Socalo Santa Monica, a beloved diner located within the Gateway Hotel, has announced its impending closure. The restaurant, founded by renowned chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, will serve its final meal on February 14, 2024. Financial difficulties, along with broader changes in the restaurant industry, have prompted this decision.
Heartfelt Farewell from Socalo
Since its opening in December 2019, Socalo has established itself as a casual dining spot known for its vibrant California-style Mexican cuisine. Diners have enjoyed a range of seasonal dishes, including tacos, ceviche, and craft cocktails. Signature menu items such as roasted cauliflower, grilled steak arrachera, and carne asada tacos have garnered a loyal following.
The closure announcement was made through a heartfelt social media post, where the team expressed their gratitude to the community. They noted, “We opened Socalo 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.”
In their message, the team emphasized their appreciation for both customers and staff, acknowledging the collective effort that has made Socalo a cherished venue in Santa Monica.
Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
The decision to close was not made lightly. According to the official announcement, the chefs cited a series of financial pressures that have impacted operations. “Our love for Santa Monica and this vibrant community runs deep, but the extraordinary challenges of recent years—from the pandemic to the Hollywood strikes, and most recently, the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires—have created circumstances unlike any we’ve faced in our decades in this industry,” they stated.
As the pandemic reshaped dining paradigms and economic conditions fluctuated, many restaurants faced similar struggles. The statement from Socalo reflects the broader difficulties that establishments in Los Angeles have encountered in recent years.
In closing, the team extended an invitation to the community to join them one last time for “a round of margaritas, tacos, and the warmth of community.” With the upcoming closure, Santa Monica will lose a unique gathering place, marking the end of an era for both the restaurant and its patrons.
