Things to do in Los Angeles: Eat Lunch in an Old Railroad Car

Los Angeles is known for the unique architecture of its restaurants, dating back to the Brown Derby Restaurant in the shape of a derby hat.  One of note is Carney’s Restaurant on the Sunset Strip.

The idea behind Carney’s was brilliant for a couple of reasons.  It was started in 1975 when hamburger joints were popping up all over Los Angeles.  Owners John and Pat Wolfe knew they had to have something that made a lasting impression.  Hence, they took an antique Union Pacific railroad car and converted it into a restaurant.

In today’s world where we are constantly reading about restaurants, department stores and other retailers being forced out of their locations – and sometimes out of business – by staggering rent increases when their leases come up for renewal, John’s plan was even more brilliant.  Should that happen, they could simply pick up the restaurant and move it elsewhere!

So far they haven’t had to do so.  The Sunset Strip boxcar restaurant has become so popular that is is a Los Angeles landmark.  Soon another Carney’s, also in an old railroad boxcar, was opened in Studio City.

It isn’t just the novelty of the “building” Carney’s is in that attracts floods of customers.  They also serve the best classic American comfort food – hot dogs and hamburgers – to be found.

The experience of dining at Carney’s is a must to put on your fun things to do in Los Angeles list when you visit.  On the Sunset Strip, it’s near all of the iconic music clubs and close to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and all of it’s attractions.  If your visit to Los Angeles is centered more on touring the movie studios, then the Carney’s in Studio City is right there waiting for you.

Addresses:

West Hollywood/Sunset Strip
8351 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069

Studio City
12601 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604