Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Belisle's Restaurant, Garden Grove (1955-1998)

Thanks to reader Dave of Tustin, here are two photos of the late, lamented Belisle's Restaurant in Garden Grove. Harvey and Charlotte Belisle opened it shortly before Disneyland opened just up the street. This popular restaurant was torn down by Garden Grove's Redevelopment Agency in the 1990s to make way for a big hotel which, as it turned out, couldn't be built on that exact spot after all. Soon, a sign reading "restaurant pads available" was posted, leading many to shake their heads at the stupidity of it all. It has now been replaced by several chain restaurants that can already be found all over Orange County.
The workmen who built Disneyland frequented Belisle's, as did noted Modern architect Philip Johnson. In fact, countless thousands visited again and again for their giant-sized portions, vast menu, "home cookin'," and small town, family-run atmosphere.
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I met Ronald Reagan once. He was speaking in Garden Grove. Guess where he went for lunch afterward. Yep. Belisle's for meatloaf!
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It's not easy to find, but if you're interested in the history of Belisle's, I recommend Charolette Belisle's book, Orange County and Life Before Disneyland: The Story of the World Famus Belisle's, 1955-1995. Her book gave me a new respect for restaurant owners and just how much hard labor goes into operating a popular establishment.
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The photo below is from 1980 and cames from an old online auction, I think.

89 comments:

Evan said...

The place closed when I was 5, but I sure do remember passing that restaurant (I specifically remember the sign) on the way to and from my grandma's.

Red Robin, Outback Steakhouse and Joe's Crab Shack are there now.

Anonymous said...

Typical of our elected officials to decide what's good for us without asking. Belisle's would probably still be there if not for them. I miss that wonderful place, and we could eat for days after going there with just the leftovers we took home.

Surfing Grandma of OC said...

WOW...Not that long ago, I was just talking about Belisles to my husband. I grew up in the OC, he in the IE.I was describing it to him, Funny I just assumed everyone knew of Belisles it was so popular and so good. I think the 80's was the last time I ate there.
=-(..moved to Missouri came back and it was gone..I really hated that, i was very sad actually.. Thanks for posting this. I love your blog and it helps me keep my childhood memories fresh!

Kevin Kidney said...

I loved Belisle's and remember most of all the giant "volcano mountain" strawberry pies. The food was enormous, a precursor for "big food" restaurants to follow (Claim Jumper). I consider Belisle's to be significant in the history of Disneyland, as the two grew up together, serving the same audience.

It should never have been torn down. The week the building was destroyed, I was in meetings across the street. There was a huge pile of rubble in the Belisle's lot and, naturally, I had to grab a chunk of bright pink-painted rubble. I still have it.

Anonymous said...

I grew up a few miles north west of Disneyland... and I guess I lived a sheltered homebody life cause I only remember going to Belisle's once with a group of friends.

Pretty lame that the city tore it down, then made room for restaurants there anyway! I think they were interested in tearing out anything that looked older than 1990.

Anonymous said...

Belisle's -- "Where food was first created!"

Doug said...

Belisle's was a legendary establishment. I remember the lines of people outside on Sunday mornings. Also remember seeing a large man dressed in a chef's costume holding a bell and waving to people driving through the Harbor & Chapman intersection.

The Garden Grove Redevelopment Agency also was responsible for the destruction of several blocks of beautiful Craftsmen period homes. Through the 1970s to early 1990s, the agency showed little regard for historical and cultural sites & resources within their acquired properties. This agency was also responsible for demolishing the National Register Eligible "Garden Grove Japanese Language School" structure and site.
Redevelopment Agency are sometimes very dangerous and have little oversight. A good ref. is the publication "Redevelopment: The Unknown Government" Sept. 2002, Edited by Chris Norby ( who was OC Supervisor, 4th District).

Kevin Yee said...

I most recall the heaping serving of fries. They were so tasty!

Chris Jepsen said...

I'm glad this post is bringing back so many memories. Keep 'em coming!

Doug: Yes, the Japanese Language School is a subject I'd like to cover on this blog sometime soon. As for the "big chef" advertising Belisle's on the sidewalk, did you know that they also had a "little person" in a chef's hat who used to do the same thing? I think the PC-police finally busted them on that one. Oh, and for the record, Norby is still an O.C. Supervisor.

Kevin: I love that you saved some pink rubble. I also have a habit of saving bits of historic buildings, but I'm afraid I missed Belisle's.

Doug said...

