Tuesday, January 19, 2010 Restaurants 168 comments
Anonymous writes of some old restaurants in Orange County that perhaps no longer exist...
This is a great web site! I'm always remembering old restaurants in Orange County that bit the dust years ago. What a time trip!
During the 1960s and 1970s, one of my favorite restaurants was Kono Hawaii. My most vivid memories of that place were the entertainment and the delicious ginger salad dressing. Actually everything they served was of impeccable quality, including the Mai Tais!
In the late 1970s, all the employees at Ford Aerospace would trek over to the Gorda Liz Restaurant in Newport Beach for lunch. I was sad to hear about it's closing. That was truly a one-of-a-kind place! Another popular restaurant with the Ford crowd was Isidore's in Newport Beach on Pacific Coast Hwy. I remember that their buffet was pretty good.
One restaurant no one here mentioned is the old Ricky Rickshaw Chinese restaurant near John Wayne Airport circa mid- to late 1970s. They had a fantastic Chinese chicken salad, and their chicken curry was good, too!
El Paso Cantina on Harbor & Adams had a wonderful chicken enchilada with verde sauce, and my husband still mourns the loss of those perfect flour tortilla chips they would serve with the salsa!
I often went to Baxter's on Walnut Avenue and Culver during the 1980s. I always ordered the "Parisian Picnic," which was a Caesar salad with fried brie, along with Baxter's special sweet bread. (This is making me salivate!)
Over the decades, I've also missed Seafood Broiler, Belgian Waffle, and Jolly Roger.
Mama Cozza's and Salvatore's were mentioned in here, and I remember those as being outstanding restaurants. I remember that Salvatore's would give you food for an army!
Carls Jr. is still with us, but do you remember that Italian baked potato they used to serve at the South Coast Plaza store in the late 1970s? They would mash up the potato, adding butter. Then they would top it with marinara sauce, black olives, green onions, and Italian sausage rounds. Too bad they stopped serving those, but of course, I had to invent my own!
I can add to that list, the original BJ's Pizzeria, on 17th street in Santa Ana, just a block east of Bristol. We used to eat there in the early 1980s. It was the first restaurant in the current BJ's Restaurant and Brewery. That location is no longer there, but they used to have red & white checkered table cloths, and saw dust all over the floor.
Of course, who can't remember The Barn, on Red Hill Ave and Edinger in Tustin?
Anonymous January 19, 2010 10:09 PM
I grew up near Buena Park's north border. There was an Italian restaurant named Mario's on Beach north of Rosecrans. I went there with my parents in the mid-60's to early 70's I guess it's gone now. Also the various locations of Love's BBQ. I also liked the Tastee-freezes with the separate sides for ice cream and hot food. We went fairly often to the A&W on Orangethorpe near Knott Ave.
Andy April 18, 2012 1:06 PM
Mandarin Gourmet on Harbor & Adams was the bomb. The Aromatic Shrimp was amazing. To bad it's gone.
Anonymous December 05, 2013 8:29 PM
My family owned the Phillips 66 station in front of the Mayfair about the same time. We ate at Mario's fairly often, and I ate all the time at the Tastee Freez. I checked not long ago and Mario's had just closed.
Anonymous January 20, 2010 7:12 AM
Did anyone go to Beno's Donuts on Tustin in Orange. They had the greatest donuts - and I worked there in 1962 - 1963. When I visited in summer of 1972 (after moving away) I went to visit. They had moved to a building across the street and I think they offered snadwiches too. Pete Beno made the best whipped cream filled chocolate long johns, and the best glazed donuts. And also a cinnamon crumb topped cake donut. I must have gained 20 lbs while working there.
I remember as a kid going to the San Pan (sp?) chinese restaurant in Garden Grove. The had a show there where there was hula dancing. I remember my grandfather being pulled up on stage to dance. Lots of fun.
Adamos on Ball & West (which became Delaney's...another great O.C. relic).
objectiv1 September 19, 2012 4:25 PM
I remember Johnny Adamo who was a very pleasant man with, a lot of class, who made his customers feel special in his restaurant and lounge.
John February 06, 2010 11:18 AM
The Glider Inn in Seal Beach on PCH. What a great place to eat!
doctor wu February 06, 2010 4:11 PM
Does anyone remember "The Burger Chateau", a little burger place at the corner of Harbor and I think, Dale, in Costa Mesa, circa 1960.
I have a vague memory of walking there with my mother and also that it burned down twice. After the second fire, it was never rebuilt.
Alan February 06, 2010 7:46 PM
In the early 1970's, our usual sunday morning ritual was breakfast at STEPP'S COFFEE SHOP. I think it was on a corner on Lincoln Ave. My mom and dad would have a booth of their own. My sister and brother and myself would sit at another booth. This was my folks way of having a "date" without getting a sitter.
Anonymous March 05, 2010 11:11 AM
Mmmmmm, the Glid'err Inn; cool interior with the old wooden phonebooths inside, great clam chowder, deep fried oysters, and their delicious parslied potatoes! How about the ORIGINAL Knowlwood, back when it was all alone on Imperial; the gravel underfoot, the delicious burgers and ham sandwiches, the cooler holding the soft drinks. That was a big summer night out for my family!
More recently, Sid's steakhouse off Newport Blvd, no sign out front, CHEAP good steaks, and brown sugar carrots...yum!
