the Buggy Whip
The previous post on joints near LAX got me to thinking...
I've never been to the Buggy Whip, what else is good here? It sounds like a continental food joint from the 1940s/1930s, a la Musso and Frank, or Dal Rae, et al. And the remaining ones of these restaurants are few and far between.
do they serve a good rack of lamb here, with mint jelly, and or good beef ribs? etc, cherries jubilee or diplomat pudding for dessert?
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Dal Rae
9023 E. Washington Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Buggy Whip Restaurant
7420 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
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For the past few years, when my kids would return to Los Angeles from college for Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays, it fell on me to pick them up from the airport. Rather than face the horrific prospect of cruising endlessly around the LAX loop and trying to dodge determined airport police, I wised up. I told my kids that if they took a taxi to the Buggy Whip, I'd reimburse them. The place was everything WildSwede and AAGjr said and during the holidays a whole lot more. Maybe it was the festive mood at the bar combined with reuniting with my kids, but I have nothing but the fondest of memories for that place. Reading all these comments and knowing that I've made the last of my college holiday LAX runs, I'm saddened just a bit. I think a return trip to the Buggy Whip is in order later this year just for old times sake.
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Buggy Whip Restaurant
7420 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA›5 Replies-
re: trimtab
Let's be real here people. The Buggy Whip is a very nice older style restaurant that has successfully been around for a long time. If you go there expecting a modern avant-garde experience you will be unhappy. If you go there for a traditional local neighborhood meal from a traditional restaurant you will be happy. It is a nice comfortable environment that can make you feel relaxed and good.
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Buggy Whip Restaurant
7420 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA-
re: bllrdfam
westsidegal
Feb 16, 2011 08:09 PM
the environment is better than the food, imho.
nostalgia only goes so far. . . .-
re: westsidegal
Baron
Feb 19, 2011 07:37 AM
ok, here goes. Me and the Mrs went Friday, 5 pm to try their oysters. Perfect, fresh beauties served over crushed ice with fresh horseradish and sauce. 8 oysters for $12.95. They also had a lobster special. Two 1-1/1/4 lb Main lobsters for $29.00 which were sweet and cooked just right. The room was old school for sure. Very old school, but clean with no smoke odors and very comfortable with dark woods and interesting artwork. The place was empty at that hour but every table and booth was set, with lit candles, a fire going in the fireplace which was welcomed on a cold rainy night. They also have early bird dinners for about $12.95. I'll go back when in the mood for oysters and next time I'll try one of their steaks.
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Servorg
Feb 16, 2011 10:57 AM
Recent talk about the Sacramento Buggy Whip resulted in this post: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7604... (for those who are interested).
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Buggy Whip Restaurant
7420 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA -
WildSwede
Feb 15, 2011 11:16 AM
Went there a couple of years ago after picking my mom up from the airport. My mom and dad used to go there before they had kids in the late 60s. Also, I had mentioned it to my friend at work and she told me that her dad was the chef there in the early 70s and he and another co-worker are the ones who introduced the Green Goddess Dressing (amongst other things) to the menu.
My mom LOVES the dressing, me, not so much. I gave her my salad which she ate with relish. I ordered the prime rib/lobster tail meal. PR was very good, lobster tail, overcooked. Mom got some sort of fish and loved it.
The place was pretty busy when we were there. Seems a lot of multi-generation families go there (probably the older generation used to go decades ago and drag the younger generations there). They all seemed very familiar with the offerings.
I liked it. Did not have any problems. Have also been to the Proud Bird. Isn't it owned by the same people that have The Odyssey and Castaways? It is fine, too.-----
Proud Bird
11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045›1 Reply-
re: WildSwede
Will Owen
Feb 15, 2011 01:19 PM
It's easy for me to get snarky about the PB (especially since I have to go there about once a month), so hokey with all those Hollywood-prop airplanes and the AYCE buffet, and much of the buffet food is a little good stuff in a lot of glop. But I'll swear I've had my best-ever carnitas tacos there, make-it-yourself or otherwise, and the salad bar is solid. It's a lot less lavish than it used to be since our meal price has stayed at $25 ($35 for non-members) while of course their costs have gone up. We used to get access to the omelet-and-pasta chef's station, but no more.
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I have been for drinks. The place is pretty clean and well kempt, friendly and clubby at the bar. They have a 'Piano Man' singing rat pack era songs. No smell of smoke, it does look old skool but not run down in any way. For those who are into talking with their dates, it's not too loud..
Can't say anything about the food as I've never had it.
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it was good 25 years ago, in a 1950's kind of way, but the food now is dismal - neon green green goddess - and the management needs to invest in a set of dust cloths.
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re: e.l.
