Dave's Burgers
Long Beach, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
It’s “Time to Eat,” or so the sign says at Dave’s Burgers in Long Beach. Check out the little stand tucked into the gas station lot, where the roadside announcement seems almost as important as the building itself. Apparently a burger joint doesn’t need much room to make an impression.
Dave’s has been feeding customers since the 1950s, keeping the familiar walk-up routine alive. The compact shack gives the cook plenty to do without leaving much distance between the grill and the order window. Quite a different arrangement from today’s sprawling drive-through restaurants.
UPDATE: Dave’s remains open, continuing a tradition dating to 1956. The little stand still draws customers looking for burgers and hot dogs, including its Cubby burger with grilled hot dog pieces. Sometimes deciding between the two isn’t necessary. 10-26
Tommy's
Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
A chili burger stop can come at just about any hour at the original Tommy’s in Los Angeles. Check out the little stand at Beverly and Rampart, where customers gather around outdoor counters instead of settling into a dining room. Grab a few double cheeseburgers for a snack, provided the definition of “snack” is fairly generous.
Tom Koulax opened the business on May 15, 1946. The stand became a familiar part of Los Angeles burger culture, with plenty of chili and little need for fancy surroundings. The newer locations may offer tables, but the original keeps diners on their feet.
UPDATE: The original Tommy’s remains open 24 hours a day. Its stand-up counters continue the longtime routine, giving late-night customers somewhere to lean while working through another chili burger. Some traditions apparently don’t need chairs. 10-26
Lucky Boy Hamburgers (Demolished)
South Gate, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
An old rooftop sign gave Lucky Boy Hamburgers in South Gate something extra to show off above the grill. Check out the big lettering, rising over the building to catch the attention of passing motorists. A welcome sight when a hamburger sounded better than another mile down the road.
This was the original Lucky Boy location, opening in 1961 before the business became better known for its Pasadena restaurants. The South Gate stop had a roadside identity of its own, with the rooftop marquee doing a good share of the advertising.
UPDATE: Lucky Boy Hamburgers was torn down about 1 1/2 years ago. Now a McDonald's is on that location of Otis and Firestone. Many thanks to Timothy G. Shubin for update. 02-07
UPDATE: The South Gate restaurant was demolished and replaced by a McDonald’s. It appears the old building and rooftop sign disappeared after 2003. 10-26
Cecy's Hamburgers (Gone)
Lynwood, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
There wasn’t much chance of overlooking Cecy’s Hamburgers in Lynwood with that old marquee out front. Check out the lettering and roadside shape, giving this neighborhood burger stop a welcome bit of character along Atlantic Avenue.The sign certainly knew how to announce lunch.
Rising above the storefront, the marquee gave motorists a chance to spot the place before reaching the entrance. It had the sort of personality that made an independent hamburger stand worth remembering, especially among the more ordinary signs along the street.
For anyone watching for old burger joints, Cecy’s offered another reason to slow down. The kitchen could handle the hungry customers while the sign entertained the roadside crowd. Of course, there was nothing stopping a visitor from belonging to both groups.
UPDATE: Cecy’s hamburger operation has closed, and the former restaurant became a beauty salon carrying the Cecy’s name. The old burger sign is gone and seems to have been removed sometime between 2007 and 2011. Quite a change from burgers to haircuts, though the familiar name stayed around. 10-26
Beeps
Van Nuys, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
Beeps is a great old circa 1956 hamburger stand in Van Nuys that's
always busy because it's cool and the food's pretty good! Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for info.
A little old hamburger-stand character goes a long way at Beeps in Van Nuys. Check out the familiar sign and low roadside building, giving Sherman Way another reason to keep an eye on the older food stops. This one has been drawing hungry customers since 1956.
The sign gives the place a proper introduction without needing a name that stretches across the whole roof. Beeps is short enough to remember after one pass, and its distinctive lettering gives sign hunters something to admire before checking the menu.
Beeps
Van Nuys, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
The building keeps that familiar roadside arrangement, with parking out front and a casual place to settle in for a meal. It’s easy to see how a quick burger stop could become part of the neighborhood routine. Breakfast, lunch, or something sweet afterward gives customers a few ways to extend the visit.
UPDATE: Beeps remains open, serving burgers, breakfast dishes, shakes, and other diner favorites. Seventy years after its 1956 beginning, the longtime Valley stop continues under its familiar name. Quite a run for a place that still sounds like it ought to announce itself with a car horn. 10-26
Fabulous Burgers
Los Angeles, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
A big roadside announcement comes with the name Fabulous Burgers in Hawthorne. Check out the towering marquee, where the restaurant name and meal advertisements compete for a little attention above Rosecrans Avenue. Apparently being fabulous also means making sure nobody misses the place.
The burger combo display gives hungry travelers something to consider before reaching the counter. A burger, fries, and a drink make a fairly convincing roadside invitation, especially when lunch is overdue. The sign can start working on an appetite well before a customer pulls into the lot.
Fabulous Burgers
Los Angeles, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
Take a closer look at the marquee itself. Its height and stacked panels give the restaurant plenty of room to advertise, making it a landmark above the everyday traffic. Even someone who has already eaten can find a reason to admire this one.
UPDATE: Fabulous Charbroiled Burgers remains open 24 hours a day and has served the neighborhood since 1973. Burgers, breakfast plates, and late-night meals keep this longtime stop going well beyond ordinary lunch hours. Apparently the fabulous part doesn’t take the night off. 10-26
Dave's Burgers
Tommy's
Lucky Boy Hamburgers (Demolished)
Cecy's Hamburgers (Gone)
Beeps
Beeps
Fabulous Burgers
Fabulous Burgers
