History of Los Angeles Restaurants (D-L) DAL RAE TO LOWENBRAU KELLER RESTAURANTS

**HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES RESTAURANTS OF THE 40's, 50's & 60's DAN TANA'S TO LA DOLCE VITA RESTAURANTS (D-L)**
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	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.
Damiano Mr. Pizza Restaurant, 412 North Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 323-658-7611 T T T	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.
Damon’s Restaurant, 317 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale 818-507-1510 Monday 11am-10pm, Tuesday-Sunday 11am-11pm since 1937 T T T T	Damon's restaurant is a real "blast to the past" with a wonderful ambiance. Even though Damon's is now in a relatively new location, you would never know it. Great interior with a wonderful 1940s like mural. 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. A very eloquent and well known writer informs me that this place has recently changed ownership. I hope they don't change anything! Damon's Restaurant is near the Alex Theater, the Red Lion and the Astro Family Restaurant.
Dan Tana's Restaurant, 9071 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood (310) 275-9444 Daily 5pm-1am. since 1964 T T	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'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).
Darby's Restaurant, 20901 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, 818-347-0231 T T T T	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	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.
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 1938 T (only because it's completely remodeled)	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 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 The pictures below are the Sepulveda Blvd. location:	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 Below are pictures of the Glendale location:
Dolores Restaurant, 11407 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, 310 477-1061 open 24 hours. since 1944 T T T	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). 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.
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	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.
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 Picture of Duke's in the 1980s when it was still at the Tropicana Hotel. [photo by Joe of the UK]	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 Bel Age 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.
Dupar’s Restaurant, Farmer’s Market location, 6333 W. 3rd. Street, Los Angeles since 1938	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.
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	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.
El Cid Restaurant and Dinner Theater, 4212 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323) 668-0318 T T	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.
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	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)
El Toreo Mexican Restaurant, 21 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 626-793-2577 T T	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.
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!)	I first explored the Encounter's Lounge with one of my best friends and his charming cousin. 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	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.
Frank's Steak House, 916 W Olive Ave, Burbank, California 818 845-2216 T T T	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.
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	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.
Galley Restaurant (The), 2442 Main Street, Santa Monica, open seven days a week at 5:00pm 310-452-1934 T T T	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.
Genio’s Restaurant, 1420 W. Olive Ave. Burbank 818-848-6937 T T T T T (dining room that contains the bar).	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?
Goody's Restaurant, 865 E Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 626 286-3515 (since 1957) T T	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!).
Grand Central Public Market, 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles (downtown), 90013, Mon-Sat. 9am-6pm, Sun. 9-5, 213-624-2378 T T T	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.
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 T T (an excellent remodel)	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 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.
Haskell's Prospector Restaurant, 2400 E. Seventh St., Long Beach, CA 90814 562-438-3839 T T T	Haskell's Prospector Restaurant and bar is a very friendly place with great regulars at the bar. Owned by a Mexican immigrant who is a true American success story, working his way up from something like dishwasher or busboy. I didn't get to eat at the restaurant part, but it looked like a really nice place.
The Hat, 1 W. Valley Blvd., Alhambra, CA 91801-5049 (626) 282-0140	No - it's not the Brown Derby Restaurant. This is the original location of what is now a chain. This locale is an outdoor stand, unlike the rest of the chain. The chain is unique in that each branch incorporates the great original neon sign design and other old elements of the original restaurant. Some of the newer branches are such good recreations they had me fooled (briefly!). Man - with all the great Pastrami places in Los Angeles, it's hard to believe the "Big Apple" can beat the "Big Orange". What is it about Pastrami anyway that generates so many restaurants. Personally I prefer Corned Beef. To each his own!
Henry Moffett's Chicken Pies, 16506 Lakewood Blvd, Bellflower, CA (562) 925-5061 Moffetts Chicken Pie Shoppe, 1409 S Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007 626 447-4670 Below are pictures from the surviving Arcadia location: Photos by Kathleen B. (sorry about cropping out the people!)	The Bellflower location of Moffetts is a pleasant old place. Love the exterior, although the interior is pretty much remodeled. Good old American comfort food from scratch. You can never go wrong with a homemade chicken pie! Kind of a nice oasis in a dull area of Bellflower. Please patronize this place or there will be nowhere worth going to the Bellflower/Artesia area time machine wise at least . I have not been to the Arcadia Branch (I assume that at least in some point of time they were affiliated). Kathleen B. was nice enough to take pictures for me however (and got the same suspicious looks I often get). UPDATE: Hey - you guys weren't listening! This great place closed, although the Arcadia Moffett's is going strong. Big loss to Bellflower.
