A vicious cycle as the persistent lack of foot traffic continues to lead Downtown’s shifting urban landscape. This downward spiral has sucked both century-old legends and modern pioneers into a “doom loop” downward spiral. A stark departure from the promise DTLA once held during its mid-2010s “Renaissance,” as the year comes to an end, here is a map of the loss of beloved spaces in 2025, once the primary pillars of the Downtown Los Angeles experience.
Guerrilla Tacos (Arts District)
Photo/ Guerrilla Tacos
Guerrilla Tacos, a Michelin-recognized Arts District staple that successfully made the jump from an “outlaw” food truck to a sophisticated brick-and-mortar destination, closed in January 2025. The owners cited a hostile business climate in Los Angeles, specifically pointing to the weight of rising food costs, high labor expenses, and a string of burglaries that made the location unsustainable. Recognized as a premier trailblazer of “Alta California” cuisine, it was the pioneer that showed the world the humble sweet potato taco belonged in the pages of the Michelin guide.
Vans “House of Vans” Flagship (Broadway)
The Vans “House of Vans” Flagship on Broadway, which was a massive 11,500-square-foot multi-use community hub featuring a retail store and an indoor skate park, shuttered in January 2025. Following a series of security struggles and property damage during periods of civil unrest, the brand pulled the plug on the location as part of a larger retreat of major brands from the Historic Core. Revered as a cornerstone of global street culture, it was a rare, free haven for DTLA youth where local punk rock shows and skate sessions kept the energy of Broadway alive.
The Original Pantry Cafe (9th & Figueroa)
The Original Pantry Cafe, a legendary 24/7 American diner that had been serving the corner of 9th and Figueroa since 1924 without ever owning a key to the front door, went dark on March 2, 2025. Following the passing of former Mayor Richard Riordan, a breakdown in labor negotiations and the trust’s decision to sell the land led to the griddle going cold after 101 years. Hailed as an immovable pillar of Los Angeles history, it was the city’s midnight home away from home for over a century, famous for its signature thick-cut sourdough toast.
Macy’s at The Bloc (7th & Hope)
Macy’s at The Bloc, which was the final major department store anchor in the city center at 7th and Hope, completed its liquidation in March 2025. This was part of a national strategy to shutter underperforming locations, but its exit was accelerated by the steep decline in daytime foot traffic from nearby office towers. Distinguished as the final guardian of the traditional downtown shopping experience, it was the last vestige where generations of residents went for everything from cosmetics to holiday gifts.
Pacific Dining Car (6th & Witmer)
Pacific Dining Car, a century-old landmark steakhouse built inside a replica railway car, was officially demolished in March 2025. Though it had been shuttered since the pandemic, a major fire at the site made any hope of restoration impossible, leading to the permanent loss of the structure. Celebrated as the ultimate architectural icon of California Noir, it was the place that defined the late-night spirit of the city, offering prime rib and martinis at 3:00 AM.
Papa Cristo’s (DTLA Outpost)
Photo/ Papa Cristo
The Papa Cristo’s Downtown Outpost, which brought the legendary Greek flavors of West Pico to the city center, closed its doors in May 2025. The owners chose to consolidate operations at their original location, citing the unsustainable cost of maintaining a physical storefront in the current downtown economy. Established as a modern bridge to one of the city’s most beloved family-owned legacies, it was the venue that brought authentic, high-quality Greek cuisine to the urban core.
Adidas Originals Flagship (Broadway)
The Adidas Originals Flagship on Broadway, a two-story glass-fronted store intended to lead the retail revival of the Historic Core, closed in June 2025. Following significant damage and looting during the summer’s civil unrest, Adidas followed the lead of other major retailers and pulled its physical presence from the street. Positioned as a high-profile symbol of the “New Broadway” ambition, it was the brand anchor known for its community-focused sneaker drops and high-end street style.
Wexler’s Deli (Grand Central Market)
Wexler’s Deli, the high-end Jewish deli stall in Grand Central Market that helped kickstart the market’s modern food revolution, vacated its space in July 2025. The owners shifted their focus to other locations, citing a shift in the market’s demographic toward tourism. Regarded as the modern standard-bearer for artisan Jewish soul food, it was the stall that redefined the deli sandwich for a new generation.
