I don’t remember Pat’s from when I lived here as a kid, but my mom does. She remembers going to Pat’s as a teenager after they migrated here from Ohio.
Pat’s Drive-In opened in 1961. Henry “Pat” Patterson opened the Barrio Hollywood location with a simple menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, fish, shrimp, fries, and chili. Two years later, he hired 15-year-old Charlie. Then, in 1979, Pat sold the restaurant to Charlie. Charlie still runs it today.
So, if an establishment has been open for almost 63 years, you must check them out, right?
Since chili is a specialty at Pat’s, I ordered a chili dog and chili fries. The chili comes in two types: mild and spicy. Being the gringa that I am, I chose mild, but I wish I hadn’t. The chili sauce was more like ketchup. The flavor wasn’t bad at all; it was just mostly bland.
The hot dog itself was great, the service was excellent, and the guys inside were hilarious. So, I guess sometimes nostalgia can taste better than reality.
But I LOVE that this place still exists! Imagine all the change they have seen over those 63 years. It’s fun listening to my mom talk about going to Pat’s.
There are many reasons to visit a restaurant; indeed, nostalgia is a valid (and fun!) reason.
Next time, I’m going to get spicy!