10 Retro California Restaurants That Haven’t Changed Since The ’60s
Step into these California restaurants and you might feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
With retro décor, classic menus, and a vibe that captures the spirit of the ’60s, these spots have resisted modern trends without losing their charm.
From sizzling diners to nostalgic eateries, every detail tells a story of decades past. If you love history served with a side of nostalgia, these restaurants offer a delicious journey through time.
1. Pann’s – Los Angeles
Walking into Pann’s feels like stepping onto a movie set from 1958 when this Googie-style diner first opened. The red leather booths, angular roof, and neon signage remain untouched by time or trend.
Famous for their fried chicken and waffles long before this combo became trendy, Pann’s has fed generations of Angelenos and film crews alike.
The vintage Googie architecture makes it a favorite backdrop for Hollywood productions seeking authentic mid-century vibes.
2. Philippe’s – Los Angeles
Claiming to have invented the French dip sandwich in 1918, Philippe’s hasn’t bothered updating much since moving to its current location in 1951.
Sawdust still covers the floors, and customers stand in line at carving stations to order their legendary sandwiches. The communal tables encourage strangers to become friends over hot beef dipped in savory jus.
Their five-cent coffee finally increased to 45 cents in 2012, after holding steady at a dime for decades – still the best deal in Los Angeles.
3. The Bull Pen – Redondo Beach
Martini glasses clink while Frank Sinatra croons through speakers at The Bull Pen, a South Bay steakhouse stuck pleasantly in 1961.
The dim lighting and leather booths have witnessed countless business deals and anniversary celebrations over six decades. Steaks arrive sizzling on metal plates, served by waiters who’ve worked here for decades.
The bar area remains a local hangout where regulars are greeted by name. Their classic shrimp cocktail recipe hasn’t changed since Kennedy was president.
4. El Cholo Spanish Café – Los Angeles
Serving enchiladas since 1923, El Cholo pioneered Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles long before tacos were trending.
Their original location maintains the dark wood beams, Spanish-style arches, and hand-painted tiles that defined their 1960s expansion. The menu still features the exact date each dish was introduced.
Their famous green corn tamales, available only May through October, have created seasonal excitement since 1923.
Photos of celebrity diners from every decade line walls that tell the story of LA’s love affair with Mexican food.
5. Tam O’Shanter – Los Angeles
Founded in 1922 by the same family behind Lawry’s Prime Rib, this Scottish-themed landmark boasts being Walt Disney’s favorite restaurant.
The storybook cottage exterior leads to a warren of dining rooms that haven’t been updated since the Johnson administration.
Waitstaff still don tartan, and prime rib arrives on silver carts. The bar area maintains its clubby atmosphere where Hollywood dealmakers have clinked glasses for generations.
Disney animators once sketched on napkins here, some drawings still framed on the memorabilia-covered walls.
6. The Apple Pan – Los Angeles
Since 1947, this tiny burger joint has refused to expand, accept credit cards, or change virtually anything about its winning formula.
The U-shaped counter surrounds grill cooks who prepare the legendary Hickoryburger exactly as they did during the Truman administration.
Paper-wrapped burgers are served by long-time employees who keep track of orders entirely in their heads.
The banana cream pie recipe remains a closely guarded secret. Customers happily wait outside for counter seats to open, knowing some things are worth preserving exactly as they are.
7. Fior d’Italia – San Francisco
Claiming the title of America’s oldest Italian restaurant (founded 1886), Fior d’Italia survived earthquakes, prohibition, and countless food trends.
Their North Beach location maintains the elegant old-world atmosphere established during their 1960s heyday.
White tablecloths, career waiters, and tableside service transport diners to a more gracious era.
The classic veal saltimbocca recipe hasn’t changed in over half a century. Photos of famous patrons from Frank Sinatra to Joe DiMaggio adorn walls that have witnessed generations of San Francisco history.
8. Tivoli Bar & Grill – San Diego
Pouring drinks since 1885, Tivoli claims to be San Diego’s oldest bar still in its original location.
The weathered wooden bar, antique cash register, and vintage beer signs remain exactly as they appeared when the current ownership took over in 1964.
Gold Rush-era miners’ paraphernalia decorates walls alongside black-and-white photos of old San Diego. Buffalo burgers have been the signature dish for decades.
Regulars swear the spirits of past patrons still haunt the historic building, adding another layer of vintage authenticity.
9. Cold Spring Tavern – Santa Barbara area
Originally a stagecoach stop built in 1886, this rustic log cabin restaurant in the San Marcos Pass hasn’t seen significant updates since the Summer of Love. Kerosene lamps still illuminate the stone-walled interior when mountain fog rolls in.
Weekend motorcycle gatherings have been tradition since the 1960s, with tri-tip sandwiches served outdoors.
The tavern’s remote location adds to its time-capsule quality. Game meats like venison and wild boar appear on a menu that celebrates California’s frontier cooking traditions.
10. Sam’s Grill & Seafood – San Francisco
Dating back to 1867, Sam’s Grill maintains private curtained booths where San Francisco’s financial district power players have brokered deals since the Gold Rush.
The Financial District institution hasn’t updated its seafood recipes or decor since the 1960s. Waiters in white jackets still write orders on notepads and deliver classic sand dabs and petrale sole.
The wooden phone booth in the corner actually worked until recently. Sam’s survived the 1906 earthquake, Prohibition, and continues serving classic San Francisco seafood traditions to new generations.