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  • Oldest and Bestest

    • 07/06/2016
    • ADB
    • 0 Comments

    We at American Bars are fortunate enough to operate in the center of the thriving Los Angeles metro region. Yes, with 17 million others, it does get crowded and smoggy here, but the point is that there are an extraordinary number of wonderfully vintage restaurants here.

    Usually, one day of the week, this editor is ironically and symbolically committed to holding something akin to a graveside service and a prayer over the fall of yet another historic pub, tavern, bar, nightclub, lounge, restaurant or other entertainment venue. Most lived long and productive lives, but as urban renewal, a lack thereof, the passing of time or of the owners, the human or physical landscape changed. The end was nigh. And we mourned the loss.

    On the other side of the coin, this editor is a fiercely optimistic individual who greatly appreciates things that have survived the ravages of trendsetting time and changing tastes to almost eternally capture a nostalgic and soulful spot in our collective spirit.

    We are still losing many of these wondrous holdouts and handouts every year to owners who die, retire, sell out for money or lose their long-held lease to nasty urban high-rise projects. I’m a sucker for a quaint place with history, charm, character and stories. Perhaps this writer is not as selective about a menu as the ambiance, atmosphere and experience. Vintage architecture and old signs run high priority. Prayers go out that old places don’t renovate their turn-of-the-20th, or mid-century or even mid-’70s decor.  Internet searches for authentic old-school spots is not always easy. After a lot of detective work, below is offered a short  “Master List” of eateries in Los Angeles that are so old that most pre-date Prohibition and some opened during the dry season. 

    Certainly, there may be many holes in the research. The gentle reader is encouraged to offer additions and updates in the comments. My criteria for the restaurants here is that they are 1924 or older, and that they are basically within about an hour’s drive from downtown L.A.

    There are classic steakhouses, Googie diners, pastrami delicatessens, walk-up hamburger stands and more. Many of these this editor has enjoyed in the past. Here is the list:

    (1905) The Saugus Cafe  25861 Railroad Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

    Traditional cafe, with bar attached. Opened in 1887 at another location. Rebuilt in 1952.

    (1908) Cole’s 118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014. 

    Known for their cocktails and French dip sandwiches, which they claim to have invented.

    (1908) Phillipe the Original 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. 

    Historic deli. Also claims to have invented French dip. At this location since 1951.  Yes, I’ve enjoyed a French Dip there and it is worth the drive for the food and decor!  

    (1915) Watson Drugs & Soda Fountain 116 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866.

    This drugstore opened in 1899. In 1915 they began serving ice cream and comfort food. This place is amazing and always full of locals. It sits at Orange Circle, a place filled with antique stores of every stripe.

    (1915) Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain  1526 Mission, S Pasadena, CA 91030.
    Genuine, old school soda fountain/pharmacy. It opened in 1915 as Raymond’s Pharmacy in the same location that it stands today. It has an old fashioned feeling inside with embossed tin ceilings and wood floors. Serving ice cream treats and diner food.

    (1918) Golden Spur  1223 East Route 66, Glendora, CA 91740.

    Classic mid-century steakhouse on Route 66 that started as a horse ride-up burger stand. Amazing vintage sign of a cowboy boot with spur attached & great vintage interior.   

    (1919) Musso & Frank Grill 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028.

    Old Hollywood classic; red leather & wood booths, amazing signs, vintage American food.  This is as classic as it gets! Original location and the feeling you just stepped through time itself. Dedicated Staff, many have made a career of it there.

    (1921) Pacific Dining Car 1310 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

    Upscale 24-hour steakhouse in a recreated and ornately decorated train car. At this location since 1923.

    (1922) Tam O’Shanter 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039.

    Designed by storybook architect Harry Oliver. Classic Scottish steakhouse with ornate interior.  Awesome place. A labyrinth to walk through. Up near Forest Lawn, Glendale.

    (1924) Original Pantry Cafe 877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

    Originally a block away; in this location since 1950. Serving traditional American food 24 hrs a day. Yes, 24 hours a Day! And the food is terrific, even at 3 am.

    (1924) Joe Jost 2803 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804.   Established as a barber shop & pool hall. Serving sandwiches and pickled eggs since prohibition was appealed, this old-time tavern features a wooden bar, wood booths and a pool room full of memorabilia. When American Bars first went online, this was the very first place AB reviewed. Still a local and regional landmark for such a small place.

