The Semi-Tropic Wants to Be Echo Park's New Hidden All-Day Gem

Echo Park’s drinking culture has been spiking lately, with the rise of places like Bar Bandini giving locals more reason to get out and start sipping. Now the latest newcomer: The Semi-Tropic, a smallish storefront cafe/bar tucked slightly out of the way on Glendale Boulevard.

The Eastsider has all the details on the new food and drink destination, which is hoping to bring craft beer and casual fare to an underutilized storefront near the corner of Glendale and Montana Street. Apparently the idea is that by day, Semi-Tropic would be nothing more than a coffee and pastry place, with easygoing lunch far midday that rotated into heartier bistro options (plus beer and wine) once the evening rolled around.

Of course, despite the dearth of other options right there, some neighbors are already none too pleased with the possible late night riffraff and increased noise. Apparently owners Daniel Finley and Eren Magri are listening and intend to eventually add validated parking at the Citibank building just down the way, which would at the least alleviate any parking concerns.

Pending approval of their ABC license, the duo may choose to open The Semi-Tropic for breakfast and lunch only to help acclimate the neighborhood to the new destination. But once everyone signs off on adding beer and wine, expect the dinner crowds to start flocking. Eventually, hours could run 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., just about daily.

The Semi-Tropic
1412 N. Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA