Los Angeles’s restaurants continue to face difficult headwinds, starting in 2020 with the onset of the global pandemic and exacerbated by the Hollywood labor strikes in 2023, which led to an industry-wide slowdown that continued into 2026. From the lingering
effects of the Hollywood strikes to rising costs (labor, rent, ingredients, etc.), many factors continue to strain restaurant owners operating on razor-thin margins. Los Angeles restaurants also continue to struggle with the impact of the 2025 fires, including slow business and devastating property loss, as well as the ongoing effects of ICE enforcement. Here are notable restaurant closures from August 2026. For more closure news, read our past closure coverage.
Delicias Bakery and Some — Highland Park’s 35-year-old bakery closed in June 2026, after the longtime bakery faced multiple challenges as new operators popped up along Figueroa Street and Avenue 56. The Sanchez family adjusted as much as possible in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood by introducing new menu items, securing reduced rent from the landlord, and launching a GoFundMe campaign in 2020 to help with operating expenses.
Uka — Chefs Yoshitaka Mitsue and Shingo Kato debuted UKA in 2023, where the duo served a nine-course kaiseki menu at Ovation Hollywood, previously known as Hollywood & Highland. The restaurant announced on Instagram that its final day would be on July 31, 2026, with a closing message from its chefs.
Sky’s Gourmet Tacos — After more than three decades, Mid-City’s Sky’s Gourmet Tacos announced it will close its full-service restaurant on August 15, 2026, and transition to a catering and ghost-kitchen business. In early 2026, Barbara “Sky” Burrell celebrated 34 years on Pico Boulevard near Cochran Avenue, but Burrell tells Eater operational challenges forced her to take immediate action.
The Escondite — The Escondite, a 15-year-old bar and live music venue in Skid Row, hosted its final event and served its last beer on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Some locals even referred to it as “the Hideout,” an unfussy, low-key hangout for listening to music or consuming the consistently good (and reasonably priced) burgers and strong cocktails.
Lucky Baldwins Trappiste — Pasadena’s second Lucky Baldwins location in East Pasadena closed on August 1, 2026. Pasadena Now reports the 15-year-old pub near Pasadena City College could potentially make way for an affordable housing project. Trappiste is the sister restaurant to Old Town Pasadena’s original Lucky Baldwins and Lucky Baldwins Delirium in Sierra Madre, and both remain open.
Kombu Sushi Arts District — On Instagram, Kombu Sushi announced on August 18 that its Arts District location has permanently closed. The casual sushi spot operated on Santa Fe Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets for five years. The Silver Lake location will remain open.
Electric Owl — Regulars were just as stunned as Eater to learn the Electric Owl closed. The restaurant operated for 10 years in Hollywood, and was designed to resemble a mid-century train station, with steampunk vibes to accompany its casual menu of burgers, pizzas, mac and cheese, and bacon-wrapped dates. The cocktails were also compelling for the neighborhood spot.
Chris & Pitts BBQ — Though no designated closing date has been announced, Chris & Pitts BBQ shared that its Bellflower location will close soon. Chris & Pitts Bellflower is one of Los Angeles’s oldest restaurants, having opened 75 years ago in one of the region’s most distinct restaurant spaces. It served old-school barbecue, including ribs, steaks, sandwiches, and other classics. The Downey location remains open.
The Vegan Joint — The plant-based crowd is mourning the closing of one of its most prominent institutions. After more than 20 years, the Thai-influenced Vegan Joint closed all three of its Los Angeles-area locations in August. Veg News reports owner Rattana Hnoi took out business loans to keep her restaurants open, but struggled to keep up. The first Culver City/Palms location opened in 2006.
Marmalade Cafe Calabasas — Deep in the San Fernando Valley, the Marmalade Cafe closed August 31, 2026. The closing is a loss for Calabasas, as the all-day cafe operated for 28 years. The El Segundo, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, and Westlake Village locations remain open.
The Belmont — Since opening 26 years ago, the Belmont made quite an impression in West Hollywood. Owner Dylan Leong told Los Angeles Magazine that rising taxes, labor costs, and a general lack of support from the city were among the causes. The Belmont’s final day was August 31, 2026.