Anonymous March 07, 2010 3:33 PM
our family gathering every sunday night at o,garitys irish rest.pos. in bauna park.o great times in the seventies.
any one remember la cocina mex. rest on manchester or jerrys bar b que next to the five fwy.near the(now gone) nabisco plant.gone but will never forget!both were in buena park
Anonymous March 09, 2010 11:18 PM
O'garity's rest on Lincoln just west of Beach was built and owned by Lou and Dolly O'garity who lived on San Martin Way. They had two sons, Jerry and Richard who both worked as hosts while attending Western High School in the early 60s. They eventually moved to So. Oregon.
Jerry's BBQ was a a staple. The open pit BBQ in the dining room gave the place an authentic feel. They always made a big deal out of their
"Wood Pit BBQ" but if you looked they always had the same two fake logs under the spit.I never saw a real piece of wood in there. They still made a fine sandwich though. Before the Nabisco Plant was built, a huge mountain of dirt was built up on the sight and remained there a year before the plant was actually built. We always figured it had to do with compacting the ground for a good foundation. The plant was quite a large structure. One of the roads just west of the plant was a common place for street racers in the seventies. Ford pre-delivery was back there and most of the young guys working there were muscle car owners. The Tastee Freeze on Western ave just north of Orangethorpe was the scene of one of the weirdest events in Buena Park history. Sometime around 1972-73 The Buena Park Police recieved a call from a hysterical young girl working alone in the Tastee-Freeze. She screamed that "Monks in robes are pounding on the windows". The dispatcher managed to calm her a bit and she went on to describe them as having "Large red crosses on the front and rear of their robes" and "I think ones a hunchback".
From the girls description,the astute dispatcher decided that they weren't monks but probably Crusaders. And that's how the call went out "Crusaders in the parking lot". The Police arrived rather quickly but found no one except a terrified girl hiding behind a fryer trying to call her mom to come pick her up. The police upon seeing the girls condition had no doubt she had been telling the truth. The area was saturated with patrols for the next two hours but nothing out of the ordinary was found or seen.It is still the only report of Crusaders
in the history of Buena Park.
Maybe the were from Crescent Jr High at the Anaheim Buena Park border...Home of the Crusaders.
how about rikios in anaheim it was a japanese resteraunt great food owners were cosco and rikio, marvin was the bartender his drinks were awsome, there was a waitress judy she was crazy but fun
BK March 30, 2010 2:53 PM
I remember Kono Hawaii, went there a few times. Oddley enough, my mom married a Hawaiian the second time around! The Glider Inn is still there, (plane in the roof and all), now it's called Mahi's, still on PCH. I went there last month to watch a band play. It's very small and more of a pick up place than anyone interested in music. Does anyone remember a restaurant called T.C. Peppercorn's? I used to go there often with my late wife and brother and sister in-law in the late '70s, early '80s. Nice place, like a big house with seperate rooms, most with a fire place. They had good steaks, and cold beer. We went so often and tipped well. We always asked for the same waiter, he would see us on the reservation list and would meet us outdoors to take us in. We always had a blast there.
Anonymous January 07, 2013 3:10 PM
I LOVED T.C. PEPPERCORNS! My family ate there all the time during the early to mid 80s. They did have awesome steaks and a great atmosphere. I was just a kid then, but I always asked my parents to take us there for dinner. Too bad they are gone...they were AMAZING!
BK April 01, 2010 3:18 PM
Sorry, TC Peppercorns was on Beach 1 light south of the 405. about where the sports store is now. Sports Authority I think.
Your right I remember TC Peppercorn and the great food. They carrots they served were fantastic and I have been trying to duplicate their recipe and can't do it :(
Anonymous April 16, 2010 9:33 PM
The original Claim Jumper in Los Alamitos was a fun place with all kinds of great food.Anyone remember the huge sandwiches they made... I think one was called the motherlode. A favorite of my parents was the Chicken Dinner Restaurant at Knott's Berry Farm.
Mouse April 20, 2010 10:49 PM
Belisle's restaurant on Harbor was the bomb. I used to go there late at night. They had the biggest portions of food I've even seen...still to this day. I remember the case in the front when you would walk in. It was loaded with pies, cakes, etc.. and they had Belisle's eggs in them too which were twice the size of a regular egg. The pancakes were the size of a seat cushion. Ah....I miss that place.
Divalicias June 01, 2013 1:45 PM
Belisle's was the place we went for birthdays -- huge desserts and good old comfort food. I remember always waving to the "chef" standing outside on the sidewalk, ringing a huge dinner bell. We'd beg our parents to go there.
Anonymous October 28, 2013 12:48 AM
No kidding, use to go there after work @ Disney!! The best!! I remember there strawberry shortcake!! The best!!
Anonymous May 07, 2010 12:36 PM
Does anyone remember a little Mexican Restaurant in Costa Mesa in the late 1960's to early 1970's called La Cocinita? It may have moved several times, but the location I remember was possibly on Fairview or Newport Blvd. The food was excellent, especially the house salad which was simple, but had a great vinegarette and salsa and grated cheese on top. Wish I had those receipes!
I also remember a great Costa Mesa fast food hamburger joint called the Burger Corral, on Fairview and Newport Blvd.
Anonymous May 08, 2010 7:02 PM
does anyone remember the name of a restaurant in Enderle Center that specialized in omelettes? It was open and popular in the 1970s.
Anonymous June 16, 2012 12:30 PM
The Magic Pan
Anonymous August 08, 2012 11:59 PM
No... The Magic Pan was great but the place in Enderle Center was called The Cookbook, I'm pretty sure. There was a fire and it burned down and never reopened. :(
Anonymous February 12, 2013 11:14 PM
Anonymous May 12, 2010 4:17 AM
How about Miako's in Town and Country Plaza, across from Fashion Square. A great Japanese place.
