Chinatown’s Iconic Hop Louie Closing Next Week

Chinatown’s iconic Hop Louie, which stands right in the middle of the neighborhood with a towering pagoda as its entrance, might very well be closing in the next few days, reports LAist. With the first news coming from an online photo group, and a call to the place confirming that, "there will be no more restaurant next month," it’s more than likely that Hop Louie’s days of serving Cantonese and Mandarin favorites in Chinatown will be over next week.

Founded in 1941, the restaurant features a perfect look, with a five-level pagoda, terrific neon signs, and an over-the-top interior. One wonders what will take over this great space: perhaps a new operator with a passion for Americanized Chinese fare? Maybe a high end version of Panda Inn with everything from General Tso’s and orange chicken to fish filets in black bean sauce? A massive Starry Kitchen revival?

While Chinatown’s other culinary activities are more than brisk at the moment (think Pok Pok, Unit 120, and Howlin’ Ray’s), a lot of the mainstay restaurants have been more or less stable over past few years. Empress Pavilion did undergo a major renovation last year before closing for private events only.

• Chinatown's Hop Louie May Be Closing Soon [LAist]