfall relaxing.
Check out the terrazzo in front which is a time capsule
of Los Angeles history. The movie "Fight Club" was
filmed at Clifton's Cafeteria. You can also see it in
the 1950's version of D.O.A. Many have forgotten about
the first great cafeteria chain in Los Angeles started
by the Boos Brothers (no - they were not from Saturday
Night Live). The Boos Brothers, Horace, Cyrus, Henry,
and John opened their first cafeteria in 1905.
There were six Boos Brother's cafeterias in the
1920's - some locals were taken over by Clifton's.
Clifton’s Cafeteria is credited with saving the lives
of many down and out people during the depression with
its "pay what you wish" policy. Founded by Clifford E.
Clinton, the Brookdale branch was once the national
headquarters for "Meals for Millions Foundation" a
nonprofit corporation to prevent starvation (apparently
in the US in the 1930s but I believe continues to this
day). They also developed a special 5 cent
meal served to 500 patrons a day "with the
nutritional equivalent of beef, green peas, milk and
potatoes". It was called "multi-purpose food".
The meal checks used to say "Regardless of the amount on
this check our cashier will cheerfully accept whatever
you wish to pay - or you dine free". Can you
imagine a restaurant today surviving with that policy?
It seems our culture used to have more integrity.
Other branches, including a tropical themed one called
Clifton's "Pacific Seas" at 618 So. Olive and a
comparatively more elegant one called the "Silver Spoon"
are long gone (although a sign for the Silver Spoon
still exists at the location). The Seven Seas had
primitive huts inside with rain and thunder effects and
waterfalls on the outside exterior. There was also a
meditation room and even a statute of Jesus.
Today, if you sit by yourself at the tables on the
main floor of the Brookdale Cafeteria, you're soon
likely to have company and possibly a lively
conversation about the good old days (speaking Spanish
helps). They just don't make places like this
anymore. It's surprising that more of the "office"
crowd to the west doesn't take advantage of this
quick place to eat lunch.
If you want to see several places in one trip, get a
snack here, and continue snacking at nearby Coles
Pacific Electric Buffet (temporarily closed for
remodeling), the Original Pantry Cafe, Yorkshire Grill
(remodeled), and stop for a drink at Hank's bar.
Please say a prayer or do a moment of meditation for
Jean Clinton Roeschlaub, a wonderful woman who was
recently taken from us.
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| Cole’s PE Buffet, 118 E. 6th
St. Los Angeles (downtown) 213 622-4090, since 1908.
Mon-Fri 9am to 7pm, Sat. 9am-5pm T T T T T (the
bar area)
The Pacific Electric Building
where Cole's is located.
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Cole's PE Buffet ia arguably the
oldest continuously operating bar (well ignoring the
current remodel) and restaurant in the same location
in Los Angeles (Philippe's had to move in the 1950s to
make room for the Hollywood Freeway). This place battles
with Philippe’s for the claim of inventing the French
Dipped Sandwich (these sandwiches are fantastic in both
restaurants). I have conscientious objector status in
this war. Located in the Pacific Electric Railway
building that once ran all the great trolley cars (which
by the way can still be seen and ridden in in a unique
museum in Perris, California). I thought the food was
very good here, but it is in a part of town not for the
meek of heart (although for better or worse - rapidly
gentrifying). The site of the "Night Owl" from LA
Confidential is across the street (it was J J's Sandwich
Shop, 119 E. 6th St. at Main - although there appears to
be nothing left of the movie set). You would never
guess by looking at it, but the Pacific Electric
Building was once the tallest building West of the
Mississippi. This old place strangely was playing Bossa
Nova music last time I was in (my favorite!). The bar
area might not be for the weak at heart or the Pacific
Palisades crowd, but it's probably the oldest "feel" in
all of Los Angeles. UPDATE - I recently spoke
to one of the owners and he said given the loft invasion
in the area, there might be a remodel here (Nooooooo!!!!).
I really worry about whether this place will remain in
it's wonderful original shape given the loft craze going
on in the area.
UPDATE II - OK folks, if you are of the
religious persuasion, it's time to do a little praying.
Cole's has changed owners, will be closed for a while
for "renovations". The new owner's are promising
to not change the "architecture" (which hopefully
includes the Interior design). The only part of
Cole's that really concerns me is the bar area and the
Red Booths in the bar area. Sure it could use some
small bit of cleaning and repairs, but a remodel would
be a disaster to one of the most historic interiors in
Los Angeles. Please don't remodel it!! Don't refinish
the old woods, the tiled floor, the bar chairs, etc. and
turn it "upscale". Thanks to Rob F. for the news tip.
UPDATE III: I'm getting reports from
David P. that Cole's has been gutted. I suppose
they could still put the original bar counter and red
booths back in, but I've never seen any place recover
its personality and feel after being gutted. It's
amazing that this could be done to the oldest and one of
the most historic bars and restaurants in Los Angeles
without a peep from the public. I for one am
giving up. Just about no one cares anymore.
Not far from Clifton's Cafeteria, the Original Pantry
Cafe, Hank's bar, the Yorkshire Grill restaurant,
and Philippe's restaurant - their arch rival.
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| Colombo's Italian Steak House,
1833 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles 323 254 9138 since
1954
T T T T
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Colombo's Italian Steak House is a
classic old place in Eagle Rock. Very well preserved and
a friendly staff. All around a pretty cool place. The
mildly bawdy paintings inside may not make it a good
place for kids depending on your sensitivities.
Eagle Rock has a nice collection of old places
including the Casa Bianca Italian Restaurant, the Chalet
bar, the Bucket Restaurant and the Capri Restaurant. And
it's not far from Pasadena.
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| Colonial Kitchen, 1110
Huntington Drive, San Marino, 626 289-2449 T T
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Bill Covington and his mother were
long time owners of the Colonial Kitchen Coffee Shop.
They unsuccessfully tried to lift the ban on alcohol in
San Marino. I know little else about this place other
than it looks fairly old, has nice neon signs and has
good food. The Colonial Kitchen seems like the best
restaurant going in San Marino. San Marino reminds me
of La Jolla, California. It looks so clean! While we are
on the subject - the La Jolla cove may be one of the
most beautiful places in the world. Don't miss it if
you visit San Diego, California. |
Covina Tasty, 1063 N. Citrus
Ave. Covina, CA 626-332-8816, Open daily 11am-11pm.
since 1961
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One of the many old sandwich/Ice
Cream stands that predominated the commercial landscape
before McDonald's and the like took over. There are a
fairly large number of these places that have survived
in the Los Angeles area (especially East Los Angeles).
They almost always have good nostalgic food and
sundaes. Covina Tasty is no exception. A plus here is
their veggie burgers. Someone out there should do a
website about pre-McDonald's LA metro hamburger stands
that still survive (beyond the scope of this site).
Covina Tasty is not far from the Covina Bowl and as long
as you are East of Los Angeles, check out Bahooka's
Restaurant, Clearman's North Woods Restaurant,
Clearman's Steak 'n Stein restaurant, the Tamarack Inn
Bar and Restaurant and Dal Rae's Restaurant.
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| Crab Cooker Restaurant, 2200
Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663 949 673-0100
T T T since 1951
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The Crab Cooker Restaurant has a
quirky old interior. Excellent seafood. A small seafood
market inside. A real Newport Beach institution. They
have a moderate fee parking lot, but on a summer day, if
you want to park at a meter - be prepared for battle!
The Crab Cooker Restaurant is near the old site of the
Arches Restaurant. Not too far from the Five Crowns
Restaurant and La Cave Restaurant.
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