Glad to hear Norby is still involved.
I have been away from OC politics for a long time. Moved to Tulare County...the land of Good Ol Boy politics in the early 1990s. My wife and I could not afford OC housing prices.
I do in fact remember the little bell ringer.How times and the world have changed.
Our family went to chuch around the corner from Belisle's...I think I longed to be in the restaurant eating pancakes and drinking coffee,
Thanks Chris.

Heidelberg Man said...

Thanks Chris. I lived in Anaheim and Fullerton from 1955 til 1979. When I was a boy, my family would often eat at Belisle's. In the evening, Harvey was always there greeting the patrons. There was live dinner music on the piano.

Doug mentioned the "large man with a chef's hat" outside, waving to passers by; but I remember that there was also a midget.

Craig Boyd (Magnolia H.S. '64)

Doug said...

Craig, Maybe the waving man seamed so large, because I was such a little kid. Thanks.

Heidelberg Man said...

Doug. No, you remember correctly. There was also a large man, and sometimes a lady, too.

Re. the piano. The musician would play requests. I, with my brother and sister had just seen "Mighty Joe Young" at the Fox Theater (Center Street, Anaheim). The movie featured the song Beautiful Dreamer. He played that for us (gave him a $1 tip).

Craig

brentjthomas said...

I am sorry to read that Belisle's closed. I moved to New Mexico from Orange County in 1995, the year this wonderful restaurant closed, and did not know of this closure until now. I was planning on visiting Disneyland with my wife sometime soon(I worked at Disneyland as a pastel portrait artist in the early 90's)and was hoping to enjoy a massive breakfast at Belisle's. Sad.
In 1981 I first visited Belisle's after the prom, with my date and several friends (all from El Modena High School).
Is there any place like Belisle's near Disneyland anymore (a place with huge servings and lots of character)?

Unknown said...

Lets knock down all the family owned businesses and replace them with stamped out chain ones with no warmth or personality and corporate minded staff. Belisle was unique. A one of a kind. I wsa sorry to see it go

Anonymous said...

We used to eat there frequently when we lived in Huntington Beach and always took family members there when the visited. Moved to Virginia in '93 and was shocked that it was gone when we we went back to visit friends. It was a great place to eat.....

And sadly, even though my last name is Belisle, I wasn't a close relative.....just a good customer.

Anonymous said...

Belisle's didn't change with the times. What the public wanted in the Fifties wasn't what folks preferred in the Nineties. Belisle's was already in trouble before the city bought them out, the victim of competition and changing tastes. Sorry, but some things don't last forever and probably shouldn't.

Anonymous said...

My husband and I both grew up in Garden Grove and remember this restaurant fondly. We fortunately got to take our boys there before it was torn down and I can still see their faces when someone near us ordered the gigantic breakfast -you know, the one with a dozen eggs, a loaf of toast, a plateful of bacon, etc. Unbelieveable! So much for "progress!"

Anonymous said...

I don't remember a big man or a midget standing outside dressed as a chef but I do remember young boys (my brother was one of them) who would wave as the cars went by. At times he rode his unicycle - Harvey was always thinking of new ways to attract attention. I also worked there mid 60's to mid 70's and it was mostly a blast and a lot of hard work. EVERBODY went to Belisle's, from actors to professional ball players to race car drivers (is OCIR still around?)and politicians. I remember Shirley (Cha Cha)Muldowney, Don (the Snake)Prudhomme, Reggie Jackson and personally waited on Lou Ferrigno. Did you know that Lou was deaf? He was the nicest guy and I never in my life saw a man with such a tiny waist and such huge shoulders, impressive. My mom waited on Cesar Chavez during the grape & lettuce strike and to his credit he walked the talk. He asked my mom to make sure that no lettuce or grapes were in his meal. The place was always packed every Fri & Sat night with people standing outside waiting to get in and Harvey always made sure something special would be available from the praline candy at the register to the anthuriums on the tables - and of course the hand made strawberry pies. He also drove his little trailer to the fruit & vegetable market in LA every morning so his customers got the very best produce. And don't forget all the clever writing on the windows mostly done by Harvey's son-in-law. It was a unique, one of a kind little piece of heaven full of fascinating characters. A favorite of mine was a former chief of police who heard Dillinger might be coming this way and spent the night in the church steeple as it was the highest building in OC at the time and he wanted to see him coming or the stories about him taking a not so sober John Wayne to his home in Newport Beach and remarking that John was always a gentleman about it. Belisle's was just a cool place full of food & life, and that's how I like to remember it. Nothing stays forever and it would be pretty boring if it did, I was just grateful for the ride.

