Melrose’s Former Red O Redeveloping as Coffee, Cocktail, and Mediterranean Spot

Big changes are coming to the former Red O space on Melrose, which once played a modern Mexican menu under itinerant chef Rick Bayless. Now the futuristic corner restaurant will turn towards Mediterranean fare, with an eye on daytime cafe basics and late night formal cocktails as well.

The unnamed newcomer is already coming together by way of a slew of different folks, though an opening date and attached chef have yet to be announced. Apparently the main dining area will consist of coastal Mediterranean fare, and will have room for a large bar as well some private dining space. There will also be a daytime cafe component for coffee and French pastries, plus a “private parlor serving up highly-curated cocktails and unexpected moments.”

The above quotes for the “multi-concept project” come by way of John Kolaski’s K2 Restaurant Group (consultants on the recently-flipped Estrella, and Pirolo’s Panino). They’ve partnered with Costas Charalambous, formerly of SBE, and Shyon Keoppel (SK Venture Group) and Drew Gates (Tao) to bring the place to life. Keoppel and Gates are already working on a different project together, the soon-to-open 3rd Base sports bar in the former Big Wang’s location in Hollywood. Folklor (Gjelina, Hinoki + the Bird) will handle branding, and Jim Hustead’s Age Old Trade will handle design.

In all, the upcoming redo seems like a smart fit for the neighborhood, given the proliferation of semi-clubby, upscale spaces nearby from The Nice Guy to Catch to Avra in Beverly Hills. The assembled players almost all have extensive nightlife backgrounds, so expect a scene.

8155 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA.

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