Checking out new restaurants is one of my favorite hobbies. And right here in Southern California there are so many choices it’s possible to try something new every day of the week. Here are a few spots you should definitely experience on your next dining adventure.
- Wurstkuche, Los Angeles
Wurstkuche/Facebook This sausage paradise has some pretty wild stuff on the menu. How about a snake and rabbit sausage? Or duck and bacon with a kick of jalepeno pepper? Hot diggity dog that sounds good!
- Clifton’s Cafeteria, Los Angeles
Flickr/Timothy Krause Cool fact – Clinton’s Cafeteria originally opened in 1932 by none other than a real guy named Clifton. Go figure. But fast-forward a gazillion years later and it’s now totally hip and remodeled (and a lot more expensive). It also has some wild additions, like a stuffed bison that stares at you from behind a glass case and a giant fake redwood that towers through the middle of the restaurant. But what makes this place really cool and unique is that it preserves a little bit of LA’s restaurant history by keeping this blast from the past alive and kicking.
- The Vintage Steakhouse, San Juan Capistrano
The Vintage Steakhouse/Website How about dining in an old-time rail car? Climb aboard this fully restored Pullman that dates back to 1927.
- The Caves at Oak Mountain Winery, Temecula
The Caves at Oak Mountain Winery/Facebook Take a look at this dark and cozy restaurant. There’s something about dining in a cave that makes food and wine feel extra fancy.
- Pacific Dining Car, Santa Monica and Los Angeles
Pacific Dining Car/Facebook You know when you’re craving a big, juicy steak at 3 in the morning? Yeah, turns out Pacific Dining Car understands. They’re open 24 hours a day so you can chow down on a piece of meat any time you feel like it. Now that’s customer service.
- Cold Springs Tavern, Santa Barbara
Wikimedia commons The history of this restaurant is definitely unique. Dating back to 1886 it started as a stagecoach stop where couples replenished themselves with food, drink and entertainment to break up their travels. 130 years later this little gem is still in operation.
- Cliff’s Edge, Los Angeles
Cliff’s Edge/Facebook How do you feel about dining in an outdoor space that looks like a tree house? I think it looks pretty magical.
- Pala Casino Underground Wine Cave, Pala CA
Pala Casino/Website Because dining in an underground wine cave never gets old.
- Frisco’s, City of Industry
Yelp/ Kate M. Dining at Frisco’s makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Cheery waitresses zip around on roller skates and serve up burgers, fries and milkshakes at this retro looking 1950s diner.
- Teatro Martini Dinner Comedy Theatre, Buena Park
Teatro Martini Dinner Comedy/Facebook This restaurant/dinner theatre is perfect for a date night with food, drinks and adult comedy tailored just for the grown-ups. Leave the kids at home as this will not be G-rated. Just sayin’.
So much food, so little time. What are some of your favorite spots in your city that would make a great addition to this list?
Wurstkuche/Facebook
This sausage paradise has some pretty wild stuff on the menu. How about a snake and rabbit sausage? Or duck and bacon with a kick of jalepeno pepper? Hot diggity dog that sounds good!
Flickr/Timothy Krause
Cool fact – Clinton’s Cafeteria originally opened in 1932 by none other than a real guy named Clifton. Go figure. But fast-forward a gazillion years later and it’s now totally hip and remodeled (and a lot more expensive). It also has some wild additions, like a stuffed bison that stares at you from behind a glass case and a giant fake redwood that towers through the middle of the restaurant. But what makes this place really cool and unique is that it preserves a little bit of LA’s restaurant history by keeping this blast from the past alive and kicking.
The Vintage Steakhouse/Website
How about dining in an old-time rail car? Climb aboard this fully restored Pullman that dates back to 1927.
The Caves at Oak Mountain Winery/Facebook
Take a look at this dark and cozy restaurant. There’s something about dining in a cave that makes food and wine feel extra fancy.
Pacific Dining Car/Facebook
You know when you’re craving a big, juicy steak at 3 in the morning? Yeah, turns out Pacific Dining Car understands. They’re open 24 hours a day so you can chow down on a piece of meat any time you feel like it. Now that’s customer service.
Wikimedia commons
The history of this restaurant is definitely unique. Dating back to 1886 it started as a stagecoach stop where couples replenished themselves with food, drink and entertainment to break up their travels. 130 years later this little gem is still in operation.
Cliff’s Edge/Facebook
How do you feel about dining in an outdoor space that looks like a tree house? I think it looks pretty magical.
Pala Casino/Website
Because dining in an underground wine cave never gets old.
Yelp/ Kate M.
Dining at Frisco’s makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Cheery waitresses zip around on roller skates and serve up burgers, fries and milkshakes at this retro looking 1950s diner.
Teatro Martini Dinner Comedy/Facebook
This restaurant/dinner theatre is perfect for a date night with food, drinks and adult comedy tailored just for the grown-ups. Leave the kids at home as this will not be G-rated. Just sayin’.
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