As we bid farewell to another year, we find ourselves reflecting not only on the new beginnings but also on the closures that have shaped the cultural tapestry of Los Angeles.
In 2023, several iconic establishments, ranging from music venues to culinary delights, shut their doors, leaving behind a trail of memories. This retrospective pays homage to the vibrant spaces that have played a significant role in LA's identity, immortalizing the indelible mark they've left on our hearts.
Photo: Francine Orr
929 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015
After a decade of defining Downtown Los Angeles' revitalized Historic Core, the Ace Hotel, housed in the historic 13-story former California Petroleum Building with its captivating Spanish Gothic-style rooftop, announced its closure at the end of January. The owners have recently opted to transform the property into a limited-service, rooms-only operation, overseen through a technological platform. Don't worry the on-site Theatre will remain open!
photo: the federal bar
5303 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Once a vibrant hub for music and entertainment, The Federal Bar's closure leaves a void in North Hollywood's cultural scene. Amid a recent wave of nightlife closures in Los Angeles, this beloved NoHo bar and restaurant revealed that it will be closing its doors in the upcoming year. However, fans of the Knitting Factory upstairs can anticipate the indie music venue's revival in a new location.
Photo: Historic Theatre Photos
740 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
One of Downtown LA's most beloved nightlife hubs has officially closed its doors. The historic 1913 building was originally built for full-scale Broadway productions when most theaters were being used for vaudeville acts at the time. The theatre has hosted events as diverse as the city itself: from avant-garde film screenings to professional wrestling matches. In the early 2000s, the Globe was transformed into a techno-dance nightclub and soon became a center for queer community. This past November, the theatre suddenly shut down and canceled all upcoming events. We hope this key landmark in LA's entertainment landscape makes a comeback soon.
Photo: Eater
2141 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
The cherished Echo Park gastropub specializing in hearty vegan grub and craft beer has closed its doors after struggling to make ends meet as a result of the pandemic. The restaurant inside a converted movie theatre was partially responsible for bringing new life to the area, but they couldn't keep up with the area's rising rent costs and over-saturation.
Photo: Bill Addison
3827 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
This iconic establishment, known for its unique atmosphere and delicious Cantonese cuisine, bids us farewell, leaving memories etched in the hearts of its patrons. Owners Wong and Dang are currently taking a break to focus on family and health, and have no immediate plans to reopen Needle. Fear not! They did suggest that they hope to find a suitable venue for their celebrated Cantonese dishes somewhere else in the future.
Photo: Dania Maxwell
970 N Broadway
Ste. 114
Los Angeles, CA 90012
A culinary gem that delighted taste buds, the closure of Angry Egret Dinette is a loss to the city's diverse food landscape. Owner Wes Avila, the renowned modern Mexican chef behind Guerrilla Tacos, is set to close his small takeout-focused window, Angry Egret Dinette in Chinatown, on December 31.
Photo: Sari Sari Store
317 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Adding to the setbacks for Downtown LA's dining scene, the Sari Sari Store at Grand Central Market ceased operations permanently overnight on December 11, marking the end of the counter-only restaurant from Chef Margie Lorenzana-Manzke. The Republiqué Pastry Chef's GCM outpost has been a standout for modern Filipino cuisine since it first opened in 2017.
Photo: Myung J. Chun
335 N Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
After 77 years in business, Diamond Bakery, the iconic Jewish establishment on Fairfax Avenue that opened in 1946, closed its doors on December 3, citing daily financial losses, insufficient retail, online, and delivery sales, and the overwhelming cost of maintaining the aging facility and equipment, including failing water pipes. However, Diamond Bakery is collaborating with Bread Los Angeles to ensure its products remain accessible beyond the closure in markets across the city (including Gelson's).
Photo: Lucas Kwan Peterson
2900 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Café Tropical, the cherished 48-year-old Cuban establishment in Silver Lake at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Parkman Avenue, bid farewell on December 1, concluding its legacy as a neighborhood stalwart known for its authentic cafe con leche, guava cheese pastries, and medianoche sandwiches. The café also served as an AA community hub which makes this closure especially heartbreaking. Restauranteur Daniel Navarro, who also owned the 35-year-old Cuban restaurant El Cochinito and the Cuban-inspired cocktail bar Bolita, seems to be closing all three of his beloved establishments per Eater.
Photo: Lawrence K. Ho
10100 Constellation Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Craft LA, Tom Colicchio's renowned upscale American restaurant in Century City since 2006, concluded its 17-year run with a final Thanksgiving Day service, closing officially on December 16. Celebrated for its well-executed cuisine and stylish ambiance, Craft leaves behind a legacy of critical acclaim and notable culinary talent. Craft LA's closure marks a somber chapter in the city's fine dining history.
Photo: Mel Melcon
3905 W 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90020
With its doors now closed, Kinn's departure is felt deeply by those who cherished its unique fusion of flavors. Chef Ki Kim cites burnout and challenges in running the establishment. Expressing hope for recovery and a return, Kim emphasizes that reopening a restaurant is not an immediate priority, despite Kinn's significant contributions to LA's modern Korean food scene since its opening in November 2021.
Photo: Ricardo DeAratanha
7360 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
After a decade of operation on Beverly Boulevard, Walter Manzke's Mexican restaurant Petty Cash Taquería, known for its Baja-inspired tacos, Julian Cox's cocktails, and unique agave spirits, including sotol and bacanora, closed its doors in October, leaving a void in LA's culinary scene. The closure was announced on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the community's support over the years.
Photo: Elizabeth Daniels
1100 Flower St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
A staple in Beverly Hills, the closure of Palm Steakhouse marks the end of an era for this iconic establishment. The legendary steakhouse known for defining glamorous dining since 1975, has closed its doors after being acquired by Landry’s in 2020, with changes in recipes and portion sizes cited as contributing factors. The Palm remains operational in Downtown LA next to Crypto.com Arena.
Honoring these closures is a poignant reminder of the ever-changing landscape of Los Angeles and the enduring impact these places had on its culture. These places will be missed but never forgotten!
Written by: Homero Rosas Navarrete
