Southern California's restaurant scene continues to navigate a landscape that's been challenging for years, a reality that saw more local favorites close their doors in August and September of this year. Since 2020, the industry has contended with the global pandemic's initial shock, followed by the ripple effects of the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes, which contributed to an industry-wide slowdown that stretched into 2026. Add to that the persistent increases in labor, rent, and ingredient costs, along with the impact of the 2025 fires and ongoing ICE enforcement, and you have an environment where razor-thin margins often become non-existent.
West Hollywood's Employees Only, a spot that became a regular destination for those in the industry since its 2018 debut on Santa Monica Boulevard, served its final cocktail on September 27. Managing partner Tom Sopit cited challenges with the general dining slowdown in Los Angeles and rising operational costs as reasons the current business climate made it difficult to stay open.
Over in Van Nuys, Macleod Ale Brewing Co., a longtime brewery and gathering spot known for its darts, cornhole, and Dungeons and Dragons nights, called last call on September 27. Co-founders Jennifer Febre-Boase and Alastair Boase had opened their pub in 2014 in a warehouse district near the Sepulveda Wildlife Basin.
Sri Lankan specialist Kurrypinch, which Chef Shaheen Ghazaly grew from a modest Van Nuys storefront in 2018 to a larger Thai Town space in 2025, ended its run at the close of September. As one of the few Sri Lankan spots in Los Angeles, Kurrypinch was also a hub for community events, including fundraisers, live music, and trivia nights.
Echo Park bid farewell to Levant Bistro on August 30. Anita Khalek’s allergen-friendly Lebanese bistro, which focused on gluten-free and soy-free options based on her healthy food journey, had been a fixture on Sunset Boulevard and Alvarado Street since 2022.
Hollywood's Electric Owl, a mid-aughts hangout that set up shop in 2016, closed on September 1. Chef Ernesto Uchimura had established the railroad-themed space as a reliable spot for cocktails and happy hour in its neighborhood for a decade.
One of Southern California’s truly historic eateries, Chris & Pitts BBQ in Bellflower, announced its closure on September 2. For three-quarters of a century, this particular location, known for its distinct restaurant space and old-school barbecue, had been serving ribs, steaks, and sandwiches. Locals looking for their fix can still visit the Downey location.
West Los Angeles also saw Meymuni, a Persian cafe known for its barbari sandwiches, lavash wraps, and fun smoothies, close on September 6. The cafe, which also hosted cross-generational events, was named Meymuni, which translates to “party” in Farsi.
In the San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks’ Boneyard Bistro, operated by Chef Aaron Robbins for two decades, closed its doors on September 12. Robbins noted in an Instagram announcement that he "needs a break" from the demands of operating the popular spot, which drew patrons from across the region.
San Pedro’s Senfuku, one of the South Bay's oldest restaurants, ended its nearly 50-year run on September 16. KABC reported that the Japanese restaurant, which first opened in 1974 and moved to its most recent location in 1983, counted writer Charles Bukowski among its regulars.
Boyle Heights’ Un Solo Sol, a plant-based restaurant across from Mariachi Plaza, closed its doors for good on September 28. For nearly 16 years, it served a wide-ranging menu from chilaquiles to Persian ghormeh sabzi. Owner Carlos Ortez, according to LAist, had not seen a profit since 2022.
Downtown Los Angeles lost Mona Pasta Bar, which permanently closed on September 30. Owner Devin Carlson, also a longtime Downtown resident and designer, wanted to evoke 1980s Italian design within the space, serving classic dishes like Bolognese and veal chop Milanese.
Finally, Sushiya on Sunset, a less formal sushi den on the Sunset Strip, closed at the end of September, just shy of its 30th anniversary. Having opened in 1988, it had become a neighborhood staple for Asian diasporic dishes. The restaurant left a heartfelt post on Instagram acknowledging its departure.
These closures across Los Angeles, from historic barbecue joints to beloved local pubs and international specialists, serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing pressures facing the region’s hospitality industry.
