July 15, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Venice Sheds a Tear for Shuttering Stalwarts

9:13am

By Melanie Camp

Venice has suffered another blow to the old guard with both Joe’s Restaurant and Roosterfish announcing, in the same week, that they will be saying goodbye to the neighborhood. Their departures fur- ther adding to the changing face of Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Locals expressed outrage on social media regarding the shutterings, Yvonne Sjostrand writing on Facebook in a response to the news that Joe’s would be closing: “everything old Venice seems to go away slowly one by one. Soon we all have to start our story with remember when…”

On twitter Frank Fox wrote: “Gentrification has finally hit me where it hurts. If hipsters turn Roosterfish into some vegan vodka bar, I’m out of Venice! Nothing Left!”

It seems indeed that gentrification is playing a part in the demise of Roosterfish. After original owner, Walter Schneider, passed away 10 years ago, Gary Mick took over the bar saying he has, “been a fortu- nate trustee.” Roosterfish had been offered a new lease, Mick says it was one they chose not to accept. Adding that he is beginning to wonder how any business can survive on Abbot Kinney with the current cost of commercial leases, “it’s getting to be more about bragging rights. Location, location.”

James Allen from Coldwell Banker Preview Estates has been a realtor in Venice for almost 20 years. Over the last few years Allen says he’s witnessed the jump in price per square foot on Abbot Kinney. Allen says the Roosterfish building owner is asking $17 a square foot per month.

Venice business rentals average $7 to $8 per square foot, according to Allen, with Abbott Kinney commanding prices between $10 and $17 a square foot.

Joe's Restaurant Venice
After Nearly 25 Years in Venice Joe’s Restaurant will Close on Valentine’s Day

“This jump in the price per square foot over the last few years brought on by the ‘Gentrification of Venice’ is really changing the landscape. Popular Venice businesses such as Hal’s, Joe’s Restaurant, and the Roosterfish can no longer pay these exorbitant rents and these places, that have been local favorites for years, are one-by-one having to leave the Venice area for good,” says Allen.

As far as relocating, Mick says, “Roosterfish is a one of a kind creation, made what it is by the folks passing it’s threshold. It’s unlikely that we would relocate with that name,” adding that there are no plans for a new bar either, at this time.

“In the 37 years we have seen the gay community grow to be more mainstream. Gay rights, gay marriage. We have a long way to go for perfect equality, but we will persevere as we always have,” says Mick.

Sadly for Venice and the Westside LGBT Community, the bar, which has been Los Angeles’ longest continually running gay bar, will not persevere. In May Roosterfish will call last drinks for the last time, shutting the doors forever to the iconic aqua location, “there’s a

lotta history in here,” says Seth who works at the bar, “and until we close in May we’re going to give it a good more 3 months.”

Roosterfish 3
LA’s Longest Running Gay Bar Set To Say Goodbye

“In the early days the neighborhood was pretty ghetto,” Mick adds
. “We still have a hole in the ceiling were a bartender shot his gun off in the bar, back in the day. We have witnessed dark times in gay history along with everyone in the country. Lucky for us Venice is a fairly forgiving place to be. A message for the Venice community? Thank you for the pleasure. My crew and I have had a ball! Happy trails to you.”

In a heartfelt email message to those on the Joe’s Restaurant mailing list, Chef Joseph Miller made the announcement that his restaurant would be saying goodbye to Venice writing, “after 24 years, I have decided to close Joe’s Restaurant. My restaurant. I have had a great run bringing Farmer’s Market-driven, fine-dining to Abbot Kinney. I have seen this community through many changes.”

Miller says that the decision to close came with mixed feelings, and he hopes locals, “who have frequented my restaurant over the years will find time before the 14th of February to come in for one more meal and to say good- bye. But most of all, I want to say, thank you.”

With this Valentine’s Day being the last day of business at Joe’s Restaurant there is sure to be a whole lot of love pouring out to the place that has been on Abbot Kinney for almost a quarter of a century…and may be after dinner, everyone can filter down the street for a nightcap at Roosterfish. A farewell tour of two Venice OGs.

Read more on Joe’s Restaurant here and more on Roosterfish here.

Tags: in Dining
Related Posts

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

New Greek-Inspired Rooftop Opens in Venice: REPORT

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Diners can expect hand-pulled flatbread with za’atar, salmon crudo with spicy aioli, and more A new rooftop restaurant offering a...

(Video) Marina del Rey Bids Farewell to Beloved Sports Bar After Nearly Three Decades

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Tony P’s Had its Last Day of Service on Sunday After Standing as a Community Hub by the Marina del...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

Gladstones to Reopen After Suffering Partial Fire Damage, Offers Discounts to Locals

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

The eatery returns with a remodeled deck designed by an award-winning architect and a new mural Gladstones, a beloved seaside...

Tony P’s Dockside Grill to Close This Weekend After 28 Years in Marina del Rey

June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

In a farewell letter, Palermo described the closure as “bittersweet,” expressing gratitude for decades of community support. Tony P’s Dockside...

Mastro’s Malibu Reopens With Ocean Views, Signature Steaks, and Nearly Entire Staff Intact

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Iconic Oceanfront Steakhouse Returns With Its Beloved Butter Cake, Nightly Live Music, and Sunset Glamour After a five-month closure due...

Third Annual Rosé on Rose Wine Fest Comes to Venice Beach This Weekend

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Rosé offerings priced between $8 and $10 per glass at various Rose Avenue establishments The third annual Rosé on Rose...

Tenants Sought for Former Rusty’s Surf Ranch Space on Santa Monica Pier

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

4,112-Square-Foot Retail Space with Commercial Kitchen and Oceanfront Patios Awaits New Operator A 4,112-square-foot retail space at 256 Santa Monica...

Palisades Restaurants to be Supported at Westside Benefit This Weekend

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

Local vendors, many impacted by the fires, will have booths with all vendor fees waived, and proceeds from on-site sales...

Alana’s Coffee Roasters Makes Venice Debut with New Grab-and-Go Spot

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

This marks the chain’s third location, joining existing spots in Mar Vista and West Hollywood Alana’s Coffee Roasters, known for...

(Video) Shoreside Restaurant Unveiled by Santa Monica’s Shore Hotel

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Guests can expect dishes like the Harris Ranch Prime Filet, along with plates like the California Yellowtail Crudo and Superior...

Burger Chain Tied to Late Rapper Nipsey Hussle Announces Venice Boardwalk Location

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

The announcement marks the brand’s expansion from its Fairfax District debut earlier this year Marathon Burger, a new franchise honoring...

10th Annual MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street Comes to Santa Monica This Weekend

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Annual board game-inspired food event set for Sunday, May 25 The 10th annual MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street will...

Venice Shorts: Washington Square Pizza Now Close to Completion

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025

Formerly the Cheese & Olive, the Latest Food Offering Completes the Neighborhood By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza is finally...