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 RESTAURANT TO *LA DOLCE VITA* *RESTAURANT* (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 (at least for the last year I checked). 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. There few places as relaxing in the LA metro area as Damon's. 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). One of his early jobs in Los Angeles was at Patsy D'Amore's famous Villa Capri Restaurant. 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. Mr. Tana still flys regularly between LA and his home country. 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	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). Update: Unless I'm mistaken, this place has been remodeled. Can someone confirm this?
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 steak 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 were at some point in time - correct me if I'm wrong). T The pictures below are the Sepulveda Blvd. Dinah's:	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. Good 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 Dinah's (I have no idea if they were ever affiliated ) 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
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. UPDATE: I'm informed by a reader that Dolores has been sold to a new owner and there is significant remodeling going on.
Don Antonio's. 11755 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064-1308 (310) 312-2090 T T T T	Great quirky Mexican restaurant on the Westside. Good food at very low prices. The star here is the room that looks like a cave. The place is so busy, I haven't been able to ask anyone there whether the cave is part of the original interior or inherited from an older restaurant. I would estimate the place dates from the late 60's but I could be wrong. This place got a big boost from the scenes in the Hills where Heidi and Spencer (my favorite cast member) ate there. People always sneer at me when I say I like the Hills show. I think it has important anthropological value (especially for an old fart like me) and no one has ever made Los Angeles look better (what great filming! They must work like dogs on the one or two days a year when the Los Angeles sky's are that crystal clear!). I usually can shut up the snobs by changing the conversation to quantum mechanics and my theories of the interrelationship between nonlocality and spirituality. So hey - even wannabe pseudo-intellectuals like myself can like the Hills!
Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ, 8136 Sepulveda Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91402 818-902-9046 since 1969 T T	You know when an old place has sort of a mundane interior that they must have fantastic food as the main draw, and that's what's going down here. I'm no expert on barbeque but I thought the ribs here were to die for, and very reasonably priced on top of that. A great piece of Americana hidden on a quiet corner in Van Nuys. Check it out, but come hungry because the portions are huge.
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. Killer steaks and very professional and personable service. 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	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.
Dupar’s Restaurant, Farmer’s Market location, 6333 W. 3rd. Street, Los Angeles since 1938 Studio City location ( since 1948) : 12036 Ventura Blvd, (818) 766-4437 There are other locations but these are the only ones I've been to.	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. The Dupar's in Studio City has a really great original interior and some waitresses who have been in the restaurant business forever. The Chain has been bought out by the family that used to run Tiny Naylor's - LA restaurant royalty! So there are being extra careful to preserve the classic authenticity of the food and other elements of the restaurant. You've got to try the homemade pea soup and of course the lavish pies. UPDATE: Dupars at the farmer's market closed for a while, and was substantially remodeled, although it retains an authentic old fashion feel. The farmer's market location is 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' (the City Proper) 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. UPDATE: Thomas B. informs me this place has been completely remodeled.
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 $30.00 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. I believe this structure started out as a movie set/stage. 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. UPDATE: I'm hearing rumors this place now has a Salsa Night(s)?
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 Tepeyac Cafe, 812 N. Evergreen Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90033 323 267 8668 T T T T since 1955	Hijole! I've been wanting to visit this place for the probably the last 25 years and I never seemed to get over to Boyle Heights (Mickey Cohen please forgive me!). I have a ton of relatives in Belvedere Gardens, but still the trip to this formerly Jewish neighborhood just never seemed to come about. Recently I made a few attempts but the line outside scared me away. Finally, during a massive rain storm (well sort of the eye of the storm), I figured the place would be empty and went over . Well, I was partially right. The violent rain storm scared enough people away so that there was one table open when I came in (and soon after a line again!). It was well worth the visit. The interior is interesting and the local ambiance fun, but the big draw here is the insane size of the burritos. I had their famous Hollenbeck (named after the local police station of some fame) burrito. This was their normal size burrito and me and relative could not finish it. Then they have their family size burrito that they say feeds 3 or 4, but I'm guessing more like 7 or 8 from the size of it. The three of us stuffed ourselves silly sharing two normal burritos (we still left about a fourth of one uneaten) and the bill was $20! Pa' su mecha! Ya gotta check this icon of the East Los Angeles Mexican community out. Don't let the line scare you - it goes fast and it's well worth the wait (and you won't be hungry for about a week). It's not far off of the 10. Your GPS is likely to go crazy in this area (I don't know why).
El Toreo Mexican Restaurant, 21 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 626-793-2577 T T	I recently ate 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 elsewhere in Pasadena 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. Don't expect McDonald's prices for a place 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. Friendly staff.
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 after a long hiatus 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 the Leona Valley (near Palmdale - see my Antelope Valley page in www.oldschoolla.com) 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!). UPDATE: This place is apparently moving and the great sign may not be going to the new location. We'll see.
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 Los Angeles, 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.	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 .
