A classic McDonald's...

McDonalds in Downey California
Originally uploaded by Dornoff Photography

It is no surprise that car loving Southern California was the birthplace of many of the fast food places we know so well today including McDonald's, Del Taco, Taco Bell, Carl's Jr, Wienerschnitzel, and In 'N Out.

For many, it may surprise you to find out that McDonald's did not always have those big restaurants with the play rooms and inside seating. Instead they started out like many fast food places of the time with just walk up windows and outside seating.

This paticular McDonald's still retains its classic 1950/1960's styling. It is not a retro restaurant but a authentic time machine to the past. The sign at the intersection of Lakewood Blvd and Florence hasn't changed in decades. It is a throwback to a time when McDonald's weren't the generic, boring, poor quality (OK, personal opinion) fast food place we know today.

It has been many years since I had driven by this restaurant but since my wife and I were in the area we decided to drive by and see if it was still in its original form and sure enough, there it was.

So if your driving through Downey, California be sure to get off the freeway and take a quick trip to this relic of the past. You never know when it may disappear.