Anonymous said...

My first job was at Belisle's restaurant when I was 16. Worked graveyard on Fri/Sat nights pearl diving. That was 1970. OC was a blast then....I remember lots of orange groves and strawberry fields. The strawberry festival was always fun. Went to Bolsa Grande HS and the festival grounds were in that park right next to the HS. I've relocated and the thing I miss the most is Huntington Beach.

Yvette said...

Wow...the memories! Belisle's was such a fantastic establishment! My folks owned a fine-dining, French restaurant on Garden Grove Blvd & Harbor for 30 years...but you just can't eat French food ALL the time. So, a few times a week, after work, I'd meet up with my husband and a couple of friends at Belisle's. Belisle's was open around the clock which was especially great for those of us who worked 'til midnight...and my son still remembers Sunday afternoons there. He thought it was the neatest place in the world with their giant strawberry pies topped with oodles of fresh made whipped cream.

I really miss that place. I miss their Monte Cristo sandwiches and giant slices of chocolate cake. I miss their ambiance. I miss the staff. It's a shame Belisle's was torn down for no good reason!

Well, thanks for the trip down Memory Lane. Perhaps you or someone will post a menu from Belisle's. I'd sure love to have a copy.

Unknown said...

Simply, the finest restaurant ever placed on the planet Earth. It could never be replaced. Garden Grove should rebuild with Belisle's Daughter back where she belongs. I remember her. Met her when she was 15. She is in her 50 now but she could do it. Heck, I would go to work there. Meredith Rhule

Tenn. Tom said...

this one of our familys favorite restaurants when we visited southern California. I have a menu and small colored postcard from the restaurant I would like to sell if anyone is interested. contact me fuhrman@hotcom.net their meringue pies were something to die for. 3-4" high meringue.

Anonymous said...

My Mother Emma Poe worked there for 26 years as a waitress and I am sure many of you knew her...she passed away in 1999 and was very saddened when they closed.

Anonymous said...

Every time that I drove down from Seattle I stopped and ate at Belisle's Restaurant. A co-worker in Seattle also knew and enjoyed the charm of the restaurant. Somethings you don't mess with.

Rev. Dr. John Benjamin Tatum, D.D., Ph.D. said...

Beslile's was a place that I ate at every chance I had. I was born in Anaheim, and grew up in Anaheim Hills. But if I was hungry, and wanted to leave a restaurant full, it was always Beslile's that I went to. It was a very sad day when they closed.

Anonymous said...

Here's a fun story for ya. My Grampa Al lived in Garden Grove and he owned a Jeep with a wench on it. Each weekend, while Belisle's was packed with couples who had left the dance, wherever it was, and driven to Belisle's for a late night meal. The sprinklers in the nearby Orange fields would turn on and sink a few cars into the ground. He'd get a free dinner for pulling them out, every weekend. Sincerely, 4th generation Grover, Josh McIntosh

Chris Jepsen said...

Thank you for sharing all these memories, everyone! Keep 'em coming!

@Josh: Are you any relation to my pal Doug McIntosh of Northern California?

don krischano said...

I USED TO WORK THERE,IT WAS MY FIRST JOB. I WAS ONLY 10 YEARS OLD IT WAS 1968,HARVY HIRED ME AS ONE OF THE LITTLE CHEFS THAT WAVED OUTSIDE AND OPENED THE DOOR FOR PEOPLE,I'M SORRY TO HERE IT'S GONE, I STILL HAVE ONE OF THEIR MENUES FROM 1968.REST IN PEACE HARVEY......

Unknown said...

My family went there regular every year. We would drive from home in Las Vegas and visit Disneyland and eat at Belisle's....without fail. Great, friendly staff, huge helpings....made so many memories.

Anonymous said...

I remember the outrages portions. I ordered some of the breakfasts. My vavorite was the steak and eggs. Good lord a huge piece of steak and a dozen jumbo eggs. Of course I did't eat all myself my family and I shared it. And I used to order the dagwood sandwich take it home and make sandwiches for a week. O the good old days.

Anonymous said...

I live off of Habor Blvd back in the 70's. Went to Belisle's for many occasion, does anyone remember the Ostrich eggs in the pie case? I had goat chops there on my birthday once. Funny how the internet has ben able to rekindle fond memories. So sorry they closed, awesome place awesome food!

Anonymous said...