Cole’s French Dip & The Varnish (6th St)
Photo/ Cole’s French Dip
Cole’s French Dip and The Varnish officially closed on August 3, 2025, ending a 117-year run as Los Angeles’ oldest restaurant. The owner cited rising labor costs, the impact of Hollywood strikes, and a neighborhood that had become increasingly difficult to navigate after dark. Distinguished as the historic birthplace of the first French Dip sandwich, it was the spiritual home of the city’s modern cocktail revival via the craftsmanship of the hidden speakeasy, The Varnish.
Broadway Bar (Broadway)
Photo/ Broadway Bar
Broadway Bar closed in August 2025 alongside its sibling property, Cole’s, as part of the 213 Hospitality portfolio. This moody two-story lounge with a circular bar was a go-to for theater-goers and the revival crowd of the 2010s who frequented the Historic Core’s nightlife. Honored as a vital social anchor for the “Bringing Back Broadway” movement, it was the venue that decided to exit the struggling corridor entirely.
The Mayan (Hill St)
The Mayan, a stunning 1927 theater-turned-nightclub on Hill Street famous for its ornate pre-Columbian architecture, ended its 35-year run on September 13, 2025. Management shuttered the venue citing unrelenting adversity from rising insurance costs and a shift in post-pandemic nightlife habits. Renowned as a majestic “Temple of Doom” for the Los Angeles arts scene, it was the club remembered for its massive Aztec calendar ceiling and legendary Lucha VaVoom spectacles.
LA Cha Cha Chá (Arts District)
Photo/ La Cha Cha Cha
LA Cha Cha Chá, a mid-century modern rooftop destination in the Arts District, announced its closure in September 2025. Management cited a sharp drop in patronage caused by neighborhood instability and the disruption from local immigration raids. Celebrated as a world-class rooftop oasis, it was the stylish destination that offered one of the most iconic views of the city skyline.
Le Petit Paris (Spring St)
Le Petit Paris, a massive French brasserie in the historic El Dorado building, closed its doors in October 2025. The restaurant succumbed to a 30% hike in operating costs and the loss of its core clientele from the nearby film and TV offices. Famed as the most opulent slice of Parisian glamour in the city, it was the grand hall remembered for its tableside preparation of cognac-flambéed pasta.
Le Grand (7th & Grand)
Le Grand, the sophisticated Mediterranean anchor that served as the primary gathering spot for the Financial District’s corporate elite, officially closed in October 2025. While the restaurant had attempted to survive the remote work era, the ownership finally called it quits after a final summer push, citing a lack of a full return of office-dependent clientele. Established as the premier destination for upscale Mediterranean-fusion, it was the venue beloved for its “Unlimited Cocktail Experience” and grand jazz nights.
Mama Por Dios (6th & Flower)
Mama Por Dios, the high-energy “glam-Mexican” steakhouse that brought theatrical dining to the 6th Street corridor, shuttered in October 2025. Management pointed to a “perfect storm” of rising security expenses and a steep drop in late-night corporate foot traffic as the primary drivers for the final exit. Lauded as the undisputed crown jewel of Instagrammable dining, it was the venue famous for its lobster mac-and-cheese and theatrical, cotton-candy-topped cocktails.
Foot Locker (Broadway)
Foot Locker on Broadway, one of the last major retail anchors on the historic street, shuttered in October 2025. The company cited rising security costs and persistent retail theft as the primary drivers for the exit. Recognized as a vital retail hub for the local residential community, it was the anchor that marked the final withdrawal of major athletic brands from the district.
Rite Aid (Various Locations)
Rite Aid completed the closure of its final downtown locations in November 2025 as part of a total company liquidation. These closures have left several prominent corner vacancies and created a pharmacy desert for downtown residents. Serving as an essential lifeline for daily needs and prescriptions, it was the final neighborhood convenience chain to exit the city center.
As we look to 2026, the question isn’t which corporate chain will save us, but whether the ‘Spirit of DTLA’ can survive the shift into a new era. 2026 will be the year we find out if Downtown can reinvent itself as a true neighborhood for those who live here, or if the ‘doom loop’ will claim even more of our history.
