Old Place is a historic establishment located in the 📝Santa Monica, CA Mountains, originally operating as Hank’s Country Store and the Cornell Post Office before its transformation into a 🏷️#restaurant by Tom Runyon in the late 1960s. Known for its hearty American fare, the venue retains much of its original Western character, evoking the ambiance of a bygone era. The Old Place’s roots trace back to the Runyon family’s migration from New York and their pioneering days in Southern California. Tom Runyon, after serving in World War II and investing in Malibu land, saw an opportunity in the shuttered country store and gradually opened what would become a beloved gathering spot. The restaurant continues to serve as a unique landmark, offering a window into local history and the evolution of the Malibu coast.
Old Place has is a staple stopping point for 📝Los Angeles, CA county motorcycle riders cruising through the mountain twisties each weekend. There’s a certain sense of ritual and camaraderie as engines cool on the gravel and riders swap stories over coffee or a steak and eggs breakfast. For many, the weathered wooden walls and smoky hearth serve as both waypoint and sanctuary—a place where the road pauses and community comes into focus. The hum of old bikes and the scent of oak logs burning feel like an unspoken invitation to linger, reminding me how some spaces hold a memory that’s bigger than any one person’s story.