The tiny Southern California town of Cornell, just down the road from Paramount Ranch, was once an autonomous little community virtually unconnected with the farmlands of the San Fernando Valley on one side or the town of Malibu on the other. Nestled in the Santa Monica mountains between the two in the 1800s, the town consisted of a few small businesses, including a post office, and a simple way of life. You can still experience those days at this Old West restaurant in Cornell.

Aptly named, the family-run Old Place really is just that. An old building that feels like it stayed in the past while the world moved on around it.
BJL/Google Local
This building was built in the 1800s and had long been shuttered when it was purchased and renovated, though not in the way you might think. Rather than bring in modern appointments, Tom Runyon had a vision of a place where, in his own words, "time was a bit wound backwards."
The building that this unexpectedly incredible restaurant occupies was once the town’s original post office and Hank’s Country Store during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Old Place Restaurant/Facebook
The “new” Old Place was turned into a restaurant and bar using found and salvaged items, such as the old solid wood bar that was rescued from an old Nevada City saloon.
Old Place Cornell
The Old Place has never had a freezer. Food is cooked over the kitchen’s wood-burning grill and since nothing is ever frozen for later, dishes are available each day until they run out.
Old Place Cornell

Related Stories

You Can Still Grill Your Own Perfect Steak At This Old School Eatery In Southern California

You Can Still Grill Your Own Perfect Steak At This Old School Eatery In Southern California

 Dine Surrounded by Art and Culture At This Historic Restaurant In Southern California

Dine Surrounded by Art and Culture At This Historic Restaurant In Southern California

 Enjoy The Freshest Pacific Crab At This One-Of-A-Kind Seafood Restaurant In Southern California

Enjoy The Freshest Pacific Crab At This One-Of-A-Kind Seafood Restaurant In Southern California
In the beginning, the menu was essentially huge bone-in ribeye steaks and steamed clams (as you can still see hand-painted on a mining cart near the front porch), accompanied by wine and beer, of course.
BigA1999/TripAdvisor
While steak and clams remain central to the restaurant’s offerings, the menu has been expanded and updated to include fish and other dishes, charcuterie, and desserts, as well as breakfast, brunch, and lunch on the weekends.
Old Place/Google Local
One of the newer dishes that gets a lot of attention is the noodle bake, the restaurant’s version of macaroni and cheese, made with egg noodles, parmesan, goat cheese, and mozzarella.
Old Place/Google Local
The original mail room, which still has its wall of letter cubbyholes, is used as a private dining space and can accommodate up to 12 people for dinner.
Angela H/TripAdvisor
The bed of an old truck on the original store property was completely renovated as well, being outfitted with a tiny wooden coffee house that serves locally roasted coffee, espresso drinks, and fresh baked goods.
Johnny Patillo/Google Local

The Old Place in Cornell, and this still-tiny community, is a real taste of a simpler time. Have you ever been to this Old West restaurant? Let us know about your experience in the comments. If you love Southern California history, check out these photos of life in SoCal during the early 1900s, and maybe take your time touring these places in a comfy RV:

12 Historic Photos That Show Us What It Was Like Living In Southern California In The Early 1900s

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Delicious Restaurants in Southern California

Will Suphan | March 22, 2024

What are some hidden gem restaurants in Southern California?

Hidden gem restaurants in Southern California include:

  • Ruby’s Sandwich Saloon. Located in Costa Mesa, this little eatery has been serving up excellent sandwiches for over 40 years.
  • Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles. While this dish seems to be more of a Southern food, this Los Angeles restaurant does it extremely well.
  • El Gallito. Nestled in Cathedral City, this cash-only restaurant has some of the most authentic and delicious Mexcian food around.
  • Cholada Thai Cuisine. It looks like a nondescript house, but this restaurant in Malibu has some of the best Thai food in Southern California.

Discover more about hidden gem restaurants in Southern California.

What are the most iconic foods in Southern California?

The most iconic foods in Southern California include:

  • Guacamole. Avocados are a Southern California staple and their most common use is in making guacamole, usually with tomato, onion, and spices.
  • California Rolls. These are the sushi rolls that were named for this area. They tend to be made with avocado and crab meat.
  • French Dip. The sandwich was invented in Southern California at Phillipe.
  • Fish Tacos. Many places all over Southern California specialize in this dish that uses either grilled or fried fish.

Find out more about the most iconic foods in Southern California. 

What are some themed restaurants in Southern California?

Themed restaurants in Southern California include:

  • Studio Diner. In true Southern California style, this restaurant is set up like an old-fashioned movie studio.
  • Hawks’ Head Public House. Located in Oak Glen, this restaurant looks like an 18th-century tavern, with waitstaff dressed in Colonial garb.
  • Don the Beachcomber. An old-style Tiki-themed restaurant in Huntington Beach with rum cocktails and lots of bamboo and batik.
  • The Galley. This Santa Monica restaurant is decorated like the galley of an old ship and serves delicious seafood.

Learn about themed restaurants in Southern California. 

Related Articles

Explore Southern California

Featured Addresses
29983 Mulholland Hwy, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA