One of the more upscale restaurants on the Los Angeles social scene was Perino’s. It started out in 1932 at 3927 Wilshire Blvd before moving up the street to 4101 Wilshire in 1950. The two cars we can see in this shot are a 1948 Cadillac and a 1950 Chrysler New Yorker, so I’m guessing this shot was taken not long after Perino’s moved. Perino’s served the finest French cuisine—but no garlic because Mr. Perino hated it—until 1969, which is a mighty fine run for a restaurant. It even survived a fire that broke out in 1954:
** UPDATE ** – Perino’s survived into the 1980s but Mr Perino sold his ownership in 1969.
That site is now an apartment block. This image is from April 2019:
My then girl friend, now wife, took me to Perino’s for dinner in the mid 60’s when it was still in its prime. Two 20 year old’s dining among mob bosses and movie stars. At least that was its reputation. What an elegant place! The food and service were excellent. The décor was magnificent. I thought it was very expensive. The total bill including drinks came to $35 which was as much as I made in a week working part time while going to college. I wish I could go back.
I know that Perino’s was open way past 1969. My dad loved the restaurant whenever he came to L.A., which was well into the 80s.
Maybe you meant to say that it was open until 1989?
It turns out that Mr Perino sold his ownership in the restaurant in 1969. I assumed that that was the end of the place but yes, it continued until well into the 1980s.
My father Alex Maytorena was a bartender for many years at Perinos and was a good friend to Mr Perino. As a child I remember entering thru the kitchen and watching “Balsano” the head chef preparing the kitchen for evening dining then go to the bar and watch my father and Tony Codero prepare the bar. Many times Mr Perino would engage me in conversation and I have always remembered him as a kind and generous man.
Perinos was certainly not “Hollywood” but the mover and shakers knew fine dining was at 4101 Wiltshire Blvd.
Wow, Richard, so your dad was the bartender at Perino’s! Most accounts of back-in-the-day Hollywood that I’ve read say that Perino’s was the classiest restaurant in town with the best food.
My Dad worked in Perino’s management during the 70’s until it closed. He just confirmed that he knew Alex, ‘head bartender’. I remember having Shirley Temples at the bar when there as a small child. Dad said Alex made them for me. I too remember walking through the kitchen seeing all the hanging pots and steam rising. Also just learned I had a moment with Frank Sinatra there.
My then boyfriend Paul took me to Perinos for dinner in 1982/83 we had a great time and after all the guest had left, we both played the piano there. Paul knew someone there they allowed us to do that. Great times!
One of the more upscale restaurants on the Los Angeles social scene was Perino’s. It started out in 1932 at 3927 Wilshire Blvd before moving up the street to 4101 Wilshire in 1950. The two cars we can see in this shot are a 1948 Cadillac and a 1950 Chrysler New Yorker, so I’m guessing this shot was taken not long after Perino’s moved. Perino’s served the finest French cuisine—but no garlic because Mr. Perino hated it—until 1969, which is a mighty fine run for a restaurant. It even survived a fire that broke out in 1954:
My then girl friend, now wife, took me to Perino’s for dinner in the mid 60’s when it was still in its prime. Two 20 year old’s dining among mob bosses and movie stars. At least that was its reputation. What an elegant place! The food and service were excellent. The décor was magnificent. I thought it was very expensive. The total bill including drinks came to $35 which was as much as I made in a week working part time while going to college. I wish I could go back.
Lucky you, Gordon! I’m not a huge fan of French food but I’d loved to have experienced Perino’s at least once!
I know that Perino’s was open way past 1969. My dad loved the restaurant whenever he came to L.A., which was well into the 80s.
Maybe you meant to say that it was open until 1989?
It turns out that Mr Perino sold his ownership in the restaurant in 1969. I assumed that that was the end of the place but yes, it continued until well into the 1980s.
My father Alex Maytorena was a bartender for many years at Perinos and was a good friend to Mr Perino. As a child I remember entering thru the kitchen and watching “Balsano” the head chef preparing the kitchen for evening dining then go to the bar and watch my father and Tony Codero prepare the bar. Many times Mr Perino would engage me in conversation and I have always remembered him as a kind and generous man.
Perinos was certainly not “Hollywood” but the mover and shakers knew fine dining was at 4101 Wiltshire Blvd.
Wow, Richard, so your dad was the bartender at Perino’s! Most accounts of back-in-the-day Hollywood that I’ve read say that Perino’s was the classiest restaurant in town with the best food.
My Dad worked in Perino’s management during the 70’s until it closed. He just confirmed that he knew Alex, ‘head bartender’. I remember having Shirley Temples at the bar when there as a small child. Dad said Alex made them for me. I too remember walking through the kitchen seeing all the hanging pots and steam rising. Also just learned I had a moment with Frank Sinatra there.
My then boyfriend Paul took me to Perinos for dinner in 1982/83 we had a great time and after all the guest had left, we both played the piano there. Paul knew someone there they allowed us to do that. Great times!
Wow, Josie, lucky you!