TimeOut

When I first moved to LA in the 1980s, I worked as a bouncer at a bar called Merlin McFly's on Main Street Santa Monica. Wolfgang Puck's Chinois on Main was across the street and Golds Gym was a block away where Arnold hung out. Lots of celebs ate at Chin...  

At first, I thought it said Marty McFly’s from Back to the Future, lol

. . . to The Oarhouse and the Irish pub catacorner. This would've been summer 1982, hanging out with three pals from college. I think the bouncers intimidated us. 😉

judging from the period hairdo being worn by the patrons, but who am I to judge? ...  

We sure were pretty back then. lol ...  

and I certainly don't intend to in today's environments, it's a really pleasant nostalgia trip to read about your own experiences, and see some associated images.... Thanks for sharing these tidbits here with us! Cheers, Filip

Part of the bar is still there but most of it has changed. ...  

. . . La Vecchia a few doors north. My favorite Italian restaurant in LA. Second favorite? Frumento's in Montebello. Their lasagna is to die for. Ask Timerider and IndiaWhiskyCharlie. 🍝

yet I haven't been, now that you brought it up, I'm going ASAP!! 😁

. . . at least three times a year. Chef/owner and wait staff are mostly long-term . . . not only are their culinary skills on the high side, they're consistent, too. Try the branzino . . . tops!

I remember those stained glass windows. Not that we could afford to bar hop in those days but we did end up at Rick's across the street occasionally. Here's a pic of me and my now wife when we moved to LA in '85. Being from back east (Pittsburgh and Frost...  

When I got there in the 80s and loved it, people would say, man, it was so much better in the 70s etc etc. Natives of the place used to say, ah, the 60s was the best .....lol

...but with the addition of "all the Californians ruined it".

I remember getting my license plate changed the day after we got there. Only stayed a year but ruined it none the less.

Great read 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