This Train Car In Southern California Is Actually A Restaurant And You Need To Visit
By Natasha Kayes|Published November 30, 2022
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
The city of Los Angeles, and the Hollywood area in particular, is known for the fun, unique, and even outlandish. This applies to anything and everything, from historical landmarks to modern fashion to popular restaurants. Speaking of which, one unique restaurant in Los Angeles is not only an iconic eatery in the city, but is one of the only non-food-truck restaurants on wheels.
In 1975, John and Pat Wolfe established Carney's Restaurant in a Union Pacific Railroad passenger train car on Hollywood's Sunset Strip. Mr. Wolfe, having worked in radio, was a publicity expert and he knew the importance of standing out in a crowd. This was very important at the time since burger joints were starting to show up all over California.
A restaurant inside of a train car was not just a "stand out" gimmick. Being on wheels assured the owners that losing their land lease would not be the end of their business.
The restaurant never did have to move. Instead, it became a Los Angeles icon and, in 1981, a second location opened in Studio City.
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Many billboards have appeared in the city praising the restaurant and noting its award-winning hot dogs and hamburgers. Photos of the billboards, along with other historic memorabilia, now adorn the interior dining area.
Despite extensive renovation to turn a passenger train into a functioning restaurant, the interior still feels like an old-time train. Tables line the windows so you can sit and watch traffic go by, imagining you are the one moving down the tracks.
Carney's is most known for its flavorful old-fashioned hamburgers, hot dogs, and french fries. Of course, old-fashioned doesn't mean plain. Take, for example, the "Train Wreck Fries," which are topped with cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and grilled onions.
Toppings are another thing that has contributed to Carney's fame. Aside from chili and bacon - which can be added to just about anything on the menu - hot dog options include grilled sauerkraut, chili peppers, red cabbage, cheese, etc. You can even order a "BurgerDog" which puts a split hot dog on top of your hamburger.
As with any respectable hot dog or burger spot, there are a variety of shakes and floats available, along with ice cream bars and chocolate-dipped frozen bananas.
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As asserted by their signature beverage cups, Carney's serves up "probably the best hamburgers and hot dogs in the world."
Carney's is such a landmark in the city that is has been featured in print, on the radio, and even in L.A.-based television shows.
Have you ever eaten at Carney’s in Los Angeles? What is your favorite and most unique restaurant? We would love to hear about it in the comments. Check out the Carney’s Restaurant website to learn more about it. You can also follow it on Facebook.
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