My favorite memory of Orange County was going to Balboa Beach. I'd lay in the sand just long enough to burn, then I would stroll on down to the Fun Zone for frozen yogurt. At night it was B.J.s for pizza and beer then a moonlight walk on the pier. That was during the '90s and early '10s.
Here's one for you - The Jolly Roger on Balboa Island - My first job back in the 1960's -
Anyone remember the Villa Marina? Located on PCH entrance to Balboa Island. I think it was torn down in the 60's
Became the Shark Island Yacht Club -private
I believe that restaurant at Enderle Center was called The Egg and I.
I remember the Snack Shop, Fiddler's Three, Copper Penny and Jolly Roger restaurants. All good for a family on a budget!
Miako's was where our friends with money went to dine. Sigh!
Beno's was just down the street from us. As was Carnation Ice Cream.
Anonymous June 05, 2010 10:26 AM
I worked at Fiddler's Three for years! Oh, the cheeses soup and squaw bread. The great REAL milkshakes and yummy pies. Their Fiddler Burger was fantastic.
Al at good prices! Fun times...
Anonymous June 16, 2010 1:33 AM
My parents owned La Cocinita and I have most of the recipes. The Burgar Corral was next door on Fairview Blvd. Man how i miss those days!!
For those of you who missed the earlier version, you have to read these oldies but goodies:
http://www.octhen.com/2006/01/my-favorite-orange-county-restaurants.htm
To above:
Sampam Restaurant resided off Euclid and ?? N/of Ball Rd.. it was a BIG TREAT to walk over the little bridge and look at the huge carp in there.
My sis also said now it's some Mexican Restaurant.. YECK!!
MMM, Knowlwood's.. I think of them often! The best salads, lemon meringue pie and filling burgers! I still think they made THE VERY BEST fried zucchini - would kill for THEIR recipe!
Also good was a place up in Placentia, off Yorba Linda Blvd.. it was a guys name, oh, "Brian's." One bldg was a laundrymat and adjacent was a bar.. While you ate and drank, you could watch for your washer/dryer number to show up that it was done.
They had KILLER zucchini there eoo!
From circa 77-85, I lived in Friendly Village (mobile home park e/of Imperial Hwy.. we went there a lot, and later, when we lived near Laguna Niguel, we patronized that one a lot.
Oh, go back.. waaay back.. the restaurant in BP? Stanton? GG??
It was the place that cut off a man's tie.. a steakhouse.. my parents went a lot.. we kids never did.
Decades later, my DH took us one night: worse steaks ever!
That was called Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse. It was on the corner of Beach and Garden Grove next to Holiday Skating Rink. Funny I was just telling my kids last week how they would cut off mens ties.
I remember that steakhouse. I think we went there once. I don't think my parents cared for it because it was only once. They served baked beans and a very plain salad on the side. Mom said she thought Sizzler's was better. We always went to Sizzler's in HB with a coupon.
...another old time place that is still there and does that, is Trabuco Steak House in Trabuco Canyon.
Claim Jumper - there is exactly ONE here in Highlands Ranch - near Denver.. just one in the state!
The Motherlode is like a 12 layer fudge cake with walnuts.
Wow, The Egg & I is a chain current here in CO..
Anonymous July 02, 2010 12:43 PM
DOES ANYONE KNOW IF BOBBY MCGEES RESTAURANT ON THE COAST HWY IN NEWPORT BEACH WAS CLOSE TO ISIDORE'S RESTAURANT? THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN BACK IN THE MID TO LATE 1970'S.
Michael August 11, 2013 1:12 AM
I was one of the managers at Isadores as it closed... Indeed, Bobby McGees was across the street... we were always in competition for parking space, our customers parking there, and their's parking in ours... we even had parking attendants to try and keep the separation.
mary deery neiger August 17, 2010 10:40 PM
i can shed some light on the steakhouse on Beach Blvd in Garden Grove...Pinnacle Peaks. Greatest place ever in the 70's and beyond. What fun we used to have bringing the unsuspecting to this restaurant. AND... Bobby McGees used to be on PCH across the street from Isidore"s. Great place to dance and meet the locals. It is now a strip mall...booo
Anonymous September 08, 2010 8:27 PM
Check out Jerry's Bar-B-Que on face book. Post your memories and storys. A lot of crazy went down there. The Restaurant was open 24/7 and my first waitressing job at the age of 16 was the grave yard shift. You people were crazy:)
Anonymous September 15, 2010 7:33 AM
In Santa Ana we ate at Pop's Steak house near the rr tracks. Yummies on 17th and Bristol. Snack Shop 17th and Flower. Koo's chinese. The original Marie Callander's in Orange. Chung King chinese in Anaheim. Kono Hawaii. La Cave or Rueben E Lee or Ancient Mariner for lunch. My family are original members of Club 33 in Disneyland, and still are (expensive now, ouch).
Koo's. They were so good I pretty much hate Chinese food because nothing measures up to them.
Pop's yes, and the two La Fonda (Mexican family) locations, one on Main St., Santa Ana; and the Patio ("Italian", of sorts) in North SA. Then the two North and South Drive-Ins "Halls-North" (Chapman in Orange, near Main) and South (at end of McArthur, SA), and Jon Hall's full bar/restaurant (great steaks) in about the 200 block of South Main, SA. After we guys who wanted to show off our cars went from North to South Hall's drive-ins, we went on down McArthur to PCH to Merle's Drive-in, the ultimate car show-off in the O.C. Lots of girls too, for we "prospecting" young Marines.
