Food has a storied history filled with people who turned their dreams into household names. Growing up, everyone knows the spots, eating at them is almost a rite of passage. Our experiences create the tales that help these landmark spots become legend. Along with famous menus, these restaurants also retain a retro appeal, adding to their city’s character and standing as time capsules for your palate.
With restaurants that go back nearly 100 years, California has enough food history to keep you fed for a lifetime. Indeed, with so much to offer, one could road trip the full stretch and feel as if they’ve visited numerous states. Two major freeways serve as the main arteries within the Golden State, the 101 and the 5, allowing passage through its ever-dynamic landscape.
Spring is here, which means more folks will be loading up their car and hitting the road. With a long history, landmark restaurants are great ways for visitors on-the-go to experience new places.
To add some adventure to your upcoming road trip, I’ve made a list of the oldest landmark restaurants along California’s 5 Freeway. Go get your grub and history on for the price of one.
GARY BRIC'S RAMP (Now Renamed The Ramp Bar & Grill)
Location: Burbank, CA
Year opened: 1962
Address: 7730 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505
Located under the 5 Freeway since it opened in 1962, this old school steakhouse began as a popular spot for local airport workers. In 1993 it would gain the name it became famous for when Gary Bric purchased it. A hands-on owner, Bric would bartend three nights a week. With a passion for service, Bric was also a council member for the city of Burbank and its mayor for a year. Retaining some of the original’s flare, the spot is now known as The Ramp Bar & Grill. There you’ll find mostly Italian cuisine, along with a healthy selection of seafood and steaks.
Location: Glendale, CA
Year opened: 1946
Address: 1551 Victory Blvd, Glendale, CA 91201-2940
This small landmark is famous for its big barbeque flavor. Founded and family-owned since 1946, Pecos Bill’s BBQ serves dripping deliciousness using only three ingredients: bread, meat and sauce. Located near Griffith Park, you can grab your fill for under $10 and enjoy it at one of the park’s picnic areas. Just be sure to grab plenty of napkins because these sandwiches take saucy to higher levels.
Location: Los Feliz, CA
Year Opened: 1964
Address: 3178 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Serving tasty Italian sub sandwiches, pizza and pasta since 1964, Giamela’s was started by New Jersey transplant Bill Giamela. Moving to LA, he brought along his passion for sub sandwiches. A favorite menu item of customers is their pepper steak sub sandwich with melted cheese. Today, there are three locations, each owned by a Giamela.
Location: Silver Lake, CA
Year opened: 1957
Address: 2300 Fletcher Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90039
This famous diner boasts an equally famous sign. It was originally named Donley’s Diner, then Conrad’s, before becoming Astro Family Restaurant in 1974. It was designed by well known SoCal architect firm Armet & Davis, who are also behind many notable post-war Los Angeles landmarks. Today, Astro still boasts an extensive menu filled with diner classics like omelettes, hotcakes, waffles, burgers, as well as seafood and steak entree options.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Year Opened: 1926
Address: 1803 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
This legendary Italian market is a whopping 96 years old. During those days, Los Angeles had developed a small Italian community in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood. While LA’s Little Italy is but a distant memory for long-time residents, the spirit still lives on in Lanza Brothers Market.
Location: Commerce, CA
Year opened: 1954
Address: 5332 Stevens Place., Commerce, CA 90040
This family-owned landmark has been fine winin’ and dinin’ for 70 years. Steven’s Steak & Seafood House stands as one of the few fine dining options in the city of Commerce, CA. In addition to offering delectable cuts of meat and savory seafood, the establishment also offers live entertainment in their very own outdoor arena. You can fill your belly, book one of their seven banquet halls and enjoy fine wine all in the same night.
Location: Commerce, CA
Year opened: 1957
Address: 7780 East Slauson Avenue, Commerce, CA 90040
Still retaining its retro-glam, Ozzie’s Diner is yet another historical gem located in Commerce, CA. Words sprawled above the establishment’s awning emphasize the passion behind the diner’s longevity, “Serving Great Food Since 1957.” Hungry patrons frequent Ozzie’s for their homemade style Latin and American cuisine. Aside from edible diner classics, they also have a lively sports bar.
Location: Downey, CA
Year opened: 1953
Address: 9243 Lakewood Blvd, Downey, CA 90240
Owner Chris Pelonis has been serving his original barbecue recipes to hungry patrons for over 70 years. Starting with one location in Lynwood, California, Pelonis' famous Texas-style wood-fired bbq would expand the business into 15 total locations, with three still open today. Family-owned and operated, their bbq is so popular, you can purchase it online and in select stores. Reviews say that the beef rib is a standout. If you’d rather wait for the real deal, be sure to add Chris & Pitts to your road trip hit list.
Location: Downey, CA
Year Opened: 1961
Address: 8813 Lakewood Blvd Downey, CA 90240
This small drive-thru eatery was opened in 1961 by owner Arthur Fast as an Orange Julius stand before becoming the landmark it is today. Not only has it been under the same ownership since it opened, much of the staff have also worked there for decades too. They specialize in American and Mexican breakfast classics like biscuits and gravy, chilaquiles and omelettes to name a few.
Location: Anaheim, CA
Year opened: 1953
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
Located in the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Club 33 is Disneyland’s most exclusive dining experience. Previous rumors detail its members only requirements which include a whopping $25k initiation fee followed by $10k per year for continued access. Unsurprisingly, they focus on a fine high-end dining experience. If you can somehow finesse your way through its secret entrance, or got it like that and can afford the membership, Club 33 is definitely worth checking out; if not for the food, for its rich history.