I too was a Little Chef back in 1968. I was 11 at the time. I got paid .75 cents an hour plus all I could eat. I made enough money to buy myself a brand new bike which I rode to work after school from Parkview Elementary in Garden Grove. I remember how all of the Belisles worked there; dad, mom and a bunch of Harvey's kids that didn't want to be there. My, how they used to argue in the kitchen! It was there that I decided I wanted to be a self employed entrepreneur. But I do recall quitting the job of waving to traffic after being victimized by drive-by firecracker lobbers on the Fourth of July. An occupational hazard I suppose. Fun memories though.

Unknown said...

I also worked there ( Chuck Reyome),as did my brothers Dale and Keith, We started as Little chefs outside waving and Dale progressed to Prep cook inside..Harvey and Charlotte were very good to all of us kids.. .75 cents per hour and all you could eat...I remember their daughter Carmen and her husband Harry..Phil Mondragon worked there too... Chuck & Keith are pictured on the post card...Not sure who is in the middle...Anybody have any mementos from the restaurant....I got chills reading the posts... Great...

EDGE said...

Cleaning out my desk & found their menu stuck away in the bottom of a never-touched drawer!

Robin said...

Wow what a trip down memory lane! I grew up in Hawthorne and would make the half hour drive to Belisle's at least once a week. I remember the strawberry pie and when I would order breakfast the sunny side up eggs were huge (I didn't know about jumbo eggs at the time). Right now I am living on Vashon Island in Washington State and have been here since 1985. One of the first places I googled was Belisle's because I am home sick...I am very sad it has been torn down :(

Anonymous said...

I worked there as a cashier and quickly with the help of Carmen I moved to morning shift waitressing and I fondly remember Marge who got there at 6AM and then another gal would arrive at 7AM, and who's name I do not recall and then I myself came on at 8AM shift.
One morning my cat was going crazy scratching her ear and I realized she had a foxtail in her ear. My cat needed medical attention and I immediately called the restaurant to say unfortunately I needed to be a few minutes late. Someone said ok and to the vet I went, and then right to work as quick as humanly possible.
I'll never forget this - the day was May 5 - Cinco De Mayo- we had to dress with mexican flair. Note:I'd never been late or missed work before-----
I get inside restaurant and come to find the 7AM gal never showed up or call-- so poor Marge had been on floor working alone for 2.5 hours...........I go straight out to my station take a large party breakfast order then headed into the kitchen to drop it off and Harvey was at the counter drinking coffee-- he stops me and says to me "What are you doing here?" I said my cat had foxtail/ vet yadda yadda---------HE SAID well if your cat is more important to you then my restaurant then you should stay home with your cat and he then informed me that he took me off the schedule for 2 weeks and that meant NO PAY = punishment Harvey style! So Greyhound bus had a special roundtrip anywhere in US at the time for like $89.00 and I went on a vacation. Crabby Harvey wasn't gonna rain on my parade!

Winston BeLisle said...

Interesting seeing this.. they might've been a relative of mine...

Trish said...

Wow ! This brings back so many memories! I was 1st at Belisle's in 1966. I had just turned 18 and was beginning to discover my new found freedom.
I would start out the evening with my girlfriends at about 9:00. Our 1st stop was at "Gold Street" for an evening of dancing. Those were the days of the "go-go" dancers. Harvey Belisle's son, Gerard, played in the band at Gold Street. When the club closed at about 2:00 am, we would all make our way to Belisle's for breakfast. I still can't believe that I would get home at about 3:00 am and get up the next morning to go to work. That was the beginning of an addiction that is a most wonderful memory. Night after night party...day after day work!
At 65 now, I value that time in my life when I was able to play and work and need almost no sleep.
Belisle's contributed to a treasured time in my life's adventure.

Anonymous said...

I am late coming to this party, i worked at Belisle's in 1984-1991-2. I worked hard and have many stories i could share. The best story is the wonderful friends I met and kept there. I still stay in touch with all my friends and i miss Harry very much.

Anonymous said...

Remember the girls on the swing hanging from the sign? That's what I wanted to do when I grew up (well, that or mermaid at Disneyland). My dad owned and operated the juke boxes that were on the tables in the 60s.

Dennis Cable said...

Just thinking about Belisle's today and wondering if it was still there so I Googled it and found this site. In the early 80's we were on vacation with another couple from Ohio. We were on a bus headed back from Universal Studios and the other couple were seated behind a young lady, her mother and young son who was in a stroller. When we arrived back at our hotel the guy told me that the lady was the wife of Bob Boone (Angels' catcher at the time). [Who would the son have been?]. Anyway they had told him of this terrific place to eat where the team members frequented...and we ended up at Belisle's for supper. I still have pictures of the meal, the pies, etc and will never forget the pink stucco exterior and the fantastic memory!

