On a tip from a reader, I went by the old Deja Brew/Billboard Bar + Taproom space at 10928 W Pico Blvd. to see what was going on. Sure enough, new signage alerts us to the news that The Boil Daddy is moving in. The Boil Daddy is a rapidly expanding chain with locations in California and Texas that offers a menu focused on Cajun seafood. (Thanks Blake!)
A new fast-food option is landing in Rancho Park in West LA. There’s a banner up on the space at 11201 National Blvd. announcing that a branch of poultry purveyor Wingstop in taking over the space. The strip mall where the address is located, at the corner of National and Sepulveda, has long been the home of another fan favorite Hamburger Habbit.
Kye’s opened at 1518 Montana Ave. in November of 2014 and has maintained a solid fanbase ever since. Their signature “KyeRito” (essentially a wrap that they describe as a “handheld bowl or salad”) was popular among the carb-conscious crowds of NoMa. So I was quite surprised when readers began messaging me to let me know that Kye’s has closed at this location. But don’t panic, they are moving the operation to West LA’s “smart kitchen” Colony at 11419 Santa Monica Blvd. Their website also says that they will be opening in a new Colony at 411 Lincoln in Venice as well.
(Thanks Casey!)
There’s window paper up on the space at 1640 Sawtelle Blvd., at the North end of Sawtelle Japantown, announcing the arrival of Tuk Tuk Thai. Known for their excellent Pad Thai, I got a chance to speak with a rep from Tuk Tuk who informed me that this is a relocation from their current space at 8875 W Pico, and not a second location. According to them, this will be Sawtelle Japantown’s first Thai street food restaurant. They are shooting for a December 1st opening at this address. Until then, check out their menu here.
A delightful new outdoor dining experience has landed on Santa Monica Blvd. in West LA. You could easily miss it if you weren’t looking, but set in the back of an empty lot at 11819 Santa Monica Blvd. is Empire Hotdog. The food truck has build a clever home for itself in a park-like setting complete with tables and chairs and a large LED screen, that at the time I visited, was showing Shakira videos. Grab a burger and a drink and sit under the stars marveling that such a place even exits in busy West LA.
Don’t count out plucky Everytable… The nobly inspired concept chain aimed to bring fresh, nutritious, made-from-scratch meals to a fast food world at price points based on what a community could afford. Then they ran into a spot of trouble a while ago and closed various outlets. But hope springs eternal. There’s window paper covering the prominent space at 11049 Santa Monica Blvd Suite A in West LA (former site of a CBTL) announcing that they are opening a new branch at this location… and just about everywhere else as well. Check out this impressive list of upcoming Everytables, including Long Beach, Van Nuys, and Torrance. This branch is planning on a November 5th opening.
It looks like West LA’s adorable purveyor of all things cheese, Lady & Larder, is coming to Santa Monica. A sharp-eyed reader (Thanks Robert!) spotted the ABC application on the space next to Milo SRO at 828 Pico Blvd. #2, clearly indicating that the Simms Sisters are intent on bringing gorgeous cheese boards to the good people of Santa Monica. At the time of this writing I couldn’t confirm if this will be a second location or if they’re moving operations, but as soon as I find out I’ll let you know.
It looks like West LA is getting yet one more pizza joint to grace its strip malls… A reader (Thanks Jennifer!) let me know that there’s a banner up on the space at 12219 Santa Monica Blvd., previously home to Pizza Hut, announcing that Prime Pizza is moving in. Prime Pizza has three other locations across LA and promises “authentic NY style Pizza”.
I recently noticed a large banner on a space in the strip mall on the corner of Sawtelle and Santa Monica Blvd. in West LA (11281 Santa Monica Blvd.). The banner is promising a new pie joint, Piara Pizza Fresh and Ready. Piara Pizza is an expanding, mostly West Coast chain, with two other locations in LA, and a whole lot more planned. No word on an opening date, but they look close.
