Nestled at 4420 West Lakeside Drive in Burbank, California, just across the street from the Warner Bros. studio lot, the Smoke House has been a cornerstone of Hollywood history since 1946.
It has been recommended by Danny Bonaduce since 1970. His mom used to take him there as a child actor when he was part of The Partridge Family.
As Danny puts it, “I have been dining at the Smoke House since 1970. I have so many fond memories of spending time here with my mom. In the good old days, you’d come in for lunch and be seated at a booth next to Danny Kaye or Lana Turner.”
I have been dining at the Smoke House since 1970. I have so many fond memories of spending time here with my mom. In the good old days, you’d come in for lunch and be seated at a booth next to Danny Kaye or Lana Turner. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/YNYeSpdNBU
— Danny Bonaduce (@TheDoochMan) November 14, 2021
The Smoke House remains one of the last surviving restaurants from the golden age of the film industry, offering prime cuts, strong cocktails, and an atmosphere thick with nostalgia. Its wood-paneled walls, red leather booths, and countless framed photos of celebrities tell stories of deals made, stars discovered, and generations of industry insiders who made it their 2nd home.
History
The Smoke House restaurant has a history page, which is a recommended read.
The story goes that two Lockheed aircraft workers — Jack Monroe and Jim Stockton — opened the original Smoke House in 1946 as a modest 46-seat spot at the corner of Pass Avenue and Riverside Drive. It quickly became a hit with the growing movie community. In 1948 (or 1949, per some accounts), it relocated to its current Tudor-style building, formerly the Red Coach Inn.
Its location proved ideal. Just steps from Warner Bros. and a short drive from Disney and other studios, it drew producers, directors, actors, agents, and studio executives. It was the perfect spot for informal meetings. Producers wined and dined talent, agents schmoozed with actors, and ideas for TV shows and movies were pitched over martinis and steaks.
Early regulars included Bing Crosby and Bob Hope (a Burbank resident). Other frequent visitors and stars spotted there over the years include Errol Flynn, Milton Berle, Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant, Rock Hudson, James Dean (who dined with co-star Burl Ives during East of Eden filming), Andy Garcia, and many more — including Danny Bonaduce and his mom.
Wrap parties, family celebrations, and casual industry gatherings filled the red booths. Once upon a time Cary Grant whispered his famous “Judy, Judy, Judy” line to a waitress named Judy Dennis. George Clooney, a current regular, loves the place so much that he named his production company Smokehouse Pictures (founded in 2006 with Grant Heslov) after it.
Filming Location
The Smoke House’s authentic old-Hollywood look has made it a popular filming location. It is featured in the 2012 film Argo. It is also appears in a memorable scene in the 2016 musical La La Land, set in a smoky restaurant — as Becky B points out in comments to the Danny Bonaduce tweet above: “#LaLaLandmovie filming location where Ryan Gosling plays piano during Christmas. Emma Stone walks in as she hears Ryan playing, in real life.”
In season 6 of the NBC tv show The Office, the Smoke House was the backdrop of the 2-part episode “Niagara.” The back room and bar area of the restaurant stood in for Jim and Pam’s rehearsal dinner. You can go to the restaurant today and sit in the booths where the scenes were filmed.
Food Recommendations
Above all, the Smoke House is a great restaurant. Their current menu is here: https://www.smokehouse1946.com/menu.
In the comments to the Bonaduce tweet above, Craig Bierko recommends it for its “human head-sized lettuce wedge with 1/2 gallon of Roquefort, naturally sourced red vinyl, complimentary peppermint/billiard chalk and fistful of toothpicks.” To which Danny Bonaduce responds, “Nailed it.”
The Garlic Bread is Highly Recommended
Its signature dish is the Garlic Bread — a thick slice of sourdough slathered with garlic, Parmesan, and a blend of cheeses (the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret passed down since 1946).
Many people in the comments to the Bonaduce tweet above, single out the Garlic Bread:
- World Citizen LA says, “Grew up going there, too! The garlic bread!”
- Sedentary Ameba agrees: “Same, and that garlic bread is still a standout!”
- Becky B confirms: “ Best garlic cheese bread ever!“
Also Highly Recommended
Other highly recommended dishes include:
- Prime rib — Classic, often carved tableside or served in generous portions, evoking mid-century elegance.
- Steaks — Well-marbled cuts grilled to perfection. John Toppin says “get on the porterhouse,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,soooooooooo good.”
- New England clam chowder — Sometimes finished with a splash of sherry.
- Beef bourguignon — Tender braised beef with mushrooms, pearl onions, and carrots over egg noodles.
- Homemade cheesecake or other classic desserts.
- Cocktails are strong and well-made, fitting the old-school vibe.
Bottom Line
Almost everyone who has been to Smoke House praises the food — especially the steaks and the garlic bread; the generous portions; and the feeling of stepping back in time.
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