Gary S. said...

I also worked at both of Harveys places, Goldstreet and Belisles restaurant. I started as busboy and later a breakfast cook. I also made a ton of strawberry pies. On weekends I worked the coke bar at Gold Street. I also lived upstairs at the club. Great memories. I am now 68 living in Indiana. I Would like to hear from others from there. Gshanabarger@hotmail.com

Cleve said...

oh my god i loved belisles... I've only been there once when i was a kid, but i never forgot about that place there is definatly no restaurant today that can match belisles for quantity and quality of food... what a great place to bad it's gone.. maybe if i win the lotto i will start a restaurabnt like belisles.. lol

Anonymous said...

I remember Belisle's we would drive by it all the time on the way to a big store called White Front. 1963-? I remember a very sweet little waitress from the 1986 or so named Susan Hopkins, wow was she a hard worker she worked there and Bob's Big boy across the street, she saved her money and bought herself a condo not to far from there. all the nice people that we met gosh do those nice people still exist?. what fantastic memories..to bad the city took the restaurant in such an awful way. shame on you Garden Grove city.

Anonymous said...

When I was attending UC Irvine in the 80s somebody said to go to Belisles if I ever got hungry - I did, and I never forgot the experience! Their giant breakfast was a sight to behold, no way you'd ever finish it by yourself, so my friends and I would dig in and there'd still be food left over!

Since we're remembering restaurants that are no more, I miss the Parisol restaurant on Seal Beach Blvd., it wasn't as grand as Belisles' place but it was closer to where I lived and another spot that closed before it's time. If there's a lesson to be learned from all of this, then I suspect it's to visit and patronize places you like now because at sometime in the future they won't be there, alas.

Vickie said...

my mom, Emma worked the graveyard shift there for 22 years and is in the book... she was heartbroken when they tore the place down. She waited on many of the imagineers from Disneyland when it was being built including Walt Disney himself!

Anonymous said...

Does anyone remember the slogan, '5 out of 4 ea here'?

Matthew.Cibellis@gmail.com said...

Absolutely remember the sign, "5 out of 4 eat here." I remember the day me and my friend Randy played hookey from Garden Grove High and came here for lunch. We ate our first Southern Fried Steaks here. The portions were ridiculous, the gravy was plentiful, and we ate everything. We were in high school after all...and to think...we sucked it down with milk.

Anonymous said...

Great memories of an iconic place. We lived in OC in the mid 1970s and after I was on call, my wife and I and anyone else who wanted to go would invade Belisle for huge breakfasts. JB

camaroman said...

Bellisles were 2 could eat one meal and be stuffed there eclares were the best 4.50 in 1989

Anonymous said...

I USED TO WORK THERE WHEN I WAS 10 YEARS OLD, WEARING A CHEFS OUTFIT AND WAVING AT CARS.

Anonymous said...

I lived near Bellisles, went there a lot after night clubbing and on Sundays! Lived in Anaheim early '80's across the street lived one of the chefs, big burley guy, rode a big ass Harley!! Not sure if he was related, really nice guy! Really really too bad they tore the place down, grew up on Orange County, everyone knew of Bellisles !! Glad I had the opportunity to enjoy the place!! Forgot, my first Beef(French) Dip was there, my God was sooo huge! I still compare those of today , no comparison !!

Anonymous said...

I, like Trish, started going to Goldstreet in 1966 where Mr. Belisle' son Gerald played with his band. It was an 18 and older club which served colas and cherry coke was my favorite. We loved to get up and dance before the band started their set to the sultry jazzy tunes being played. I can't remember the name of the band, but they were great. Did they have a hit with something "Blue" in the title? (This place turned into Pinnacle Pete's)

Later we'd go to Belisle's for the food and to people watch. I was one of the first girls to wear mini skirts, and loved them, the more glittery and silvery the better. Remember "baby dolls"? And "stacked heels" and "switches and wiglets" Fun times...

Anonymous said...

Oh, I remember too that this restaurant was going to change owners or did so before it was torn down. We ate there the last year it was still standing and the energy within the restaurant wasn't as lively as before.
We went there for years after going to dance places (St. George and the Dragon; Big Daddy's; the Playboy Club, etc.) as well as music concerts. You knew you would find the place open and it was always hopping. Noisy, crazy and fun with great food.

Anonymous said...