Anonymous December 23, 2013 12:34 PM
I would love to have any of the recipes from La Fonda's on So. Main in Santa Ana. I was so sad they closed down.
I grew up in Cypress during late 60's early 70's and it was a wonderful place to have childhood memories. After I grew up, I used to eat at the Skinny Haven in Cypress or Anaheim, not sure which city it was in. Loved their low-cal ice cream and their oatmeal muffins and the pasta dish with walnuts in it. Anyone have those recipes?
Bobby McGees was on the corner of PCH and Bayside drive. Last I saw (2000) the Porsche dealer was there. RGBJ.
Bob S. September 19, 2010 9:38 AM
I can think of so many great places growing up. My mom was a waitress in the 60's at Sambo's across from Knotts berry farm, what great pancakes. She also worked at Jerry's Bar-B-Que on Westminster, I think it was in Santa Ana. But my favorite place was The Brewster's Rooster (Broasted Chicken) and Blinky's Pizza both on Westminster Near Brookhurst. We lived near the Fosters Freeze @ Swan & Westminster across from Bolsa Grande High.
Anonymous October 06, 2010 5:46 PM
I need help with my memory, there was a popular restaurant at the very end of Tustin Blvd, I guess the city would be Santa Ana or Tusin, it was right next to the freeway and was always crowded. I ate there many time as a youngster and for the life of me cannot remember the name. It later turned into a mexican restaurant and has been boarded up for the last 5 years or so. Does anyone remember this places name?
Da Big Kahuna June 13, 2013 4:12 PM
The Revere House
The Revere House?
Could it have been The Saddleback?
Maybe you're thinking of the Revere House next to the freeway on Tustin Blvd.
Salesteacher July 03, 2012 7:19 PM
OMG, The Revere House! In Santa Ana.
Jen January 15, 2013 2:33 PM
My mother was a waitress there in the mid 70's. it was right next to the blue bird motel. I remember her wearing a red cocktail dress and heels with a big done up boufont wig.
My mother was a waitress there in the mid 70's. it was right next to the blue bird motel. I remember her wearing a red cocktail dress and big blonde boufont wig. They had the best ribs! Not as good as Loves tho.
Was it The Cook Book?
Anonymous August 05, 2012 6:51 AM
Yes! Someone said The Egg and I, which was my first thought, but it was The Cook Book. Or was that a different restaurant?
Yes. The Cookbook.
Phil4:13 October 14, 2013 1:00 AM
Could've been The Cook Book, sounds really familiar. They had really great omelettes!
Anonymous November 09, 2013 9:28 PM
Yes! The Cookbook was a great breakfast place. The Magic Pan was in South Coast Plaza.
JimMc October 26, 2010 12:32 PM
I remember a Mexican Restaurant called La Posada near Bristol and Mcffaden in Santa ana in the 70`s right up from the Licorace Pizza.
Anonymous November 05, 2010 10:09 AM
Re: TC Peppercorn, I helped launch that place with its owners DM & CL. I was a holdover employee from Granny's Attic - anyone remember that place? - which before that was a Jolly Ox (both GA and JO were owned by Steak & Ale Corp) - not sure if they exist either. I worked in the kitchen and eventually helped run the front of the house. It was a great place if I remember just the good times ;) We opened a second location in Palm Springs in, about, 78 or 79. I helped open that location with DH...anyone remember that place? Formerly the California Cable Car? Or, how about Francois? I ended up as a Maitre 'D there for a year or so, then went over to JC McLin's ... anyone remember this stuff?
Alisonlvhomes December 09, 2013 6:25 PM
I sure do..I worked there with Fritz and Tina. My regulars would play jokes on Fritz and hide an item like a bottle of BnB used for the table side cooking. I could hear him yelling my name all the way back in the kitchen! Of course they would produce the bottle from under the table and laugh at how mad he would get. What memories
I went to high school with the daughter of the owners of Francois. They lived in a house on the same property as the restaurant. I believe her name was Alicia.
dtm November 24, 2010 8:19 PM
Love's BBQ.
Oh, those beans...
Anonymous July 22, 2013 8:58 AM
Love's was a great chain. There was one near our house on the northwest corner of Brookhurst and Adams in Huntington Beach, now an Italian restaurant that's supposed to be excellent (that from a very Italian friend).
There was a Mexican restaurant on the southwest corner that began as a Farrell's ice cream (I made a pig of myself there a couple of times)
Lived in Buena Park and ate at the one next to the Buena Park Center. They just took down the remains of the Love's sign next to the 22 fwy at Harbor. My family moved to the Corona Area in the 70's and I went to the Love's in Riverside with my future spouse. She really liked it and it was affordable. If you go to their website, you will see there is still a restaurant in Jakarta, and you can order bbq sauce and seasoning on line, so you might be able to approximate the beans(?)
Anyone remember the Ha' Penny Inn? In Westminster on Beach Blvd.
I remember the Ha'Penny Inn. My godmother took me there for special lunches. It was so jolly-old-England and I loved it!
marty mankins January 09, 2011 7:51 PM
Three OC restaurants come to mind that I used to visit as a kid.
Belisle's - on the corner of Chapman & Harbor. There's a Red Robin and Joe's Crab Shack there now. For a locally owned greasy spoon, they were pretty good.
Bobby McGee's - the mugs were toilet bowls.
Chris and Pitts - my mom loved this place. So did I. BBQ goodness.