Will Owen
Feb 14, 2011 04:16 PM
Maybe some day when I'm scheduled for my usual monthly lunch meeting at the Proud Bird I'll drop in here instead, since it's in the same vicinity and I'd imagine of the same mustiness. Pick a month when someone really boring is speaking at the PB lunch, and see which one gives me a better return for my $25 …
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Proud Bird
11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045-
re: Will Owen
I've never been to the Proud Bird but I have eaten at the Buggy Whip once about 3 years ago, and I have no memory whatsoever of the meal. Which means it was neither horrible nor good. I'm usually a sucker for old school restaurants and bars, but I've never felt the urge to stop again at the Buggy Whip and God knows I go to LAX often enough.
Whereas I'm always happy to go to Taylor's or Musso & Frank (I'm in the minority that does like the food at Musso & Frank, at least some of it).-----
Proud Bird
11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045Buggy Whip Restaurant
7420 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA -
re: Will Owen
monku
Feb 19, 2011 07:46 AM
Only went to the Proud Bird for political events because it's a union shop and the gal I was seeing was an assistant to this state assemblyman supported by local unions.
Couldn't figure out what they were "proud" of.-----
Proud Bird
11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
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Will Owen
Feb 14, 2011 01:51 PM
Oh, the website is perfect! Especially the too-smooth dude in the shiny pointy-lapels suit. The kind of place that probably STILL smells a bit of cigarette smoke … for all of which I will admit a major weakness. Okay, dammit, I *AM* old.
Anyway, this would appear to be Dal Rae-ish at a somewhat gentler price point. Mrs. O can have her sand dabs for under $25, and unlike your typical steak house the slab-o-meat comes with a bunch of stuff including Our Famous Green Goddess. Whoopee!! Since it's clear the hell down towards the airport I would not want to consume more than one each cocktail and glass of wine. This might have to go on our Proposed Blowouts agenda …
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re: Servorg
I took a look at the website, and it's got those old red burnished Naugahyde booths, sand dabs meniure, and beef ribs, and sauerbraten too on special, and chocolate mousse for dessert (i'm sold).
but i have a feeling from what everyone is telling me that the food will be really crappy.
it sure does sound a lot like dal rae, musso and frank, etc.
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re: Servorg
I totally agree. The Dal Rae is far superior. The interior, service and food is sooooo much better. They still make a lot of things tableside.
The Buggy Whip is worn out, and just seems old to me. I am not saying it is bad, it is just forgettable, nothing special. Maybe they need to spice it up a little.Last night we went to Taylors Steakhouse, and it was absolutely delicious. Had the bone in rib steak and it is consistently great. I would much rather go there. They have tried to keep their prices down by not serving a salad with dinner. It is now a la carte for $3.50, but they give you a nice size salad, and it also gives you the option if you want something else to get it. It is in the same era of the Buggy Whip, but it is so much better. There was a time that it wasn't that popular anymore, because people didn't want to go in the area, now it is back and it is so good.
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Dal Rae
9023 E. Washington Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660Buggy Whip Restaurant
7420 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
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Servorg
Feb 14, 2011 11:21 AM
With all pun intended I think this is a place well past its prime. Tired is one word that leaps to mind when thinking about it. I do think they get some serious drinkers in the bar. But if you do go please give your impressions here. An updated review by a board regular would be welcomed by me (and others I'm sure).
ADD: Wasn't it "Mr. Grub" who tagged this place with the (and not in a good way) sobriquet "The Burning Horse?"
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re: Servorg
lil mikey
Feb 16, 2011 10:29 PM
Mr. Grub's description, and labeling as the Burning Horse was hilarious. I adore his prose, and respect his view.
But I like this place for what it is. Like Musso's or Petrelli's or Taylor's, it's an old style steak/chop house. It is what it is.
It has red vinyl booths, waitresses who are older than 30, green goddess dressing, a live piano player certain nights, and yes, they have a pretty good rack of lamb.
It won't appeal to most on this board who are trying to ferret out the latest chowy thing. But like Pann's, sometimes you just need the same ole thing. And I think they do a pretty good job.
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Pann's Restaurant & Coffee Shop
6710 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045-
re: lil mikey
Mr Taster
Feb 17, 2011 09:06 AM
>> It won't appeal to most on this board who are trying to ferret out the latest chowy thing.
Is that really your impression? If so, Chowhound has fallen a long way. Discovering (and rediscovering) deliciousness, irrespective of trendiness or food fashion, has been Chowhound's hallmark for as long as I've been hanging around here (~10 years).
Mr Taster
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re: Mr Taster
Servorg
Feb 17, 2011 09:12 AM
There is a subset of hounds on the LA (and probably all the others too) board who live to be the first to try the next "big thing" in town. That's okay with me as I will probably be going to the Dal Rae or Taylor's again and can live vicariously through their posts.
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Dal Rae
9023 E. Washington Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660
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Baron
Feb 14, 2011 11:17 AM
here is their website:
Looks good to me if your in the mood for big meat.
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Baron
Feb 14, 2011 11:14 AM
Its been years since I've been but I do recall a decent prime rib. Generally good food. They also feature Florida stone crabs. It's really old school. Big leather booths. Reminds me of an aging hangout for some goodfella types. Might be a refreshing change from the corporate style restaurants. If you go please send a review. Few places like this have survived. Might be worth a re-visit.
