14 Retro California Cafés That Could Be Straight Out Of The ’70s
California is home to some amazing retro cafés that still look and feel like they’re from the groovy 1970s.
These special places have kept their original decorations, colorful booths, and classic neon signs that make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
Walking into these cafés is like stepping into your favorite old TV show or movie from decades ago. Get ready to discover some far-out spots where the past comes alive with every bite.
1. Rae’s Restaurant, Santa Monica
Picture walking into a movie set from the 1970s, complete with turquoise booths and checkered floors. Rae’s has been serving hungry customers since 1958, but it really found its groove in the groovy decade.
The neon sign outside still glows bright pink and blue, calling to anyone who loves classic American food. Inside, you’ll find waitresses who know everyone’s order by heart and coffee that’s been brewing the same way for decades.
This place is so authentic that Hollywood directors often film movies here when they need a real retro diner scene.
2. Pann’s, Los Angeles
Pann’s looks like a spaceship that landed in LA during the Eisenhower era and decided to stay for the whole disco decade. The building’s swooping roofline and giant googie-style architecture make it impossible to miss.
Walking through the front door feels like entering a time machine. The orange and brown color scheme screams 1970s, while the circular booths invite you to sit and stay awhile.
Their famous coffee shop pie case still displays dozens of homemade desserts, just like it did when your grandparents might have stopped by for a late-night snack.
3. NORMS, West Hollywood
NORMS practically invented the 24-hour diner experience that defined late-night California culture. The angular roofline and bold geometric shapes make this place look like something from The Jetsons.
Orange vinyl booths stretch along the windows, perfect for people-watching on the Sunset Strip. The menu hasn’t changed much since the Carter administration, which is exactly how regulars like it.
Coffee refills come faster than you can drink them, and the waitstaff treats everyone like family, whether you’re a rock star or just someone craving pancakes at 3 AM.
4. Bob’s Big Boy, Burbank
That chubby kid in checkered overalls holding a hamburger has been greeting customers here since way before anyone invented the Happy Meal. Bob’s Big Boy represents everything awesome about classic American drive-in culture.
I remember my first visit here as a kid, amazed by the car hops and the giant statue out front. The double-decker burgers still taste exactly like they did back then.
Red vinyl booths and chrome details create the perfect atmosphere for sharing milkshakes and onion rings with friends or family who appreciate authentic retro dining.
5. Mel’s Drive-In, San Francisco and Los Angeles
Mel’s became famous when it appeared in American Graffiti, but this place was already cool long before Hollywood noticed. The black and white checkered floor pattern and bright red booths create an instant party atmosphere.
Jukebox music fills the air while roller-skating waitresses (okay, they don’t actually wear skates anymore) serve up classic burgers and fries. The neon sign outside changes colors like a rainbow.
Every location feels like a celebration of simpler times when going out to eat was a special family event worth dressing up for.
6. Cafe 50’s, West Los Angeles
Walking into Cafe 50’s feels like joining a sock hop that’s been going on for decades. Every inch of wall space is covered with vintage posters, old records, and memorabilia from the golden age of rock and roll.
The staff wears period costumes that make the whole experience feel like dinner theater, except the food is way better than most shows. Milkshakes come in flavors that would make Archie and Veronica jealous.
Pink and turquoise dominate the color scheme, creating a cheerful environment where every meal feels like a special occasion worth celebrating.
7. House of Pies, Los Feliz, Los Angeles
House of Pies has been serving up slices of happiness since 1963, and their dessert case still looks like a sweet dream come true. The rotating pie display case spins slowly, showing off dozens of homemade creations.
Dark wood paneling and orange upholstery create a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to order coffee and stay for hours. Night owls love this place because it’s open 24 hours for late-night sugar emergencies.
Every pie is made from scratch using recipes that haven’t changed since the Nixon administration, which explains why they taste so incredibly good.
8. Swingers Diner, Hollywood, Los Angeles
Swingers perfectly captures that hip 1970s vibe where cool kids hung out after concerts and late-night parties. The retro-modern design feels both nostalgic and surprisingly current at the same time.
Booth seating in bold colors creates intimate spaces for deep conversations over comfort food that hits all the right spots. The lighting is dim enough to feel mysterious but bright enough to read the extensive menu.
During my college years, this became our go-to spot for post-midnight discussions about life, love, and whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it totally does).
9. The Apple Pan, West Los Angeles
The Apple Pan has been flipping burgers since 1947, but it really hit its stride during the groovy decade when counter service became an art form. The horseshoe-shaped counter creates a community feeling among strangers.
Paper plates and simple presentation let the food speak for itself, and boy does it have a lot to say. The hickory burger and apple pie are legendary among locals who’ve been coming here for generations.
Red stools spin freely, encouraging conversation between customers who might never meet anywhere else but somehow become friends over shared appreciation for perfectly grilled patties.
10. Eat at Joe’s, Redondo Beach
Joe’s brings that laid-back beach town energy that made California famous around the world. The casual atmosphere perfectly matches the surrounding surf culture that defined coastal life in the 1970s.
Wooden tables and nautical decorations create a relaxed environment where flip-flops are perfectly acceptable dinner attire. The seafood is fresh enough to make you forget you’re not eating on a boat.
Large windows offer views of the Pacific Ocean, reminding diners why people moved to California in the first place and never wanted to leave this paradise.
11. Busy Bee Cafe, Ventura
Busy Bee buzzes with the kind of small-town energy that makes everyone feel like a regular customer, even on their first visit. The name perfectly captures the constant activity of satisfied customers coming and going.
Checkered tablecloths and vintage coffee pots create a homey atmosphere that reminds you of eating at your favorite aunt’s kitchen table. The portions are generous enough to fuel a full day of California adventures.
Local farmers and surfers mix together at the counter, sharing stories and weather predictions over plates of eggs and hash browns that taste like childhood memories.
12. Lori’s Diner, San Francisco
Lori’s captures that classic San Francisco spirit where eclectic characters gather to fuel up before exploring the city’s famous hills. The jukebox plays oldies that make everyone want to sing along, whether they know the words or not.
Chrome fixtures and vinyl seating create an authentic diner experience that feels both timeless and specifically rooted in the groovy 1970s era. The milkshakes are thick enough to stand a spoon in.
During a recent visit, I watched a businessman in a suit share pancake tips with a street musician, proving that good food brings all kinds of people together.
13. Pork Store Cafe, San Francisco
Don’t let the name fool you – Pork Store Cafe serves way more than just pork, though their breakfast meats are pretty spectacular. The quirky name reflects San Francisco’s tradition of businesses with personality and humor.
Mismatched chairs and eclectic decorations create a funky atmosphere that perfectly captures the city’s artistic spirit from the 1970s counterculture movement. Every table tells a different story through its unique setup.
The coffee is strong enough to wake up the entire Mission District, and the breakfast burritos are large enough to share with your new best friend.
14. Red’s Java House, San Francisco
Red’s Java House sits right on the waterfront like a salty old sailor telling stories about the good old days. The no-frills approach to serving food matches the honest, hardworking spirit of San Francisco’s maritime heritage.
Plastic chairs and paper napkins keep things simple, letting the double cheeseburgers and hot coffee do all the talking. The view of the bay makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
Seagulls hover nearby hoping for french fry handouts, while tugboats and sailboats provide entertainment better than any television show could offer visitors and locals alike.