A popular California restaurant known for drawing loyal crowds has suddenly closed after years as a local favorite. The surprising shutdown comes after operators blamed lease troubles and what they described as the building owner’s “abandonment.”
The Misfit Bar and Restaurant closes
Santa Monica just lost one of its most recognizable dining rooms. After 15 years of serving locals, tourists, and brunch crowds alike, The Misfit officially closed on April 18, 2026, marking the end of a popular fixture in the city’s downtown restaurant scene.
Background of The Misfit
The Misfit, located inside the historic Clock Tower Building in Santa Monica, became known for its stylish atmosphere, comfort food favorites, and lively bar scene. Since opening in 2011, the restaurant has attracted a steady mix of beachgoers, professionals, and visitors looking for a polished but approachable dining experience.
Its menu featured crowd-pleasers such as burgers, salads, steak frites, and cocktails, helping it become a reliable go-to destination for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and weekend brunch. Over the years, it also built a reputation as a social hub where locals could meet friends or start a night out.
Lease issues reportedly led to closure
According to reports, operator LGO Hospitality chose not to renew the lease, leading to the restaurant’s final day of service on April 18. Company statements cited repeated ownership changes of the building and ongoing challenges in Downtown Santa Monica that affected the guest experience.
In a statement, LGO Hospitality cited the building owner’s “ever-declining commitment to preserve and build upon The Misfit’s years of success”, as well as “abandonment” by its building owners as main reasons for the decision to not renew the lease.
It might not be goodbye forever
While the Santa Monica location has closed, owner LGO Hospitality says The Misfit brand may not be gone for good. The company has stated it is searching for a new home for the concept. In the meantime, LGO is focusing attention on recently opened sister restaurant Antonette, where it plans to continue offering The Misfit’s well-known “top-shelf happy hour,” long considered one of the best drink deals on the Westside.
Part of a larger trend in California dining
The loss of The Misfit comes amid a wave of recent restaurant closures across California, where operators continue to navigate inflation, staffing challenges, and changing consumer spending habits. Historic institutions and neighborhood favorites alike have struggled to maintain profitability in expensive urban markets.
For Santa Monica, the closure leaves another vacancy in a prominent downtown location at a time when many business districts are still working to rebuild foot traffic.
What comes next for the space
No replacement tenant has been officially announced. Given the prime location near the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier, the space is expected to draw significant interest from restaurateurs and hospitality groups.
For now, longtime customers are left saying goodbye to a restaurant that helped define a chapter of modern Santa Monica dining.
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