Covered
Wagon (Demolished)
Anaheim, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
This former site of Van
de Kamp's lost its windmill and turned into a dutch looking restaurant
with a Western theme. Alas, the Western theme didn't appear to work
as the Covered Wagon is now just another vacant building, now
demolished.
A Dutch-looking building with a Western name made Covered Wagon in Anaheim an unusual roadside stop. Originally a Van
de Kamp's location, it had lost its signature windmill before taking on its frontier identity. The restaurant later stood vacant before demolition removed this curious combination from the roadside.
Covered Wagon (formerly Van de Kamp's) (Demolished)
Anaheim, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
UPDATE: There is a newish restaurant building now on site at this location which is open for lease. The old Van de Kamp's building is gone. 12-10
UPDATE: By December 2010, the former Van de Kamp’s building had been demolished, and a replacement restaurant building was being offered for lease. The windmill had already disappeared before the building’s final years. 10-26
Norma's Restaurant (Demolished)
Inglewood, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The coffee-shop appearance at Norma’s Restaurant prompted a familiar question: had this once been a NORMS? The similar name and old diner setting certainly encouraged a second look.
This independent restaurant on Century Boulevard in Inglewood became a neighborhood stop for generous breakfasts and classic diner meals. Its booths and counters carried the atmosphere of a place where customers could settle in rather than hurry through.
UPDATE: Norma’s closed in 2021, and its building and roadside sign were subsequently demolished. The former restaurant stood at 4410 West Century Boulevard. 10-26
Capri Coffee Shop (Demolished)
Anaheim, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Across from the former Al’s Liquor in Anaheim, Capri Coffee Shop carried on in a building that had started life as a Denny’s. The familiar coffee-shop appearance remained, even after the restaurant took an independent name.
That combination made the corner worth noticing: an old liquor-store landmark on one side and a former chain coffee shop finding its own way on the other. Unfortunately, the Capri’s next chapter involved a bulldozer rather than another menu.
UPDATE: Capri Coffee Shop was demolished. The photograph preserves its earlier appearance across from the former Al’s Liquor. 10-26
Darby's Coffee Shop (Closed)
Canoga Park, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Here’s a neighborhood coffee shop with a familiar Valley look. Darby’s Coffee Shop in Canoga Park welcomed generations of customers for breakfast specials, patty melts, and the sort of meal that didn’t require a special occasion.
Its old neon lettering gave Sherman Way a recognizable roadside stop. Inside, the purple cow-shaped cream pitchers added a little personality to the table. Apparently even the coffee accessories had something to say.
UPDATE: Darby’s closed, and its former building at Sherman Way and De Soto Avenue was repurposed for a Latin restaurant. The Darby’s roadside sign is gone. 10-26
"Office"
El Centro, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Anyone looking for an office with a little coffee-shop character? This former restaurant in El Centro was advertising available space when photographed, with its low roof and broad windows recalling an earlier roadside dining role.
The “Office” sign offered a different sort of invitation from a breakfast special. The building appeared to be a former Sambo’s, although the original caption left its identity and exact location unresolved.
UPDATE: The photograph records the building during its advertised office-use period. Its identification as the former Sambo’s on Imperial Avenue has been proposed, but the photo-to-property match remains unconfirmed. 10-26
Lisa's Coffee Shop
Covina, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Check out the old-style marquee and colorful exterior at Lisa’s Coffee Shop in Covina. This neighborhood breakfast-and-lunch spot has the kind of roadside personality that makes a morning stop worth considering before anyone checks the menu.
Inside, counter stools, vintage signs, and license plates carry on the familiar coffee-shop atmosphere. Omelets, biscuits and gravy, chilaquiles, and chili verde give customers plenty of reasons to concentrate on the plate after admiring the surroundings.
Operating under the Lisa’s name since 1980, the restaurant has become a longtime local gathering place. It’s the sort of neighborhood eatery becoming rarer these days. Unlike a steak, that isn’t something customers get to order.
UPDATE: Lisa’s Coffee Shop remains open in Covina. Its roadside marquee survives, and the restaurant continues serving breakfast and lunch. 10-26
Lisa's Marquee
West Covina, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
Interior of coffee shop
West Covina, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
Covered
Wagon (Demolished) 
Covered Wagon (formerly Van de Kamp's) (Demolished)
Norma's Restaurant (Demolished)
Darby's Coffee Shop (Closed)
"Office"