Anonymous January 10, 2011 10:47 AM
The "Ancient Mariner" was at the end of Tustin Ave on the left if you were headed south/ north of 4th. It is now a mexican restaurant.
Yep, but before that, think it was one of the Reuben's chain steakhouses, along with Reuben's Plankhouse where Broadway meets the freeway in North SA, "The Reuben E. Lee" boat restaurant at the beach, and a few others; same folks that started Coco's hamburger places.
The Ancient Mariner was in New Port Beach , use to go there all the time ,is it still there??
Jme January 12, 2011 7:54 PM
When I was a kid early 60's, I'd ride my bike to the Foster Freeze just off Edingeer, near Smedley Jr High for the shrimp plate. 3 fried shrimp, french fries & a little salad for 75 cents. Later when I could drive, mid 70's, I'd go to Rick's Garage in the Kmart shopping center at Edinger & Bristol for the shisk-a-bob. It burned down
Eric B. January 16, 2011 12:08 AM
Anyone remember the burger joint on Los alimitos blvd close to Rossmoor. I can remember a happy face with its tounge sticking out.???
Anonymous February 02, 2011 4:27 PM
I just came across this site, wow, what memories! I remember my hang outs in the 70s were, Pup n Taco in Westminster, Angelo's in Anaheim, Marra's Pizza also in Anaheim, Whimpys in HB, Chris & Pitts BBQ in Garden Grove, and so many other places! I got my first car in 1975 and that was it! We cruised eveywhere!
Tom Sebourn December 11, 2013 1:00 AM
Angelo's with the roller girls and the big guy beers!
Does anyone remember in Fullerton the Velvet Turtle or the Del Rae, they were the bomb back in the 60's and 70's and the VT went to the early 80's I believe, sadly its a Auto club office now.
The original Velvet Turtle aires own Wally's Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage CA-very expensive
I had my first big date in a Velvet Turtle in El Toro, off of El Toro Road at the 405. Great place, but pricey for an 18 y.o.
Yes I do remember the Velvet Turtle very well. You felt very special and it was so romantic. Well that is my memory. Loved it. Some one mentioned Ricky's Rickshaw in an earlier post. That was the best place and yes that chicken salad! I have never had anything to compare, great place.
Oh, and the Velvet Turtle's "chocolate torte", YUM!
Francillard February 19, 2011 9:37 AM
Hi, everyone, I'm looking information about a Mexican restaurant in Anaheim. I'm not sure about the name. I think is Señor Desi, located in State College Blvd, close to the Angels' Stadium. The reason is that my in-laws remembered that place when they were dating back in the 70's.
Casa Maria? Corner of Katella and State College, right across the street from Charlie Brown's.
:Anonymous said...
Decades later, my DH took us one night: worse steaks ever!:
That restaurant was on beach blvd. and the garden grover freeway. I believe it was called Pinnacle Petes or Pinnacle Peak
Was the velvet turtle the restaurant that had the curtains you could close at your table, so it was more private? I cant remember the name of that place...
Anyone remember the Van De Kamps restaurant that was near Knotts Berry Farm? It was right in the middle of where the road split, it had a giant windmill on top...
I remember that Van de Kamps restaurant with the windmill. We went in there a few times -- everything was blue and white -- even the waitress uniforms. I remember thinking it was a lot more interesting on the outside than it was on the inside. I miss Van De Kamps fish and the salt rising bread. Can't find anything like it on the East Coast.
I remember that place. While everybody was lined up like cattle for Knott's fried chicken, we would go across the street to Van de Camps. There was one south of Pendleton off the 5, too, later a Pea Soup place (Anderson's?). A favorite stop when commuting between El Toro and MCRD.
Anonymous February 27, 2011 9:40 AM
Does anyone remember Ted and Zella's restaurant in Santa Ana on north main in the 50's. It was my parents and I remember people waiting outside to get in. My Mom made pecan pies from scratch and my Dad made the salad dressings and cooked. If a customer could not drive my dad would go get them and take them home. Later they had a restaurant in Fullerton on Harbor also called Ted and Zella's.
Shirley Solomon Clark
hootney April 19, 2011 6:03 PM
i remember all the good places my parents would take us in early 70's.captain jacks in h.b. next to Francois,Ancient Mariner in neport beach,victoria station on beach blvd,pinacle peeks on gg blvd. i still drive to san dimas and santee for the best steak dinner. love those days of good eats.
Craig June 01, 2011 9:24 AM
I remember a Pizzaria that was on Bristol & Warner in Santa Ana named BJ Grunts that had great deep-dish and great food, on each table had scales that they put the pizza on so you would see how much it wieghed. And a small Mex. restaurant in Santa Ana on Standard & Edinger next to a car-wash named El Tapatio with some of the Best Pork Carnitas I've had =)
One More for the Road a Burger Joint in Costa Mesa named Prime Burger-Greek owned on the corner of Placentia & 19th their burger helpings and food I loved.
Craig Barela
Someone mentioned Pinnacle Peak on Feb. 24, 2011. It's long since gone but was at the SE corner of Beach Blvd and Garden Grove Blvd.
I remember in '65 or '66 being in a school bus headed north on Beach on the way to a night football game. When the bus came to a stop for the traffic signal we could see an employee standing at the peak of the restaurant's roof overlooking the entrance. We waved at him and he waved back. The building was made to look like a barn.
there is one in Colton..just like the GG place....tastes just as good with ties hanging everywhere too.
