Los Angeles area (mostly vintage) bars and Restaurants

The is a list I compiled from my own visits and recommendations of others-

CODE- (R) is restaurant (B) is bar. (R/B) Means both bar and restaurant are worth checking out! Call first to verify business hours.

(R/B) THE ENCOUNTER - the LAX aerial bar --may be closed

North Hollywood;
(R) Tonga Hut 12808 Victory, North Hollywood 323-769-0708

Hollywood:

(R) TIKI TI- 4427 Sunset blvd. 323-669-9381

(R/B) FORMOSA CAFE -7156 Santa Monica Blvd.(323) 850-9050.

(B) Good Luck BAR on highland. North of where Hollywood & Sunset meet. For drinks.

(B) The Frolic Room next to the Pantages Theater on Hollywood Blvd. & Vine - for drinks

(R/B) MUSSO and FRANK's GRILL-6667 Hollywood Blvd (323) 467-7788 A Hollywood Institution!

(R/B) Hollywood Canteen - 1006 N Seward St. Dinner or drinks will put you back to the golden days of Hollywood. Check out the trailer/lounge in the patio.

(R/B) Yamashiros in the Hollywood hills - 1999 N Sycamore Ave. Cocktails and appetizers with a view. (& history)..

(R/B) The Cat & the Fiddle on Sunset near Vine for daytime outdoor, patio seating.

(R) Josephs Cafe 1775 N. Ivar, Hollywood. Greek Food, in a nice setting.

(R/B) Boardners - Hollywood Dive has drinks and food. 1652 N Cherokee Ave 323) 462-9621 Bar Marmont 8171 Sunset Blvd. for a cocktail

In FARMER'S MARKET FOOD AREA--

(R/B) Moishes Middle Eastern Cuisine - buy the food then go to the middle of the farmers market where the bar is. Relax and have a beer with your food.

(R) Kokomo's also has great food. Great for Breakfast or Lunch. Lot's of people watching.

(B) Madame Wu's in the Grove for a cocktail.

(R) Messob - Ethiopian - 1041 South Fairfax - South of Farmers Market. There is a section of Town called Little Ethiopia. This is my favorite one.

(R/B) Canters Jewish Deli and Lounge on Fairfax between Beverly & Melrose - Open 24 hours. It's an institution

(R/B) Cobra's & Matadors on Beverly - Excellent Tapas. Purchase wine at the wine shop next door and bring it in. If you are in the mood for Tapas and Cobras is too full, head for Cobra Lily 8442 Wilshire Blvd also Tapas. (same owner, excellent food, this one has Beer & Wine.)

SILVERLAKE AREA- (R/B) Red Lion German Restaurant on Glendale Blvd near Silverlake Blvd. Has downstairs, an upstairs room that looks like a wine cellar and a beer garden outside . Not as over the top as Lowenbrau Keller but a fun crowd.

WEST LA/Near Santa Monica-You should also check out my favorite coffee shop down there,(R) DOLORES', on Santa Monica near the 405 in West LA. near the Nuart - I've been ordering the Eggplant Florentine there since 1980! --Will the Thrill

(R) A burger stand worth visiting is IRV'S in West Hollywood. it is threatened with demolition for a Peet's store it may be a good idea to visit before it's too late: IRV'S 8289 SANTA MONICA Blvd CALL FIRST-MAY BE GONE!

SANTA MONICA-

(R/B) Chez Jay - If you are in Santa Monica you must stop into Chez Jay on Ocean near the Santa Monica Pier. It is a tiny hole in the wall. Food a bit expensive but worth the stop for a drink.
(R) Monsoons on 3rd st Promenade (near Wilshire) for Asian fusion food. reasonable prices, nice setting

(R/B) The Galley is the name of the nautical place 2442 MAIN ST in Santa Monica 310-452-1934 SINCE 1934

General DOWNTOWN / CHINATOWN/ KOREATOWN

most spectacular of all---CLIFTON'S Cafeteria -1935- 7th & Broadway -the old heart of town http://www.cliftonscafeteria.com/ CLIFTON'S IS STILL CLOSED FOR REMODELING AUGUST 2014....

