Breakfast with Bob – Dining at Bob’s Big Boy in Downey

Gather round folks while I tell you a tale. Once upon a time, there was a restaurant called Johnie’s Broiler

For a long time it was a popular place but times change and one day it closed it’s doors. Johnie’s had been around a long time and had many fans so it had potential for a future. But then…disaster! The current tenant decided he didn’t need no stinkin’ permits and illegally demolished the beloved building.

from the LA Conservancy

Never fear for this story has a happy ending. Johnie’s fans did not abandon him in his time of need and, like a phoenix out of the ashes, he rose again. This time, new and improved and sportin’ a brand new moniker …Bob’s Big Boy Broiler.

When I first heard the Johnie’s Broiler saga, I new I just had to visit. But….I’m not really a fan of Bob’s Big Boy. So, I kinda sorta put it off. Then I realized that Bob’s serves breakfast. Breakfast! Why I’ll give that a try. So bright and early this morning I got up and headed on over to see the new and improved Johnie’s. Traveling down Firestone I kept looking at the addresses to make sure I didn’t pass it. I needn’t have worried. It’s truly a landmark that I saw well before I reached it. And what a landmark! The classic sign in mint condition, the rotating Bob on top of the building, the car hop awning…

Love it, love it, love it. And I hadn’t even been inside yet!

On entering the restaurant, I found that it was as beautiful inside as out. Space age fixtures, plush leather booths, and a mile long counter…I think I’ve found my new favorite hang out.

And how was the food, you ask? Well…I liked it! I decided to go out on a limb and order the multi grain pancakes – made with a mixture of granola, nuts, and other pseudo-healthy ingredients.