The exterior of Chasen's - 1980. Photo from the Claremont Archives.
In the heart of West Hollywood, Chasen's restaurant stood as an iconic culinary landmark for over six decades. Known for its signature chili and as a haven for Hollywood's elite, Chasen's was more than just a restaurant — it was a cultural institution. The establishment's appeal was bolstered by its elegant interior, replete with red leather booths, wood paneling, and charming touches that were all meticulously crafted by the renowned architect Paul R. Williams.
Interior of Chasen's - 1987. Photo by Alan Light.
At LA Explained we love tangible history. The kind of history that you can touch, smell, hear, see, and taste. In a city that is famous for its love of tearing down the old, we commend any person or business that takes an active role in preserving our history. Last summer when we were working with Bristol Farms on our gourmet bus tours, we knew that Chasen’s had to be one of the stops. We knew that our guests would jump at the chance to sit in one of the original red leather booths and have a bowl of Elizabeth Taylor’s favorite chili. Unlike Elizabeth, we didn’t have to have it flown to Rome (which she famously did while filming Cleopatra).
A Chasen's menu from 1960. Photo from the Culinary Institute of America.
The Rise of Chasen's
Founded in 1936 by Dave Chasen, a vaudeville performer turned restaurateur, Chasen's quickly became a favorite among Hollywood stars and industry moguls. The restaurant's walls echoed with the laughter and conversations of legends such as Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Humphrey Bogart. Chasen's was not just about the food; it was about the experience, the ambiance, and the sense of exclusivity that permeated the air. Celebrities flocked to Chasen's for its privacy and discretion, as well as its delectable cuisine.
Clark Gable and wife Kay Williams at the Suddenly Last Summer premiere party at Chasen's - 1959. Photo from IMDb.
The restaurant's layout was designed to provide intimate dining experiences away from the prying eyes of the public and paparazzi. Private booths and secluded corners allowed stars to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and engage in candid conversations without the fear of being overheard or photographed. This sense of privacy was a significant draw for Hollywood's elite, who valued the opportunity to escape the spotlight, if only for a little while. The quality of the food at Chasen's was another major attraction. Known for its hearty American fare, the restaurant's menu featured dishes that were as comforting as they were exquisite. The signature chili, beloved by celebrities and locals alike, became a culinary legend in its own right. But beyond the chili, Chasen's offered a wide array of gourmet dishes that satisfied the most discerning palates. The meticulous preparation and presentation of the food mirrored the high standards of the clientele, ensuring that every meal was a memorable experience.
Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher at Chasen's - 1959. Photo from the UCLA Archives.
Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson at Chasen's - 1960. Photo from the AP.
Elizabeth Taylor was a regular whose love affair with the restaurant outlasted all of her marriages. Ronald Reagan proposed to Nancy Reagan at Chasen's, making it a site of personal and public history. Alfred Hitchcock, known for his love of fine dining, was also a regular, often seen enjoying a quiet dinner before a premiere or after a long day on set. For these stars, Chasen's was more than just a restaurant; it was a sanctuary where they could unwind and be themselves. The ambiance at Chasen's was an integral part of its appeal. The restaurant exuded old Hollywood glamour, with its rich wood paneling, plush seating, and warm lighting creating an inviting and opulent atmosphere. Paul R. Williams' architectural genius was evident in every detail, from the elegant design of the dining rooms to the thoughtful placement of tables that maximized both privacy and comfort. This ambiance made Chasen's the perfect setting for both intimate dinners and grand celebrations, further solidifying its status as a Hollywood institution.
Don DeFore, Brenda Marshall, William Holden, and Nancy and Ronald Reagan - .
In essence, Chasen's was a place where the Hollywood elite could escape the pressures of fame, enjoy exceptional cuisine, and create lasting memories. The restaurant's combination of quality, privacy, and ambiance made it a cherished haven for stars, contributing to its legendary status in the annals of Los Angeles' culinary and cultural history.
Bristol Farms: Preserving the Legacy
When Chasen's closed its doors in 1995, it left a void in the Los Angeles culinary scene. However, in 1996, gourmet grocer Bristol Farms, moved into the historic building, preserving the legacy of Chasen's. Bristol Farms recognized the cultural and historical significance of the location and took steps to honor its past while transforming it into a modern marketplace. The space, now infused with the charm of its past and the vibrancy of a contemporary shopping experience, continues to serve the community, bridges the gap between history and the present.
