This is Simon’s drive-in restaurant, which stood at the Northwest corner of Wilshire Blvd and Fairfax Ave. The 1950s diner Johnie’s is now there, and as atmospheric as it is, I’d kinda wish Simon’s was still around…especially seeing as how the new Academy museum will be across the street in the old May Company building.
I looked up “Simon’s Drive In” after hearing about it on a Jack Benny radio show from January 1st, 1950.
His friend Mr. Kitzel was going to rent a car to take his wife out on the town… To Simon’s Drive On!
How did it compare to Tommy’s Diner?
Any idea when Johnnie’s was built? Simon’s must have been gone by 1959 or so, when I remember that corner very distinctly. Grew up a few blocks away and used to go to May Co. for lunch and a fashion show with my mom and grandma.
Johnnie’s opened in 1956.