Anonymous July 07, 2011 12:09 AM
The Velvet Turtle. Classic. How about Marmac's? Nice, classy place for prime rib. Pup N Taco was great. Use to get a taco and a grape slushy, then hit the Angels game. Belisle's on Harbor was awesome. I use to get the juevos rancheros. Insane portion. There used to be a tiny place near my house in HB called Taco Si. Great food back in the 70s.
Hal Greeg's Steakhouse on La Palma,Anaheim
Anonymous August 26, 2011 2:49 PM
for fine mexican food I became addicted to SARINANAS hard shell tacos on 5th st SANTA ANA CA in the 1950s . mom would take us from the COLONIA JUAREZ . the amazing thing .when we visit.its our 1st stop. we munched the other day . MXFIERRO661
How about the Red Onion and don't for get H salt Fish and Chips.....
Does anyone remember an Italian restaurant back in the 1970's on Old Newport Blvd, sort of close to the peninsula?
Can you remember the name??
I am trying to find this for a friend who absolutely cannot remember it's name...
I remember two Swedish restaurants. One was on Main Street in Seal Beach and the other one was on (or near) Main Street in Huntington Beach. I know that the one in Huntington was owned by a Swedish born husband and wife whose children were American born. I think the restaurant in Seal Beach was also operated by people of Swedish ancestry. Neither restaurant is still in business. Both may not have lasted to the 1980s.
I remember the Swedish smorgasbord in HB on main. I think there was another on PCH going toward Laguna too. Loved to eat there -- my faves were the carrot and raisin salad and the limpa bread. Who knows where such a place exists now? You can't even find a Swedish restaurant in Sweden.
Anonymous November 28, 2013 6:47 AM
The Villa Sweden on Main. I remember going to that restaurant after being confirmed at St Simon and Jude and eating cabbage rolls. They had this sweetness to them. Yum.
Wasn't that in Seal Beach?
Does anyone remember the "Grove" restaurant in the Garden Grove mall? Also there used to be a delicatessen next to Collar & Lease pet shop. Does anyone remember the name of it?Also I was looking for some info on The "Tip ToInn" restarant off of Garden Grove Blvd & Brookhurst way. Does anyone remember when it closed?
majskyking January 13, 2012 10:00 AM
To the "anonymous" poster who posted a comment about Francois' on 11/06/10....
I knew Frank Richmond - first met Frank in 1949 or so when he visited a girl friend who went to Huntington Beach Union High School - where I attended.
He lived in Long Beach and his father, Jimmy Richmond, was the maitre d'hotel of a restaurant in Long Beach at Alamitos and Broadway ....forgotten the name - it was a chain. Anyway, when Frank's father left that restaurant, he opened Francois' Manhattan in Long Beach.
Frank and I were in the Air Force together. I wasn't stationed with him, but did run into him at Yokota Air Base in Japan in about 1954 or so.
Jimmy Richmond opened Francois' (named for Frank) in Huntington Beach on Beach Boulevard in about 1967 or so ....can't remember the exact year,and Frank took it over and ran it. But I do remember spending lots of time there (and lots of money!) in the bar and the dining room.
Great food, classy service and bar tenders who knew how to make an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Pink Lady, Ramos Fizz, Golden Fizz, Sazaracs and other great cocktails.
Frank hired Don and Jerry to play in the bar .....they played for years at a restaurant in Belmont Shore ....can't remember the name of that restaurant either! Growing old ain't for sissies!
Eventually, Don and Jerry split up and Jerry played solo in the bar.....he and, I believe, Don, also worked at Disneyland.
You're correct about the living arrangements ....Frank and his wife, Joan, lived in a small house at the rear of the restaurant. When Frank and Joan got a divorce, Frank lived in a trailer adjacent to the restaurant.
Frank sold the property to, I believe, Enterprise Car Rentals in about 1984 or so. The restaurant closed previous to that date.
Last I heard of Frank is that he was travelling the United States in a motor home.
Those were great days. Thanks for the reminder.
Bob King - majskyking@gmail.com
Bob, they actually closed in late 85, maybe early 86. I was working for Frank in 85 when he hosted my wedding on his front lawn in August. We had about 300 of our closest 'friends' (mostly patrons of the restaurant) attend, and the reception afterward was a gas! We had folks the likes of Jack Kelley (of Maverick fame, the mayor of HB at the time) attend. It was a blast! You might also remember Arnold, who I took over for when he died, and Fritz, and maybe even Gus. We all took turns taking orders and flaming ducks and Cafe Diablo! Francois was a fun place to work, and grow up.
i remember francois ,going there with my grandfather back in late 60's. wed both wear our red sportscoats and thought we were all that. i miss those good times and eats. first class service always.
Anonymous March 26, 2012 8:47 AM
The omlette restaurant in Enderle center in the late 70's was called the Cook Book. My girl friend was a waitress there. Big omlettes.
Anonymous April 16, 2012 10:52 PM
does any remenber Hedi's cafe on balboa peninsula and or Donshir's restaurant on balboa island,
The best lobster omeletes were to be had there. Sitting at the counter one could observe the collection of antique dildoes lined up on a shelf.
Anonymous April 21, 2012 10:30 AM
And don't forget the smorgasbords (forgot the names), one was on La Palma somewhere near Buena Park (I think), and another was in Anaheim, possibly on Euclid.
One was practically across from the Original Pancake House.
Our favorite was the one on Orchid and Coast Highway in CDM. They had the cutest girls from Sweden serving the diners.
Looking for the recipe for the Irish Stew at the old O'Garrity's restaurant on Lincoln in Buena Park.
