LA’s historic Pacific Dining Car faces uncertain future after devastating fire

Once home to a frill steakhouse frequented by celebrities like Mae West, the century-old Pacific Dining Car, located on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles, was engulfed in flames on Saturday morning.

Once home to a frill steakhouse frequented by celebrities like Mae West, a century-old structure on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles went up in flames on Saturday morning.
Once home to a frill steakhouse frequented by celebrities like Mae West, a century-old structure on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles went up in flames on Saturday morning.

Once home to a frill steakhouse frequented by celebrities like Mae West, a century-old structure on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles went up in flames on Saturday morning.

A Century of Hollywood Glamour

Once home to a frill steakhouse frequented by celebrities like Mae West, the century-old Pacific Dining Car, located on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles, was engulfed in flames on Saturday morning.

First opened in 1921, the restaurant was housed inside a replica of a railway train car, giving it a unique atmosphere that quickly became a favorite among Old Hollywood elites. Over the next nearly 100 years, it was not only a fixture of fine dining in LA but also served as a filming location for movies including “Chinatown” (1974) and “Training Day” (2001).

A Hub for Celebrities and Politicians

Known for its swanky ambiance, the Pacific Dining Car attracted local politicians and celebrities with its expensive prime steaks and vast wine collection.

Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold noted in 1990 that the restaurant’s prices were steep, catering primarily to six-figure businessmen.

Historic Monument and Restoration Plans

In 2022, the vacant building of the Pacific Dining Car was officially designated as a historic cultural monument by the city of Los Angeles.

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This recognition came over 100 years after the restaurant’s founders, Fred and Grace “Lovey” Cook, first opened its doors. The designation was intended to mark the beginning of restoration efforts to revive the iconic LA restaurant.

Resilience Through the Ages

The Pacific Dining Car had a history of resilience, having survived the Great Depression and opening in the wake of the Great Influenza epidemic.

However, the restaurant faced another significant challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of its Santa Monica location just months into the global health crisis.

Devastating Fire Threatens Restoration

Early Saturday morning, firefighters extinguished a blaze that had engulfed the more than 100-year-old, 5,500-square-foot building.

The extent of the damage is still unclear, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. This fire casts a shadow over the planned restoration efforts, raising questions about the future of this historic establishment.

Future Uncertain

The Pacific Dining Car’s rich history and cultural significance make its future a topic of keen interest for many Angelenos.

As restoration efforts were just beginning, the recent fire adds an additional layer of complexity to the challenges faced by those dedicated to preserving this iconic piece of Los Angeles history. Only time will tell if the Pacific Dining Car can rise from the ashes and return to its former glory.

Gary Monroe

Gary Monroe is a seasoned contributor to the Los Angeles Business Magazine, where he offers insightful analysis on local business trends and economic developments. With a focus on Los Angeles' dynamic commercial landscape, Gary's articles provide valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs and business professionals in the city.

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