HMS Bounty Restaurant and Bar, 3357 Wilshire Blvd , Los Angeles (Koreatown) 323-385-7275. Mon-Sat 11am-1am; Sun 2pm-12am (under this name since March 26, 1962 but interior is older). Open 365 days a year. T T T T T	The HMS Bounty Bar and Restaurant is old Hollywood nirvana with much of the attributes I previously mentioned for a time machine. In a historic area across the street from the Ambassador Hotel (now gone), next to where the original Brown Derby hat used to be (now mummified on the third floor of the strip mall next door) and near site of former Haig jazz club, former Bull 'n Bush restaurant and the former Mona Lisa restaurant (affiliated with Musso and Frank's Grill). The Bounty started out as "the Gay Room" (Gay was H. Gaylord Wilshire's nickname - long before the word took on another connotation). It appears the Gay Room opened in 1948 with music and dancing (an early act featured Carol Mitchum, Robert Mitchum's sister). It was advertised as a place with a high movie star quotient. It later did a stint as Jane (nee Hoffman) Assell's Gaylord Dinning Room (approx. 1950 -1953). Then it became Dimsdale's Secret Harbor (possibly in 1954), and then briefly it was known as the Golden Anchor in 1962. When it became the HMS Bounty, the first owners were Richard O'Neill (descendent of one of California's most famous pioneering families and still co-owner) Ron Waller (of football fame) and Gordon Fields. The managing owner now is Juan "Ramon" Castaneda (see great restaurateur page). The food is great and still has 1960’s prices. Plenty of free parking on streets in area after six (but see the warnings page). By the way, many don't remember, but the very first Brown Derby Restaurant (when it was standing alone and not attached to a coffee shop) was actually one block West, where the massive Equitable Building stands now. It's a short walk (if you're in a group!) to the Prince (Korean Restaurant) and the Brass Monkey bar and restaurant. Also near the Wilshire Galleria, Frank 'n Hanks bar, Langer's Deli, and Wilshire Bullocks (now a law library)
Hop Louie (formerly Golden Pagoda) Chinese Restaurant, 950 Mei Ling Way, Chinatown, Los Angeles, California 213-628-4244 (since 1941) T T T T	Graciously brought to my attention by Chris Nichols - renown expert on just about every aspect of Los Angeles architecture and pop culture (especially the history of McDonalds and Wayne McAllister). Hop Louie's Chinese Restaurant was built in 1941 and has a five tiered pagoda in front. Well preserved and nice interior. Seen in a ton of movies. Excellent Chinese food by my simple tastes. I only got a quick look at the bar, but it looked like a great vibe. Near the former site of Little Joe's Italian Restaurant, the Quon Jazz Club, and close to downtown.
Iron Skillet Restaurant, 805 N. Euclid Ave. Ontario, CA 91762 909 984 7912 (since 1964) T T T	The Iron Skillet Coffee Shop started out under the name of Squires in 1964. Still has a lot of the original interior, including a massive stone fireplace. Very good food at really low prices (I recommend the Iron Skillet Omelet) . Very amiable staff. The waitresses here should start a school for others - they are the classic friendly, local, old fashion style who have virtually disappeared from American culture and restaurants. And no nickle and diming you for substitutions here! There are few time machines in San Bernardino county, so this makes a great stop off from the 10, the 60 or the 210 going from or coming to Los Angeles. Downtown Ontario is well preserved and worth a look. Ontario is also very historic regarding the history of bringing water to the greater Los Angeles Metro area. Ontario had perhaps the first modern irrigation system in Southern California (ignoring the more primitive one going to the original Los Angeles Pueblo site). Because of its early irrigation history, this has got to be one of the greenest cities in the area.
