Step Inside the Googie Masterpiece Johnie’s Coffee Shop Thanks to Artist Gary Baseman

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Every time I would visit the Petersen Automotive Museum or the Academy Museum I would gaze longingly at Johnie’s Coffee Shop. The red, white, and blue Googie masterpiece has sat empty since 2000, and I longed to step inside. Well, I finally got that chance, thanks to artist Gary Baseman.

Angled view of Johnie's Coffee Shop, a blue and stripe butterfly roof hangs low, with red letters reading "Johnie's Coffee Shop and Restaurant"

Close-up of the neon letters spelling out "Johnie's Coffee Shop Restaurant"

Poster for Baseman's gallery, reading "Off the Menu" and features many of his characters.

Rows of booths line windows on the right, with a large plush black cat sitting in one booth, to the left, orange bar stools line the counter.

Close-up of the red "coffee" neon.

Baseman was born in LA of Holocaust survivors, and grew up in the Fairfax neighborhood, where his mother working at the iconic Canter’s Deli. Even as a child he would doodle while watching cartoons of the 1960s and 70s, eventually leading to a career as a full time artist, including animation like Disney’s Teacher’s Pet. In addition to his own work he has collaborated with Coach, Mattel, and many more. While out dining, Baseman would find himself drawing on menus, and later challenged himself to create a full work of art on the menus, all by the time he was done with his meal. It is this collection of original works, along with prints from his sketchbook, that are now on display at Johnie’s Coffee Shop.

One of Baseman's works, this one features features two black cats looking at a newspaper.

One of Baseman's works, this one features Snow White, the evil queen in her hag form, a black cat, and Rat Fink dining together.

Vintage kitchen equipment still sits behind the counter.

Wide view of the dog mural, which features various dog breeds dressed in fancy clothes at a bar.

One of Baseman's works, this one features a dark haired woman dining with a black cat, in the background is Yogi Bear, and hanging on the wall are stuffed mounts of various animals.

One of Baseman's works, this one features a wolf at a bar next to a redhead, and a black cat dines with a white cat.

A wood door reads "employees only" and sits in a turquoise painted wall.

One of Baseman's works, this one features a black cat and a dark haired woman walking in front of Langer's Deli.

A collection of Baseman works hanging on a pink wall.

One of Baseman's works, this one features a dark haired woman seated in a round booth with a black cat.

Orange bar stools with backs sit empty at the old counter.

Close-up of the vintage register at the corner of the L-shaped counter.

Close-up of a decorative piece hung on a rock wall.

Close-up of the dog mural painted inside Johnie's. It feature various breeds of dogs leaning at a counter in fancy attire.

One of Baseman's works, this one features a black at holding a pink box at the register of Canter's Deli, a redhead with a beehive hairdo is behind the counter.

One of Baseman's works, this one features features multiple wolves and Little Red Riding Hood dining together.

View towards the massive dog mural.

One of Baseman's works, this one features a pair of black cats working at In n Out.

Close-up of a large stuffed black cat in Baseman's style, sitting at one of the booths.

Wide view of the dog mural, which features various dog breeds dressed in fancy clothes at a bar.

One of Baseman's works, this one features various people, and a black cat dining at Chateau Marmont.

Close-up of a light fixture hanging on a wood panel against a rock wall.

One of Baseman's works, this one features a group of colorful characters watching at movie at Hollywood Forever cemetery.

One of Baseman's works, this one features a collection of characters dining at Musso and Frank.

Wide view of the dog mural, which features various dog breeds dressed in fancy clothes at a bar.

Rows of booths line windows on the right, with a large plush black cat sitting in one booth, to the left, orange bar stools line the counter.

Johnie’s originally opened in 1956 as Romeo’s Times Square, and designed by the legendary architecture firm Armet and Davis. In 1966 it became Johnie’s. Eventually the classic diner began appearing in movies, including 90s classics such as American History X, The Big Lebowski, and Reservoir Dogs, but by 2000 the owners decided to shutter the diner. That same year it made a brief appearance one of my faves, the remake of Gone in 60 Seconds with Nicolas Cage. After closing, it turned into a venue of sorts, mostly for filming. However in 2016 and 2020 it served as one of Bernie Sanders’ campaign HQs.

Angled view of the front of Johnie's Coffee Shop, a blue and stripe butterfly roof hangs low, with red letters reading "Johnie's Coffee Shop and Restaurant"

Close-up of the neon letters spelling out "Johnie's Coffee Shop Restaurant"

A large colorful mural of Bernie Sanders in the high windows of Johnie's.

Close-up of the large J and O neon letters.

Angled view of Johnie's Coffee Shop, a blue and stripe butterfly roof hangs low, with red letters reading "Johnie's Coffee Shop and Restaurant"

You can view (and purchase if you have the dough!) Baseman’s amazing work now through June 14, Thursdays through Sundays, noon to 7 pm, at Johnie’s Coffee Shop at 6101 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Please note that hours are subject to change, so it’s best to check his website before you visit!

What’s Nearby?

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

El Coyote Cafe

La Brea Tar Pits

Petersen Automotive Museum

Sources
Garrora, Robert. “This artist doodled on 40 famous LA restaurant menus. See them at Johnie’s Coffee Shop.” LAist, 6 May 2026.
“Johnie’s Coffee Shop” Los Angeles Conservancy.
Nichols, Chris. “Artist Gary Baseman Reactivates Johnie’s Coffee Shop.” Los Angeles Magazine, 8 May 2026.

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2 comments on “Step Inside the Googie Masterpiece Johnie’s Coffee Shop Thanks to Artist Gary Baseman”

  1. Hi! It was great to meet you and Patrick at the Orpheum on Saturday. I always enjoy your website write-ups.

    Reply