The Saugus Cafe, Santa Clarita

Open around the clock, The Saugus Cafe harks back to a simpler time, when a slice of pie and a hot cup of coffee was all the happiness a person could ask for. Outside, the glowing neon of an ancient sign spells out "The Saugus" in looping letters, beckoning visitors inside for cocktails or pancakes at any time of day. If they take the bait, they'll find comfy booths that are great for cozying up on a first or thirty-fourth date. There's also a long line of swiveling stools at the counter, where regulars hunker down every morning to eat breakfast and read the latest news about President Eisenhower.