George's 50'S Diner — Restaurant in Long Beach

One of the few remaining Googie diners in southern California. Originally built as Grisinger's Drive In. The interior and exterior could both use some tender loving care, but the gist of the Googie style is still evident. If you're a couple only, sit at the doubles only booths directly adjacent to the curved windows facing the front. Some of the decor is definitely kitsch, but they've got great 50s & 60s music playing all the time.

As for the food, a great collection of burger varieties. I'm partial to the '57 Nomad, which includes a generous beef patty, along with a couple of strips of bacon. It comes with fries, but you can ask for half fries and half onion rings. A friend has asked for and gotten them to place a fried egg in his burger, if that's your style. Have also had the breakfast burrito, and the huevos rancheros.

Since it is an original Googie style diner, the place is small (modest dining styles were different back in the 50s). Also, be aware that the restrooms are outside, at the other end of the parking lot (they are locked and they'll give you the key at the counter).

Prices are amazingly...

George's 50s diner is everything a diner should be. Breakfast, burgers, fries, shakes, pies and burritos? Yes you read that right, George's not only serves all the usual diner standards, but they also serve some Mexican offerings too, like breakfast burritos and chorizo and eggs. Everything on the menu is delicious and George (the owner and chef) and Helen (front of house) make sure that everyone feels like family. On this lunch visit with my father I had the 62 Thunderbird Burger (with strips of green Ortega chiles), onion rings and a bottomless iced tea. The burger comes partly deconstructed on the plate. The leaf lettuce, tomato and pickles come on the side so that you can add only what you like onto the burger. A very thoughtful touch. My father had the chorizo and egg breakfast plate with beans, rice, tortillas (corn or flour) and a bottomless coffee. All the ingredients are high quality, expertly cooked and generously portioned. Don't miss the opportunity to have some great food and great service with a...

This place appears from first impression to be past it's prime, however it holds a charm and beauty all its own.

The paint may be a little faded but the staff certainly have a way of brightening everything up! Servers and crew were top notch. Nothing I could fault them on.

The food was fresh and more like home made than today's portion controlled restaurant format. Special requests were handled with a smile and not forgotten by servers.

Value was amazing in today's market. Comparable meals cost several dollars more at chain places and can't even begin to compare to the fresh taste of everything here.

Decor was a decent attempt at a 50's design. Checkerboard floor tiles, classic colors a plenty along with booths that fit the theme. The walls and shelves were adorned with memorabilia and photos from the era, not just cars, but images of local area taken back in the day.

It was a unique place and a very enjoyable experience that I hope to...