So sad to hear it's gone, but grateful for the memories. My husband and I lived about 5 min. away in Garden Grove in the mid 60's. When the nights were hot and we couldn't sleep we'd head over to Belisles at 2 or 3 AM for an early breakfast. Steak and eggs fit for a king. I once ordered a fruit salad for lunch. It was served in a half watermelon filled to the brim. And not one of these little puny things they sell today. The things that are done in the name of progress! What a waste.

maddoginthefog said...

Visiting my home of Orange County for the first time
in decades and I am very sad to learn that Belisle's is no more. I remember fondly the "Welcoming Chef" standing out front, waving a spatula. And the food! Oh, my, the 8-layer Dagwood sandwich (does anybody remember Dagwood sandwiches? I don't think current readers of Blondie are familiar with the term...). And of course, the Picnic Platter. A bit of everything that was on the restaurant's enormous "Daily Special's" page.
Along with Arnold's Farmhouse, two of America's best restaurants have "left the country."

Anonymous said...

I'm a Cali Boy born and raised in California, and Harbor and garden grove blvd was one of the intersections I use to frequent with my mom. My grandpa use to have a gas station about 2 or 3 blocks away from Belisles. We knew the owner. Another classic place that use to be there was Yogi's Arcade loved that place growing up.

Anonymous said...

I will never forget my experience in Bellisles. My mom wanted to wow me and boy...did she ever! I have never seen a restaurant like this before or since. Am so sorry it closed down but the owners left a mark on their customers, never to be forgotten. God bless them!

Anonymous said...

Very sad. The closing. Loved it there. Will never forget it. Never.

Anonymous said...

Such great old memories as we lived down the street from Belisle's, that was in 1976. We moved to Cali from OR, so Belisle's was really a hip California dream to us. Now we live in Carmel, where restaurants close at 10 pm.

Anonymous said...

I was very sad to hear of Belisle's closing. It had a charm that no modern establishment has. The food was delicious and the portions enormous. It was a larger than life place. I hope that someone in the family will revive the restaurant, as I would certainly support it. What a treasure it was. The city of GG should be ashamed of ruining this.

Will Zeilinger said...

I loved that place, but the food was just TOO big for one person. We'd bring non-OC visitors there but I would first ask them "Are you really hungry?" The farm breakfast was huge, one pecan roll took a whole dinner plate - even the Claimjumper can't compare!

Geese said...

Belisle's was the BOMB DIGGITY DO!when I was a kid (living in Anaheim) my parents always had us at Disneyland and we wouldn't eat there all day so we could go to Belisle's after!!! Then high school came around and yup we all knew about the place and would go there breakfast lunch dinner whenever. Adult time meant bar time dance all night and when the clubs closed me and my friends boom head to Belisle's always open always awesome food great staff!!! Last time I was in town I took my (new) family to Disneyland and was so bummed out it was gone...I had hoped it moved somewhere because Id find it. Best food ever and to think Garbage Grove wanted to do improvements hmmm how many 50's diners (Ruby Tuesdays for example) are back in the swing right now??? The Pink Palace (as we called it) was an ICON people!!! Loved it there

Lisa said...

I was one of the dancers at The Playgirl Club for years and we always went there for breakfast afterwards. The portions were unbelievable and the all of the food was delicious! So sorry to hear that it was torn down. Had so very many memories from there. Remember one time had a fight with my boyfriend and we were sitting at different tables. Sent all of the jewelry he had given me back in a napkin that I gave to the waitress. Well he later left the table and when we made up a few days later I asked him about the jewelry and he had never opened the napkin and the whole thing had been thrown away! Have never given back a piece of jewelry since! But back to Belisle's, best food ever. Especially after a long night of working and dancing!

Rico said...

I went to Belisle's in the late 80s and early 90s until it closed. The meatloaf with sage dressing and gravy was incredible. And, as others mentioned, the portions were huge. I truly miss that place. Such amazing short-sidedness on the part of the Garden Grove Redevelopment Agency.

Kevin Fleming said...

