Iconic LA Restaurants Apple Pan and Nate ‘N Al’s Have New Outdoor Seating

As indoor dining remains a restricted pastime, longtime LA restaurants Nate ‘n Al’s and the Apple Pan built outdoor seating this week. These iconic spots are the latest restaurants to convert outdoor spaces for dine-in guests, a now-regular adjustment to accommodate customers during the coronavirus pandemic.

West LA’s Apple Pan converted a parking lot behind the restaurant into an outdoor dining space with 13 picnic tables and umbrellas. Customers will order at a takeout window on the side of the restaurant. Beverly Hills’ 75-year-old Nate ‘n Al’s built a patio space with 15 tables, divided by barriers, in front of the restaurant.

This is especially good news for Nate ‘n Al’s after its future seemed uncertain over the last few years. In 2018, it was rumored the family planned to sell and potentially close. A group of LA celebrities saved it. In a twist, Nate ‘n Al’s closed in March 2020, only to reopen two months later in May.

Seating at both restaurants is first come, first served with the same classic menus.

In other news:

• After a 2018 kitchen fire forced West LA’s Big Tomy’s to close, it’s back, reports L.A. Taco.
• The Ojai Valley Inn resort announced a pop-up dinner series with Michelin-award winning chef Christopher Kostow, according to Wine Industry Reporter. The Restaurant at Meadowood Winter Residency runs from January 6 until February 28, 2021 at $495 per person.

• The Los Angeles Times noticed that new Orange County Restaurants continue to open during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Mmm Gelato and More, Cerveza Cito Brewery, and modern Mediterranean spot Mayfield.
• This week, a California judge dismissed Musso & Frank lawsuit against its insurance company for failing to cover losses related to the coronavirus pandemic, reports Law 360.
• Want to know where the pastrami for Langer’s, Canter’s, Brent’s, Nate ’n Al’s, and nearly every well-known deli around town is sourced? Los Angeles Magazine tracked down SoCal’s longtime local supplier, RC Provisions.
• Three Long Beach councilmembers urge Gov. Gavin Newsom to allow restaurants to reopen indoor dining with 25 percent capacity, reports Long Beach Press Telegram.
• Santa Monica city councilmembers relaxed alcohol and parking regulations for restaurants on Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Pier and other commercial zones. These changes will remain until the end of 2022, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press.
• A man was arrested on Thursday for allegedly assaulting Cafe Istanbul employees and damaging property at the Beverly Hills Turkish restaurant. NBC-4 reports this incident could be charged as a hate crime.
• Beverly Hills Jewish Deli Nate n’ Al’s Has Reopened, at Least for Now [ELA]