     
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Oldest and Bestest

We at American Bars are fortunate enough to operate in the center of the thriving Los Angeles metro region. Yes, with 17 million others, it does get crowded and smoggy here, but the point is that there are an extraordinary number of wonderfully vintage restaurants here.

Usually, one day of the week, this editor is ironically and symbolically committed to holding something akin to a graveside service and a prayer over the fall of yet another historic pub, tavern, bar, nightclub, lounge, restaurant or other entertainment venue. Most lived long and productive lives, but as urban renewal, a lack thereof, the passing of time or of the owners, the human or physical landscape changed. The end was nigh. And we mourned the loss.

On the other side of the coin, this editor is a fiercely optimistic individual who greatly appreciates things that have survived the ravages of trendsetting time and changing tastes to almost eternally capture a nostalgic and soulful spot in our collective spirit.

We are still losing many of these wondrous holdouts and handouts every year to owners who die, retire, sell out for money or lose their long-held lease to nasty urban high-rise projects. I’m a sucker for a quaint place with history, charm, character and stories. Perhaps this writer is not as selective about a menu as the ambiance, atmosphere and experience. Vintage architecture and old signs run high priority. Prayers go out that old places don’t renovate their turn-of-the-20th, or mid-century or even mid-’70s decor.  Internet searches for authentic old-school spots is not always easy. After a lot of detective work, below is offered a short  “Master List” of eateries in Los Angeles that are so old that most pre-date Prohibition and some opened during the dry season. 

Certainly, there may be many holes in the research. The gentle reader is encouraged to offer additions and updates in the comments. My criteria for the restaurants here is that they are 1924 or older, and that they are basically within about an hour’s drive from downtown L.A.

There are classic steakhouses, Googie diners, pastrami delicatessens, walk-up hamburger stands and more. Many of these this editor has enjoyed in the past. Here is the list:

(1905) The Saugus Cafe  25861 Railroad Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

Traditional cafe, with bar attached. Opened in 1887 at another location. Rebuilt in 1952.

(1908) Cole’s 118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014. 

Known for their cocktails and French dip sandwiches, which they claim to have invented.

(1908) Phillipe the Original 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. 

Historic deli. Also claims to have invented French dip. At this location since 1951.  Yes, I’ve enjoyed a French Dip there and it is worth the drive for the food and decor!  

(1915) Watson Drugs & Soda Fountain 116 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866.

This drugstore opened in 1899. In 1915 they began serving ice cream and comfort food. This place is amazing and always full of locals. It sits at Orange Circle, a place filled with antique stores of every stripe.

(1915) Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain  1526 Mission, S Pasadena, CA 91030.
Genuine, old school soda fountain/pharmacy. It opened in 1915 as Raymond’s Pharmacy in the same location that it stands today. It has an old fashioned feeling inside with embossed tin ceilings and wood floors. Serving ice cream treats and diner food.

(1918) Golden Spur  1223 East Route 66, Glendora, CA 91740.

Classic mid-century steakhouse on Route 66 that started as a horse ride-up burger stand. Amazing vintage sign of a cowboy boot with spur attached & great vintage interior.   

(1919) Musso & Frank Grill 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028.

Old Hollywood classic; red leather & wood booths, amazing signs, vintage American food.  This is as classic as it gets! Original location and the feeling you just stepped through time itself. Dedicated Staff, many have made a career of it there.

(1921) Pacific Dining Car 1310 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

Upscale 24-hour steakhouse in a recreated and ornately decorated train car. At this location since 1923.

(1922) Tam O’Shanter 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039.

Designed by storybook architect Harry Oliver. Classic Scottish steakhouse with ornate interior.  Awesome place. A labyrinth to walk through. Up near Forest Lawn, Glendale.

(1924) Original Pantry Cafe 877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

Originally a block away; in this location since 1950. Serving traditional American food 24 hrs a day. Yes, 24 hours a Day! And the food is terrific, even at 3 am.

(1924) Joe Jost 2803 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804.   Established as a barber shop & pool hall. Serving sandwiches and pickled eggs since prohibition was appealed, this old-time tavern features a wooden bar, wood booths and a pool room full of memorabilia. When American Bars first went online, this was the very first place AB reviewed. Still a local and regional landmark for such a small place.

 
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