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Roadside Vernacular Southern California

Here are examples of programmatic architecture found in Southern California.

 

Corona Bottle MexicaliWalk-in Beer Store (Gone)
Mexicali, B.C.
Photo and info courtesy Bruce K.

This was a walk-in beer store located somewhere in the northwest part of town, Mexicali, B.C.. Sadly, a contact down there informed a few years ago that this structure is no more.

 

 

Oil Patch LiquorOil Patch Liquor
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Like the familiar oil derricks in and around the Signal Hill area of Long Beach, Oil Patch Liquor boasts its own derrick on top of its building.

 

 

The Donut HoleThe Donut Hole
La Puente, CA
Photo courtesy Georg Balandran

The Donut Hole in Industry. Where else can you not only drive-up and grab a bag of donuts, but drive through a donut to get there? Well worth a stop, even if you don't like donuts. Besides, you can always grab a cup of coffee!

 

 

 

 

Tail O' The PupTail O' The Pup
Los Angeles, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Want a hot dog from a hot dog? Although the Tail O' the Pup ended having to move locations due to what some call big bad "progress", this little weenie found itself a new home. Somewhat hidden on the north end of San Vicente, it's worth a stop once you find it.

 

 

The Shrimp HouseShrimp House
Claremont, CA
Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo

Here's a shot of the Shrimp House with the restaurant in the shape of a boat. Not sure if this place has now reopened or not.

 

UPDATE 08/08: The Shrimp House has recently reopened under the name of Sushi Boat. Many thanks to Freya for update. 08-08

 

 

TamaleThe Tamale Shop
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

This building in East Los Angeles used to be a tamale shop. If you look closely, you can see the wrapper on each end. Now a beauty salon, this building once actually sat on its own and wasn't crushed by buildings on both sides. Unfortunately, it now looks eerily similar to a cramped in parked car.

 

 

 

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© Copyright 1998-2021 Syd Nagoshi. All rights reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the author.