After all these wonderful nostalgic memories, what can I add? I just want to be counted in as a fan of Belisle's as well. I moved from Long Beach to Anaheim and Santa Ana in the mid-1980s and was told I had to eat at Belisle's. So my friend and I and my cousin went there one Sunday morning and boy did they put out a mammoth plate of food!! It was something like an 8-egg omelette plus all the trimmings. Took much of it home. That day it was crowded and I think those in the know continued to go to Belisle's to the end. Sadly, Belisle's and everything else mom-and-pop in this area of Garden Grove and all around Disneyland went to the wrecking ball as the cities planned to genericize everything. Out went the Googie space-age signs on the motels around Disneyland and chain everything took over the empty spaces. It's taken a bit longer, but even along the Beach Blvd. entertainment corridor, things chain are slowly replacing the old mom-and-pop. I wonder how much longer the Covered Wagon motel near Knott's will last. And now that the venerable Movieland Wax Museum building is being demolished, what will happen to their iconic sign that was inspired by the Stardust Hotel's sign in Las Vegas. And let's not forget that the city of Anaheim, in all their forward-thinking glory in the '70s, razed their entire downtown, which was bigger than Santa Ana's and replaced it with cookie-cutter generic suburban sprawl.

Maree, grew up in Huntington Beach said...

I remember the great slogans that were "soaped" on the windows. My favorite was, "Are you a liver lover smothered in onions?" Never failed to make me smile!

Unknown said...

My sister and I worked at the Grand Hotel in the Off Broadway West nightclub and would go to eat late breakfast. We loved their breakfast with LARGE EGGS!

Anonymous said...

wow so many changes in the "OC" some good....but mostly bad.....

Debbie said...

I went there as a kid. We would go there for breakfast before we headed out for a trip at Lake Havasu. The breakfast was very large and what I remember most was the huge bowl of delicious biscuits and gravy. It is a shame that they tore it down. Another great restaurant that I love to go to down the street was also family owned Los Sanchez.

Unknown said...

I grew up in Anaheim watched them build Disneyland, mom worked at Belisles in the early 60,s.also worked at the old clock restaurant on harbor and ball rd.went to Belisles late 80,s coffee was like 3 bucks .

John said...

The days of the Mom and Pop shop with home cooked vittles are extinct, in favor of corporate greed. Belisle's was truly one of the best SoCal eateries offered in the day!

Unknown said...

Hi Everyone. My name was Renee Hoffman at the time. (now Renee Day). It was 1969 ( I was 19) and hung out with my friends in the evenings at Belisles for coffee. We'd take up the whole counter and be there pretty late. I got to know Harvey, his kids Carmen who was a waitress, Harry a waiter (whom she later married) Annette a younger sister we called Annettie-spaghetti, Paul a younger brother who I took to painting classes at Yelland art Studio, and Nelson an older brother. i also remember Marge and I think his name was Duane the cook. One day Harvey just showed up at my apartment on Ball Road in Anaheim. I remember I was so surprised that he even knew where I lived. He asked me to come to work for him. I was really good at drawing people and he talked about me sitting out front to do quick caricatures of people coming to eat there. He started me out busing tables and painting some sayings on the windows like ' walnettos 10c Each or 2 for 25c' and other crazy stuff. Shortly there after my room mate Dede Naranjo and I were hired to skate on metal roller skates up and down the front sides of the building wearing these red with white polka dot little girls pinafore tops with bloomers that Harvey's wife Charlotte custom made for us. What a site we were roller skating with these huge swirl lollie pop suckers waving at people! We even got creative and roller skated across the crosswalk and up the center divider handing out suckers to the drivers in the left turn lane! On Friday nights sometimes the police sitting at the intersection would shine their spotlights on us and we would both curtesy. Eventually Harvey put up a swing for me on top of the roof attached to the Belisle sign and I swang on it over the restaurant. One of the Belisle family has a video taken from across the street of me on the swing that I never got to see. That lasted until a Garden Grove cop actually ran the light at Chapman and Harbor. Harvey was told I had to come down. I have a lifetime of fond memories at that place that I will never forget. I would love to make contact with any of the Belisle children who remember me. I live in Laguna Beach.

Unknown said...

It was one of my dreams to go to that restaurant after I met the family at our Belisle reunion in New Westminster, BC in the 70s. However, I never got to California and now it is closed. It was fun reading these comments, and seeing how the restaurant was appreciated by their customers.

Schwarte said...

I’m an Iowa boy. I ate at Belisles when I was 13, I am now 40. I never forgot that place even remembered it more then Disneyland. I am in Anaheim now and was hoping to take my kids there to experience the homey welcome feeling of that great place. I was very saddened to hear it was torn down. Too many real hometown home grown restaurants are being torn down to make room for million $ Corp chains. Sad..

D. Donze said...

I was recently cleaning out a closet at my home in Baton Rouge and found a business card for Belisle's that I got on my only visit to the L.A. area in 1990. That led me to a Google search that landed me to this site. So sad to hear the news on how it went away, I remember it fondly as the two best meals I had on that trip, for both the food and the atmosphere (which is why I took the card in the first place).

