Retro Comebacks: New Twists on Old Pastimes

by Mar Yvette - Citysearch Editor - 366 Reviews - 111 Lists

Updated: January 06, 2009

Craving a return to a simpler time? Want to relive your days of adolescent abandon? Now's your chance: Old-school activities are making a big comeback in L.A.--only this time with a modern twist. Whether you want to rehash the '80s at a disco rollerink, get nostalgic at a drive-in theater, or mix it up with some drag-queen bingo, in the City of Angels, what's old is new again.

They're Baaaack

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Vineland Drive-In
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    443 N. Vineland Avenue, City of Industry, CA 91746 (map)

    Remember the pre-Dolby days of having to adjust the radio just to hear the movie playing on the big screen? L.A. County's only operating drive-in is where to see first-run films and experience a little retro cinematic magic at the same time--let's just hope this is one dinosaur that never goes extinct.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended The Dresden Restaurant & Lounge
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    1760 N Vermont Ave, Hollywood, CA 90027 (map)

    Three words: Marty and Elayne. Seriously. Doesn't get more old school than that.

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average Hamburger Mary's
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    8288 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 (map)

    Bingo gets a disco-drag twist every Wednesday night at 7pm and 9pm at WeHo's famed burger joint. That's when drag queens (and other colorful luminaries) grace this greasy spoon for "Legendary Bingo." Word of advice: Show up at least 30 minutes early 'cause space fills up fast.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Moonlight Rollerway Skating
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    5110 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA 91204 (map)

    Rollerblading is so over. Revive the era of side ponytails and Donna Summer at this old-school rollerskating rink every Wednesday night when the disco ball and '80s tunes are in full force. (Who knows? You might be skating alongside Gwen Stefani, who's been spotted here recently.)