Sir George ... pretty dreadful
Sir Georges....Hansa House...
Tink1272 May 31, 2012 3:02 PM
There was an Italian restaurant, I think it was mostly family style, at the end of Newland on GG Blvd? I can NOT for the life of me remember the name of that place.
As far as everything else goes, thank you all for the memories. I keep trying to remember my favorite places from when I was a kid growing up in HB in the 70's.
Also, on Beach, near Garfield in HB when there used to be a Rockets and Pockets, there was a place that had the best zucchini fries, and apparently good chili fries. Does anyone remember the name of that place? It was a free standing building in the strip mall.
Name of ultra-fancy "French" restaurant in NB one block behind the "Catfood" Cannery? Owner died w/in year and wife couldn't handle it. Knew one who waited tables there. Maybe you remember it as next door to the Stuffed Tee Shirt behind Les Merman's. I need the name for my memoires!
Buff Bob
Marmacs in Garden Grove had great prime rib and the lounge was crowded 7 nights a week.
I remember Sir Georges Smorgasborg in GG...but there was another one that specialized in Swedish food..can't remember the name of it.
I also enjoyed going to Marmac's...it was one of my dad's favorites!
Any info on the Orangefair restaurant on Orangethorpe in Fullerton? The best pies in town there!
Anonymous September 22, 2012 10:22 PM
there was a morgasbord called sir georges it was awful yuchhh!! and hansa house near harbor and katella yechhh! and bit o sweeden in orange on south glasell next to the church there was also a mini golf too i misss chriss and pits anyone know where one is and loves was my fav
does anyone remember the white horse restaurant in the 70's I was stationed in the coast guard and lived around 8th st in newport beach - we used to go to this restaurant. I think it was on the water by the bridge.
Will January 23, 2013 8:15 PM
Jennifer Fox Williams:
The Italian Restaurant may have been Pizza D'Oro (aka Nick and Stacey's Pizza D'Oro ). They had several different locations and still have 3. Go to the one on 10585 Slater Ave Fountain Valley, CA 92708 Unfortunately Nick SR (a true Sicilian Immigrant who use to sit & tell me about the old country) died.
The Rockets and Pockets became Beer Nutz, then HB's first Gay Bar-yuck (it attracted a lot of lewd activity and freaks), then closed down, and their working on it for a new business as we write. The place that had the best zucchini fries, was next to it was called Bravo Burger, it was owned by a Greek Family-real nice people, and I knew the owners and dated their daughter. It's now owned by Koreans real nice people too and is called Beach Burgers. I hate to say it because I like to go there, but sometimes the cook gets lazy when June is not there. Try the Gyro, Onion Rings, Frisco Burger, and Breakfast Burritos. Tell June, the owner I said hi (Will from the Vintage MC Club & Bike Night).
Fun reading some of these memories. Does anyone remember the name of a restaurant on Harbor Blvd, just south of D'land in Anaheim that was like a one story house and they served large portions of food? I went there in the 70's and it had good food.
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The best Mexican restaurant on main street in Santa Ana Ca
GUILLERMOS LA FIESTA RESTAURANT owned by the best looking and friendliest family best service ....we miss them. They were known for the famous BEAN SOUP! If any one can locate them open up another restaurant millions would be go there. There has not been a good mexican restaurant like GUILLERMOS!!! and by the way I remember the owner singing and playing guitar they always giving every single customer their personal attention. Please find them and help them open another Guillermos
My brother Dwight worked at a Chicken Delight I think in Garden Grove. Cracked me up when he would answer the phone "Chicken Dwight!".
Hello Stacy here! I think the all you can eat smorgasbord was called SIR GEORGE. Loved it! Anyone remember Taco Lita???? Heard there is one in Pasadena but not sure if it the same owners.
In reply to Jennifer. The restaurant at the end of Newland on GG Blvd. was Salvatori's. Great food, cozy atmosphere. Torn down in mid 1980's as restaurant opened new location in new bldg. on Harbor Blvd., south of 5 frwy. in Anaheim. Same good food but atmosphere totally lost. That restaurant closed within a year, maybe two.
randall May 17, 2013 8:43 AM
Capello's Italian was just down and across the street from Salvatore's. They had terrific food and especially their fresh baked bread.
I didn't scroll through all the comments, but I fondly remember the old 94th Aero Squadron right at the airport. You could sit at the window and watch the airplanes takeoff and land. Good food, too.
NAME OF UPSCALE RESTAURANT IN TOWN AND COUNTRY DOWN THE STREET FROM CHEZ CARIE ON MAIN ST.
I think that was Ambrosia.
Anonymous May 20, 2013 10:34 AM
We lived in Newport Beach during my Fellowship for 3 years in the mid 1970s. So many memories and great places to eat. Belisles for the huge portions of food, Mione's pizza on Balboa, Chez Cary for an upscale meal, even the Reuben E. Lee was fun. Many many hole in the wall Mexican places as well--Mitlas in Costa Mesa. Great times.
Does anyone know of a place in Anaheim with a sign which reads "10 out of 9 people eat here" ?
Does any one remember the name of a restaurant that had great terriaki burgers and also mushroom burgers also a really great salad with half and half dressing with capers, it was located on Adams Blvd. in Costa Mesa near Harbor Blvd. accross the street from the Mesa theaters? It was a chain but I can't remember the name would have been in the seventies!
hamburger hamlet
That was Hamburger Hamlet. I loved that restaurant.
