At press time, life-threatening, unchecked wildfires continue to rage across Los Angeles. The two largest ones, Palisades (which has since spread to Malibu) and Eaton (which has destroyed much of Altadena and threatens Pasadena and La Crescenta-Montrose), are currently at zero percent containment. The evening of January 7, the day both fires began, Mayor Karen Bass declared a citywide state of emergency, freeing up extra resources and allowing for more efficient coordination between city, state and federal agencies.
I’ve spent my entire life in Los Angeles and these are the most destructive fires I’ve seen in my lifetime. Along with the Palisades and Eaton fires, smaller but equally frightening fires have broken out in Sylmar (Hurst Fire), Studio City (Sunswept Fire), the Hollywood Hills (Sunset Fire) and, while I filed this article, Woodland Hills (Kenneth Fire). The first two have since been contained, and the Sunset Fire is reportedly at over 50 percent containment, with all evacuation orders in the heavily populated urban area lifted. As I write this, the Kenneth Fire has just broken out—and thus is likely far from containment.
While the wildfires continue to wreak havoc on the city, I’ve begun assembling a list of restaurants destroyed by the natural disaster all over town, as initially reported by the Los Angeles Times. I am also including fundraising links for anyone wishing to contribute to specific recovery and rebuilding efforts. We won’t know the full extent of death, injury and property damage for days, if not weeks or months, but these locally owned small businesses have already been devastated—and they, like many of us, need all the support, financial or otherwise, that they can get. As Time Out confirms the status of any other restaurants in the area, this list will be updated for the foreseeable future.
Restaurants Destroyed by the Eaton Fire
Side Pie
This week, Altadena’s walk-up pizza window at 900 East Altadena Drive burned to the ground. Burger Lords alum Kevin Hockin started making artisanal, wood-fired pizzas in his backyard during the 2020 lockdown, eventually turning Side Pie into a beloved (and critically acclaimed) neighborhood brick-and-mortar, complete with an outdoor patio ideal for neighborhood families and their children and pets.
As of writing, Hockin has started a GoFundMe fundraiser in hopes of raising $100,000 to rebuild Side Pie.
Fox’s
Founded in 1955, this cozy, family-run diner in Altadena has been serving locals for almost seven decades. Founded by Paul and Edie Fox, the business is now owned by Paul Rosenbluh and Monique King, who also run two other restaurants in nearby Eagle Rock: Cindy’s and Little Beast. The restaurant confirmed via Instagram that the structure has been completely lost.
Minik Market
Altadena’s new gourmet mini mart just opened in June of last year and confirmed via Instagram that the tiny “shoppy shop” was completely destroyed.
As of writing, owner Jon Johnson has started a GoFundMe, hoping to raise $40,000 to pay employees and fulfill outstanding wholesale commitments as he and the team work towards rebuilding.
The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop
Since 1972, this Black-owned Altadena breakfast joint run by the Shay family has been a neighborhood staple for shrimp and grits, biscuits, fried eggs and more.
As of writing, family member Anissa Shay has started a GoFundMe to raise $50,000 for rebuilding efforts.
Cafe de Leche
Run by Anya and Matthew Schodorf, this charming Altadena coffee shop with a living room-like setup inside was completely destroyed. The couple’s original outpost in Highland Park remains open for business.
As of writing, Avelene Schodorf—Matthew’s sister—has started a GoFundMe to raise $10,000 to help the couple pay and support Cafe de Leche employees.
Pizza of Venice
Co-owner Jamie Woolner confirmed to the Times that his Altadena pizzeria was lost to the fire.
Rancho Bar
This neighborhood bar in Altadena confirmed on Instagram today that it had burned to the ground.
Restaurants Destroyed by the Palisades Fire
Reel Inn (Malibu)
This PCH landmark at the bottom of Topanga Canyon has been around since 1986. The original structure boasted the kind of genuinely divey, no-frills atmosphere that’s increasingly hard to find anywhere.
As of writing, owners Teddy and Andy Leonard have set up a GoFundMe in hopes of raising $140,000—all of which will cover three months of wages, benefits and other support for Reel Inn’s employees.
Cholada Thai Beach Cuisine (Malibu)
Since 1999, this bright blue beach shack has been a beloved neighborhood takeout staple, and a well-known casual pit stop just off the Pacific Coast Highway. Owners Sawai Theprian and her husband Nikorn Sriwichailumpan first took over the restaurant 25 years ago, and continue to operate Cholada Thai in Long Beach too.
As of writing, Sriwichailumpan has set up a GoFundMe in order to raise $150,000 in order to rebuild the restaurant.
Rosenthal Wines (Malibu)
Known across the city for its giant blue-and-yellow set of chairs and table, this Sunday Funday drinking destination has been destroyed, as confirmed by Eater. While the owners are still unsure of how, or even if, the winery and tasting room will be rebuilt, they pledged to keep everyone informed in a post on Instagram.
Moonshadows (Malibu)
After 36 years in business, one of PCH’s most iconic watering holes burned down earlier this week and was featured prominently in several live TV broadcasts of the Palisades Fire.
Vittorio’s (Pacific Palisades)
Since 1984, this neighborhood Italian restaurant has served the Pacific Palisades. The burned-out structure was visible in several live TV broadcasts of the Palisades Fire, including CNN.
Caffe Luxxe (Pacific Palisades)
The destruction of this Palisades Village specialty café was confirmed by the Times. Caffe Luxxe operates other locations in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Malibu, Long Beach and Manhattan Beach.
Cafe Vida (Pacific Palisades)
The destruction of this health-conscious all-day mini-chain in Palisades Village was confirmed by the Times. Café Vida operates other locations in El Segundo and Culver City.
Casa Nostra (Pacific Palisades)
The destruction of this neighborhood Italian restaurant in Palisades Village was confirmed by the Times.
Editor’s note: Gladstones (Malibu) was originally on this list, but removed after a restaurant representative confirmed the restaurant only sustained minor damage. We regret the error.