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Los Angeles area (mostly vintage) bars and Restaurants |
mrsmiley
Grand Member (8 years) 
Joined: Apr 03, 2002
Posts: 3153
From: Las Vegas, NV
|  Posted: 2005-09-09 4:10 pm Permalink
The is a list I compiled from my own visits and recommendations of others-
THE ENCOUNTER - the LAX aerial bar
North Hollywood; Tonga Hut 12808 Victory, North Hollywood 323-769-0708
Hollywood:
TIKI TI- 4427 Sunset blvd. 323-669-9381
FORMOSA CAFE -7156 Santa Monica Blvd.(323) 850-9050.
Good Luck BAR on highland. North of where Hollywood & Sunset meet. For drinks.
The Frolic Room next to the Pantages Theater on Hollywood Blvd. & Vine - for drinks
MUSSO and FRANK's GRILL-6667 Hollywood Blvd (323) 467-7788
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.
Cha Cha Cha for Caribbean Cuisine on the corner of Melrose and Vermont. Address,ph # not found
Yamashiros in the Hollywood hills - 1999 N Sycamore Ave. Cocktails and appetizers with a view. (& history)..
The Cat & the Fiddle on Sunset near Vine for daytime outdoor, patio seating.
Josephs Cafe 1775 N. Ivar, Hollywood. Greek Food, in a nice setting.
Boardners - Hollywood Dive has drinks and food. 1652 N Cherokee Ave 323) 462-9621 Bar Marmont 8171 Sunset Blvd. for a cocktail
In Farmers Market food area-
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.
Kokomo's also has great food. Great for Breakfast or Lunch. Lot's of people watching.
Madame Wu's in the Grove for a cocktail.
Messob - Ethiopian - 1041 South Fairfax - South of Farmers Market. There is a section of Town called Little Ethiopia. This is my favorite one.
Canters on Fairfax between Beverly & Melrose - Open 24 hours. It's an institution
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 - 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/Nr Santa Monica-You should also check out my favorite coffee shop down there, 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
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-
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.
Monsoons on 3rd st Promenade (near Wilshire) for Asian fusion food. reasonable prices, nice setting
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/ zazz zazz ZAZZ!!!!
CHINATOWN!!!!!visit it.
--First we had dim sum at a late 80’s time warp, The EMPRESS Pavilion. The dining room is so big that if you had a football you might score a touchdown
Chinatown in LA. - Hop Louies Jade Pagoda !
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
LANGER'S deli 704 S Alvarado St (213) 483-8050 better pastrami than Cantors!
. 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
PHILLIPE'S French Dip 1001 N Alameda St (213) 628-3781
COLES FRENCH DIP (1908) 118 East 6th St-DOWNTN 213-622-4090- ENDANGERED!!!!!
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
ONTARIO;
Vince's Spaghetti house in Ontario - a roadhouse that begin in 1945
(909) 986-7074
1206 W Holt Blvd
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"
Homestyle Cafe-Guasti/Ontario 2902 E Old Brookside Rd (909) 390-0355 GIANT PANCAKES! call first-may be gone
PASADENA- Pie 'n Burger 913 E. California Blvd, 626-795-1123 http://pienburger.com/menu.htm
The Hat -great Pastrami! 491 N. Lake Ave. (626) 449-1844 www.thehat.com Open daily until 10pm
In Seal Beach -The PARASOL -a pink 1967 coffee shop in the shape of an UMBRELLA ! ENDANGERED!!!!!!
50s dinner houses:
The Magic Lamp -1955- in Rancho Cucamonga
The Buggy Whip Restaurant <http://yp.yahoo.com/rd?tuid=F-ITY0010401662&t=dtl&stx=&ck=734246966&u=/py/ypMap.py%3fPyt=Typ%26tuid=F-ITY0010401662%26ck=734246966%26tab=B2C%26tcat=8229027%26city=Los%2bAngeles%26state=CA%26uzip=90012%26country=us%26msa=4480%26cs=4%26ed=PA> sorta near LAX
(310) 645-7131 Web Site <http://yp.yahoo.com/rd?tuid=F-ITY0010401662&t=web&stx=&ck=734246966&u=http%3a//www.buggywhip.qpg.com/> 7420 La Tijera LA
Steakhouses;
In Burbank is the great Smoke House:
http://www.roadsidepeek.com/preserv/2003/smokehouse/
http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/316389/?cslink=cs_boc_lw_2_5
Judd recommended 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 Pacific Dining Car:
http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/31391?ulink=search__specialty5_2___profile__1
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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)
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) --- supposedly great steak ! http://www.pappyandharriets.com/
[ This Message was edited by: mrsmiley 2011-07-25 23:55 ]
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thejab
Grand Member (first year) 
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2984
From: Forbidden Island, CA
| Posted: 2005-09-09 5:51 pm Permalink
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.
[ This Message was edited by: thejab 2005-09-10 15:43 ]
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thejab
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2984
From: Forbidden Island, CA
| Posted: 2005-09-09 5:59 pm Permalink
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!
[ This Message was edited by: thejab 2007-01-09 13:33 ]
[ This Message was edited by: thejab 2007-01-09 13:33 ]
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freddiefreelance
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 15, 2003
Posts: 2983
From: San Diego, Ca.
| Posted: 2005-09-09 8:51 pm Permalink
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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
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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.
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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!
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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
[ This Message was edited by: freddiefreelance 2005-09-09 21:14 ]
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thejab
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2984
From: Forbidden Island, CA
| Posted: 2005-09-10 12:14 pm Permalink
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On 2005-09-09 20:51, freddiefreelance wrote:
Quote:
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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
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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.
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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!
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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
[ This Message was edited by: freddiefreelance 2005-09-09 21:14 ]
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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).
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thejab
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2984
From: Forbidden Island, CA
| Posted: 2005-09-10 12:40 pm Permalink
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
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thejab
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2984
From: Forbidden Island, CA
| Posted: 2005-09-10 3:40 pm Permalink
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!
[ This Message was edited by: thejab 2005-09-10 15:42 ]
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thejab
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2984
From: Forbidden Island, CA
| Posted: 2005-09-10 3:58 pm Permalink
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)
[ This Message was edited by: thejab 2005-09-11 10:25 ]
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Shipwreckjoey
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Nov 29, 2002
Posts: 1794
From: San Diego, CA
| Posted: 2005-09-11 12:49 am Permalink
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.
[ This Message was edited by: Shipwreckjoey 2005-09-11 00:51 ]
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SugarCaddyDaddy
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jun 03, 2002
Posts: 1500
From: Huntington Beach, California
| Posted: 2005-09-12 09:04 am Permalink
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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 |
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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!
_________________
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Polynesiac
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jan 29, 2004
Posts: 2020
From: San Pedro, CA
| Posted: 2005-09-12 09:21 am Permalink
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.
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thejab
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2984
From: Forbidden Island, CA
| Posted: 2005-09-12 10:51 am Permalink
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.
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thejab
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2984
From: Forbidden Island, CA
| Posted: 2005-09-12 12:39 pm Permalink
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
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freddiefreelance
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 15, 2003
Posts: 2983
From: San Diego, Ca.
| Posted: 2005-09-13 11:34 am Permalink
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
[ This Message was edited by: freddiefreelance 2005-09-13 11:39 ]
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thejab
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2984
From: Forbidden Island, CA
| Posted: 2005-09-13 3:03 pm Permalink
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)
www.thedresden.com
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