CHINATOWN!!!!!visit it -GREAT Neon at night!

--First we had dim sum at a late 80’s time warp,(R) The EMPRESS Pavilion. The dining room is so big that if you had a football you might score a touchdown

(R/B) Hop Louies Jade Pagoda !

(R) REALM occupies a long defunct 1940s Chinese restaurant called The Hong Kong Café. The original ceramic bamboo, padded cocktail bar and gold dragon ceiling are out of this world! For your interior décor let REALM be an inspiration to you. REALM is at 443 Gin Ling Way, (between Hill and Broadway) Los Angeles

(R) LANGER'S deli 704 S Alvarado St (213) 483-8050 better pastrami than Cantors!

(R/B) My favorite is Taylor's Steak House: http://national.citysearch.com/profile/5063 3361 W. 8th St., Los Angeles; (213) 382-8449. Lunch weekdays; dinner daily. Guarded parking lot 3 miles

(R) PHILLIPE'S French Dip 1001 N Alameda St (213) 628-3781

(R/B) COLES FRENCH DIP (1908) 118 East 6th St-DOWNTN 213-622-4090

(R) DOG HOUSE 5959 W 3rd St 323) 549-9663

SILVERLAKE; Zanzabelle'S Ice Cream Snacks and more 2912 Rowena Ave
Los Angeles (323) 663-9900 ---might have closed

ONTARIO;

(R/B) Vince's Spaghetti house in Ontario - a roadhouse that begin in 1945 1206 W Holt Blvd (909) 986-7074

while in Ontario DON'T miss the Graber Olive House (the name is deceiving) and Logan's Candy store -since 1933- "home of the world's largest candy cane"

(R) Homestyle Cafe-Guasti/Ontario 2902 E Old Brookside Rd (909) 390-0355 GIANT PANCAKES! call first-may be gone

PASADENA- (R) Pie 'n Burger 913 E. California Blvd, 626-795-1123 http://pienburger.com/menu.htm

(R) The Hat -great Pastrami! 491 N. Lake Ave. (626) 449-1844 http://www.thehat.com Open daily until 10pm

In Seal Beach -The PARASOL -a pink 1967 coffee shop in the shape of an UMBRELLA ! ENDANGERED!!may have closed !!!!

50s dinner houses:

(R/B) The Magic Lamp -1955- in Rancho Cucamonga AWESOME DECOR and food!

(R/B) The Buggy Whip Restaurant sorta near LAX
(310) 645-7131 Web Site 7420 La Tijera LA

Steakhouses;

In Burbank is the great (R/B) Smoke House:

http://www.roadsidepeek.com/preserv/2003/smokehouse/

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/316389/?cslink=cs_boc_lw_2_5

Judd recommended (R/B) Dal Rae but I have not had a chance to try it. It's more expensive than the above 2 and a bit far away.

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/customer_website/190779

Real expensive but classic and open 24 hours is (R) Pacific Dining Car:

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/31391?ulink=search__specialty5_2___profile__1

Burgers: Apple Pan, Jay's (original location only), Johnnie's Pastrami in Culver City - burgers with pastrami - yumm!

Hot dogs: Pink's, Tail o' the Pup

Diners: Pann's in Inglewood, the Beverly Hills Hotel Coffee Shop (incredible time warp)

(R/B) Clearman's Galley and the Northwoods Inn in San Gabriel on Rosemead (they are going to tear down the Galley if they haven't already) 8976 Huntington Dr San Gabriel CA 91775 (626) 286-1484 may be gone now-CALL FIRST!

