Next to Paramount Studios on Melrose, Astroburger’s iconic big blue star is a beacon for hungry Angelenos hung outside and ’50s-style silver stools and booths. Boasting a huge menu– so large that it puts some restaurants to shame –shows an amazing selection of vegetarian food, along with just as many items for meat-loving patrons. The iconic logo reflects its location in Hollywood surrounded by studios and the Greek tradition of the restaurant’s founder Cosmos Kapantzos, “Astro” is the Greek word for “star.”
Offering an impressive variety of sandwiches, salads, greek food, and desserts, this local institution established in 1972, draws customers from all parts of Los Angeles, due to its varied menu with many vegetarian and health-conscious options… there’s something for everyone. Astro’s Double burger with bacon, pastrami, and fried chicken sandwiches along with their handspun milkshakes are the hottest selling orders right now.
In 1977 Emmanuel Pelargos joined Kapantzos co-owning and running the restaurant. This year, he celebrates his 50th year at Astroburger. Now the sole owner after Kapantzos retired, Pelargos, keeps busy running the day-to-day of the restaurant while also handling the back office and staying involved with local events here in the Larchmont area and supporting community non-profits like the Wilshire Rotary with generous donations to support local fundraisers.
Preparation is important when talking about running the restaurant, explained Pelargos.
“It’s a lot of work, it takes time to think of interesting specials and get them up on the board, and we have new menu specials every day,” said Pelargos.
One of those specials has become a staple of the menu. According to Pelargos, it was Astro Burger that introduced Los Angeles to the Gardenburger back in 1986 and it’s been on the menu ever since.
But, back then there was a lot of skepticism.
“Not many in the area were vegetarians, so people didn’t know what the Gardenburger was,” Pelargos told the Buzz. In the beginning, the restaurant had to give it away, they handed out bite-sized portions to customers, and neighbors passing by.
“Soon the Gardenburger was a hit with lines out the door and 40 years later it’s still one of our most popular,” said Pelargos.
Astroburger is a favorite of celebrities and executives in the area, due to the proximity to studios like Paramount. The restaurant is also a reliable staple for meals between meetings, red carpets, and award shows. Astro Burger is often a stopover for a quick bite during the Oscars and other galas.
Offering convenient and fast service, yet wholesome ingredients, serving A-listers like Henry Winkler and Drew Barrymore for decades. Pelargos recalled that one of the highlights of his long career has been watching Barrymore grow up.
Astro Burger is still the joint that brings diners from everywhere to sample one of the largest, healthiest “fast casual” and “fast food” places in LA. Independently owned and operated fast casual restaurant offering flame-grilled, fresh, never-frozen, burgers and more!
Open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-10 pm and Sunday from 9 a.m.- 10 pm. For more information, visit astroburger.com.
