Let’s Get a Bite at Beany’s

The American automotive-based businesses and architecture built up through the 1950s – 1970s are nearly gone. When I was a kid, there were still drive-in photo processing, liquor stores, movies, and of course drive-in food. Mom and pop diners that served greasy spoon fare for people hanging out in their cars on a warm summer night. Venues like this made the perfect place for old cars to gather too, eat some grub, and perhaps plan a race. It reminds me of the best years of West Coast Kustoms ‘Crusin’ Paso Robles’ shows, which always kicked off on Friday night at the A&W Drive in, as hot rods and customs from the north and south ends of the West coast would meet up for dinner, and pontificate over a burger that a great weekend was ahead.

Why am I getting all nostalgic right now? Maybe it’s to say that if you still have a cool little spot like this in your town, make sure to support it, plan some car gatherings… They won’t be around forever. To help inspire you, let’s grab a bite at Beany’s in Long Beach, circa 1952.