When John Wolfe, Sr. and his wife, Pat, opened Carney’s in 1975, burger joints were popping up all over the country. A former radio executive, John had a flair for marketing, and he knew their budding business needed a way to stand out. So they opened up shop in an old Pacific Railroad passenger train car, which they also reasoned could easily be transported to another piece of land if they had difficulties with their lease.

Today, however, the bright-yellow train car is still a landmark on the Sunset Strip. Diners there or at a second location in Studio City can order up classics such as chili-doused burgers, hot dogs, and spicy polish sausages. The menu also holds grilled tuna melts, soft tacos, and some less conventional dishes, such as a burger topped with a hot dog. At the Studio City location, the staff also blends up ice-cream shakes and floats, whereas the Sunset Strip’s staff taps draft brews for sipping with friends or toasting the old railway man's ghost at the bar.