Best Classic Restaurants In LA
Although the dining scene in Los Angeles is still a growing industry, there are numerous iconic Los Angeles restaurants that have been city staples since making their mark on the area throughout the last century. These classic LA restaurants provide a connection to the roots and history of the city of Los Angeles; a visit is more than a meal, it is part of an amazing tradition that connects Los Angelinos together with its past.
Philippe The Original
1001 N. Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-3781
www.philippes.com
Established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, this Los Angeles institution claims the invention of the French Dipped Sandwich, which began as an accidental drop of bread into a roasting pan. It has been at its current location on the outskirts of Chinatown since 1951, with very little change in the menu selections since opening. French Dip selections include roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey, or ham, and can be topped with Swiss, American, Monterey Jack, or Blue cheese if desired. Cole slaw, potato and macaroni salads hard-boiled eggs, and their signature hot French mustard sauce are also made fresh on site, where people from all walks of life can join together to experience a true LA classic.
Pacific Dining Car
1310 W 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 483-6000
2700 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 453-4000
www.pacificdiningcar.com
Railroads and trolley cars were at the height of development and anticipation in 1921, and Fred and Grace ("Lovey") Cook built their own replica dining car and began serving up tasty fare to street passengers this same year. In 1927, Fred learned to select and age his own prime beef on site, which began a tradition of amazing, melt-in-your-mouth aged steaks that are still served at Pacific Dining Car (now in two locations) today.
Musso and Frank
6667 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 467-7788
www.mussoandfrank.com
Once a part of the glitz and glamour of the golden days of Hollywood, Musso & Frank's Grill originally opened in 1919 by entrepreneur Frank Toulet, Oregon restaurateur Joseph Musso, and French chef Jean Rue. Sold in the late twenties to Joseph Carissimi and John Mosso, the restaurant is still ran by the Mosso family today. Musso & Frank's serves up Italian entrees, classics, steaks, sandwiches, breakfast, and a rotation of daily features including corned beef and cabbage, bouillabaisse, and sauerbraten with potato pancakes. Their martini is rated one of the best in the world.
Pinks Hot Dogs
709 N La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 931-7594
www.pinkshollywood.com
Paul and Betty Pink first started selling hot dogs from a cart on La Brea & Melrose in 1939. Business boomed and the you can now enjoy over 30 varieties of these famous Hollywood hot dogs to enjoy in their dining room or outdoor patio at locations throughout Southern California, and now other parts of the United States as well. Still family owned and operated by the Pink family, these tasty dogs (and burgers!) are a great value that offers a piece of Hollywood history with each bite.
Yamashiro
1999 N. Sycamore Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90068
(323) 466-5125
www.yamashirorestaurant.com
Built one-hundred years ago in 1914, Yamashiro restaurant stands 250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard, making it the perfect place to enjoy a piece of LA history while also taking in the scenic views. The aptly named restaurant, which translates as "Mountain Palace" in Japanese, was originally built as a mansion to house the Bernheimer brother's large collection of priceless Asian treasures. The 10-rom teak and cedar mansion features intricate gardens, stunning silks, tapestries, and a 600-year-old pagoda from Japan. Today you can enjoy an exceptional Asian-inspired California fare led by Executive chef Brock Kieweno.
Langer's Deli
704 South Alvarado
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 483-8050
www.langersdeli.com
Since 1947, Langer's has served up more than 6 million pounds of pastrami throughout its storied past. The most popular sandwich, #19, is filled with Hot Pastrami, Cole Slaw, Russian Dressing and a slice of Swiss cheese, all served on baked rye bread. The rye gets its extra crispy crunch from being twice baked, the perfect complement to the juicy goodness inside. Snag this legendary sandwich from owner Norm Langer (who started working for his dad in 1963) every day until 4pm, excluding Sundays.
Canter's Deli
419 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 651-2030
www.cantersdeli.com
If you've never experienced Canter's Deli, you're certainly missing out. The deli, which opened its doors in 1931, serves up some of the city's best food in a restaurant that hasn't changed its decor in years. From a menu of deli comfort classics like corned beef and pastrami sandwiches to a pastry case that rivals the best, Canter's Deli is one of the city's best Jewish deli's.
Cole's
118 E 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 622-4090
www.213nightlife.com
As the oldest public house in LA, Cole's began on the floor of the Pacific Electric Building which opened in 1908. Cole's began the French Dip sandwich in LA and has continued its legacy ever since. With delicious roast beef on a French baguette served with au jus from the meat, it's simply delicious.
The Polo Lounge At The Beverly Hills Hotel
9641 Sunset Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 887-2777
www.dorchestercollection.com
Located inside the posh Beverly Hills Hotel, stars have been visiting this storied refuge since 1941. The Polo Lounge, which gets its name from the polo matches that were once played by Hollywood stars such as Walt Disney and Will Rogers, today is a spot where locals dine among stars. Whether its for brunch, afternoon tea or lunch or dinner, The Polo Lounge has stood the test of time and offers a rich history.
