Socalo Santa Monica, a popular California diner inside the Gateway Hotel, has announced it will be closing its doors. Founded by award-winning chefs, the restaurant will serve its final meal on Saturday, February 14. The closure is due to financial challenges and changes in the restaurant industry.
Socalo Bids Farewell
Located inside Santa Monica’s Gateway Hotel, Socalo is a laid-back California canteen and Mexican pub. Operated by chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, the restaurant is known for its seasonal, responsibly sourced SoCal-style Mexican dishes, including tacos, ceviche, and craft cocktails.
Recommended items on the menu include roasted cauliflower, grilled steak arrachera, and carne asada tacos.
The team behind the restaurant shared the heartbreaking news of closure through a social media post and shared an emotional note: “We opened SOCALO in December 2019 with the intention of becoming the neighborhood gathering place, and over the past six years, you have filled our restaurant with laughter, celebration, and connection.”
After 7 wonderful years of service, the restaurant will serve its last diner on Valentine’s Day.
The team behind the restaurant also expressed a great deal of gratitude for its incredible staff, community members, customers, and its partners at the Gateway Hotel.
Financial Pressures Force Closure of Socalo
In the official announcement post, the chefs and team of the restaurant highlighted growing financial problems and the ongoing shift in LA’s restaurant industry that has led to the closure decision.
“Our love for Santa Monica and this vibrant community runs deep, but the extraordinary challenges of recent years,” the team behind the restaurant shared. “From the pandemic to the Hollywood strikes, and most recently, the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires—these have created circumstances unlike any we’ve faced in our decades in this industry.”
They concluded the announcement with a warm invitation to the community: “Join us one last time (or two) for a round of margaritas, tacos, and the warmth of community that has always been at the heart of Socalo.”
With the closure of Socalo, Santa Monica’s vibrant dining scene loses a distinctive gathering place.
