Oldies but Goodies

For decades these nostalgic Los Angeles favorites have been serving American classics to devoted customers from near and far

KRISTA SMITH

PUNCH HUTTON

NEPTUNE'S NET

The preferred stop for Harley-Davidson bikers and tourists alike serves fresh fish and beer at picnic tables overlooking the Pacific. Established: 1956. Notable patrons: Elizabeth Taylor, Steve McQueen, and Dennis Hopper. Address: 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu.

COLE'S

This landmark saloon, with a hidden speakeasy in back, serves classic cocktails and its signature, mouthwatering French Dip Sandwiches. Established: 1908. Notable patrons: Mickey Cohen and Charles Bukowski. Address: 118 E. 6th St., Los Angeles.

CHEZ JAY

Sawdust on the floor, a barrel of peanuts, and an ocean breeze give flavor to this hole-in-the-wall that has been a celebrity and local hangout for years. Established: 1959. Notable patrons: Frank Sinatra, Natalie Wood, and Richard Burton. Address: 1657 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica.

THE APPLE PAN

Some of the best American classics—from burgers to pies—have been served from this tiny horseshoe counter for decades. Established: 1947. Notable patrons: Mickey Rooney, Paul Newman, and Natalie Wood. Address: 10801 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles.

THE MUSSO & FRANK GRILL

Steaks, oysters Rockefeller, and stiff martinis are the norm at this Hollywood standby. For generations, formally attired waiters have tended to guests sitting on the famous red leather booths. Also, their Musso's Flannel Cakes go well with needing a little hair of the dog. Established: 1919. Notable patrons: Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, and Ernest Hemingway. Address: 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles.

EDELWEISS CHOCOLATES

One of the oldest candy shops in L.A. is known for its chocolate honeycomb. The famous candy-making episode from I Love Lucy was inspired by its kitchen. Established: 1942. Notable patrons: Lauren Bacall and Katharine Hepburn. Address: 444 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills.

FOUNTAIN COFFEE ROOM

The beloved coffee shop in the Beverly Hills Hotel is perfect for banana pancakes, McCarthy salads, and some of the best people-watching in the city. Established: 1949. Notable patrons: Gina Lollobrigida, Faye Dunaway, and Robert Evans. Address: 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills.

THE ORIGINAL PANTRY CAFE

Bigger is better at this cash-only diner that 's open around the clock. Established: 1924. Notable patrons: Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, and Marilyn Monroe. Address: 877 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles.

CLIFTON'S

This newly renovated, multi-level historic restaurant is a trippy adventure complete with themed bars and cafeteria-style cuisine. Established: 1932. Notable patrons: Isaac Asimov, Jack Kerouac, and Ray Bradbury—who, after spending his early days eating at Clifton's, rang in his 90th birthday here. Address: 648 S. Broadway, Los Angeles.

PHILIPPE THE ORIGINAL

A bustling deli known for its comfort food—most notably its signature French Dipped Sandwich. The feud between Philippe and Cole's (see entry) as to which one is the French-dip sandwich's creator is ongoing. Established: 1908. Notable patron: Norman Rockwell. Address: 1001 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles.