Our Latest News
Hollywood'S Golden Era Still Shines At The Formosa Café
Step Into Hollywood's Timeless Gem
If you close your eyes, you can almost picture it: Humphrey Bogart hunched over a scotch, John Wayne relaxing in a red leather booth, and Marilyn Monroe charming the bartender at The Formosa Café. This iconic location on Santa Monica Boulevard was a preferred haunt during Hollywood's Golden Age. Although the stars themselves have faded, The Formosa endures as a cherished spot, reminiscent of old-school glamour complete with Asian cuisine and legendary cocktails.
A Storied Past
The café's origins are a bit murky, starting out around 1925 as a lunch counter named either Red Spot or Red Post Cafe, depending on whom you ask. It stood strategically across from Samuel Goldwyn Studios, adding to its allure. The back dining room, intriguingly a converted Pacific Electric Red Car trolley from 1904, adds another layer to its historic charm. By 1939, the café had rebranded to The Formosa, inspired by the Portuguese name for Taiwan, Ilha Formosa – meaning 'beautiful island'.
Where Legends Gathered
With its Cantonese-inspired menu and moody, ornate décor, The Formosa Café attracted a who's who of Hollywood and beyond. Mobsters like Bugsy Seigel were regulars – he even had a safe under his favorite booth. This hotspot, much like the famed Musso & Frank Grill, became a go-to for stars such as Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Frank Sinatra. The legacy continued with modern-day celebs like Bono, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matthew Perry. Featured in the film "L.A. Confidential," The Formosa closed temporarily in 2017 for a facelift but made its grand reopening in 2019. Now, under its distinct jade-green neon sign, it remains a dim-lit sanctuary of Hollywood history.
Author: Miles
