Dino's Lodge on Sunset Strip







Remember the opening to 77 Sunset Strip? And that big happy face smilin down on you? That was Dean Martin's restaurant located at 8524 Sunset Boulevard. For 27 years this neon sign of Dean Martin was one of Hollywood's campiest icons. Serving home-style Italian food and grilled entrees in a wood-paneled atmosphere meant to replicate the great roue's den. But by the early seventies, this restaurant that had once hosted parties for Frank Sinatra descended into a tourist trap and was abandoned by its celebrity clientele.








Almost everybody wants to own a "joint". Dean Martin was no exception! He had 'Dino's Lodge' on the Sunset Strip (it was the backdrop of that great TV show "77 Sunset Strip" during the 50's. He had 'Deans' in Miami. And, after the boys flew the coop, leaving their roost at the Sands. He had a small cabaret type club at the Riveria Hotel simply called 'Dinos Den'. What I have been lucky enough to get my hands on is a rare ashtray and matchbooks that hang out on my bar.


Comments

  1. I am looking for vintage photos of Dino's Lodge for an authorized book that will be published next year. If you have any you can scan and e-mail me, it would be appreciated. Please contact me through my web-site, www.MartinGrams.com, not Google. (The series was filmed entirely on the Warner Brothers lot, by the way. The opening 30 second theme was the only part of the entire show that was ever filmed on Dino's Lodge.)

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  2. Does anyone know where I can read into this? Can't find much info online. Like when did it close, what is there now, etc?

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    Replies
    1. Good question. What I remember is Bullwinkle's head being on top of the restaurant...

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  3. George Vreeland HillJune 2, 2012 at 3:35 AM

    Dean liked having his likeness on everything associated with the place.

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  4. I'm curious as to what is there now? Are there any pics?

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  5. If you look on googles earth you can see the building and the parking lot in the back but if you go to street view the whole block on the south side is gone and new construction starting

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