The Brown Derby was a restaurant visited by all of Hollywood’s elite. There are many photos of stars eating in the famed booths, under the caricature pictures of themselves. Executives and stars dined here regularly. The Derby in Hollywood was one of four and the second to be built.
“On Valentine’s Day, 1929, The Hollywood Brown Derby opened in a building specially designed for Cecil B. DeMille near the corner of Hollywood and Vine. It soon attracted a sizeable following from the city’s burgeoning movie industry. Stars received fan mail addressed simply to: The Brown Derby Hollywood and Vine.”
The Derby was remodeled for a new generation in the 1960’s, closed in 1985, burned in 1988, and demolished in 1994. It’s too bad it’s no longer there for all to see.
I had heard of the restaurant, but never knew how famous it was, and all those celebrity visits.
Like others, that’s one of my favorite Lucy episodes, too. The scene in the booth where Ethel takes out her manicure scissors and cuts Lucy’s spaghetti is priceless!
My husband and I, when we got married in Las Vegas, had our wedding dinner at the Brown Derby in the MGM Grand Casino. I don’t know how close to the original it was in decor, but I can say it was the most expensive meal I’ve ever eaten, lol.
Just had to stop by and tell you my 22 year old son moved to Hollywood a month ago. He’s in a tiny apartment with some friends, and they are all pursuing their Hollywood dreams.
He just got a job at Arclight Theater and LOVES it. Now he can make his rent!
I’m excited to see how life treats him in LA, but we do miss him.
Went there with my parents when I was about 10, this was in the seventies…wow, this really took me back to some great memories!! Thanks!
What a shame it’s still not around, it looks like an amazing place. By the way, i love your new layout, the buttons are so cute! xx
So sad it is no longer there! I remember the episode of I Love Lucy when they go there. Thanks for the reminder … and the cute pics.
everytime i come to ur blog it just wants to take me back to old times wish things were like old times.. everything was brightetr better. love ur blog.
-cris
Is that my lover Cary Grant?? Great pictures!
Bonjour Kori,
I loved theat I Love Lucy episode! Back in the days of glamour, sorry it’s seems to be gone now.
Hope you are feeling better my friedn. Have a fabulous weekend!
Mimi
What a shame such fabulous history has been lost…it must have been a wonderful place, xv.
We love going to the Brown Derby replica at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM). Looks just like it!!!
I had no idea this place didn’t exist anymore! The Brown Derby episode is one of my favorites from I Love Lucy.
These pictures are amazing, what a shame that The Brown Derby is no longer around, such a unique little place! Oh to have been a fly on the wall to overhear some of the conversations had there! 😉