PALM SPRINGS AREA-

PIONEERTOWN (NEAR palm springs and 29 Palms) --- (R/B) Pappy and Harriet's great steak ! http://www.pappyandharriets.com/

[ Edited by: mrsmiley 2014-08-28 17:41 ]

COSTA MESA

La Cave - subterranean steakhouse I've yet to try - 1695 Irvine Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949-646-7944

http://cityguide.aol.com/orangecounty/dining/venue.adp?sbid=100625295

HOLLYWOOD

Miceli's - LA's oldest Italian restaurant since 1949 - 1646 Las Palmas Ave. 323-466-3438

http://www.micelisrestaurant.com/

TORRANCE

Alpine Village - home of Oktoberfest - 833 W Torrance Blvd, Torrance 310-327-4384

http://www.alpinevillage.net/

BEVERLY HILLS

Lawry's the Prime Rib - newer building and decor but since 1938 and still old style - 100 N. La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (310) 652-2827

http://www.lawrysonline.com/theprimerib.asp

LOS ANGELES (between Glendale and Los Feliz)

Tam O'Shanter - LA's oldest restaurant, since 1922 but remodeled in 1968 - 2980 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90039, (323) 664-0228

http://www.lawrysonline.com/tamoshanter_gen_info.asp

LONG BEACH

Joe Jost's - classic tavern family-owned since 1924 - great pickled eggs, peanuts roasted on site, polish sausage on rye, schooners of ice-cold beer, and convivial atmosphere, great place! - 2803 East Anaheim Street
Long Beach, CA 90804

http://www.joejosts.com/index.php

WESTMINSTER

Riviera at the Fireside - I have not been yet but it's high on my list - 13950 Springdale Street, Westminster, CA 92683 714-897-0477

http://www.rivierarestaurant.net/

ARCADIA

The Derby - horse racing decor - since 1938! - 233 East Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007, Phone: (626) 447-8174

http://www.thederbyarcadia.com/

MONTEREY PARK

** Venice Room ** - cook your own steak and soak in the old world Italian atmosphere - 2428 S. Garfield Ave., Monterey Park; (323) 722-3075

I've got loads more I'll post later.

[ Edited by: thejab 2005-09-10 15:43 ]

I did go to DAL RAE in Pico Rivera last month and iukagrog was right! Great steaks in an amazing mid-century modern building.

Another in PICO RIVERA

Clearman's Steak & Stein - 9545 E. Whittier Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA (562) 699-4716

http://www.clearmansrestaurants.com/steakandstein.html

Do yourself a favor and check out one of these places soon, before they're gone, and all that's left is Outback and Red Lobster!

[ Edited by: thejab 2007-01-09 13:33 ]

[ Edited by: thejab 2007-01-09 13:33 ]

On 2005-09-09 16:10, mrsmiley wrote:
Clearman's Galley and the Northwoods Inn in San Gabriel on Rosemead (they are going to tear down the Galley if they haven't already) 8976 Huntington Dr San Gabriel CA 91775 (626) 286-1484

Smiley, they're putting the facade from the Boat onto the old Steak 'n Stein building, which is being moved to the current location of the Boat & being renovated to match the nautical style of the Boat.

On 2005-09-09 16:10, mrsmiley wrote:
Burgers: Apple Pan, Jay's (original location only), Johnnie's Pastrami in Culver City - burgers with pastrami - yumm!

Has the Jay's Jayburger on Santa Monica reopened? Jay's Jayburger opened a location in San Diego with the same chili recipe, but I don't think it made it.

Rev. Dr. Frederick J. Freelance, Ph.D., D.F.S

[ Edited by: freddiefreelance 2005-09-09 21:14 ]

On 2005-09-09 20:51, freddiefreelance wrote:

On 2005-09-09 16:10, mrsmiley wrote:
Clearman's Galley and the Northwoods Inn in San Gabriel on Rosemead (they are going to tear down the Galley if they haven't already) 8976 Huntington Dr San Gabriel CA 91775 (626) 286-1484

Smiley, they're putting the facade from the Boat onto the old Steak 'n Stein building, which is being moved to the current location of the Boat & being renovated to match the nautical style of the Boat.

