Ships Coffee Shop (Demolished)
Culver City, CA Photo courtesy Georg Balandran
Ships is an institution among the classic coffee shops. However, unfortunately
the last Ships went down in the mid-90's. From the jetset arrow to googie
coffee shop architecture, the various Ships Coffee Shops were classic
examples of the space age look.
Wholesome Foods (formerly Wich Stand Patio)
Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
A classic googie coffee shop was the Wich Stand Patio in Los Angeles.
When this site was at risk of being razed over by a bulldozer, the Los
Angeles Conservancy's Modern Committee stepped in, and through its
efforts, saved the structure.
The former Wich Stand was designed by Armet & Davis in 1957.
Don's Coffee Shop in Burbank opened in 1947 as a drive-in
restaurant with a car hop. Brenda (bottom photo right side) worked at
Don's for over 30 years. Lillie (left side) started there as a car hop
when she was just sixteen and celebrated her 50th anniversary just as
Don's was closing to make way for the new Japanese cuisine restaurant
that will take its place. Don's two famous neon chefs will be displayed
at the Burbank Historical Society and Museum of Neon Art. Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for both photos
and info of Don's.
(Below) Here are more photos of Don's
A look at the famous neon chef while still
lit Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
The friendly staff at Don's Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
Dolores Restaurant (Closed)
Santa Monica, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
Here's the Dolores Restaurant in Santa Monica. A good example of
a 24 hour coffee shop, the Dolores is always open to serve the hungry
traveler.
The Dolores first opened its doors in 1944 as a Dolores Drive-in eatery. The restaurant moved here most likely a decade later.
(Near left) The interior of the Dolores Coffee Shop.
UPDATE 05/13 : The Dolores Restaurant is closed and fenced off. A fire struck the restaurant and bakery on Chirstmas Eve 2012, just several months after the place changed its name to the West L.A. Grill Cafe. 05-13
Ships Coffee Shop (Demolished)
Wholesome Foods (formerly Wich Stand Patio)
Don's Coffee Shop (Demolished)
Dolores Restaurant (Closed)
Here's the Dolores Restaurant in Santa Monica. A good example of
a 24 hour coffee shop, the Dolores is always open to serve the hungry
traveler.
