Castaway
The mecca of all Los Angeles patios, this unlikely Burbank spot had me spellbound as soon as I found it. You don’t have to be an LA local to be familiar with the infamous Hollywood Hills (The Hills starring Lauren Conrad anyone?) but you have to dig a little further to find Burbank’s Verdugo Hills. A quiet hilly neighborhood with nothing but homes and family neighborhoods around it, you’d never know this sprawling restaurant with island retreat vibes was hidden deep in the center of it. And for all the things Burbank is known for, a thriving cool restaurant scene has not been one of them. The small LA city may not be swimming in cool restaurants but Castaway has become an LA destination spot with its 180 views of the San Fernando Valley and beyond.
Opened in 1963, the restaurant doubles as a dining and bar space, as well as an events venue. And although some of the neighboring residential tenants don’t like the extra noise and traffic Castaway has brought it with it, it still has made itself a Burbank local staple. 30 successful years of whisking people up and away to enjoy a vacation, island-like experience, an arsonist fire devastatingly wiped out the entire restaurant in 1993. An article in the LA Times the summer after quotes the owner saying “I’d prefer not to believe it was an employee or a former employee (who started the fire). But you can never rule anything out” The fire resulted in more than $1 million in damage and although there was a $10,000 reward, the suspect was never caught.
After an impressive rise back to the top, the restaurant rebuilt to its former glory and was back up and running the following year. After two decades of recouping their losses, Castaway decided to undertake a 10 million dollar renovation, leaving the restaurant closed for 6 months in 2017 for the remodel. The Castaway of today is one of sleek interior design and patio space including a fireplace, secluded nooks, and luxe teak furniture. Full dining service is available on the patio for brunch, lunch, dinner, and a great looking happy hour menu.
Castaway
1250 E Harvard Rd
Burbank, CA 91501
Image via Land Creative