For Silver Lake locals and Los Angeles history buffs, the news comes as no surprise: Astro Family Restaurant, the iconic diner on the corner of Fletcher Drive and Glendale Boulevard, has officially been designated a Historic-Cultural Monument. This beloved 24-hour eatery, instantly recognizable by its soaring, space-age inspired roofline and the welcoming neon star, has been serving up classic American comfort food for decades. From early morning breakfast rushes to late-night hearty meals, Astro has been a consistent presence in the community, and now, its legacy is cemented in the city’s history.
The Siafaris family, who have owned and operated Astro since Harry Siafaris purchased it in the early 1980s, are thrilled with the recognition. Maria Siafaris, Harry’s daughter, points to the diner’s distinctive, sloping roof, a design element dating back over 60 years, as a key feature that has always captured people’s attention. Reflecting on her father’s passion for the restaurant, Maria believes he would have been immensely proud of this “landmark building” designation. Though Harry passed away two years ago, his family continues to uphold his vision and maintain Astro as a cherished Silver Lake institution.
The application for historic monument status specifically highlighted the enduring contribution of architects Louis Armet and Eldon Davis, the Los Angeles-based duo behind Astro’s distinctive design. Pioneers of “Googie” architecture, Armet and Davis are celebrated by organizations like the Los Angeles Conservancy for their futuristic style, which took inspiration from the Space Age. This architectural movement, named after the now-demolished Googie’s diner on Sunset Boulevard, embraced dramatic rooflines and car-friendly designs, perfectly reflecting the burgeoning car culture of 1950s and 60s Los Angeles and the optimism of the era.
While initially criticized by some in the architectural establishment, Googie design is now recognized and appreciated for its unique place in Los Angeles history, with preservationists actively working to protect remaining examples. Astro Family Restaurant joins other Googie gems like Norm’s on La Cienega, Pann’s, and the original Bob’s Big Boy restaurants as prime examples of this influential style.
Beyond its striking exterior, Astro Family Restaurant has also meticulously preserved its interior, offering a nostalgic step back in time for diners. Customers consistently remark on how little the interior has changed in its 65-year history, contributing to its timeless appeal. For regulars like Dennis Fauson, who has been a daily breakfast customer since moving to Los Angeles in 1978, Astro embodies a cherished “old school” diner experience that is increasingly rare in the city. He and countless other patrons appreciate the restaurant’s commitment to maintaining its original character and atmosphere.
Maria Siafaris shares that customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with daily expressions of gratitude for Astro’s continued presence in Silver Lake. This historic-cultural monument designation provides crucial protection, ensuring that Astro Family Restaurant will remain a beloved Silver Lake landmark for generations to come, safeguarding it from potential demolition and celebrating its unique architectural and cultural significance within Los Angeles.
For those eager to experience a piece of Los Angeles history and enjoy classic diner fare, click here to learn more about Astro Family Restaurant.
