Nostalgic Culver City: A Child's Perspective on Local Diners and Amusement Parks

As a child growing up in the 1980s, my family and I had a lot of memorable experiences in various parts of Los Angeles, but the city of Culver City and its local eateries stood out in my memory. Places like Hamburger Handout and Woodys Smorgasburger were more than just dining spots; they were a significant part of my growing up.

Hamburger Handout: The 19-Cent Paradise

Before McDonalds became the fast food giant we know today, there was a small and charming burger joint called Hamburger Handout, located at the intersection of Centinela and Sepulveda in Culver City. It was a place where family gatherings went to enjoy affordable, wholesome burgers that would set your taste buds tingling.

Back then, a kindly server would lean on the counter with a warm smile, and you would start your burger with just a 19-cent base. The choice was yours: would you opt for a traditional beef patty, or perhaps the coconut “nugget” sausage that was a hit among the kids? The burger was a simple delight, but it carried the unmistakable charm that only a small, local diner can offer. It was a place where you could grab a burger, a milkshake, and head out for the day, without needing to worry about a credit card or a wallet.

Woodys Smorgasburger: The Condiment Connoisseur

Another beloved spot in Culver City was Woodys Smorgasburger. What made this burger joint stand out was its unique condiment bar—an array of condiments available to customize your burger to your heart’s content. I remember the delight of covering our burgers with a myriad of ingredients, including chopped peanuts which added an unusual and delightful crunch to our meals. It was a communal experience, with friends and family gathering to build the perfect burger.

There was a local chain of Woodys, with each shop having its own speciality. For example, the one near UCLA had Bruin burgers, while the one near USC boasted of Trojan burgers. Even the one on the flats of San Bernardino, near Lake Arrowhead, was a delight to visit, proving that no matter where you were, Woodys could deliver a taste of home.

Beyond the original Woodys in Culver City, the last surviving location of this local treasure was in El Segundo. However, in 2005, the era of Woodys Smorgasburger came to an end, with this unique local chain no longer being a part of the Culver City skyline. But the memories of the condiment bar, the cozy atmosphere, and the adorably named burgers remain as a testament to the enduring memories these places provided.

Exploring Pacific Ocean Park

To complement our serene family outings to these beloved eateries, we headed to Pacific Ocean Park, an amusement park located on the pier at the end of Ocean Park Blvd in Santa Monica. This was a magical place, with its iconic ferris wheel and attractions that both children and adults could enjoy. It was a perfect spot for a family picnic, ice cream, and plenty of fun.

The ambiance of Pacific Ocean Park was both quaint and exciting, blending the simple pleasures of summers past with the thrill of a small amusement park. The sights, sounds, and smells were a sensory overload, making it a cherished destination for any day trip. Families would spend hours there, with the anticipation of riding the rides and enjoying the games, creating countless lasting memories.

As we grew older, these landmarks inevitably faded from the landscape, but the memories and experiences they offered will always remain. Culver City and Pacific Ocean Park were not just places we visited; they were part of our childhood, shaping us and bringing us closer as a family. The nostalgic journey through these spaces is a reminder that some of the happiest and most memorable moments of our lives are often rooted in the little things, like a 19-cent burger and a day at the amusement park.