Does anyone remember the name of the restaurant in Anaheim with themed rooms.....library.... garden...etc? I believe it was on Ball Road. For the times, it was a place for a special occasion.... valet parking....etc. I can't think of it to save my life. It's driving me crazy! Help!
Anyone remember the name of the restaurant near Beach & Edinger that is now housed by AAA next door to Party City and BJ's Brewery? It was a steakhouse and there's a lake behind it.
Wasn't it Charlie Browns?
Pizza Haus on Harbor/Adams in Costa Mesa. Still there. Great pizza and antipasto salad! Wondering if anyone remembers a Swedish restaurant in the 80s in South Coast Plaza VILLAGE ... almost in the back (from Bristol) that had a memorable buffet during Christmastime?
There was a restaurant on the corner of PCH and Diamond Street in Laguna Beach - it had an oyster bar - around 1985-'86 ... I can't remember the name of it, but I used to work there (crazy I can't remember what it was called). Anyone recall what it was??? The owner was a young girl (about 25), and there was a bartender named India. That is all I know. Downstairs was the oyster bar/lounge, and the fine dining section was upstairs.... ???
Old Brussels?
I remember a great Italian Restaurant in Tustin, I think. It was called Conca D'Oro. Best Pizza I ever had the whole time we lived in Orange (about 2 years). This was in the early 60's. I also remember the Snack Shop on E. Chapman, the train station below "The Circle" where we used to watch the LA-San Diego train come by when we took the kids to McDonald's. When we moved into our home on N. Center Street there was a beautiful old Victorian home behind our backyard and tall trees. Within a year the home was torn down, the trees were gone and a parking lot for the church was put in. Our block had deciduous trees bearing avocados, persimmons and plums. We had tomatoes growing wild on the south side of the house and poinsettias blooming over the roof each year. I would WALK my little ones to Killefer School. At the time we had to move back up north (to SF)the Angels Ballpark was being constructed. My inlaws owned several motels near Disneyland. I remember taking the kids to Irvine Park. I guess you could say we were "City Slickers" but I still miss the town of Orange. I imagine progress has ruined the small-town feel. It was here in Orange that my children were all toddlers and school-age so I have fond memories. These memories are poignant and sometimes cause tears.
Does anyone remember the Copper Penny Restaurant on the corner of Westminster Avenue and Goldenwest Street at the edge of the Food King parking lot in the late 1970s? What restaurant was there before the shopping center was demolished for the new buildings?
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER "CHRISTIANS HUT" IN NEWPORT BEACH?
(NOW YOU KNOW MY AGE)
I was 5 saw the fire at nite from Bal Isle
M L Bailey October 15, 2013 11:38 PM
Casa Grande Mexican restaurant at 17th/Main in Santa Ana served huge awesome gourmet Grande Tostadas. Also the Broadway Coffee Shop in Santa Ana located near 4th and Broadway was noted for awesome lunch and dinner choices. Last but not least the F W Woolworth Luncheonette downtown Santa Ana!
What was the namef the restaurant on harbor, south of adams in costa mesa that had a big hen or chicken out front back in the late 70s? Think it was a breakfast place...
El 14 Bandito ...great Mexican restaurant in the 60's on Katella in Orange near Anaheim Stadium. First fancy shmancy restaurant my parents ever took me to. I remember it was so dark inside I could barely see, and a stage in the middle with mariachi's and dancers. Another mexican place in the 60's and 70's was in the Town & Country shopping center in Santa Ana across from what's now Main Place, but I can't remember the name of it.
Does anyone remember a little place with a rick rack roof that was next to a car wash on La Palma in Anaheim? It was going west past Brookhurst on the right as I recall. It was called the fancy meatball and they just had 3 outside tables but had great pizza and sandwiches. My favorite was the Squeeze Me (all meats and all cheeses) on a torpedo roll toasted in the pizza oven.
Anonymous December 11, 2013 3:35 AM
Does anyone remember the Heidelburg Inn in Garden Grove or the French RestauranT Lafayette? Wonderful food and great service.
Sivio's (Italian) and Sophia's (Mexican) on Harbor Blvd in Garden Grove. Went there all the time as a kid. Sophia and Silvio both ran their places personally, and knew everyone by name. Sophia used to call me "Juanito".
And YES to above Dec 8 --- El 14 Bandito, right off of 5 on Katella. GIANT cavernous place with a stage and entertainment. I remember going there a couple times. I wonder if that building is still there? Right next to a SCE substation, IIRC.
Ok I got some old ones. Grew up in cypress in the 80's. The "hungry tummy" served the best shredded beef tacos from the small yellow brick snack shack in front of the sav-on on Lincoln and valley view. There was great Mexican food and salsa at via Maria's (pre night club era). Domenicos pizza in hawaian gardens was lights out- man those ground pepperoni pizzas and garlic dressing- still one left on 2nd st. Belmont shore. Swensens served the sundaes n ice cream next to Ruebens prime rib restraunt on valley view and ball. Meats gourmet deli handled the subs next to tastes freeze on ball and moody. Surprised nobody mentioned chengs kitchen on Lincoln and walker. And yes Salvatore's had the best salad with bits of cheese and ham, great food and the old man with the accordion was memorizing as a youngster. Can't remember the the name if the Chinese food place on beach in buenawith the huge entry doors. Memories.
Anyone remember Dilly's? It was on Bolsa Chica in HB, between Heil and Warner? My then-wife and I had dinner there once in early 1985, and the guys from REO Speedwagon were in the next booth, discussing their upcoming deep-sea fishing trip in Ensenada.
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