Category Archives: Closed

Primo’s Donuts Departs Westwood

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This story saddens me…  When local institution Stan’s Donuts closed their longtime home at 10948 Weyburn in Westwood during COVID in 2020, locals were literally devastated.  Then came a plucky new contender to fill the historic shoes, Primo’s Donuts.  I can personally vouch for how hard this business worked to remain relevant to the community.  They frequently sent me information on special promotions and deals they were offering.  So it is with a heavy heart that I let you know that, after a little over two years, Primo’s Donuts has closed down this location (Their Sawtelle and Topanga Social locations remain open).  Read more about their reasons for the closure here…

Del Frisco’s Grille Closed In Santa Monica

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This is a public service announcement:  This isn’t exactly news (It happened a short while ago), but people are shocked and still writing me to let me know that Del Frisco’s Grille has vacated their prominent corner spot on the corner of Ocean and Colorado, across from The Santa Monica Pier.  With its stunning view, and catering primarily to tourists, Del Frisco’s Grille was known for their good happy hour and for special events.  I’ll keep watch on the tricky location to see what may develop.

(Thanks Jonny and others!)

Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine Now Closed In Santa Monica/Brentwood

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Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine threw open their doors in July of 2019, at 262 26th St. in Santa Monica, just across from the Brentwood Country Mart.  At the time, the introduction of Himalayan food to the tony neighborhood caused quite a stir.  Sadly, readers are reporting to me that Tara’s has since disappeared from this location.  Apparently, fans can still order from the Venice location.

Vanilla Bake Shop Closes After 16 Years, Replacement Named

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I must say, this is a bit of shock…  Riding the cupcake wave of the early 2000s, Vanilla Bake Shop burst on the scene 16 years ago and quickly became Santa Monica’s go-to spot for baked treats.  Sadly, they have quit their longtime location at 512 Wilshire Blvd.  A gracious note in the window thanks their customers and introduces a new bakery to take over: The Butter End Cakery.   Apparently, the LAX location of Vanilla Bake Shop is still up and running.

Update:  The Butter End Cakery is now open at this location. (09/2024)

The Independence Disappears From Downtown Santa Monica

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I’m hearing from surprised readers who have noticed the permanently drawn curtains and lack of activity at Downtown Santa Monica’s neighborhood watering hole and eatery The Independence.  The Independence has anchored the corner of 2nd and Broadway since 2014, when it replaced Buddha’s Belly.  Sadly, for all intents and purposes, it appears that it has quietly disappeared.  I’ll keep my eye on the space at 205 Broadway to see what may develop…

Stout Burgers & Beer Gone From Downtown Santa Monica

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This was surprising to me…  It appears that Downtown Santa Monica’s perennial popular burger joint Stout Burgers & Beer has disappeared from its location at 111 Santa Monica Blvd.  I’m not exactly sure when it closed, but the windows are papered over, perhaps indicating a new inhabitant is in the works.  I’ll keep watching…

Update: A reader let me know that the space is being taken over by next door’s Bar Monette and will feature “French small plates and burgers”. (Thanks Sean!)

Palm Restaurant Waves Goodbye To Beverly Hills

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It’s always sad when Beverly Hills loses one of its historic dining institutions….  I’m hearing from shocked readers that celebrity hangout and industry powerhouse Palm Restaurant has closed its legendary doors at 267 N Canon Dr Suite A7.  I went by to gaze upon its faded glory, and sure enough, all signs have been pulled down from the iconic steakhouse.  I’ll keep my eyes on the location to see what may develop, but in the meantime, read about their storied history and get very, very nostalgic…

(Thanks Jonny!)

What’s Going On At Double Zero In Venice?

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I first noticed that plant-based pioneer Matthew Kenney was bringing his New York pizzeria concept Double Zero to 1700 Lincoln Blvd. in Venice back in 2019.  Recently however, the space has gone dark.  There’s no notice up and the tables inside are still set, but there hasn’t been any activity for a few weeks.  A reader (Thanks Sasha!) managed to snap a picture of an eviction notice on the front that has since disappeared.  Does this mean the end of Double Zero at this location?

(Photo Courtesy of Sasha I.)

Kung Fu Tea, TKK Fried Chicken Quit Westwood

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This has been a full circle for one of my my readers…  Back in March of 2022, JP wrote to tell me about an exciting new project coming to 1136 Westwood Blvd. in Westwood Village.  What was exciting was that the self-described “largest bubble tea brand in America”, Kung Fu Tea, was opening a storefront in collaboration with Taiwanese brand TKK Fried Chicken at this address.  Sadly, JP recently wrote to me again to let me know that the experiment appears to have folded and the space is now empty once again.

(Thanks JP!)

