tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post5042095308564179372..comments2024-03-15T13:51:03.427-07:00Comments on O.C. History Roundup: Belisle's Restaurant, Garden Grove (1955-1998)Chris Jepsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00207321906121901004noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-62105976489221670132020-07-28T23:34:24.898-07:002020-07-28T23:34:24.898-07:00Best restaurant in California! Loved their food. W...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.Melinda Pidgeonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06917724429190306987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-76903736988492491252020-07-21T12:18:10.345-07:002020-07-21T12:18:10.345-07:00I remember going to Gold Street with my friends on...I remember going to Gold Street with my friends on the weekends... and danced the night away. Loved it. <br /><br />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?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01034311668683214540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-24728846591603510322020-07-08T21:41:20.171-07:002020-07-08T21:41:20.171-07:00Ha, I grew up two blocks away, off Chapman and Wes...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). John Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05642239691210008441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-81799159967571724532020-06-05T18:31:24.431-07:002020-06-05T18:31:24.431-07:00I'm a former GG resident. Whet to Belisle'...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. Raymarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-74558672774225234862020-04-16T01:45:34.627-07:002020-04-16T01:45:34.627-07:00Belisles was the bomb! My family would wait in lin...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.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05659830478108390943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-46993316257105875052020-04-03T01:29:47.116-07:002020-04-03T01:29:47.116-07:00I remember young boys wearing fake mustaches outsi...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!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07911958279046093431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-10751309675173328432019-10-26T16:05:03.118-07:002019-10-26T16:05:03.118-07:00My second job and practally my second family and h...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.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04070002092313493679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-17299409191278722142019-10-19T08:23:02.783-07:002019-10-19T08:23:02.783-07:00Oh, how I miss Belisle's. Last time I was ther...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 $7Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04038290403033224272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-7100752687573810222019-09-09T13:16:01.232-07:002019-09-09T13:16:01.232-07:00I am sorry to read that this fantastic place is go...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.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-60789544079335140982019-08-26T15:48:49.174-07:002019-08-26T15:48:49.174-07:00This was a must stop by when visiting Disneyland. ...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. :(Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-11226212706512696172019-02-07T10:43:19.589-08:002019-02-07T10:43:19.589-08:00I remember this place as the place for giant servi...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.Krisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-66945494468855831502019-01-29T04:09:45.129-08:002019-01-29T04:09:45.129-08:00Awwwwww..... My Daddy was a cook there for many ye...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 <br />And of course the “pink building” . I could go on and on about Belisle’s.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08330071491528216620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-80527841261278681472018-08-12T06:42:47.721-07:002018-08-12T06:42:47.721-07:00I was recently cleaning out a closet at my home in...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).D. Donzenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-10264912075125104142018-08-07T22:07:46.941-07:002018-08-07T22:07:46.941-07:00I’m an Iowa boy. I ate at Belisles when I was 13, ...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..Schwartehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12396605575702413112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-66630640782571663342018-07-29T13:04:39.921-07:002018-07-29T13:04:39.921-07:00It was one of my dreams to go to that restaurant a...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.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302231075863716773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-28650592157495085162018-07-29T12:27:44.328-07:002018-07-29T12:27:44.328-07:00Hi Everyone. My name was Renee Hoffman at the time...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.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03053341434855736985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-51398051123557654362018-01-01T08:19:55.461-08:002018-01-01T08:19:55.461-08:00The days of the Mom and Pop shop with home cooked ...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!Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-9292088101492587672017-06-24T09:18:14.354-07:002017-06-24T09:18:14.354-07:00I grew up in Anaheim watched them build Disneyland...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 .Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09233886905081692361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-31114140974924524512017-04-29T10:24:49.160-07:002017-04-29T10:24:49.160-07:00I went there as a kid. We would go there for break...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.Debbie https://www.blogger.com/profile/00328196372801904122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-14977811986920812972017-02-11T13:40:21.347-08:002017-02-11T13:40:21.347-08:00wow so many changes in the "OC" some goo...wow so many changes in the "OC" some good....but mostly bad.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-22254874838013909872017-02-04T13:13:06.053-08:002017-02-04T13:13:06.053-08:00My sister and I worked at the Grand Hotel in the O...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! <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14273859708327663828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-87314583088986934092016-11-02T19:14:33.854-07:002016-11-02T19:14:33.854-07:00I remember the great slogans that were "soape...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!Maree, grew up in Huntington Beachnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-3407163700554752052016-04-23T11:41:05.791-07:002016-04-23T11:41:05.791-07:00After all these wonderful nostalgic memories, what...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.<br />Kevin Flemingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-20022425040554193572016-03-12T17:23:32.366-08:002016-03-12T17:23:32.366-08:00I went to Belisle's in the late 80s and early ...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.Riconoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-20208205141369719822015-08-23T21:52:12.041-07:002015-08-23T21:52:12.041-07:00I was one of the dancers at The Playgirl Club for ...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!Lisanoreply@blogger.com