The Formosa Cafe

Hollywood History and Legacy

Established in 1939, The Formosa Cafe has been a staple for Hollywood elite, from Elvis Presley—who had his own booth and gifted a waitress a pink Cadillac—to Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, and Humphrey Bogart. Gangsters like Bugsy Siegel and Mickey Cohen used its backrooms for business, with a hidden safe discovered under the floor during renovations. Located across from The Lot studios (once Pickford-Fairbanks and Warner Hollywood), it drew stars seeking privacy away from paparazzi.

Iconic Atmosphere and Design

Step into a maximalist tribute to Chinese Hollywood with fluorescent lighting, jade and red hues, black-and-white headshots lining walls, and well-worn red booths. Multiple spaces include three bars, a spacious rooftop, and a repurposed trolley car for intimate group dining. The moody, romantic ambiance evokes old-school glamour, making it ideal for drinks, snacks, or full meals amid speakeasy Asian vibes.

Cuisine and Menu Highlights

The Chinese-American menu features refined takeout classics: bittersweet orange chicken with bitter peel tang, ginger-kissed crispy beef, rich crab rangoon dip with prawn crackers, juicy shumai, glazed wings, walnut shrimp, kung pao chicken, tofu lettuce wraps, chow fun, and brussels sprouts. Portions are shareable and filling, paired with poolside drinks like pineapple Mai Tais, green tea martinis, and the Pink Cadillac cocktail honoring Elvis.

Practical Details and Experience

Open daily from noon to 11pm or midnight, it's moderately priced with street or paid lot parking nearby. Service is generally attentive and warm, though occasionally slow during peaks. Rated 4.3/5 by hundreds, it's praised for atmosphere over food consistency, drawing locals, tourists, and groups for casual dinners, birthdays, or New Year's Eve celebrations.

Modern Revival

After a 2019 renovation and ownership change, The Formosa blends preserved history with updated appeal. Recent visitors rave about its romantic mood, excellent staff, and unique items like fried cauliflower and chocolate dumplings, cementing its status as a true LA treasure.