One of Chinatown’s Oldest Restaurants Is Ready For a Comeback

Return of the Hop

Legendary Chinatown bar Hop Louie is coming back from the dead more than two years after closing. That’s per LA Magazine, who say the 75-year-old property along Mei Ling Way will be returned to its former glory by Elan Kermani, an LA-based real estate agent; JB Moresco, a longtime nightlife type who has been running the nearby General Lee since 2014; and designer Matt Winter, who will be driving the look of the place. Together the team says they’re keen to reopen both the dive bar side and the restaurant side (a condition of their ABC license), but the process could take more than a year. Just ask the 1933 Group, which is deep in its own historic reimagining of the Formosa Cafe.

Boba for the masses

It’s actually expansion time once again for It’s Boba Time, the fast casual tea shop with dozens of locations across greater Los Angeles (plus more on the way). The latest outlet lands inside Brunswig Square in Little Tokyo, and is open now.

Bistro expansion

Triniti chef Joseph Geiskopf is teaming up with Downtown’s hidden wine bar gem Garcons de Cafe for a new bistro experience to launch next month. It’s called Hail Mary Bistro, and it runs Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Changes afoot

Lots of changes are happening down by the beach, reports the El Segundo Observer. First up: Ten-year-old Main St. Cafe has closed, while elsewhere Ali’i Fish starts serving a variety of seafood on Grand Avenue.

Secret tiki

Long Beach has its own secret tiki bar to know about, reports the Long Beach Post. The cocktail newcomer lands inside Beer Belly from Thursday through Saturday night, 6 p.m. to midnight.

On tour

Craving a trip? The Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival is happening on September 8, and tickets are still available. Expect drinks from some of the Central Coast’s best wineries, plus lots of local bites.

The look

Interpol’s newest music video has a very familiar backdrop: Jones in West Hollywood. The classic Italian restaurant and bar features prominently in the red-tinged rock anthem’s new video, from the bright kitchen to the old school booths.