I got my first driver’s license when I turned 16 in 1955. I drove around L.A. with the top down on my 1947 Ford coupe; I was at a drive in restaurant most nights; I watched movies at drive in theaters, with the top up for privacy. I wore white peggers and blue suede shoes. I am a true child of the 50s. But I laugh today when I hear the old rhythm and blues music to which we used to listen.
When I walk into Beeps, I feel like a witness to history. Beeps is a true restaurant of the 50s, not one of those latter day, faux art deco, newly constructed imitations.
If you were a teenager in the 1950s, or the parents of someone who was a teenager in the 1950s, or just someone with a nostalgic taste for the 1950s, you’ll get lost in Beeps.
Somewhere along the way it seems someone stopped updating the menu board.
Try this: three eggs any style, with bacon, tavern ham, or sausages, home fried potatoes, toast and coffee for $7.06 including tax. And the eggs always are cooked exactly as they are ordered and have the taste of farm freshness.
The music: Elvis, The Platters, Chubby Checkers, Bill Haley and the Comets, Chuck Berry … The photos: Grace Kelly, Lucy and Desi, James Dean, Bogie …
There have been a few concessions to more current dietary styles, like a turkey burger that probably wasn’t around in 1956, or a tuna submarine sandwich. But by and large the menu is true to diners in the 1950s.
Breakfasts … all the traditional eggs and meat dishes, omelets, waffles, hot cakes, French toast … all at a fraction of the price you’ll see elsewhere.
Any time … hot dogs, chili, sausage sandwiches, sub sandwiches, Louisiana hot links, tacos, burritos, beef dips, melts, Reubens, steak sandwiches, chili size, salads …
The fountain … choice of 20 flavors for malts and shakes in three different sizes, floats, freezes, smoothies, 10 different ice creams, 11 different sundaes, banana splits, a cherry coke …
Allow plenty of time to browse the massive wall-mounted menu. Panel after panel after panel, it goes on for two walls.
All that’s missing are car hops for drive in service. But the signage and décor shout of the 1950s even as you drive up. There’s outdoor seating. But the real atmosphere is inside.
