The Sunset Strip’s Iconic Viper Room Could Be in Danger of Demolition

In danger

Is one of the Sunset Strip’s most iconic clubs in danger of disappearing? There are a lot of unanswered questions right now surrounding the surprising sale of a big chunk of Sunset Boulevard real estate at Sunset and Larrabee, where The Viper Room sits. The classic club has played to endless rock groups for decades, but the building it inhabits was sold for $80 million, reports Curbed LA, and developers are being tight-lipped about their ultimate plans for the property. So far it’s business as usual, but the buyer told the LA Business Journal that they are “looking to see what the highest and best use would be.”

Sumo to Smorg

Smorgasburg is gaining one seriously popular vendor this weekend: Sumo Dog. The Coachella fixture is in the process of relocating its Koreatown shop further west, so in the extended interim the team will focus on popping up Sundays at Smorgasburg with a limited collection of dogs, including vegan options.

Highland Park staples

Saveur gets in on the Galco’s love, showing off the throwback soda and candy shop in Highland Park in all its glory. Take a look.

Yael wins

Popular local bartender Yael Vengroff (Genghis Cohen, The Spare Room, Winsome) took home the American Bartender of the Year award at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. It’s her third nomination and first win.

A new Alcove

LA Magazine touches on details surrounding the new-look Alcove in Los Feliz. The popular patio spot began life in 2004 and has since become an anchor for the neighborhood, while also serving some of LA’s best cocktails inside. Now they’re expanding into a more fully-focused dinner restaurant as well, thanks to incoming executive chef Matt Sieger.

SusieCakes for all

Brentwood’s SusieCakes is expanding to Long Beach, reports the Press-Telegram. The cake-maker already run some 18 locations around greater Southern California, and will now push into the Long Beach Exchange retail project.

The good book

There’s a newish book out called LA By Mouth: The Essential Guide to Eating in Los Angeles. The paperback covers everything from Valley strip malls to high-end dining in Downtown.

Local growth

Granville, the casual all-day American micro-chain with locations in West Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, and beyond, is expanding once again. This time it’s to Pasadena, landing a multi-story space at 270 S. Lake Ave., with an eye towards opening by the end of the year.