Hollywood in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Hollywood Brown Derby
| | 1628 Vine Street | |
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 1, 2026
1. Hollywood Brown Derby Marker
Vine Street's Brown Derby opened on Valentine's Day 1929, and was once Hollywood's most famous restaurant. It was the chain's second location, after the original, which opened on Wilshire Blvd in 1926. Owner Robert Cobb took over the franchise from co-founder Herbert Samborn. The inventor of the "Cobb Salad," Cobb also pioneered the practice of furnishing celebrity tables with telephones. Hollywood A-listers frequented the Hollywood Derby, with its walls lined with movie star caricatures. Clark Gable even proposed to Carole Lombard in Booth 54. After damage by fire and later an earthquake, the location was demolished in 1994.
Erected by Hollywood Historic Trust, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. (Marker Number 23.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.
Location. 34° 6.043′ N, 118° 19.594′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Hollywood. It is on Vine Street south of Hollywood Boulevard, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1652 Vine St, Los Angeles CA 90028, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hollywood Plaza Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Vine Street Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Site of the Vine Street Brown Derby (was here, next to this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding Hollywood Brown Derby. Nothing remains of the original building. A remnant of a similar building still exists nearby at 1638 Vine St, which was preserved and restored during recent development because it was mistakenly thought to be an original part of the Brown Derby.
The fourth and last Brown Derby, which is the only building still standing, is on Los Feliz Blvd at Hillhurst. Recently granted landmark status, it is now a bank.
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 1, 2026
2. Hollywood Brown Derby Marker
Charlton Heston's star is where the Brown Derby entrance was.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 27, 2018
3. Remaining Section of Similar Building
courtesy New York Public Library, 1948
4. Hollywood Brown Derby Menu
The menu shows the four locations in 1948.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 26 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 3, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on October 1, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on December 6, 2018.
