Former Location –
This used to be a favorite hangout in the ’60’s for many rockers including Frank Zappa and the Stones due to its proximity to many recording studios and the fact that it was opened 24 hours a day.
Opened in 1962 by Arthur Simms and Bob Ehrman, the restaurant’s distinctive Googie architecture and neon signage made it a standout on the Sunset Strip. Its proximity to renowned recording studios and nightclubs made it a favorite late-night gathering spot for musicians and celebrities.
Ben Frank’s
8585 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood CA 90069
I was wondering if this “Ben Frank’s” is the same company operating now….There’s one that comes up on Google maps, located in Redwood City,CA,that serves hot dogs and hamburgers, fries…This location is now a “Mel’s Drive In”,but it retained it’s “Googie” mid-century
architectural design…
Often dined at Ben Franks in the 60’s. Now Mel’s diner. Ate there a year ago. Not much changed. Well located and affordable. In the 60s the R&R people showed up well past the lunch hour.
Is there a website or a block that has a menu from the Ben Frank’s era?
I’d love to see what the food cost in the ’60s.
I meant a blog.
I was a waitress there in like 1982. Night shift, so awesome. All rockers. The tips were ritious. We still wore the ol skl uniforms, but they let us have our punk hair, & wear our fish nets. Good times!
Love going to Mels drive-in so much history is that Googie Style Building
and still open 24hrs..
I had many great times in Ben Franks. They had great food and the greatest clientele. H.E.L.P. on 3rd and Melrose was another great hangout for stars, rockers and Celebs. I was a waiter there in the late 60′ and early 70’s.
Y’all might enjoy this, and recognize the floor and layout from the 60’s – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmqeD96PaH8
does anyone know if the owner of Ben franks had two sons that founded and started Mimis? he told me this a long time ago when I was 20, now73 the waitress from the closed mi mimis says this never happened> thanks Richard deGrandcourt
Spent decades there as my fathers , Allan Adler’s silversmith shop @ 8626 Sunset Blvd was across the street . People in all walks of LA life passed through those doors , truly a Who’s Who of that era . Also had the nickname of poor man’s Playboy club as the Playboy tower was also across the street .
Y’know, maybe if I practice, you know. maybe if I pass my Driving Test, I could get a job drivin’ that Tour Bus that picks the Freaks up in front of Ben Franks, right ?
excerpt of Lyrics taken from the track entitled “HELP I’M A ROCK” from the Mothers of Invention album ” Freak Out ” by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, released 1966.
We were a long way from Inglewood. I don’t know how we drove home. I’m sure every rock star was sitting nearby. Too self-absorbed. Rewind, please.