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 Dining 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 - at least for publicity purposes he was described as an owner) 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. UPDATE: The HMS Bounty bar was used in that great TV series "MAD MEN" Season 1, Episode 11 - it looks a little different because they went crazy adding nautical pictures and statutes for the scene. Hmm... Let's see Musso's, the Prince, the Biltmore Hotel and the HMS Bounty Restaurant - four of my favorite places used in Mad Men! I keep asking myself if they used my site as a reference source - but alas I think that's just a fantasy. If you haven't seen this series - run right out and buy the first two seasons on DVD!!!! Then when you are caught up - watch it on AMC. It's the best! Whoever is scouting locations is doing a fantastic job. 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), and Taylor's Steakhouse.
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 - make sure to buy his book on 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 nickel 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. 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 Cabana, 738 Rose Ave Venice, CA 90291 310 392-6161 since 1962 T T T	Very pleasant Mexican restaurant not far from the exotic Venice Beach sort of Boardwalk "without the Boards" area. In an area that's a little rough around the edges, but seemed tame the day I was there. Relaxing garden area to dine in with what I thought was good food and service. The Beach Boys were rumored to have hung out here in the 60's according to Michael S. Fairly old fashioned interior for a Mexican restaurant. I enjoyed myself and the quick drive to quirky Venice Beach afterward. Sure wonder what Abbot Kinney would have thought of his creation if he could see it now.
La Cave Restaurant, 1695 Irvine Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949 646-7944 T T T T (since 1962)	This is definitely a nice place. It's the darkest restaurant I've seen since Cucina on Melrose closed. One quirky thing is that they have no menu. You pick out what you want from a cart they roll out (ingenious in that most people are probably embarrassed to ask what it costs). The restaurant is in the basement and it's a great place for a romantic date. No a good place for those on a tight budget, but certainly good for a special occasion or splurge (or all the time if you are not as broke as I usually am!).
La Dolce Vita, 9785 Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310 278 1845 T T T T T See their site for more pictures Ruben Castro - maitre d' extraordinaire! He'll make sure your visit is unforgettable .	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 not looking my best) and still received a very warm and friendly welcome. Your hosts here are owner Alessandro Uzielli, and Ruben Castro, Maitre D', 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. The warmth of this place is tops. Ruben will make sure there is attention to every detail and that your dinner and experiences are a lifetime memory. If you are on a budget, at least stop in for a drink at the bar. Could I recommend the place anymore highly? Going into this restaurant you escape to a world that I fear is rapidly disappearing - a world full of integrity, attention to detail, warmth and true culture. It's the type of place where they remember your name, where you will have a running inside joke with your waiter for years down the road, where a particular entree is "your" dish, and you will be seated at your table. No corporate bean counting here, nothing plastic, no expressions like "pardon my reach" from the waiters - just sincere, friendly people who love what they do and love the place in history they have created here. While it may be a cliché expression, this truly is your "home away from home." You can count on one hand the type of places left like La Dolce Vita anywhere in the country. The La Dolce Vita Restaurant always brings to my mind the parts of the book "Across the River and Into the Trees" where Ernest Hemingway describes his favorite bar and restaurant in Italy (Harry's Bar) and the subtle but humorous relationship he had with his favorite bartender . For those of you who are gen X'ers and/or hipsters - don't let the Beverly Hills locale scare you away. This is a friendly place (dress like your going to a decent Club but no coat and tie required). While the "greatest generation" obviously still patronizes this place loyally, it would be a true shame if the newest generation does not make this place their own. This is the real hip place - not the plastic, minimalist "fly by night" places that pass for upscale dinner clubs in this city. If you can only visit one place in Los Angeles - this is the one! AWARD: While it may be the equivalent of General George Patton getting a pin for marksmanship (this website has a strong tendency toward self-importance) – Los Angeles Time Machines humbly bestows it’s “Best All-Around Time Machine” Award solely to “La Dolce Vita” – a place where the service, warmth, friendliness, romance, elegance, music, history, star quotient and, above all, cuisine are unparalleled. Check out the "great restaurateur" page regarding La Dolce Vita's renown owner Alessandro Uzielli. Valet parking or tons of cheap metered parking in a city parking lot nearby makes this place extra convenient and it's not far from the 405.
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. 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. AWARD: BEST Salade Niçoise 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?).
La Paloma Mexican Restaurant, 2975 Foothill Blvd., La Verne, CA 91750 909 593-7209 T T T T since 1966	Quite a nice find on Route 66. As I've mentioned in other places, Mexican Restaurants rarely seem to keep their original interiors, but this this one has a really fantastic interior and bar. Probably the best looking Mexican Restaurant interior in Los Angeles metro. Very nice owner as well. If you want to travel back in time on Rt. 66 in LA metro, this is one of the few places where you can do it. One of the best "googie" signs around as well. A must see! AWARD: Los Angeles Time Machines award for BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT TIME MACHINE INTERIOR Near the Magic Lamp and the Sycamore Inn and a newer branch of Vince's Spaghetti.
Le Petite Chateau, 4615 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91602 818 769-1812 T T T T since 1964	I really loved this place. Really beautiful and totally original interior. Excellent service and food that I though was memorable and at reasonable prices. If you are a soup and salad fan, there are many tasty selections here. Convenient location not far off the highway with valet parking. You can't go wrong with this place! I've never been to France but I sure felt like I had going here. Nice bar as well. Lot's of interesting original prints on the walls.
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 Lounge. 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. It was recently featured on "The Hills".