Merle's Drive in

CdM Coast Highway

Merle's Drive in

Newport Beach, California 92625, United States

Created By: CDMRA

Information

Merle’s Coffee shop opened in 1951 at the corner of Coast Highway and MacArthur Blvd., a
space now occupied by the Corona del Mar Plaza. Merle’s, which billed itself as a drive-in,
offered a typical menu of coffee shop staples. In the early 1960s, the restaurant changed
ownership and Merle’s became The Zoo drive-in. Perhaps the most memorable feature of The
Zoo was the gorilla-costumed employee who stood on the corner to attract customers.

This point of interest is part of the tour: CdM Coast Highway


 

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