Coffee Shops

Pull over for Southern California’s classic coffee shops, where sweeping rooflines, counter stools, and big windows made a meal part of the roadside experience. There’s plenty to admire over a cup of coffee.

Roadside Diners

Slide into a booth for a look at Southern California’s roadside diners. From shiny trim to familiar counter seating, these places recall breakfasts on the road and a slice of pie before heading home.

Drive-in Eateries

Head back to the days of carhops, root beer, and a meal beside the family car. Explore Southern California’s drive-in eateries, where the parking lot was part of the dining room.

Burger Joints

Follow the roadside signs to Southern California’s classic burger joints, from small walk-up stands to neighborhood favorites. A burger, fries, and something cold made a good excuse to pull over.

Fast Food Joints

Stop for a quick bite at Southern California’s roadside sandwich shops, taco stands, and other fast food favorites. Small buildings and colorful signs often gave these places a personality all their own.

Avenue of the Dogs

Take a trip down the Avenue of the Dogs for Southern California’s hot dog stands and chili dog stops. Some kept the menu simple and let an unusual building or eye-catching sign do the talking.

Roadside Cafes

Take a seat at Southern California’s roadside cafes, where a familiar storefront and a welcoming sign offered a break from the drive. These everyday stops have a few roadside details worth lingering over.

Sit Down Restaurants

Make time for a meal at Southern California’s distinctive sit down restaurants. From old dining rooms to memorable entrances, there’s more to look over here than the menu.

Mexican Food Cafes

Explore Southern California’s Mexican food cafes, where colorful signs and distinctive storefronts invite a stop for tacos, enchiladas, and a little roadside scenery. Keep an eye out before turning into the lot.

Foods of the Orient

Take a look at Southern California’s Chinese restaurants and other Asian eateries, with their distinctive lettering, decorative entrances, and colorful marquees. The signs out front often deserve a look of their own.

Pizza Pubs

Pull up for a slice at Southern California’s neighborhood pizza places and old pizza pubs. Familiar signs and inviting storefronts recall evenings of sharing a pie and staying for another round.

Snacks and Stuff

Leave a little room for Southern California’s donut shops, ice cream stands, and roadside snack stops. A giant donut or colorful marquee can make that extra stop awfully tempting.

Roadside Taverns

Explore Southern California’s neighborhood taverns and cocktail lounges, where neon glasses and unusual signs announced a place to settle in for the evening. There’s plenty to appreciate from the sidewalk, too.

Neon Eateries

Come back after dark for Southern California’s glowing restaurant signs and colorful neon lettering. A daytime lunch stop can put on quite a show once the sun goes down.

Desert Eateries

Come back after dark for Southern California’s glowing restaurant signs and colorful neon lettering. A daytime lunch stop can put on quite a show once the sun goes down.

San Diego Eateries

Come back after dark for Southern California’s glowing restaurant signs and colorful neon lettering. A daytime lunch stop can put on quite a show once the sun goes down.