Santa Monica Canyon Restaurant Named Best Roadside Diner in US

Patrick’s Roadhouse earns award from LoveFood.com

By Dolores Quintana

Patrick’s Roadhouse in Santa Monica Canyon has been named the best roadhouse diner in California by Love Food.com who said, “Few things encapsulate US culture so neatly as the classic roadside diner, and the best of these joints are so much more than just places to refuel. From roadside restaurants with unique and colorful décor to diners in buildings that are attractions in themselves, we’ve rounded up the most charming roadside diner in each US state.” 

Patrick’s is one of those diners with unique decor and personality inside and out. The former “Governator” Arnold Schwarzenegger has his own custom iron chair inside the establishment to celebrate his patronage of Patrick’s and his reputation as an Iron Man. 

In awarding the prize to Patrick’s Roadhouse, Love Food.com said, “Patrick’s Roadhouse is a surprising sight on California’s Pacific Coast Highway, bringing a burst of shamrock green to a stretch more associated with blue skies and golden sand. The brilliantly bonkers building, opened in 1973, is decorated with leprechauns and has a dinosaur on its roof. It’s loved for its 1940s atmosphere, delicious dishes like the fish tacos and impeccable service. Past customers include the state’s former governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has a custom-made iron chair with a plaque that says “For The Man of Iron: The Terminator”.

Schwarzeneggar even has his own entree at the diner called, you guessed it, The Governator and is described by the Patrick’s Roadhouse website in pure Arnold fashion, “You’ll be back!” for that Governator! Our featured menu item is boasted about in the LA Times and is sure to blow you away as it was created by Governator Arnold’s mother herself! We can’t give away too much, but just know that you won’t leave hungry!!”

in Dining
Related Posts

Chef Zach Pollack Opens Italian-Californian Restaurant Cosetta in Santa Monica

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

The menu includes bar offerings like bluefin tartare with ossobuco aioli and small plates such as burrata agnolotti salad Cosetta,...

Beloved West Hollywood Cookie Shop Expanding to Santa Monica

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Junior Cookies has developed a loyal following in West Hollywood for its fresh, small-batch baked goods Junior Cookies, the West...

Voodoo Doughnuts to Soon Open Location in Windward Circle

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Voodoo Doughnut has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception, known for its imaginative flavors and sideshow activities Voodoo Doughnuts,...

Tony P’s Dockside Grill to Close After 28 Years in Marina del Rey

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In a farewell letter to patrons, owners wrote, “We hope these final weeks are a celebration of all we have...

Over $2.4M in Recovery Grants Available for Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

To qualify, restaurants must have no more than five locations, generate less than $5 million in annual revenue, and be...

Cockroach Infestation Temporarily Closes Tonic Bar at Erewhon Santa Monica

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health temporarily shut down the tonic bar at Erewhon Market’s Santa Monica location...

Hal Frederick, Beloved Venice Restaurateur Who Helped Name Abbot Kinney Blvd., Dies at 91

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

In 1987, he opened Hal’s Bar & Grill on what was then still called West Washington Boulevard—a street Frederick helped rename Hal...

Fundraising Efforts Continue for Palisades Restaurants on the Road to Recovery

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Months after the Pacific Palisades fire, local restaurants Reel Inn, Vittorios, and Rocco’s continue to rally community support as fundraising...

Mikomi Sushi Opens New Santa Monica Location

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

The new location continues Mikomi Sushi’s commitment to serving sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls Mikomi Sushi, a well-regarded sushi restaurant...

Historic Beethoven Market Reopens as Community-Centric Restaurant

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

Originally established in 1949, Beethoven Market was a grocery store serving the community for 75 years Beethoven Market, a longtime...

Bacio di Latte Set to Serve Gelato From New Downtown Santa Monica Spot

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

Bacio di Latte offers a range of flavors, including classic options like Stracciatella, Pistachio, and Hazelnut Italian gelato chain Bacio...

Cinque Terre West Reopens in Venice After Palisades Closure

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

The Vinzonis have now joined The Colony, a food hall in Venice, to continue serving their signature dishes Nine months...

Santa Monica Brew Works Joins 200 Breweries to Fund Wildfire Recovery with Special IPA

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

Craft Beer with a Purpose: Santa Monica Brew Works Supports LA Wildfire Relief In response to the devastating wildfires that...

Honest Abe Cidery Eyes New Santa Monica Location

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

According to its website, the cidery traces its lineage back to family traditions in Kentucky, blending heritage with contemporary West...

Popular Palisades Café Reopens After Suffering Minimal Damage from Wildfires

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

It is among the first businesses to reopen After months of uncertainty, the Palisades Garden Café reopened its doors, offering...