James Family Restaurant, 739 Truman St., San Fernando 818 361 1850 T T	The James Family Restaurant is a popular, old fashioned California coffee shop, although fairly remodeled. Great neon sign. Good place to stop if your going to see the San Fernando Mission, which is a beautiful place.
Jan's Restaurant, 8424 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048. 323 651-2866 (since 1956) T T	From the same owner's as the Astro Family Restaurant (Astro was originally at 6th and Vermont). Mildly old feel. Good central location. Jan's Restaurant has very good food and plenty of it, although not ultra cheap (given the area that's understandable). Free parking. The first owner was Jerry Cohn who named the restaurant after his daughter. Harry Siafaris bought it in 1984. Not sure if ownership has changed since then. Actress Gail Russell once crashed her car into the counter of this restaurant in 1957. Jan's Restaurant is near Swingers Cafe, El Coyote Mexican Restaurant, Patsy's Pizza, Tom Bergin's bar and restaurant, Molly Malone's Pub and Norm's restaurant.
Johnnie's Pastrami, 4017 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, Sunday-Monday 10am-1am; Tues-Thurs 10am-2:30am, Friday-Saturday 10am-3:30am 310-397-6654. since 1952 T T T T T	Johnnie's Pastrami has a beautiful sign and is a nice old fashioned restaurant. Looks like it has not changed a bit in all these years. Great Pastrami. Let's make sure to keep this place going. Does anyone know if this was related to the Johnie's on Wilshire in Los Angeles and Johnie's Broiler in Downey (I guess not given the extra "n"). Near Dear John's restaurant, the Cinema Bar, Tito's Tacos, the Culver Theater, Dinah's Family Restaurant and the Harbor Room bar.
(Mrs.) Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, 8039 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90620 714 220-5080 (since 1934) T T	I actually had a hard time finding this place until I was told you have to enter the main entrance of Knott's Berry Farm Theme Park. They have free parking for the restaurant. Most of the place is new, but they have maintained the original booths in one room. Of course, you can't stop in without trying out the chicken! Historic and tasty. Were it not for the great chicken recipe there might not be a Knott's Berry Farm Theme Park. Of course, it goes without saying that all kids love Knott's Berry Farm.
La Dolce Vita, 9785 Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310 278 1845 T T T T T See their site for pictures	What a great place! Someone wrote me years ago to check this place out, but I rarely get out to Beverly Hills. I walked in unannounced and received a very friendly welcome. Very nice bartender. Your host here is Ruben Castro who has lived through and served a big chunk of Hollywood history here. If you come in early, perhaps he will share some of his incredible stories. I'll let you visit their site for all the history, but this was a major Rat Pack hangout, with one of the original owners being George Raft. You will almost expect Frank Sinatra to walk through the front door as you are eating! La Dolce Vita is dark, relaxing, romantic and every bit the classic Hollywood spot. Given the intimate nature of the place, the classic service, the great background music, the wonderful food and I could go on and on, this may be the best all around "timemachine" restaurant in Los Angeles metro. While Musso and Frank's can't be beat on history, the warmth of this place is tops. Ruben will make sure there is attention to every detail and that your dinner and experiences are perfect. If you are on a budget, at least stop in for a drink at the bar. Could I recommend the place anymore highly?
La Fonda, 2501 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles 380-5055, 5:30pm-midnight Mon-Sun, since 1969 (building - Spanish Colonial Revival - Morgan, Walls and Clements) T T	The La Fonda was established 1969 by Natividad ("Nati") Cano the director of the world famous Mariachi group Los Comperos, along with Frank L. Fouce (who at one point owned the Million Dollar Theater) and Leo J. Richard. A mildly old feel. Go for the fantastic Mariachi show (that evokes memories of a more innocent time in Mexico – before the Banda explosion). Probably the best Mariachi experience outside of Boyle Heights (El Mercado, 3425 E. First St. has a number of mariachi bands for brave souls who crave authenticity - I have not been there in years). Make a reservation early – the shows sell out fast. Few things in life can make you feel more joyful then a good Mariachi. "Me canse de rogarle ...." By the way, this restaurant sits right smack on Gaylord Wilshire's original land parcel where Wilshire Boulevard started. UPDATE: This incredible Los Angeles treasure has closed, the victim of a callous eviction. How does the City of Los Angeles quietly sit by and see its cultural heritage destroyed without stepping in? Hopefully the Cano family will find another venue for their heavenly music. In a city like Los Angeles, you would think excellent Mariachi music would be easy to find - but it isn't. Thanks to Kathleen B. for the info. Not far from Langer's Deli, The Prince (Korean restaurant), Frank 'n Hank's bar, Taylor's Steak House, the Brass Monkey bar and the HMS Bounty bar and restaurant.