Interior shot of Chasen's after it closed. Photo from the LAPL.
The transformation of Chasen's into the Bristol Farms cafe was undertaken with great care to maintain the architectural integrity and ambiance that made the restaurant a beloved landmark. The store's design preserves many of the original architectural features, such as the rich wood paneling, the plush seating, and the ambient lighting that created a warm and inviting atmosphere. These elements ensure that visitors can still feel the echoes of Hollywood glamour while making their shopping experience both nostalgic and luxurious. The wooden booths where stars once dined now serve as cozy corners for guests to enjoy a meal and soak in the ambiance of a bygone era. The store's layout and decor pay homage to its storied past, with photographs and memorabilia from Chasen's glory days adorning the walls, reminding visitors of the iconic figures who once graced the establishment.
The cafe at Bristol Farms during one of our LA Explained gourmet bus tours last summer.
Guests of our LA Explained gourmet bus tour enjoying Chasen's chili, Bristol Farms cookies, and Makers Mark cocktails.
In addition to preserving the architectural elements, Bristol Farms has continued the tradition of offering exceptional quality, much like Chasen's did with its cuisine. The grocery store prides itself on providing high-quality, gourmet products, catering to the discerning tastes of its customers. By maintaining this standard of excellence, Bristol Farms honors the legacy of Chasen's, ensuring that the spirit of fine dining and exceptional service lives on in a new form. The blend of history and modernity creates a unique shopping experience that celebrates the past while looking forward to the future.
The Genius of Paul R. Williams
The allure of Chasen's was significantly attributed to its interior design, masterfully executed by Paul R. Williams. Known as "the architect to the stars," Williams' architectural prowess was unparalleled. He was the first African-American member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Los Angeles. His design for Chasen's combined sophistication and comfort, with rich wood paneling, plush seating, and ambient lighting creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. Williams' ability to blend functionality with aesthetic beauty made every corner of Chasen's a beloved landmark, a testament to his meticulous attention to detail and unique approach to luxury and comfort.
Paul R. Williams (second from the left) with a model of the Golden State Mutual Life Building - 1947. Photo from the UCLA Archives.
Interior shot of Chasen's.
Williams' influence extended beyond Chasen's, encompassing notable projects across Southern California. Among his most famous works is the Beverly Hills Hotel, where he designed the iconic Crescent Wing. This addition to the "Pink Palace" became synonymous with Hollywood glamour, attracting celebrities and dignitaries worldwide. He was also responsible for the now-iconic Beverly Hills Hotel logo/font. Williams also designed the interior of the Saks Fifth Avenue store in Beverly Hills, embodying elegance and sophistication that elevated the city's commercial landscape. Additionally, he left his mark on public architecture with the Los Angeles County Courthouse, blending modernist principles with classical elements to create a grand, functional public space.
The Beverly Hills Hotel in 1957 showing the wing (and font) designed by Paul R. Williams. Photo by Slim Aarons.
Interior of Saks in Beverly Hills - 1940. Photo from the Huntington Archives.
In the residential sector, Williams designed numerous homes for Hollywood stars, including Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Tyrone Power, and Frank Sinatra. His property at 3100 Mandeville Canyon Road in Brentwood, built for opera singer John Charles Thomas in the early 1940s, showcases his talent for creating luxurious estates that offer both grandeur and intimacy. This luxurious estate, along with Chasen's and other projects, demonstrates Williams' versatility and consistent excellence in adapting his style to fit the unique needs of his clients over time.
Brentwood Oak Ranch main house back in 1944. Photo from the Huntington Archives.
The story of Paul R. Williams and his architectural legacy does not end with Chasen's. The 47-acre estate pictured above, also designed by Williams, stands as a testament to his visionary design and timeless appeal. The Brentwood Oak Ranch, along with all of Williams' residential projects, showcases the grandeur of his designs. The seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces is characteristic of Williams' work, offering insight into the historical significance of his contributions to Los Angeles architecture. His designs blend worlds and soften the edges of an often harsh outside environment.
While Mr. Williams is no longer with us, his eye for design and understanding of what makes people comfortable, happy, and social remind us that to shape the future, we must learn from and take cues from those who came before us.
Some things, like good manners and good design, are timeless.
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