| I have recently taken up two new sports:
roller skating and ankle spraining, in that order. I am getting quite good at both. –Miles Kington |
Skate back in time, with a music and food upgrade
Moonlight Rollerway
A trip to the Moonlight Rollerway, is nothing short of a trip down memory lane. They've got all the elements that made the skating halls of yore the place to be on a Saturday night, including the junk food haven of the concession stand, the arcade games and, of course, the ring decorated with dayglow stars and moons policed by a friendly skate referee (no hanging on the walls!). They also have the assortment of oddly excellent roller skaters (essential for true roller rink Brigadoons) who seem like they've been rolling round and round under the disco ball since 1979 while decades and skating fashions passed them by.
What you might not have grown up with was Dominic and his live organ stylings, which on Tuesday nights shoot the whole experience into the nostalgia stratosphere (If it's Eighties music you're after, Thursday is the night for you). His cheerful renditions of oldies and pop hits will have you smiling as you glide by.
Tip: If you are feeling a little rusty come early for the beginners lesson so you don't embarrass yourself during the couples skate. If you must bring your inline skates (and ruin the whole trip back in time illusion) you are welcome to do so.
| Cost | $7.00 for the skate, $11.00 for beginner's class plus skate, skate rental $3.50. |
| Location | 5110 San Fernando Road
Glendale, CA 91204 view map |
| Hours | Old time live organ music, Tuesday nights from 8:00pm–10:30pm (Beginner's class 7:00pm-8:00pm)
Check the website for the schedule for the rest of the week. |
| Website | http://www.moonlightrollerway.com/ |
| Telephone | (818) 241-3630 |
| Parking | Lot or street |
The Oinkster
If you feel the concessions at the rollerway are better left on memory lane, keep the nostalgic mood going without sacrificing your adult tastes and get a slow food upgrade on your old fast food favorites.
Housed in an old fast food joint, The Oinkster has all your greasy spoon favorites, but the ingredients and the preparation involved produce a product on a whole other level. From their own home-cured pastrami, served with gruyere, carmelized onions and fresh cut cole slaw, to the Nebraska Angus beef burgers, everything is carefully considered and WBTM (way better than McDonalds). Those who have outgrown fast food altogether will appreciate the roast chicken and dinner salad offerings.
They also have a beer and wine license, so you can revisit the world of your youth, without leaving the perks of adulthood behind. We think the patio dining area is a great place to share one of the artisinal beers served in bottles or on tap, or perhaps after a few hours of roller-rink high jinks, you'll prefer to wind down with a bottle from their excellent wine list.
Tip: The pastrami really is a must and portions are generous. One sandwich with a side of Belgian fries–dipped in homemade chipotle aioli (and perhaps a few cupcakes and malteds to boot) is ample food for two.
| Price range | $$ |
| Location | 2005 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock, CA 90041 view map |
| Hours | Mon–Thurs: 11am–10pm
Fri–Sat: 11am–11pm Sun: 11am–9pm |
| Website | http://www.oinkster.com/ |
| Telephone | (323) 255-OINK |
| Parking | Lot and street |
| Type of Cuisine | Slow Fast Food |
| Outdoor seating | Yes |
| Payment | major credit cards accepted |
| Dress code | casual |
$ Thrifty, under $10
$$ Middle of the Road, $11 - $30
$$$ Gettin' up there, $31 - $60
$$$$ Go baby go, $61-100
$$$$$ Big spender, over $100.