Unknown said...

Awwwwww..... My Daddy was a cook there for many years ! RIH Tiny/Jr ! Harvey was very good to our family. Loved the food, late nite dining
And of course the “pink building” . I could go on and on about Belisle’s.

Kris said...

I remember this place as the place for giant servings. The Coke glasses were huge and the straws had to match that tall glass. I remember where they had the pies circling inside a glass container and were massive. My dad told me it was a favorite place for football players recuse of the mammoth portions, and I'm not unsure he was talking Rams. It's been a few years. I went searching and I am so glad that this is what I found. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

This was a must stop by when visiting Disneyland. Gigantic servings at a reasonable price and great taste. Really miss this place and the giant omelets and huge pastries. So sad its gone. :(

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to read that this fantastic place is gone (but certainly not forgotten). Back in the 80's I worked for a very large computer company and would often have to travel from the east coast out to the Anaheim area. I was introduced to Belisle by some local folks and could not believe the friendly environment, the size of the portions and the great taste of the food. Being from back east (Massachusetts) and a meatloaf lover my first time eating there this was my meal of choice. FANTASTIC and enough food for two more meals. The pies were tremendous and the prices for the quality and quantity could not be beat. I traveled back there several times and always would make sure to visit and enjoy Belisle's. Like all good (NO GREAT) things- They must come to an end. Corporate America and other considerations ruined our company and it to was lost as was my job when our company closed. Belisle's fell in the same path and it appears more so to greedy politicians. I was hoping this place was still there because I told my wife after my first and many visits that one day I would like to return with her so she could sample the strawberry pie. I am sorry to see it gone and many fond memories gone with it.

Unknown said...

Oh, how I miss Belisle's. Last time I was there was in the late 80's. It's a crime that they tore down what was arguably the best breakfast place in the Disneyland area to eventually install a bunch of one-step-above-fast-food franchised disappointment factories. Belisle's served great food at great prices and lots of it. I remember a pile of eggs and about a half pound of bacon and hash browns for lunch the last time I was there. I think it cost about $7

Unknown said...

My second job and practally my second family and home..grew up in that place..harvey and charlotte carmen harry and sara nelson..jason,john,alan,diana,..and so many wonderful friends i was so fotunate to meet and know through many years..one of the most important chapters of my life..never ever will forget this wonderful place..better than Disneyland.

Unknown said...

I remember young boys wearing fake mustaches outside waving as well. I was one of those boys. Years later I went to Harvey when I was homeless and had nothing he always gave me something to do and put some money in my pocket God bless Harvey!

Unknown said...

Belisles was the bomb! My family would wait in line on Sundays after church to eat here. We lived in Santa Ana, I went to Melodyland HS across from Disneyland and Belisles was where we always ended up. The last time I ate there was 1979. The chicken fried steak and gravy was the best I compare all others to but nothing compared to their strawberry pie. My mom preferred the rhubarb pie, which was how I found this site trying to explain it to my husband who never had the pleasure of enjoying the food, atmosphere and great people who ran the place. So sad to learn it was torn down. I have many delicious memories of Belisle's.

Raymar said...

I'm a former GG resident. Whet to Belisle's in 1971 on a recommendation from a friend, although I had passed it many times- can't miss seeing it because of the pepto colored exterior. They had a huge hand painted strawberry pie on front window- and strawberries the size of golf balls in their pies. There was a strawberry farm right across the street. There are many comments about the size of the food portions, and its true. But, I want to stress the quality and excellent taste of the food. I so loved Belisles, that when I moved to Phoenix, I brought my Az fiance to GG JUST TO eat there (14 hour round trip). I've been to almost every state, most of Europe, China, Canada- Belisle's is still my single favorite restuarant. God bless the Belisle family for giving me such great memories.

John L said...

Ha, I grew up two blocks away, off Chapman and West. I remember my parents, staunch conservatives, wouldn't go there. Something about Belisle's politics, or something. Every time we passed there, they had something negative to say about the guy. In 15 years growing up there, we never went in. Pity. (I do remember going to a fish and chowder place just north of there on Harbor).

Unknown said...

I remember going to Gold Street with my friends on the weekends... and danced the night away. Loved it.

I moved away in 1969 and have wondered what happened to Gold Street. Where was it located and when did it close? Does anyone have any pictures?

Melinda Pidgeon said...

Best restaurant in California! Loved their food. Wish I had the recipe for their teriyaki flank steak...it melted in your mouth! I'm drooling just thinking about it.