I think the Steak and Stein building is staying where it is now but is being "renovated" and a new boat facade added. They plan on tearing down the old Galley completely to make room for parking for the new Kohl's store that replaced the old shopping center. Having been to the old Galley (I never made it to the old Steak and Stein) I don't think the changes will retain any of the character of the old locations. At least we still have the Northwoods Inn and Steak and Stein in Pico Rivera.

On 2005-09-09 16:10, mrsmiley wrote:
Burgers: Apple Pan, Jay's (original location only), Johnnie's Pastrami in Culver City - burgers with pastrami - yumm!

Has the Jay's Jayburger on Santa Monica reopened? Jay's Jayburger opened a location in San Diego with the same chili recipe, but I don't think it made it.

---

Rev. Dr. Frederick J. Freelance, Ph.D., D.F.S

[ Edited by: freddiefreelance 2005-09-09 21:14 ]

I don't think it has reopened yet. The one in SD was in Mission Hills on Washington. I managed to go there once before it closed. I think they picked the wrong neighborhood to open in (Mission Hills is pretty expensive and upscale).

LOS ANGELES

Original Pantry - open 24/7 since 1924 - awesome time warp from the menu to the staff to the decor to the dishes - 877 South Figueroa

BURBANK / TOLUCA LAKE

Bob's Big Boy - Wayne McAllister-designed googie drive-in - carhops on Saturday from 5-8 PM - 4211 Riverside Dr. 818-843-9334

Papoo's Hot Dog Show - across the street diagonally from Bob's - great signage and good dogs and burgers - 4300 Riverside Dr.

MISSION HILLS

(great for dinner before hitting the Lucky Tiki)

The Bear Pit - good BBQ, great neon, and rustic bear theme - 10825 Sepulveda

Safari Room - old jungle theme steakhouse, a bit light on decor but worthwhile, very friendly staff willing to talk about its history - 15426 Devonshire 818-893-9768

ALHAMBRA

The Hat - original location since 1951 - pastrami dip, gravy fries - Garfield and Valley - Pasadena location is also quite old

http://www.thehat.com/

ARCADIA

Shrimp Ahoy - inexpensive seafood diner in industrial area - 4488 E Live Oak

WHITTIER

Steak Corral - yeehaw! wild west decor - 11605 Washington blvd

NOTE: all places I posted have earned the Jab seal of approval for decor, food, service, and (in many cases) stiff drinks, unless I have not been there yet!

[ Edited by: thejab 2005-09-10 15:42 ]

LOS ANGELES

H.M.S. Bounty - friendly and classic nautical restaurant and watering hole - in the beautiful historic Gaylord apartment building and across from the doomed Ambassador Hotel - 3357 Wilshire Blvd. (213) 385-7275

CULVER CITY

Dear John's - "John" themed lounge, good martinis, silver haired crowd - 11208 Culver Blvd (310) 397-0276

SANTE FE SPRINGS

Ember's Lounge - must-see bar with amazing hell-themed paintings of big-busted women and demons - 11332 E Washington Blvd (5620 699-4138 (near Dal Rae)

[ Edited by: thejab 2005-09-11 10:25 ]

HOLLYWOOD

Barney's Beanery- (323)654-2287, 8447 Santa Monica Blvd.

...and if you get tired of sampling 150 imported beers you can head on across the street to the Oakie Dog (also known as Danny's) or a few doors down to the Volcano Burger for a double cheese that rivals Tommy's.

[ Edited by: Shipwreckjoey 2005-09-11 00:51 ]

thejab wrote:
COSTA MESA

La Cave - subterranean steakhouse I've yet to try - 1695 Irvine Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949-646-7944

WESTMINSTER

Riviera at the Fireside - I have not been yet but it's high on my list - 13950 Springdale Street, Westminster, CA 92683 714-897-0477

Jab!
About La Cave: I have dined her for years (I grew up in Costa Mesa), and the food is great! I always go for the Filet & Lobster, which I highly recommend! The mood of La Cave has always set patrons in the mood for Martini's and you will be quite pleased with the selection of entertainers that perform there if you plan to stay after 10pm.