An adorable new coffeeshop opens in West LA on Monday Jan 4th at 7am (according to their FB page). Federal Coffee will inhabit the charming retro-look bolthole and walk-up window at 11600 W Pico. Look for menu of all things java: espresso, latte, cold brew, and drip, as well as hot chocolate, matcha, and tea. And check out their Instagrammable “mug shot” wall. Check out their new website here. We wish them the best of luck.
A sad day for movie goers on the Westside… Popular local institution Westside Tavern, at 10850 W Pico Blvd., has decided to pull the plug. Today (10/31/2020) is their last day of service. For over 10 years, their no-reservation policy ensured stampedes of people running from the theater above to be the first in line for their inventive, playful food and stiff cocktails. “Continuing challenges from the pandemic” are to blame. They will be missed. Read their gracious goodbye letter here.
And while we’re on the subject of The Point... It appears that Umi by Hamasaku has given up the ghost at thier location at 8050 S Sepulveda in El Segundo. Umi caused quite a stir when it expanded to this neck of the woods from West LA, bringing Hamasaku chef Yoya Takahashi’s signature sushi and izakaya dishes.
If you’ve noticed all the construction on the building at 11601 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood, on the corner of Wilshire, you may be wondering what’s coming… Window paper recently went up letting us all know that the prominent location will soon be the home of Brentwood’s first branch of rapidly-expanding Australian coffee chain Bluestone Lane. Where to find parking on the busy corner is anyone’s guess…
Look what I came across on a recent visit to The Landmark Theaters… You can now get your frozen treat fix at this handy gelato machine located on the ground floor. Flavors include tiramisu, banana cheesecake, and peanut butter cup, and will set you back $3.75.
After over 40 years at 11916 Wilshire Blvd. in West Los Angeles, dusty landmark pizzeria Divita’s has closed its ancient doors. Wasting now time whatsoever, it appears a new tenant is moving in. The windows are papered over with quotes about wine from famous people and posted on the door is this mysterious message, “Coming Soon: Your new local and independent restaurant and wine bar”. The note is signed Vincent & Chase. I’m not sure if that’s the name of the new establishment or just the names of the proprietors. I guess we’ll have to wait and see…
Back in February, I told you about a new juice joint opening on the corner of Olympic and Westwood in West Los Angeles. Well, for all of you who have been waiting with bated breath, Pure Pressed Juice has thrown open its doors at 10844 West Olympic Blvd. Look for a menu of organic cold-pressed juices, almond milk, smoothies, and cleanses that you can read more about here.
Recently, I told you about the closure of the long-time Westside fixture Soybean Chinese Food due to a health code violation at 11966 Wilshire Blvd. in West LA. Wasting no time whatsoever, a charming and cheerful little lunch spot has moved in. Biobar, which opened on Tuesday, serves a simple and straightforward menu of “fresh & healthy” soups, salads, and sandwiches and is brought to you by the people behind Totpot, the organic children’s prepared meal delivery service.
And yet another juice place foists itself upon West LA… I recently noticed that a window display in the little strip mall on the southeast corner of Olympic and Westwood Blvd. is announcing the impending arrival of Pure Pressed juicery. Look for a menu of (wait for it…) organic cold-pressed juices and smoothies.
Recently, I noticed that long-time neighborhood fixture and aggressive advertiser Soybean Chinese Food had closed its doors at 11966 Wilshire Blvd. in West LA. And now we know why… According to the notice posted on the front door, the restaurant was shut down due to a violation of the California Heath and Safety code. Written on the notice are three perfunctory words: no hot water. The windows have been papered over and it looks like someone may be moving in, but no word yet on what might be taking its place. I’ll keep my eye on it.
Looks like shops selling boba (chewy tapioca balls submerged in sugary drinks) are proliferating lately. To the list we add one more: Signs recently went up in the new building at 11573 W. Santa Monica Blvd. (corner of Federal) in West LA announcing the impending arrival of Honey Boba. Promising “the best boba alive”, they already have locations in Gardena, Lomita, Rosemead, and Arcadia, so this will be their first foray into the Westside. No word on an opening date, but until then you can read more here.
Toddrickallen 