The Misfit, a popular gastropub in downtown Santa Monica, will close on April 18. It is a New American-style pub and restaurant, located inside the historic Clock Tower Building on Santa Monica Boulevard.
Operator LGO Hospitality has opted not to renew the restaurant’s lease at the property.
The Misfit to Close as Company Looks for New Space in Santa Monica
The Misfit has served the community for more than 15 years. The restaurant is known for its Art Deco interiors and lively bar scene. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Clock Tower Building, near the beach.
LGO Hospitality opened the restaurant in 2011. Over time, it became a go-to dining spot near the Third Street Promenade. The menu features comfort-driven dishes such as crispy chicken sandwiches, the signature Misfit burger, and lobster Nik Niks.
With an Instagram post, the restaurant announced its closure and said, “The Misfit will be closing at the end of the evening on Saturday, April 18th.”
The team also thanked its guests and staff. The Misfit team shared, “We are very proud of our employees and management who have dedicated themselves to providing an enjoyable and healthy dining experience for our guests, whose support has made all the difference over the years.”
In the post, Bob Lynn, CEO and founder of LGO Hospitality, added, “The Misfit team has been truly a dynasty of superstars over the last 15 years. I am personally honored to have worked with such smart, talented, and excellence-driven folks who believed in the vision.”
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Lynn said the company is actively searching for a new location and plans to introduce a new concept.
LGO Hospitality opts Not to Extend Lease
According to the official closure announcement, the LGO Hospitality group highlighted the ongoing challenges with the property. This led the company to not renew the lease at the Clock Tower Building.
The company stated, “Unfortunately, a revolving door of five building ownership entities, with their ever-declining commitment to preserve and build upon The Misfit’s years of success, squandered the value that we built together with you, our guests.”
In the statement, the hospitality company also explained that the lack of support from building owners added more challenges. Additionally, economic challenges in downtown Santa Monica have made operations more difficult.
Management Shares Key Insights
Looking ahead, Lynn has shared, “The focus now is building on the excitement and energy for our newest places—Diner Antonette and La Grande Orange Grocery (between 12th and 13th Street on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica).”
He mentioned that the restaurant, Diner Antonette, has recently started serving brunch. Weekday lunch service is expected to begin soon, while dinner is already offered nightly. The restaurant will also feature a happy hour inspired by The Misfit.
As The Misfit winds down operations in the Clow Tower Building, the LGO Hospitality group continues its legacy with a new restaurant.