About The Riviera (now Riviera at the Fireside): This restaurant, originally in South Coast Plaza for decades, is now located in the old Fireside Restaurant, both of which have been considered fine dining experiences (although The Riviera has always been my favorite), thus with its relocation is now called "Riviera at the Fireside".

This restaurant will always be my favorite for 2 reasons:
First, this is my first "fine dining experience" shown to me by my mother when I was 15 years old (just before I got my drivers license, and of course, ready to take a date in a car all on my own). She also brushed me up on my proper dining etiquette, how to properly "approve" your wine selection before its served (cork check, wine sniff & taste...yes, yes, at 15 years old!) Also, this is where she gave me my "pep talk" on being a gentleman to the ladies from picking up my date(NO HONKING AT THE CURB!) to dropping her off (and properly escorting her safely to the door.) This is also where I experienced my first Flambé'ed dish, Diane Flambé (aka Steak Diane). Our waiter "David" was also very helpful and saw what my mother was doing and took the liberty of teaching me the reasons & uses for the multitude of forks, spoons & knives used during a fine dining experience. He is a fantastic waiter! Ok, so this first reason had more info than you really needed to know, here's reason number two...

Second, to this day this is probably the only restaurant where I have tried every single dish on the menu, which hasn't changed much since my first dining experience there with my mother 26 years ago, and there has never been a disappointing moment from the initial cocktail being served to the dessert & coffee at the end of a fine meal.

As you may guess, I highly recommend this restaurant. Also, when you make your reservations, ask for "David's Table", who is still there! In the 26 years I have gone, I have only missed one dining experience there without him.

If you want to impress your date (wife or girlfriend/boyfriend...and yes, you can still have a "date" with your wife), this is what I recommend for both fantastic palate sensations & visual presentation:

• Gulf Shrimp on Ice
• Spinach Salad "Flambé" (For Two)
• Filet Diane "Flambé", or Duckling a' L' Orange ("Flambé" with Cointreau) or Pepper Steak "Flambé" Au Cognac
• Banana (or Strawberries) "Flambé"
• Cafe Diablo (with COGNAC, GRAND MARNIER & RUM), and yes it is presented "Flambé"!

No matter what you choose, you must order the Cafe Diablo just to see the presentation, although having a complete "Flambé" night is something you always remember!

Just my 2 Flambé coconuts worth!

Admiral Risty in Palos Verdes

http://www.admiral-risty.com/Main.html

Great steak and seafood in an old timey, nautical setting. Drinks are really good too.

The real non-food bonuses to this place is the fact that it is decked out with nautical history/decor, not over the top, but enough to keep the atmosphere. During the day you command a sweeping view of the pacific ocean, as the restuarant sits a little above the Point Vicente light house.

Sugercaddydaddy - Great personal info on La Cave and Riviera at the Fireside! I love flambe dishes and order them whenever they're offered. Steak Diane has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid and my mother started making it in the 1960s. It is a dish that restaurants often don't make right. And I can't believe they make a flambe salad! And cafe Diablo is one of my favorite after-dinner drinks.

For a long time I've wanted to start a restaurant that harkens back to a 1950s dining experience and serve everything flambed. I would simply call it "The Flame" and have a big neon flickering flame on the sign.

I can't wait to try these places.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA

Magic Lamp Inn - I have not made it to this landmark 1957 Route 66 restaurant - 8189 Foothill Blvd. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (909) 981-8659

http://www.cart66pf.org/66caravan/roadlog02.htm

NEWPORT BEACH

The Arches - roadside fine dining since 1922 - I peeked in once and looked at the menu - the atmosphere was great but the prices were very high at dinner, lunch may be a better deal - someday I'll check it out - 3334 W Coast Highway at Newport Highway (949) 645-7077

http://www.thearchesrestaurant.com/

The Crab Cooker - delicious yet inexpensive casual seafood shack since 1951 - 2200 Newport Blvd (949) 673-0100

http://orangecounty.citysearch.com/profile/609733/newport_beach_ca/crab_cooker.html

