The Hotel Cafe: A Hollywood Institution Prepares to Close Its Doors, Then Reopen
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The iconic Hotel Cafe, a launching pad for some of music’s biggest stars, will close its doors at its current Cahuenga Boulevard location in early 2026, but plans to reopen in a new space in the Lumina Hollywood tower in early 2027, co-founders Marko Shafer and Max Mamikunian announced in November. For musicians and patrons alike, the news sparked a mix of sadness and cautious optimism, as the venue – often described as a second home – prepares for a important transition.
Musician Cary Brothers, affectionately known as the “mayor of the Hotel Cafe,” likened the closure to “being told your parents were selling your childhood home.” the intimate venue has been instrumental in the careers of artists like Adele, Sara Bareilles, and Damien Rice, providing a crucial platform for emerging singer-songwriters to hone their craft and connect with audiences.
From BYOB Beginnings to a hollywood Staple
The Hotel Cafe’s story began with humble roots. Brothers discovered the venue before it even possessed a liquor license, operating under a bring-your-own-bottle policy supplemented by buckets of ice for patrons. In those early days,the cafe hosted impromptu late-night jam sessions,with jazz legends often dropping in after closing time at nearby bars,extending the music until 3 a.m.in the piano room – or, depending on who you ask, the smoking room.
Shafer emphasized that every penny earned was reinvested back into the venue, fostering a community-driven ethos. Brothers often described the atmosphere as “‘Cheers’ with guitars,” a place where he could reliably find a dozen close friends any night of the week. Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin even compared it to the front bar at the Troubadour in the 1970s, noting, “nobody became the Eagles, sure, but the spirit was the same.”
A Haven for Emerging Talent
The Hotel Cafe quickly became a vital ecosystem for burgeoning artists. The venue’s open-mic nights and intimate setting allowed performers to experiment and build a loyal following. Lucy Clearwater, who has worked at the Hotel cafe for 18 years, highlighted the venue’s role in fostering a supportive community. “It’s a place where people can be vulnerable and try out new material without fear of judgment,” she explained.
The move to the Lumina Hollywood tower, slated for the Lumina Hollywood tower on Sunset Boulevard, is contingent on pending zoning clearances, with a hearing expected in March or April 2026. Shafer and Mamikunian opted to announce the closure early to allow artists and patrons time to prepare for the transition.
The news prompted an outpouring of support, with many returning to the venue for a final showcase. Clearwater recalled a recent “Monday Monday” event feeling like a reunion,reconnecting with friends she hadn’t seen in years. she acknowledged the uncertainty of replicating the original magic but expressed gratitude for the memories created within those walls. “It’s the wood, it’s the bar, the backstage chairs, the little lanterns,” she said. “I’m just going to miss what it looks and smells like, but the people, that’s never gonna go away.”
The Hotel Cafe hosted its last holiday event at the Cahuenga location earlier this month, a “love fest” filled with heartfelt performances and lingering goodbyes. bartenders Dan Shapiro and Dave greve noted the frequent “eulogies” offered to the venue in recent weeks. During the event, performer Lily Kershaw led the crowd in a rendition of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Our House,” while Cary Brothers closed his set with a poignant tribute.
Longtime doorman James Babson observed that the Hotel Cafe fostered a unique reverence for performers, with many attendees experiencing a “spiritual” connection to the music. peter Malek, a devoted patron who has attended over 1,333 shows, expressed contentment simply having witnessed the venue’s history.
As Dan Wilson of Semisonic performed the band’s iconic song,”Closing Time,” at the holiday party,the crowd erupted in cheers. Brothers, though moved, held back tears, knowing there would be time for reflection later. Lucy Clearwater summed up the sentiment, stating, “It’s never gonna be what it was, but it’ll be something new and different, and I’m really excited to see what that is.”
