There were two Nickodell restaurants in Hollywood and this one, at 1600 Argyle and Selma, was across the street from the NBC and ABC studios.

It was a popular lunch and after-work hangout for performers and technicians, reflected in the illustrations on the front of this pink 1956 menu cover of cameras, microphones and a transmission tower. There’s also an illustration of the Hollywood Bowl… and a boxing match.

‘If You Haven’t Been to Nickodell You Haven’t Been To Hollywood,’ the menu boasted.

Nick Slavich, a Croatian immigrant, opened this restaurant and its more famous sister Nickodell, at 5511 Melrose Avenue, which was built into the side of Paramount Studios.

Originally, it had been RKO Studios, then it became Desilu – the television production company founded by husband-and-wife team Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz – before becoming Paramount.

There was an extensive food offering at this Nickodell, which had a clubby atmosphere and a serious bar – including multiple cocktails, 25 types of bourbon, 27 types of whisky, six types of brandy and two different beers.

Just the place for a long lunch or to blow off steam after a long day on set.

Courtesy Private Collection.