While restaurants may come and go in the tough food business, there are some Los Angeles eateries that have defied the odds and stayed open for a century or more.
Many of these places have rightfully become local icons often with generations of loyal customers dining at their tables. These long-running restaurants can range from fancy steakhouses to classic diners to sandwich spots to places serving international cuisines. But they are all Los Angeles culinary legends.
Here are 10 of the county’s oldest restaurants, some of which have been serving hungry locals for more than a century.
The Original Saugus Cafe
25861 Railroad Ave, Santa Clarita; 661-259-7886 or on Instagram @thesauguscafe
Founded: 1886
This is the granddaddy of old restaurants, since it was established way back in 1886, so yes, this roadside diner is Los Angeles County’s oldest restaurant. It has even served presidents like Theodore Roosevelt, who reportedly had a steak there in 1903. Today it still has that old diner feel with bar seating, green booths and a menu that includes hefty breakfast and steak dishes.
Big Dean’s Ocean Front Cafe
615 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica; 310-393-2666 or bigdeansoceanfrontcafe.com
Founded: 1902
Located at the foot of the Santa Monica Pier, this beachside bar and restaurant first opened as Laring’s Lunch Room and predated the pier by seven years. In its long history it’s been a biker bar, a hangout for bodybuilders and lifeguards and today is still a popular fun spot with a beach/sports bar vibe and hefty servings of comfort food.
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Cole’s French Dip
118 E. 6th St, Los Angeles, colesfrenchdip.com
Founded: 1908
This is one of two old L.A. restaurants that claim to have invented the French Dip sandwich. The other is Philippe. Regardless of who invented the famous dish, Cole’s is deeply dipped into the cultural fabric of the city and was even declared a City of Los Angeles Historical Landmark. Thanks to its old saloon look with dark woods and a speakeasy vibe, it even feels like you’re stepping back in history when you come inside. While its claim to fame is the French Dip, the cocktail menu is also a must try, especially the various types of Old Fashioned whiskey drinks. Note: Cole’s French Dip is a 21-and-older establishment.
Philippe The Original
1001 N Alameda St., Los Angeles; 213- 628-3781 or philippes.com
Founded: 1908; at its current location since 1951
This famous city staple is a popular hangout for Dodger fans before and after games and it too claims to be the inventor of the French Dip sandwich. It’s always busy but don’t be scared when you see the long lines at the deli-display counter — they move fast because this place is all about the regulars who know how to order. First you choose from a variety of meats, like beef and lamb, and then choose from single or double dipped to wet the sandwich. Then you get your tray and find a communal or private table to sit at. Don’t forget to spread some hot mustard on your sandwich, but be warned, the hot mustard on the table is really hot, like the inside of your nose will burn type of hot.
Musso & Frank Grill
6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323-467-7788 or mussoandfrank.com
Founded: 1919
If the walls at this restaurant could talk they would probably have to sign a nondisclosure agreement because the classic American restaurant has long been a hangout for Hollywood celebrities. It’s decked out in worn leather booths and a mahogany bar and is known for strong martinis and, of course, steaks. But one of the most popular dishes is the Original Fettuccine Alfredo, which according to the restaurant’s website, was a recipe given to the chef by silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford after they went on a trip to Italy.
Barney’s Beanery
8447 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood; 323-654-2287 or barneysbeanery.com
Founded: 1920 in Berkeley; moved to L.A. in 1927
There are a few of these around but the first local one opened in West Hollywood in 1927 as a small chili cafe. It’s located on Santa Monica Boulevard along the original Route 66, which explains the old license plates that decorate the restaurant and its offshoots. Other decorations that give it a roadhouse feel include multicolored booths and old signs. The large menu is filled with American comfort food dishes and there are dozens of beers on tap at the bar. The original spot was made noteworthy by its famous clientele which included old Hollywood stars and musicians like Jim Morrison, who reportedly once relieved himself on the bar. The restaurant later installed a plaque on that spot to commemorate the Lizard King’s actions.
ALSO SEE: These are some of the oldest restaurant in the Inland Empire
Mijares Mexican Restaurant
145 Palmetto Drive, Pasadena; 626-792-2763 or mijaresrestaurant.com
Founded: 1920
The restaurant describes itself as “Pasadena’s best kept secret” on its website. Well someone let the secret out long ago because it has survived for more than 100 years after it was founded by Jesucita Mijares. The family matriarch moved to Pasadena from Jalisco, Mexico, and opened a small restaurant using her original recipes, making tortillas, tamales and sauces with her metate stone grinder, which according the restaurant’s website, she carried from Mexico. Today it’s known not only for its food but also for its margaritas, with about 30 different types on the menu.
Tam O’ Shanter
2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, 323-664-0228 or lawrysonline.com/tam-o-shanter.
Founded: 1922
Bring you bagpipes and let the scotch flow at this traditional Scottish steakhouse. Not only is the atmosphere lively here but the decor will take you back to Scotland too. The exterior resembles a Scottish inn while inside it’s decked out like an old-world pub with waiters clad in plaid. A must try at Tam O’ Shanter is the prime rib and any of their numerous whiskeys.
El Cholo
1121 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, 323- 734-2773 or elcholo.com
Founded: 1923
This iconic Mexican restaurant first opened in 1923 as Sonora Café but the name was changed to El Cholo in 1927. The family-run restaurant became a hangout for future stars like Jack Nicholson and other young actors who came for inexpensive food like a bowl of Frijoles a la Hoja (beans in a pot) which set them back about 35 cents. You can still taste history there today with dishes on the menu that date back decades like the Sonora Style Enchilada and Joe’s Traditional Albondigas, which both date back to 1923.
Joe Jost’s
2803 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, 562-439-5446 or joejosts.com
Founded: 1924
While the vibe here is more dive bar that fancy restaurant, Joe Jost’s serves must try sandwiches like the “Joe’s Special” which consists of a Polish Sausage made from an in-house blend of spices, topped with slice of Swiss cheese and mustard on rye bread. The place is also famous for its pickled eggs, which are served on a mound of pretzels with chili peppers. Joe Jost’s has even been a popular film location with movies like “The Bodyguard,” and “Gone in 60 Seconds” recording scenes there.
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