With multiple wildfires across L.A. County, it’s safe to say that this week has already been far from normal. High-speed winds, which have mostly died down for now, had been worsening conditions on the ground for firefighters and other first responders. Tens of thousands of Angelenos have already been displaced, with the largest fires—Eaton and Palisades—at only single-digit percentage points of containment, plus the logistical whiplash of the smaller Sunswept and Sunset fires, and the ongoing Kenneth and Hurst fires.
For anyone displaced by the fires, however, a handful of L.A. restaurants are stepping up to the plate with free meals and shelter available. This running list has now been updated for Thursday, January 9.
Restaurants offering free meals and relief during the fires
Bar Etoile (East Hollywood)
This French-ish eatery and wine bar will be open for dine-in service tonight, albeit with a limited menu, and anyone who has been displaced by the fires is invited to come in for a free meal on the house—message Bar Etoile on Instagram for further details.
Bé Ù (Silver Lake)
Today, this Vietnamese staple on the border of Silver Lake and East Hollywood will offer free meals to any fire evacuees and first responders until 3:30pm. The affordable menu includes vegan and allergen-friendly options. The restaurant also plans to offer the same relief in the days to come as well.
Danny Boy’s (Downtown and Westwood)
First responders and evacuees can stop by either of Daniel Holzman’s namesake pizzerias for pizza slices on the house, plus wholes pies on a case-by-case basis.
Oy Bar (Studio City)
This fusion-y dive bar joint will be open from 5 to 8pm tonight with a limited menu of burgers, fish sandwiches, fries and soup (vegan or chicken options available). All food will be free, no questions asked, but those with means are encouraged to donate to World Central Kitchen.
Sunday Gravy (Inglewood)
This beloved neighborhood red sauce joint is providing free meals (choice of spaghetti marinara or bolognese, garlic bread and Caesar salad) to first responders and anyone else displaced by the wildfires. Reach out via direct message on Instagram to coordinate with Sunday Gravy. Those with means are encouraged to donate $20 or more to the restaurant’s Venmo.
LaSorted’s (Silver Lake)
First responders and evacuees can stop by the original location of this New York-style slice joint for a free whole pie on the house.
Crustacean (Beverly Hills)
In addition to remaining open for regular dinner service, this family-run Vietnamese fusion restaurant in the 90210 will be serving complimentary bowls of pho and garlic noodles to anyone displaced by the wildfires.
Gokoku Vegetarian Ramen Shop (Studio City)
This vegan-friendly ramen shop in Studio City will be offering free meals to first responders and “anyone affected by the fire.” Those with additional funds are encouraged to pay it forward by purchasing meals for others.
Tatsu Ramen (Sawtelle, Melrose, Pasadena, Arts District)
From noon to 3pm today, L.A.’s most prolific ramen chain is offering free takeout orders of their plant-based Hippie Bowl to first responders and evacuees. Just walk up to any location.
Teleferic Barcelona (Brentwood)
This ritzy Spanish restaurant in Brentwood is offering takeout orders of paella for first responders and evacuees, while supplies last. Just stop by the restaurant.
Brooklyn Bagel Bakery (Historic Filipinotown)
First responders and evacuees can pick up free bagels and spread from this longtime bagel shop on Beverly Boulevard. Just stop by to pick them up.
Sora Craft Kitchen (Arts District)
This newly opened fusion restaurant in the Arts District will be serving free lunch bowls to first responders and evacuees—but please call or send a direct message on Instagram in advance to coordinate pickup.
Yang’s Kitchen (Alhambra)
This farm-to-table Chinese restaurant in Alhambra is offering free meals to anyone in need—just reach out on Instagram if you or someone you know has been affected by the fires and needs help.
Harold’s Chicken (Culver City)
Evacuees and first responders can stop by this famous fried chicken joint from Chicago for two free meals per family or household. It’s located inside Westfield Culver City. Note that this is not being offered at the larger Hollywood location.
The Rooster (Pico-Robertson)
One of the city’s best breakfast burrito purveyors is offering one free takeout meal for first responders and anyone affected by the fires from today (Friday) through Sunday. For first responders, proof of service (valid ID or uniform) is required.
Bravo Toast (West Hollywood and Silver Lake)
This breakfast and brunch tartine specialist is offering free coffee, burritos, toasts, and other menu items to first responders and anyone affected by the fires. Send a direct message on Instagram for more information or stop by either location from 7am to 3pm.
Descanso Restaurant (Mid-Wilshire)
From now through January 12, this newly opened Mexican restaurant is offering a free meal to anyone who has been displaced by the fires. Just stop by the restaurant. The same deal is being offered at Descanso’s original location in Costa Mesa as well
House of Mandi (Westwood)
This halal Yemeni restaurant is offering free meals for fire evacuees who stop by the restaurant, which remains open from 11am to 1am daily.
Planta / Planta Cocina (Brentwood and Marina del Rey)
This vegan restaurant in Brentwood and Marina del Rey is offering a free to-go meal for first responders and anyone else affected by the fire. Orders must be placed in person at either location; Brentwood will be open noon to 6pm, Marina del Rey from noon to 9pm. Pick-up only.
Arth Bar & Kitchen (Culver City)
This modern Indian restaurant and bar in downtown Culver City is offering free meals to all fire evacuees.
Horses (West Hollywood)
As of last night, this scene-y Sunset Boulevard brasserie was offering a Caesar salad and pasta bolognese, while supplies last, to all those displaced by the fire.
Kato (Arts District)
This Michelin-starred restaurant in the Arts District is opening its doors to anyone evacuated by the fire (or first responders) in need of a free meal, water or a phone charge. Kato’s Jon Yao is also contributing packaged meals for mass donation.
Open Market (Koreatown)
For those who have had to evacuate due to the fire (as well as first responders), Open Market is offering free meals today (January 10) from 8am to 5pm.
Star Leaf (Pasadena)
This Southeast Asian restaurant in Pasadena is offering Malay chicken curry to all evacuees and first responders.
Edendale (Silver Lake)
First responders and anyone displaced by the various evacuations can stop by this Silver Lake watering hole for free potato tacos, tater tots and fries.
Detroit Pizza Depot (Hollywood and Downtown)
Pizza is on the house for evacuees and first responders at both locations of this pizzeria.
Jame (El Segundo)
Anyone displaced by the fires and all first responders are invited to stop by this El Segundo Italian restaurant for a bowl of housemade pasta.
Tam O’Shanter (Atwater Village)
Anyone forced to evacuate their home is welcome to a free sandwich and soft drink at this longtime Scottish pub.
Lawry’s the Prime Rib (Beverly Hills)
Like sister spot Tam O’Shanter, Lawry’s is offering a free handheld and soft drink: your choice of a prime rib sandwich or burger. The deal is only available at the bar.
Saltie Girl (West Hollywood)
Starting at 4pm until close today (January 10), anyone who has been displaced by the fire is welcome to a free bowl of clam chowder and crispy fish sandwich at this West Hollywood seafood joint.
Burger 3000 (Chatsworth)
This halal burger joint in the San Fernando Valley is offering a free meal to anyone affected by the fires.
Know of any other restaurants in your neighborhood or elsewhere offering no-questions-asked hot meals for evacuees and people displaced by the wildfires? Email me p.kelly.yeo@gmail.com.