Flour Shop Disappears From Beverly Hills

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It was only back in 2020 when I first told you about Amirah Kassem‘s famed New York bakery Flour Shop landing in the space at 9495 S Santa Monica Blvd.  Sadly, they have abandoned the cavernous location.  But for those devotees of their famous “explosion cake” all is not lost:  A note on the door promises that they are moving to a new yet-unnamed LA location.

(Thanks Tony!)

Percolate Disappears From LA

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I heard from a disheartened reader (Thanks Sam!) that beloved coffee, tea, and boba purveyor Percolate had closed up shop from its ghost kitchen location at 11419 Santa Monica in the Sawtelle neighborhood of West LA.  But apparently that’s not all.  They appear to have closed all their LA locations as well.  I’ll keep watching to see what may develop.

Menchie’s Closes On Montana Ave.

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This is a surprise….  Having long anchored the corner of Lincoln and Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, it appears that icy treat purveyor Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt has unceremoniously disappeared.  The space at 732 Montana is largely gutted and there’s a for lease sign up on the front.  Not sure what happened to this branch of the popular self-serve yogurt chain, but I’ll keep my eye on the address to see what may develop.

Native Foods Closes In Westwood

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Sad news for Westwood Village…  Los Angeles’ last outpost of vegan eatery Native Foods is closing today (June 23).  A somber note on the front expresses gratitude and announces the permanent departure from their long-held address at 1114 Gayley Ave.  There is a glimmer of hope though: The note also says that they are searching for a new Westwood location.  We wish them the best of luck.  Until then, if you’re missing their signature plant-based sandwiches, you can still find locations in San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs.

(Thank you Leslie!)

Da Pasquale Says Goodbye To Beverly Hills After 35 Years

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It saddens me to see Westside time-honored institutions close.  It can feel like the end of a classic era.  Sadly, it appears that Da Pasquale Trattoria has left their commodious home at 9749 S Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills.  A gracious note on the front door doesn’t give a reason but expresses gratitude and love to its loyal customers for the last 35 years.  Thanks for the memories…

(Thanks Eric!)

Le Macaron Bids Adieu To Montana Ave.

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Another sad closure on Montana Ave…  Le Macaron burst onto the scene at 1301 Montana Ave back in 2017.  At the time, this was LA’s first branch of the Florida-based chain and they introduced The Westside to their excellent selection of pastries, breads, chocolates, and coffees.  Shocked readers have been writing to tell me they have now closed up shop after a truly valiant effort.  If you’re missing their signature classic macarons, you can find other LA locations here.

What’s Going On At Savida In Santa Monica?

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A reader recently asked me what was going on at Savida, that opened only last year at 1303 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica.  So, I went by the raw seafood bar that got a mention in the most recent Michelin Guide to have a look.  Their parklet on Montana has been dismantled and the space appears lifeless with mail piling up inside.  While I don’t have confirmation, for all intents and purposes it appears closed.  Let me kniow if you have more information. 

(Thanks Narayan!)

Blossom Drops Off Abbot Kinney

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Sadly it appears that after about a year, local fave Blossom Vietnamese has quietly slipped out of the space at 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice.  There’s no official statement, but the space is dark and gutted.  A local was passing by and, noticing my interest, explained to me that this location is notoriously tricky for restaurants because it’s not easily seen from the street.  Previously the space had been home to 3 Square Cafe.  Whatever the reason, you can still visit Blossom’s Santa Monica location at 2821 Ocean Park Blvd. for their signature noodles.

Breadblok Abruptly Closes All Locations…

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I’m hearing from startled readers that popular gluten-free organic bakery and lunch spot Breadblok has abruptly closed all its locations including their first brick-and-mortar on Montana Ave in Santa Monica.  An announcement on Instagram explains that “the combination of the impact of COVID as well as the inflationary pressure on our costs” is the culprit behind the sad news.  We wish them the best of luck for their next chapter. (Thanks Tara and others!)

The Cellar Bar & Grill Quits Century City

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Century City if full of little gems that us mere mortals know nothing about.  Tucked in amongst the tall buildings are a number of rarified eateries and bars that cater to the finance and industry crowds that inhabit the offices.  One such place that was completely off my radar has quietly closed up shop.  A reader (Thanks Tony!) wrote to tell me that The Cellar Bar & Grill, at 1880 Century Park East # 102, is no more.  A blunt notice on the front door proclaims them as permanently closed.  

Mrs. Winston’s Closes Ocean Park Location

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A beloved neighborhood lunch spot, tucked away just off Ocean Park Blvd. appears to have shuttered.  A reader wrote to tell me that he noticed Mrs. Winston’s at 3150 Ocean Park had closed.  Mrs. Winston’s has been a beloved part of the neighborhood for quite a while and was well known for their popular salad and juice bar.  But don’t worry, you can still get “LA’s Best Salad Bar” at their Century City and Santa Monica Water Garden locations.