These 10 Old Restaurants In Southern California Have Stood The Test Of Time

Did you know there are restaurants here in Southern California that are over 70 years old? What if I told you there are even restaurants here that are over 100 years old? Not only are these places still standing, but they’re still delicious. Check out these 10 restaurants in SoCal that are full of history and full of flavor – they will all blow you away. Any guess how old the oldest restaurant is on this list? Keep reading to find out.

This Post: These 10 Old Restaurants In Southern California Have Stood The Test Of Time

10. Sarinana’s Tamale Factory in Santa Ana — 1939

yelp/Riley M.

Yelp/RR

Look no further than Santa Ana to find the oldest Mexican restaurant in all of Orange County. This spot has been a popular destination for homemade tamales and other Mexican dishes since 1939. Depending on when you show up, you might find lines out the door with people picking up their tamale orders.

9. Harbor House Cafe’ in Sunset Beach — 1939

Yelp/Dexter S.

Yelp/Tomkat R.

Opened back in 1939 and still around for good reason. From the moment you walk in you’ll be dazzled by the vintage decor and movie posters that line the walls. And they never close. Ever! Open 24 hours per day every single day of the year so you can get your Harbor House fix any time you desire.

8. The Galley in Santa Monica — 1934

Yelp/Ron S.

The Galley Website

Head to The Galley for a memorable night experiencing Santa Monica’s oldest restaurant and bar. Opened in 1934, this spot has been a Santa Monica favorite for over 80 years.

7. The Rock Inn in Lake Hughes — 1929

Yelp/Monika H.

yelp/Julie D

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Not only did this spot serve as a restaurant back when it originally opened in 1929, but it also was the community post office, general store, overnight Inn and gas station. The gas pumps are still onsite and reflect the unique history and charm of this location.

6. El Cholo in Los Angeles — 1923

Yelp/Jessica O.

Yelp/Winnie L.

El Cholo was established in 1923 and is most likely the oldest Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles. It’s still owned and operated by the original family after being passed down to the next generation. A great destination for authentic Mexican fare and killer margaritas.

5. The Tam O’ Shanter in Los Feliz in Los Angeles — 1922

Yelp/Michelle T.

Yelp/Diana V.

The Tam O’ Shanter is a legendary restaurant in Los Angeles run by the same family since it opened in 1922. This is the original location, which is also a rarity for a restaurant that has been around for over 90 years.

4. Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood — 1919

Trip Advisor/Phil B.

Yelp/Business Owner

As the sign says, Musso and Frank Grill has been open since 1919 and it’s the oldest restaurant in Hollywood. Classic dining with an old school vibe. This spot has definitely stood the test of time.

3. The Golden Spur in Glendora — 1918

TripAdvisor/Bill D

Yelp/Mark W.

Please note, The Golden Spur is permanently closed.

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This popular old school steakhouse has been serving up memorable meals for almost 100 years, since 1918 to be exact, so it’s doing something right. Not only is the food fantastic, but nightly live music adds to the rustic ambiance of this old fashioned gem.

2. The Saugus Cafe’ in Santa Clarita — 1905

Trip Advisor/kj47

Yelp/Fidel C.

There’s something about eating in a restaurant that has been around since 1905 that makes the food taste even better. Yes, it’s your standard diner fare, but it’s a diner with a lot of history so that instantly gives the meal a boost.

1. Cold Spring Tavern in Santa Barbara — 1868

Yelp/May.Lene D

Yelp/Felix G.

This gem has been around since the 1860s, which makes this spot the oldest restaurant on our list. People flock to Cold Spring Tavern not only for the history, but also for the incredible food and romantic ambiance it provides.

It’s simply amazing how long these spots have been around. Have you been to any of these places in SoCal before? If so, let us know what you think. If you haven’t been to any of these restaurants, which ones are you going to try out first?