Café Tropical, the beloved 48-year-old Cuban spot in Silver Lake, will be serving its final cafe con leche, guava cheese pastries, and medianoche sandwiches on Friday, December 1. Located at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Parkman Avenue, the business served as a neighborhood stalwart for morning caffeine fixes and leisurely afternoon meet-ups. The cafe’s longevity was a testament to its enduring charms, even amid Silver Lake’s massive transformation over the past decade. A handwritten note was posted on the shop’s window to share the news:
Attn Cafe Tropical customers, we will be permanently closing our doors this week. Thank you for all the years and support you have shown us! Last day of service will be 12/01/2023.
Restauranteur Daniel Navarro, who also owns the 35-year-old Cuban restaurant El Cochinito and the Cuban-inspired cocktail bar Bolita, purchased Café Tropical in 2019. The Los Angeles Times reports that a similar sign was posted on the window of El Cochinito restaurant announcing its closure. All three businesses are permanently closed according to Google. Eater has reached out for comment.
Sugarfish quinceañera menu
It’s been 15 years since Sugarfish first opened, and the chain is celebrating the milestone with a special 15-course menu that will run for 15 days from today, November 29 through December 13 in all Los Angeles locations. The $80 menu includes signature dishes and new creations like pink lobster sashimi, sardine nigiri, ikura, sea urchin, sunomono-style salmon sashimi, and more.
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Babka Streisand season
McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream is linking up with Genghis Cohen, the 40-year-old Chinese American restaurant on Fairfax, to bring Angelenos a limited-edition Hanukkah treat: Babka Streisand. The ice cream — a Brazilian coffee base with fudge swirls and chocolate hazelnut babka chunks — will be available starting December 1 by the scoop when dining at Genghis Cohen or by the pint with pick-up orders via ChowNow or by placing an order in-person or over the phone.
Another closure, plus one opening
Eater has learned that Homebound Brew Haus is serving its last frosty pint on January 1, 2024. The Dodger-loving sports bar and beer hall opened in November 2021 inside Union Station. Traxx, the full-service restaurant and bar that also operates inside Union Station, remains open.
LA’s famed Pink’s Hot Dogs is opening a new location at the Los Angeles Zoo. Beyond its original location at 709 N. La Brea, Pink’s operates satellite branches at busy attractions including Universal CityWalk in Hollywood, Raging Waters in San Dimas, and the Los Angeles and Orange County Fairs.
Italian cookie time
LA’s Garibaldina Society, the oldest Italian society in America, is hosting a holiday market called Il Mercato on Saturday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For $25, Italian cookie fans will receive a pink pastry box to fill up with 25 member-baked cookies.