Boogies: A Burger Boutique

Boogies Diner, in a prime ground-floor corner spot in the new annex of the Westside Pavilion, is not so much a new concept as a smooshing together of two fairly tired fads--the retro diner and the high-energy clothes boutique. A half-hour at Boogies feels like four hours in a mall at Christmas.

It’s easy to imagine high-school sophomores spending their afternoons at Boogies: First they try on clothes and flirt with cute boys. Then they grab a shake and a burger and flirt with cute waiters. Next, they might check out Boogies’ line of signature T-shirts and more cute boys.

Like most of the retro ‘50s diners that appeared in the ‘80s, Boogies presents a pristine and highly polished view of the recent past--bright lights, bright colors. But a few icons from more recent decades appear: slickly framed David Bowie, T. Rex and Hendrix posters, R&B; hits on the sound system.

The menu, in the shape of a table-top jukebox, lists burgers and hot dogs, chili and patty melts, salads, sandwiches, shakes and sundaes. Corn on the cob is served on a stick. The meat loaf should be avoided. In all, these are meals ketchup was designed for.

* Boogies Diner, 10850 W. Pico Blvd., Westside Pavilion, Los Angeles, (213) 446-8800.