Biff's Coffee Shop (Demolished)
Oakland, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Yes Biff's Coffee Shop certainly belongs among the classic coffee shops. Biff's Coffee Shop opened its doors to the public in 1963 in the coffee shop architecture style featured by Armet & Davis. Biff's recently closed down in 1996.
A non-profit
group called Save Biff's saved this one from the big coffee shop in the
sky. Today an auto dealership occupies the lot but the building still stands.
Biff's (Old Image) Photo courtesy Bill Jackson
Here's a shot of the Biff's back when it was still open 24 hours as a coffee shp. Check out the googie building and font.
UPDATE 04/16 : Unfortunately the former Biff's Coffee Shop was demolished. Apartment buildings will take its place. 04-16
Pancake Circus
Sacramento, CA Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
The Pancake Circus is a must eat place if you're in or visiting
the Sacramento area. The breakfasts are generous, the service is good,
and the food is tasty!
The building here dates back to 1961 when Al & Bud's Platter opened up. The location became Pancake Circus in 1970. The place is worth a stop not just for its food but to check out the neon lettering.
Dave's Coffee Shop (Gone)
Oakland, CA Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
This fun sign for Dave's Coffee Shop points to an eatery that appears to sadly
be no more. Check out the dancing chef character on this marquee who appears
rather happy at this point in time.
According to this contributor to Yelp, Dave's opened its doors in 1930 and closed in 2004. Word is the sign was removed around 2008.
UPDATE 09/10 : Dave's is (was) in Oakland, CA. I had the pleasure of working at both Biff's and Dave's in the 80's. They don't make em' like that anymore! Many thanks to Penny Magalong for update. 09-10
It's Tops Coffee Shop
San Francisco, CA Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Check out this flashback to the times when a neighborhood coffee shop
was the place to grab a hot meal. Give It's Tops a try if you're
in the Bay Area. The place originally opened in 1935 with a diner atmosphere. While there, grab a bacon & eggs breakfast or burger. For more information, see the It's Tops website.
Mels Bowl Restaurant (Demolished)
Redwood City, CA Photo courtesy Jason Carlton
Here's the sign above the restaurant area at Mels
Bowl in Redwood City, CA. Looks like the lettering was at the
least formerly neon.
Mels Bowl first opened in 1960 and over the years around 1969 the name changed to the Redwood Lanes Bowling Center. The founder Mel Weiss also co-founded the well known Mel's Drive-in chain of restaurants.
UPDATE 11/11 : The Mel's Bowl was demolished in 2012 after closing down the year prior. to make way for a 141-unit apartment complex. The sign was saved. 11-11
Denny's Restaurant
Redwood City, CA Photo courtesy Jason Carlton
Sneak a peek at this classic old Denny's sign, made long before Denny's
followed through on notions to become a diner.
This Redwood City location also features a traditional Armet and Davis
designed boomerang siding on its restaurant. Luckily, this Denny's
doesn't appear to have been "dinerized" yet.
Biff's Coffee Shop (Demolished)
Biff's (Old Image)
Pancake Circus
Dave's Coffee Shop (Gone)
It's Tops Coffee Shop
Denny's Restaurant