South Pasadena

Gus' BBQ - Great BBQ/Family Restaurant, and even better Neon signage, since 1946. It's just 2 blocks north & across the street from the Rialto Theatre, so you can stop by before seeing Rocky Horror or another Midnight Movie. 808 Fair Oaks Avenue (626) 799-3251

http://www.gussbbq.com/

Rev. Dr. Frederick J. Freelance, Ph.D., D.F.S

[ Edited by: freddiefreelance 2005-09-13 11:39 ]

HOLLYWOOD/LOS FELIZ

The Dresden - OK it's been 10 years since the movie Swingers came out and the trendy crowds no longer go here, so it's time to visit it again. It's still as cool as ever. The food in the restaurant is pretty good, the lounge is gorgeous, and there's live entertainment every night except Sunday (Marty and Elaine still going strong after 23 years). - 1760 N. Vermont Avenue, Hollywood, California 90027 (stumbling distance from the Tiki Ti)

http://www.thedresden.com

Way to bring it, Mr. Smiley!

My favorite:

Traxx at Union Station

http://www.westadams-normandie.com/Assets/Traxx.jpg

zazz!

Living nearby
I can vouch for:
the DalRae, Steak N stein and the Embers , the "V- room in Monterey park. Although you may be a bit turned off by the smell outside of The Embers, do go in to see the devilish murals from the 50's which portray Jane Russell, Vincent Price and other stars from the past with horns on their head.
One thing I am going to warn you about though is please do not dine at the old 'Chris n pits' a block away, as I have witnessed the waitresses pinching food to eat from the food trays that they are bringing out of the kitchen :(

Also the Montebello bowl-Montebello on Beverly Blvd has a really cool lounge made from lava? rock ande googie archtecture that I used to frequent. Although the hostess can get a tad bit selfish with the karaoke mike there.

Havefun!!

want fresh seafood in an old restaurant (been on the docks since 1949) and eat it with real fishermen and longshoremen (the old timers who used to actually carry the stuff off the ships before everything was containered?)

Canetti's Seafood Grotto
309 E. 22nd Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

It doesn't look like much, but it's got history, man...history. For the full canetti's experience be sure to bring an empty stomach, an open mind and an inspiration to discuss.

Taken from this page: http://www.italianlosangeles.org/index.php?1&222

"It's easy to spot the fishermen. Their faces are deeply lined and tanned, their fingers calloused and gnarled, hardened by nylon ropes and the sting of sea salt, their nails ragged. […] In the late 1940s and 1950s, my grandfather and my great-uncle fished together out of San Pedro's harbor on creaky diesel-fueled boats, using nets they crafted and mended by hand. Even now, DiMassa cousins pull the nets and work the docks. […] Old World San Pedro gathers at Canetti's, as always, by groups. At one table, the village gossips sit; at another, city employees. Once a month, the firefighters stop by. But most of the action takes place at the center, where a long table is reserved for the fishermen.... Inside, where 20 tables fill the crowded main room, pale blue walls are lined with fragments of San Pedro's history: a model of an old schooner, the kind of boat on which Italians first arrived in Los Angeles; black-and-white photos of fishing boats from the 1940s; a framed Los Angeles Times screaming, in a banner headline, "Sub Attacks Southland"; posters admonishing the regulars to buy war bonds; a packing crate from the Catalina Fish Co., headquartered in San Pedro."

In GLENDALE

DAMON'S

On Brand Blvd.,from 5N, take Colorado Blvd., or from the 134 FWY, take Brand Blvd. Meter PARKING in back, FREE in pm.

Has Polynesian decor. Super Mai Tais. Excellent steaks; get the tenderloin filet, twice baked potato and house salad. Small party room for 25. Balcony for booths.
BEST, MOST COST-EFFECTIVE FILET, IN LA.

SHRIMP AHOY.

