Taco Bell (Gone)
San Diego, CA
Photo courtesy M.C. Morrissey

Make a run for the border. Or in this case, Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego, where this Taco Bell once displayed the original company icon. Check out the old sign, from an era when the little mission-style restaurants were easy to pick out along the roadside.

The brick arches and familiar bell gave these early locations a look all their own. Nothing fancy needed to announce that tacos were available inside. This one offered passing motorists a glimpse of the chain's earlier days before newer logos took over.

UPDATE : The Taco Bell sign is now history. Many thanks to M.C. Morrissey for update.

UPDATE: This Taco Bell is now a taco shop. Many thanks to Ken Lux for update. 07-04

UPDATE: The original Taco Bell sign has been removed. The former restaurant building was converted into an independent taco shop, keeping tacos on the menu after the old bell disappeared. 10-26

Root Beer Stand
Escondido, CA
Photo courtesy Mike & Terie Lepker

A building shaped like a barrel makes a pretty good invitation to stop for root beer. This Root Beer Stand in Escondido was known as Michael's Drive In during the 1970s, with a skating rink right next door. Something cold to drink might have sounded pretty good after a few trips around the rink.

Originally built as an A&W stand, the oversized barrel did much of the advertising itself. No need to study the menu to get an idea of what was being poured. It's the sort of roadside building that could catch the eye even when thirst wasn't part of the travel plans.

UPDATE: The barrel building survives as El Indio de Tijuana Taco Shop. An orange and yellow paint scheme gives it a different look, while the unusual shape remains a reminder of its root beer days. 10-26

Salazar's Taco Shop (Demolished)
San Diego, CA
Photo and info courtesy Jason Kambitsis

For Mexican food with a little early-'70s atmosphere, Salazar's Taco Shop once offered both in San Diego's East Village. The interior looked right at home in that era, with orange counter stools, wood grain accents, and booths that hadn't chased after the latest restaurant fashion. 07-06

Frank Salazar opened the restaurant in 1972 at Market and 15th Streets. For 45 years, the corner was a familiar stop for neighborhood customers and others who knew where to find a dependable meal. Apparently the old surroundings suited the place just fine.

Downtown redevelopment eventually caught up with the taco shop. Following the family's sale of the property, Salazar's closed in July 2017. Another longtime neighborhood stop had served its last order.

UPDATE: The former Salazar's building was demolished, and its sign was removed. Residential redevelopment replaced the old taco shop site. 10-26