Location: Anaheim, CA
Year opened: 1955
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
Otherwise known as the Red Wagon Inn, this famous Disneyland landmark was opened in the summer of 1955. The opening attracted a line of 3,000 hungry patrons looking to experience the theme park’s fine dining. The Disney experience will work up a healthy appetite and the Plaza Inn has more than enough to satisfy any hunger pangs. From a famous breakfast buffet to American classics like smoked mac-n-cheese and Mickey-shaped sweet honey cornbread, Disney’s Plaza Inn is definitely a great alternative to the membership-only Club 33.
Location: Anaheim, CA
Year Opened: 1967
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
As the name suggests, this famous eatery is located in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. It was opened in 1967 and features an outdoor cafeteria-seating setting. You can view the magic of Disney’s attractions while taking a quick load off to enjoy favorites like lobster rolls, chicken nuggets, and fried shrimp.
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Year opened: 1950
Address: 906 E Washington ave Santa Ana, CA 92701
This Cal-Mex treasure is over 70 years old. With a loyal-customer base, many patrons have been enjoying their authentic food and homely vibes their entire lives. It’s been sustained for so long due in part to the support of local activists. If you’re looking for real deal Mexican food be sure to make a pit stop on your road trip at La Chiquita Restaurant.
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year opened: 1948
Address: 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Recognized as a California State Historical Landmark, El Adobe De Capistrano was opened in the summer of 1948 by Clarence Brown. With a Mexican-Californian aesthetic, the space is infused with over 70 years of love for serving hungry customers. If you’re headed south on the 5 freeway towards San Diego, be sure to stop by El Adobe De Capistrano to prepare your palate for what lies beyond the border.
Location: Dana Point, CA
Year opened: 1937
Address: 34226 Doheny Park Rd, Dana Point, CA 92624
TexMex enthusiasts should look no further than this 85 year old family-owned eatery. El Patio Cafe was originally opened in 1937 by then owner Lucy Saunderson before being relocated to its current location in 1951. As a popular tourist spot, Dana Point culture is encapsulated in the flavors of El Patio Cafe, which include original recipe shredded beef tacos, tasty halibut tacos and more. Many consider this the best Mexican restaurant in town.
Location: Solana Beach
Year opened: 1946
Address: 621 Valley Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Known as one of the most authentic north of the border Mexican restaurants, Tony’s Jacal is legendary in the surf town of Solana Beach. It began in a neighborhood home as a place for locals to stop by for a hot meal. As word of their delicious Mexican food spread, so did its popularity, eventually becoming the landmark it is today.
Location: Solana Beach
Year opened: 1948
Address: 621 Valley Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Founded in 1956 by Harold “Red” Tracton, this famous steakhouse was originally located in Los Angeles. Several building changes over the years would lead to its current San Diego-area location, which it has retained since 1988. Notably, the restaurant was near the popular Hollywood Park race track, attracting fans looking for quality dining following horse races and taking on a jockey-esque aesthetic in the process. Today, in their Solana Beach location, the nearby Del Mar Thoroughbred Club helps the restaurant maintain the tradition. The menu has changed little over the years, still offering top notch cuts of steak and seafood, along with many steakhouse classics to choose from.
Location: San Diego
Year Opened: 1940
Address: 3695 India St., San Diego, CA 92103
The world’s first taquitos originated in San Diego from this family-owned historical gem. Serving hungry San Diegans since 1940, El Indio began as a handmade tortilla factory before growing to feed workers from neighboring businesses during World War II. Today they serve Sonara-style Mexican dishes passed down through generations.
Location: San Diego
Year Opened: 1944
Address: 2271 First Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
In the spring of 1944 this San Diego Landmark opened. Going by Juniper Cafe at the time, it was a modest 14-stool lunch counter. Growing over the years, it would change names to Melody Cafe then Dorothy’s Oven before eventually becoming Hob Nob Hill Restaurant. There you’ll find original-recipe American classics like eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, hamburgers and patty melts.
Location: San Diego, CA
Year opened: 1949
Address: 1747 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Fillipi’s Pizza Grotto has served delicious Italian food for over 70 years. Rich in family traditions, what started as a single Italian Market named Cash & Carry Italian Foods in San Diego grew into numerous locations throughout nearby cities. Today you can not only grub on Italian classics but an assortment of juicy rib options. A picture of their original menu can be viewed here.
Location: San Diego
Year opened: 1933
Address: 1857 Logan Ave San Diego, CA 92113
What may seem quaint on the outside, has all the right ingredients inside. Las Cuatro Milpas, largely regarded as one of the best (if not thee best) Mexican restaurants in San Diego. Opened in 1933, it’s nearly a full century old at 89 years of age. That’s a whole lotta grub. Even today, there’s always a line of loyal locals and curious tourists outside.
Location: National City
Year opened: 1958
Address: 619 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950
Serving quality pizza for decades, Napoleone Pizza House was opened in 1958 by three brothers-in-law. It became a staple not only because of famous slices, but also due to the family and community-oriented spirit that kept it going. Aside from pizza, they offer a wide range of Italian dishes. Fun fact: Rock And Roll Hall of Famer Tom Waits was once an employee.
The dope thing about road trips is that there's always something new to explore if you're down to take a little detour here and there. So much history and cool things have been achieved over the years, not to mention countless types of food to try. I definitely recommend checking out these restaurants if you wanna add some delicious adventure to your next road trip.