In El Monte at Live Oak and Peck Road, and in Rosemead at the Peck Rd. exit from the 10, north one block, turn right. Same owner. Fried shrimp so big (the Colossal) it's the size of your hand, and just two is a filling meal. Nautical diner decor. Great prices, great fried seafood, great cole slaw, fries. Eat-in at booths or carry out. SHRIMP LOVERS will thank me for this.

Has anyone had any experiences at Park Place on beach blvd. in Orange county?

For a almost complete listing of all the vintage bars and restaurants in Southern California and Las Vegas with pictures and history check out http://www.latimemachines.com It mentions most of the restaurants in this thread and many more!

The lobby bar at the Biltmore downtown:

http://www.reservetravel.com/v4/hotelimages/pegs/MU/1237/re_1237_e4.jpg

Encounter is by far the best post-war building in the City:

http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=7718&forum=6&hilite=Encounter

I recommend El Carmen: GREAT margaritas and fabulous velvet paintings of Luchadores.

There is a really old place in Pico Rivera, Ca called the “Wagon Wheel”.

.Established in 1943. It was originally a house that sat across the street from the marine reserve auxillary on old Bevery Rd.

The GI’s wanted a place to drink and the lady that owned the house started setting up bar in her living room.

The men sat on casks and the place was eventually turned into a bar/café.

“Manny” the current proprietor has owned it for the last 27 years. They serve the best tasting burgers there! And have the coldest beer in town.

I missed the annual luau for his birthday where they roast a pig out on the rock grotto in the back patio , have hula dancers and

decorate the place all tikiish.

The clientele there is mostly locals but on Sundays they cater to the biker crowd.

If you want a really good burger and some cheap drinks in an old timey setting its a bit of a dive but is a fun place to hang out.

Monsoon, in Santa Monica (3rd St. Promenade, off Wilshire)

An Indonesian, Thai paradise, with bamboo galore.
It is an exotic, wonderful, tiki-like palace, where the house specailty cocktails, the Tsunami and the Voodoo Love are served in tiki glasses.

The Chinese food cuisine is delicious and the prices are most reasonable.

The bar (upstairs in the back) is a great party scene with hot music and (on the weekends) no cover.

Mountain @ Chinatown, North Broadway

There are many reasons to love this bar.

The first: location, location, location

Pass Chinatown's entrance, the dragon over Broadway Blvd, which rivals the dragon over the Chinatown in SF. Enter through the classic neon archway, immortalized in the movie Chinatown, possibly the best ever film about Los Angeles.

The bar itself is a thing of beauty. It is a neo-contemporary design, with red walls, red chandeliers and red draperies, 2 stories tall.

Every type of person can be found there. The drinks are cheap, even if the mixology could use some help.

Redwood Bar & Grill
316 W 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 680-2600

Aaaarrghh, Matey, if ever there was a place to have a bottle of rum or to drain a keg, this is it!

Incredible detail to the pirate them, mast heads and sails decorate the bar, numerous paintings of mermaids and boats, tables are the tops of casts, and, of course, skulls.

The pirate theme is impossible to miss. Even before a push through the Redwood's door, nautical gear is everywhere, including fishing nets and floats, weathered wooden planks and the stumps of dock timbers. A rusty anchor and reproductions of pirate flags - yes, apparently they numbered far more than the old Jolly Roger - adorn the ceiling of the entryway.

Elegant while leather booths decorate the back room, while the entrance has a smoking gallery.

Late last call and, again, inexpensive cocktails.

http://downtownnews.com/articles/2006/08/14/news/news03.txt

http://www.theredwoodbar.com/

http://www.calendarlive.com/dining/117279,0,3935754.venue

Royale on Wilshire.

I'm told Ginger Rodgers and Fred Aistaire danced in the ballroom, which is now a fantastic looking restaurant, with a delightful patio and separate, candlelit bar:
http://www.royaleonwilshire.com

Any more places?

Denny's in Arcadia on Huntington.

On 2011-06-07 22:56, christiki295 wrote:
Denny's in Arcadia on Huntington.

WOW!

Clearman's North Woods Inn
7247 N Rosemead Blvd
San Gabriel, CA 91775
(626) 286-8284

On 2011-06-07 00:18, mrsmiley wrote:
Any more places?

