Wagon Wheel Restaurant (Demolished)
Oxnard, CA Photo courtesy Tony Craig
The Wagon Wheel Restaurant was once a thriving business near the
Wagon Wheel Bowl. Unfortunately, the Wagon Wheel Motel and Restaurant has been demolished and all that's left on site is this sign.
The motel and restaurant complex was eventually razed over and demolished in 2011. No more exiting off on Oxnard Boulevard and seeing the familiar neon sign. Another landmark was lost to be just a memory.
Apple Pan
Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
A familiar neon sign introduces The Apple Pan on Pico Boulevard, where hamburgers and pie have been drawing customers since 1947. The small restaurant makes a convincing case for keeping dinner simple. A burger followed by apple pie doesn’t need much improving.
Inside, the U-shaped counter puts customers close to the action, with just 26 seats surrounding the working area. The compact layout, wood finishes, and familiar service give the place much of its lasting appeal. Finding an open stool can be the first order of business.
The Hickoryburger and Steakburger remain the signature choices, but leaving without considering pie would overlook half the attraction. Fortunately, dessert doesn’t require moving to another restaurant.
UPDATE: The Apple Pan remains open at 10801 West Pico Boulevard, serving its familiar burgers and fresh pies. Its counter dining continues, with pickup and delivery now offering additional ways to enjoy the old neighborhood favorite. 10-26
Vince's Spaghetti
Ontario, CA Photo courtesy Tony Craig
The flashy marquee at Vince's Spaghetti's in Ontario gives the dinner crowd a familiar roadside invitation. This longtime Holt Boulevard restaurant began in September 1945 as a small French dip stand with six stools. Spaghetti wasn’t supposed to be the main attraction until an uncle ate a plate in front of customers, who promptly wanted some themselves. Apparently lunch supplied the business plan.
In those early days, Grandma Rose prepared food in her home kitchen about 50 yards away and carried it to the stand. By 1968, Vince’s had grown to seat more than 400 customers. Quite an expansion from six stools and somebody else’s tempting lunch.
An unverified tale describes Grandma Rose’s spirit keeping watch near the sauce vats after hours. Really? Perhaps a family recipe still needed a little supervision.
UPDATE: Vince’s remains open at 1206 West Holt Boulevard in Ontario, continuing its long run of spaghetti dinners along the old highway corridor. 10-26
Sir George's Smorgasbord (Closed)
Arcadia, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
An empty stomach was useful equipment for a visit to Sir George’s Smorgasbord in Arcadia. Roast beef, ribs, and the promise of another trip through the serving line made this a familiar family dinner destination. Deciding when to stop eating may have been harder than deciding where to eat.
The Sir George’s chain paired its buffet meals with a medieval theme, bringing a little royal ceremony to the all-you-can-eat routine. The Arcadia restaurant stood at Las Tunas Drive and Santa Anita Avenue, surviving long enough to become one of the last familiar reminders of the chain.
Later known as Sir George’s Royal Buffet, it belonged to an era when “smorgasbord” was a dinner invitation in itself. A second helping hardly required an explanation.
UPDATE: The Arcadia Sir George’s closed in 2009. Its former location at 9 West Las Tunas Drive no longer serves the restaurant’s familiar buffet dinners. 10-26
Stevens Steak House
Commerce, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
A friendly chef on the marquee gives Stevens Steak House in Commerce a welcoming roadside introduction. If a steak dinner and an expressive restaurant character sound like a good combination, this longtime stop has both covered.
Opened in 1952, Stevens grew into much more than a neighborhood steak house. Its dining rooms and banquet spaces have hosted celebrations, community gatherings, and evenings of live entertainment. Salsa dancing and Latin music give customers reasons to stay after dinner, although dancing on a full stomach might require a little planning.
An unverified tale describes a shadowy figure moving across the empty banquet-room dance floor after the bands have packed up. True story? Perhaps the last dancer wasn’t quite ready to surrender the evening.
UPDATE: Stevens Steak & Seafood House remains open at 5332 Stevens Place in Commerce, continuing its restaurant, banquet, and entertainment operations. The kitchen and dance floor still have work to do. 10-26
Pig 'N Whistle (Closed)
Hollywood, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
A flute-playing pig gave Pig 'N Whistle one of Hollywood Boulevard’s more memorable restaurant identities. Opened in 1927 beside the Egyptian Theatre, the restaurant became associated with Hollywood’s golden years and famous customers including Shirley Temple and Judy Garland.
Its carved details, decorative tiles, and theatrical surroundings made it more than a quick meal stop. After a long absence, restoration work brought the Pig ’N Whistle name and much of its historic atmosphere back around the turn of the century.
An unverified tale describes mournful organ music drifting from the dining room toward the neighboring theatre after hours. Think this is true? Perhaps an old entertainer still expected an audience.
UPDATE: The revived Pig ’N Whistle closed, and alterations for Mr. Tempo Cantina in 2021 prompted a major preservation controversy, including removal of the neon marquee. Mr. Tempo subsequently operated at the site but was reported closed in June 2026. 10-26
Capri Restaurant
Eagle Rock, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
The little character on the front of Capri Restaurant gave this Eagle Rock Italian eatery a friendly introduction. Founded by Helen and Joe Sams in 1963, the restaurant became a familiar neighborhood stop for pizza, pasta, and an old-fashioned dinner out.
Capri later attracted attention well beyond Eagle Rock when twin owners Jeff and Jim Reitz appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares in 2011. The television visit brought a very different kind of kitchen entertainment. Apparently the little fellow outside wasn’t the only character associated with the restaurant.
The original Capri continued for several more years before closing in September 2019. Fortunately, the space had another chapter ahead.
UPDATE: Capri Club opened at 4604 Eagle Rock Boulevard in June 2022, reworking the former restaurant into an Italian aperitivo bar. The old Capri name lives on with cocktails, small plates, and a new neighborhood following. 10-26
Sir George's Smorgasbord (Closed)
Stevens Steak House
Capri Restaurant
