The Sunset Strip Might Be Struggling in West Hollywood

The return of the Strip

There was a time when the Sunset Strip was considered one of Los Angeles’s most prominent places to dine, drink, and generally spend a hard-rocking night out. That heyday has largely passed, with the long, meandering stretch now known primarily as a home for tall hotels, dark comedy clubs, and aging music venues.

Now Wehoville is stepping in with an op-ed to start discussing a plan to save “the struggling Sunset Strip.” While the city of West Hollywood is already looking at a few initiatives — including commissioning a new report on the state of things, and installing a marketing plan — Wehoville suggests making the Strip more pedestrian-friendly, and working to cater more to the residents as well as the tourists. Places like Night + Market help, as does the new Tartine cafe at Fred Segal, but they say more must be done to help anchor the aging Strip for the long term.

The Valley’s best bites

Ventura Boulevard Magazine has a run-down of their best local bites of 2017, from the lobster roll at SOCA to the green shakshuka at Toast Cafe. It’s a great quick-hit list for what to enjoy along the Valley’s busiest boulevard, and shows off the variety of cuisines available along that route.

A note about Birdie G’s

Chef Jeremy Fox is known for getting personal on social media, and now here he is expounding on the greatness of his Rustic Canyon chef de cuisine, who will also be helping out at Birdie G’s, the standalone Santa Monica restaurant he’s planning for late 2018/early 2019.

Merci Clement is in

Toddrickallen shares news of a flip in downtown Santa Monica, as Merci Clement comes in to take over for Stick Shop on Broadway. The new spot will add a variety of French pastries to the ice cream and coffee shop.

The Mezcalero comeback

Downtown’s Mezcalero has returned after a lengthy hiatus due to some construction with their building. The local spot for Mexican food and drink is hosting a grand re-opening party on Friday, February 2, complete with lots of booze and locals-only treats.

Nickel Diner drops dinner

Downtown restaurant stalwart Nickel Diner is now ten years old, and still regularly occupies a spot on Jonathan Gold’s annual 101 best restaurants lists. Now they’re paring back their offerings and going to breakfast and lunch only, Tuesday through Sunday, with no more dinner to be had.