Wow, this is already a pretty comprehensive list. I'd add in the following...

1. In my beloved K-Town there's the Prince and Frank & Hank's.

2. Hank's Bar - Dunbar Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. It became Hank's in 1959 but I believe the bar dates back to 1933.

3. Here's my review of the Short Stop in Echo Park.

4. Not too far from Tiki-Ti is the Drawing Room (1968) which is a good place to go if you want to get into a drunken fight. Across the street is Ye Rustic Inn (1971) where you'll find the smells of fried food and slumming movie stars.

5. In the SGV, there's Embers-related (same owner) Poor Denny's Saloon and the Crest.

6. Big Dean's - A funky beach dive at the base of Santa Monica pier. It's the oldest bar in Los Angeles dating back to 1902 (albeit under different names).

7. Town House in Venice - This place dates back to 1915 !!

8. Billingsley's Steak House in West LA - 1946. I love this place.

9. There's several places in Culver City - Cinema Bar (1947), Tattle Tale, & Scarlet Lady.

10. And Atwater Village - Tam O' Shanter (1922), The Roost (1930), & Club Tee Gee (1946).

11. The Blue Room in Burbank - 1947. Remember the scene in "Memento" where Carrie-Anne Moss spits into Guy Pearce's beer stein? It was shot here.

12. And oh yeah, the Foc'sle in Wilmington.

All the addresses and further reviews are Yelp-able.

Oh, and that Denny's above, it's one of the former Van de Kamp’s Bakeries.

Also on that note of repurposed Mid-century restaurants, the Mr. Cecil's BBQ joint in West LA is a former Chili Bowl...

[ Edited by: JOHN-O 2011-06-08 09:13 ]

MISSION HILLS

The Bear Pit - good BBQ, great neon, and rustic bear theme - 10825 Sepulveda

Not tiki, but vintage and tasty. Be sure and get one of the sandwiches on garlic toast. Great beans and cole slaw too.

A bit of Missouri in the San Fernando Valley.

(Then go across the street to the San Fernando Mission and pay your respects to Ritchie Valens.)

Father's Office in historical Helm's complex in LA/Culver City.
Venice, near Robertson.

Extensive beer & wine list. Gourmet burgers. Excellent garlic fries.
Nice outside patio.

[ Edited by: christiki295 2011-06-08 22:32 ]

This is too much info!

Can some of you, or even one of you, give us fans of Mid-Century and the ineffibale "old" feel adn funk places give as a good day plan? Think of it like this. You got me and Mrs. Swanky for a full day and we head out early for breakfast. What is our day going to be? And we can't drink ourselves stupid, so it can't be bar after bar. Shopping, sites, whatever...

On 2011-06-23 13:33, Swanky wrote:
This is too much info!

Can some of you, or even one of you, give us fans of Mid-Century and the ineffibale "old" feel adn funk places give as a good day plan? Think of it like this. You got me and Mrs. Swanky for a full day and we head out early for breakfast. What is our day going to be? And we can't drink ourselves stupid, so it can't be bar after bar. Shopping, sites, whatever...

Start breakfast at any of these places:
http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/california/socal/socaleats/socalcoffeeshop/index4.htm

I added the Hat in Pasadena to the first list!

Bump --for those going to Tiki Oasis and LA.

Mr. Cecil's moved to Manhattan Beach. I don;t know what is at the old Chili Bowl site. The last time I was by there (maybe a couple of months ago) it looked like it was empty.

Swanky,

This website will help you out. http://www.dwell.com/maps/modern-restaurants-in-los-angeles.html

I'll also add Canter's to the list. http://www.cantersdeli.com

On 2012-08-13 16:25, tikilongbeach wrote:
Swanky,

This website will help you out. http://www.dwell.com/maps/modern-restaurants-in-los-angeles.html

That is a good list.
Chris Nichols is the man.

Bump -could use some updating --please also post if any of the above places has closed -thanks