Historic PCH Haven: Patrick’s Roadhouse

(Gerry Furth-Sides) An unexpected drive to the valley found us on PCH looking to eat and look at the ocean. My patient companion let me stop at two other places before exclaiming she had never been to Patrick’s Roadhouse. Irish theme. Lucky Day for me.

Established in 1973, Patrick’s Roadhouse, now in its third or more incarnation, has a wonderful history.  Like the Four Oaks in Beverly Glen, a train stop and brothel are part of it. The Roadhouse originated in the early 1900s as a Red Line train depot. It was a Roy’s Hot Dogs by the time Bill Fischler spotted it. He bought what he described as “the worst hotdog ever” and then bought out Roy out on the spot, starting with a $100 down payment.

He renamed the place Patrick’s Roadhouse after his youngest son, who became an actor (“The Black Dahlia” and “Muholland Dr.”) and started a legend.

Fischler intuitively shamrock-themed the first “Patrick’s Place.”  The timing, location and mostly his hospitality made it the hottest diner in Santa Monica from the start. The eventual Roadhouse remained at capacity for its atmospheric 40’s feel, delicious burgers and friendly staff. Fischler, a self-described, “kibitzer,” was always on premise and always ready to talk. 

Fischler’s menu of standard breakfasts and burgers with “everything fresh, everything made from scratch” still holds. We  opted for a half liquid lunch of Bloody Mary’s and Fish and Chips. Francis, our server, brought us an order of housemade potato chips, too. The price ($18) is probably half of any other restaurant on PCH.

Bill downplayed his New York address with a “good address” on the Upper East Side, UCLA and a dozen years in South African coffee. He could work his interests of antiques, people, the old days and their courtesies, plus his passion for good coffee, serious breakfasts and loyal friendships into conversations.

Bill’s son Anthony took over after his father passed away in the 1997.  Silvio Moreiria, a devoted former employee, helped operate the place.

From the wonderful feeling, all the way from the newest to the most long time waitstaff member, the same friendly, old-timey feel runs through the restaurant. When I phoned back to double check a bit of family history, I received the same response.  Regulars say they still feel Bill’s presence when they visit.

There’s also history in the kitchen.  Head chef Josesito who was at Patrick’s Roadhouse for over 30 years, cooked up the traditional recipes from the beginning of the Roadhouse. His famous “Kick Arse” pico de gallo is still on the menu, along with original Roadhouse Wanda Burger was created by the original Roadhouse chef, Wanda.

“Arnold,” who I used to run with in a group nearby Will Rogers park, was and still is a huge fixture of the establishment. His mother came in one day and took over the kitchen to create a gargantuan  “Bauer Friihstiick” or  “Farmers Breakfast,” still on the menu with its 17 eggs. 

Patrick’s Roadhouse, described as “an anchor at the bottom of Santa Monica Canyon, has almost always been packed with history. Thomas Edison filmed the world’s first film on a train going through the tunnel at the beginning of the PCH.  Albert Einstein went to think.   

It’s most of all a friendly neighborhood place, even if those neighbors may include Tom Hanks, Sean Penn, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell.  Visitors from the past include Jim Morrison, William Randolph Hurst, George Gershwin, Charlie Chaplin and Johnny Carson.

We actually filmed Wilt Chamberlain, who played volleyball daily on the beach before eating at the Roadhouse, coaching a woman’s volleyball on the beach for a Newsweek segment.  

Long-time server, Tracey, helped us remember our own connection.  Owner Bill was friendly with Hollywood reporter, George Christy. Greek George (Yorgos) was friendly with our friend Sofi Constantinidis, owner-chef of Sofi restaurant.  So Sofi and Patrick’s Roadhouse shared a lot of same customers!  When Sofi wanted to meet Bill, we went for a leisurely breakfast and stayed till lunch.

That was because fun was an innate part of Fischler, who liked to shock and amuse. You could instantly find him because he wore mismatched blue Madras shorts and shirts. His cafe still has the mismatched chairs and tables he also installed. You could say “they all matched.”

A neighbor who also put “fun” high on the list was Bob Morris, who owned Gladstone’s down the road. As much missed as he and Bill Fischler are, we are so thankful for the legacy in the form of this explosively upbeat team, who still provide such an exuberant haven that is so welcome these days.

Patrick’s Roadhouse, 106 Estrada Drive, Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. (310) 459-4544. Seven days, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Lunch at Patrick’s Roadhouse, PCH and Santa Monica Canyon