A Century of Glamour: The Stars, Stories, and Ghosts of Musso & Frank Grill

When it comes to Hollywood’s legendary hangouts, few places are as iconic as Musso & Frank Grill. Since opening its doors in 1919, Musso & Frank has been the ultimate spot for industry insiders—actors, writers, and filmmakers—who helped shape the history of film and literature. This restaurant, with its rich leather booths and timeless charm, has witnessed countless deals, creative brainstorms, and even a few ghostly encounters. Let’s explore the history, famous patrons, and eerie tales that make Musso & Frank a living piece of Hollywood’s past.

The Beginnings of Musso & Frank Grill

Musso & Frank Grill opened at the dawn of Hollywood’s Golden Age, right as the film industry was booming. Founded by Joseph Musso and Frank Toulet, the restaurant quickly became a hotspot for Hollywood’s elite. It wasn’t just a place to eat; it was where stars and filmmakers went to see and be seen, close deals, and enjoy a sense of privacy away from the flashing lights of the paparazzi. In 1927, the restaurant was taken over by new owners, Joseph Carissimi and John Mosso, who helped build it into the institution we know today.

Musso & Frank’s commitment to tradition is one of the things that has kept it alive for over a century. Its classic menu, featuring dishes like steak, lobster Thermidor, and their famous flannel cakes, has remained largely unchanged. Stepping into Musso & Frank is like stepping back in time, and the restaurant’s old-world charm continues to captivate its patrons.

The Legends of Musso & Frank: Hollywood’s Favorite Hideaway

Throughout its history, Musso & Frank Grill has served as a second home for some of Hollywood’s most famous names. Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, Marilyn Monroe, and Humphrey Bogart were all regulars at the restaurant, with many of them sitting in the same booths time and again. In fact, Charlie Chaplin was so loyal to Musso & Frank that he insisted on dining there after his daily sword-fighting lessons with fellow actor Douglas Fairbanks.

But it wasn’t just actors who flocked to Musso & Frank. Writers—some of the greatest in American history—frequented the restaurant, making it the unofficial meeting spot for Hollywood’s literary elite. Legendary authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner, and Raymond Chandler were often seen sipping martinis and working on their screenplays at the bar. Raymond Chandler even included Musso & Frank in his novels, cementing its place in literary and Hollywood history.

The restaurant’s timeless appeal drew not only the stars of yesteryear but also modern-day icons. Quentin Tarantino, known for his love of classic Hollywood, featured Musso & Frank prominently in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, further solidifying its status as a cultural landmark. To this day, it remains a favorite among filmmakers, actors, and writers looking for a slice of Old Hollywood.

Ghosts of Musso & Frank: Spirits of Hollywood’s Past

As with many landmarks in Hollywood, Musso & Frank is rumored to have its fair share of ghostly visitors. While it’s not as famously haunted as some other locations, there are whispers that the spirits of old Hollywood stars and writers linger here long after closing time.

Some say that the booth where F. Scott Fitzgerald often sat still carries a strange energy, as if the writer’s spirit remains tethered to his favorite spot. Waitstaff have reported feeling unexplained chills in the back corners of the restaurant, especially near booths once occupied by the likes of Raymond Chandler and William Faulkner. Whether it’s the residual energy of creative geniuses hard at work or the spirits of those who never left, Musso & Frank certainly feels like it’s alive with history.

There’s also a long-standing rumor that Charlie Chaplin’s ghost occasionally makes an appearance, strolling past the bar or lingering in the dining room, perhaps drawn by his fond memories of the place. Though not everyone claims to have seen the famed actor’s apparition, many feel that the restaurant’s deep connection to its patrons—both living and departed—makes these ghost stories all the more believable.

A Hollywood Institution

Musso & Frank Grill is more than just a restaurant—it’s a living piece of Hollywood’s golden history. From its classic décor to its storied patrons, the restaurant has been a part of the film industry’s most important moments. Movie deals were struck, screenplays were written, and legends dined here, leaving behind a legacy that is still felt today.

Despite the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood, Musso & Frank remains committed to its roots. The same recipes, the same red-leather booths, and the same old-fashioned service are just as you’d have found them in the 1920s. It’s a place where time stands still, and the spirit of Old Hollywood lives on, whether through its celebrity clientele, its history-rich menu, or even its ghostly patrons.

Final Thoughts

Musso & Frank Grill is not only the oldest restaurant in Hollywood, but it’s also one of the most beloved. From the movie stars who frequented its booths to the famous writers who turned their barstools into offices, this historic eatery continues to be a gathering place for Hollywood’s elite and a time capsule for anyone wanting to experience the magic of Old Hollywood. Whether you’re drawn by the history, the food, or the possibility of a ghostly encounter, Musso & Frank Grill is a must-visit for any lover of Hollywood’s past.