The Smoke House has welcomed generations of Burbank families through its doors for birthdays, anniversary dinners, first dates and some of life’s most meaningful gatherings, but on Monday, October 12, the restaurant celebrated its own milestone with an 80th anniversary party.
The entire restaurant closed for the private celebration, giving invited guests the opportunity to mingle throughout its rooms. Attendees were welcomed with glasses of champagne and custom cookies featuring The Smoke House logo. Staff circulated with trays of food, an open bar kept the toasts going, and a DJ provided music as longtime customers, friends, family and supporters gathered for pictures on the red carpet.
Among them was actor Clint Howard, who was born and raised in Burbank. Known to horror fans as Gregory Tudor in the 1995 film Ice Cream Man, Howard has also appeared in Apollo 13 and numerous other films and television shows. His connection to The Smoke House stretches back six decades.
“I’ve been coming here for 60 years, and it’s meant everything to me,” said Howard on stage as welcomed speaker on the stage. “We said goodbye to my dad here. My brother and his wife had their wedding rehearsal dinner here. There’s been umpteen gatherings, umpteen parties, and a few years ago, my beautiful wife Katty threw me a surprise birthday party.” His memories reflect the place The Smoke House holds in the lives of so many local families. A favorite table can carry memories of loved ones, celebrations and years of returning together.
The restaurant’s story began in 1946 at the corner of Pass Avenue and Riverside Drive. Founded by Lockheed employees Jack Monroe and Jim Stockton, along with silent partner Bill Storey, the original Smoke House seated just 46 people. Even then, its customers included Hollywood names such as Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.
As its popularity grew, The Smoke House moved to its current home at 4420 W. Lakeside Drive, across from Warner Bros. Studios, by the end of the 1940s. That proximity to the studios helped The Smoke House become a regular gathering spot for actors, filmmakers and executives. Its history includes visits from Judy Garland and Robert Redford, and a reputation for respecting its celebrity guests’ privacy.
The Smoke House has also appeared on screen, serving as a filming location for productions including La La Land, Argo and The Office. Its familiar interiors have become part of Hollywood’s stories as well as a place where the people making them come to eat.
And then there is the garlic cheese bread. The Smoke House credits chef John L. Sullivan with the recipe that became its signature. For many Burbank diners, a basket of that famous bread is as much a part of the occasion as the dinner itself, a familiar favorite shared across the table year after year.
During the event, owner Marti Spencer received certificates and recognitions from the Burbank City Council, the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office and Assemblymember Nick Schulz’s office. Burbank Mayor Tamala Takahashi attended alongside Councilmembers Zizette Mullins and Christopher Rizzotti to congratulate Spencer and honor the restaurant’s eight decades in the community.
On The Smoke House’s small, iconic stage, three members of The Satin Dollz performed throughout the evening. Their close vocal harmonies and vintage glamour suited the restaurant’s Old Hollywood atmosphere.
A custom neon sign created for the 80th anniversary now hangs on the stage. Guests posed for photos with it during the celebration, adding another keepsake to their own Smoke House memories.