La Frite, 22616 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, California 818-225-1331 Sunday-Thurs 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm T T	Not sure how old the La Frite restaurant is. It may well violate my 1970 cut off, but it has such a nice neon sign, I'm including it in any event. Very good French food in my Bohemian opinion. The Salad Nicoise was enormous. Nice hot bread fresh from the oven. Ben K. has cleared up the mystery of the sign - it originally belonged to a prior restaurant in this same location - Pappy Jack's - a pancake place. La Frite is not far from Sportsmen's Lodge, Art's Deli, Dupar's restaurant, Barones Italian Restaurant (now moved) and Casa Vega Mexican restaurant.
Langer's Deli, 704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm 213-483-8050. since 1947 T T T T	It had been some twenty years since I had eaten at Langer's Deli, but I finally got over there for lunch. Langer's reputation for the best Pastrami in town may well be deserved. Loved my sandwich. The place was packed, so I have no worries about this time machine's future. This shows you that a great restaurant can survive, no matter how the area around it changes. Owner: Norm Langer. Seen recently on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Langer's Deli is not far from the HMS Bounty restaurant and bar, the Prince (Korean restaurant), La Fonda Mexican Restaurant (now closed), the Brass Monkey bar, the remains of the Brown Derby Restaurant Hat and Frank 'n Hanks bar.
La Palma Chicken Pie Shop, 928 N. Euclid St., Anaheim (714) 533-2021 T T T	I don't know much about the history of the La Palma Chicken Pie Shop, but it's old and original. Sort of like the San Diego Chicken Pie shop but still in its original location. Friendly staff and great prices. One of the very few time machines in Orange County that I'm aware of. For the San Diego Chicken Pie Shop, see my "San Diego" page. Few things in life can beat a good chicken pie! Orange County's other great chicken pie restaurant is Henry Moffit's Chicken Pie in Bellflower (unfortunately now closed - what is America going to do when there are no more chicken pies to be had?).
Lisa's Coffee Shop, 1530 W San Bernardino Rd, Covina, CA 91722 (626) 339-2014 T T T	Lisa's Coffee Shop is a classic California coffee shop with good old fashioned American food of course. Very popular with the locals, in an area of Los Angeles County with very few time machines left. Breakfast nirvana.
Lowenbrou Keller, 3211 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles CA 90057 213 382 - 5723 (not Lowenbrau Keller!) (since 1967) T T T T T	Talk of the City Host John Rabe told me about this place. The restaurant (often misspelled Lowebrau Keller) is nothing short of incredible. One of the founders of the place was a former set designer, George Eder. He and his wife Renate opened this place without any prior restaurant experience. The building was formerly a Safeway. This place has always had a laid back and healthy attitude. When it opened, it was a smashing success, so after a month the owners closed up for six weeks to take a vacation! This place is right out of Disneyland (but cooler!). This has got to be about tied for uniqueness with Bahooka's Restaurant. It appears to be run by only two people the nights I've been in there. It seems the owner does not want more business because they just can't handle it (the last night I was there they were overwhelmed by one large table). If you are going for dinner, why not call and ask what would be a good time to come and make a reservation. Please don't overwhelm this place! So if you are the type of person who is easily upset by things taking too long - please don't go here. For those of you who are patient and understanding - a great experience awaits! It's easy to pass by this place because it's in an odd part of town basically by itself and behind two huge trees. Near Langer's Deli, the HMS Bounty Restaurant, The Prince bar and restaurant, the Brass Monkey bar and restaurant and Frank 'n Hanks bar. UPDATE: This place is now the Medusa Restaurant. It wasn't open when I stopped by but I am told they have kept most of the wild interior, so I hope people will patronize this place and keep it going. If it now sells Korean food it will really be great in the mode of "the Prince".