Two longtime Santa Monica nightlife staples are shutting their doors, marking another setback for the struggling Third Street Promenade area as more businesses exit the once-thriving district.
The Misfit Bar & Restaurant confirmed it closed permanently on Saturday night, ending a 15-year run as one of the most recognizable dining and nightlife spots in the city. Throughout the day, longtime patrons gathered to say goodbye to the popular venue.
“We’re really bummed, because it’s one of our favorite bars down here near The Promenade,” said local resident Levi Stein.
In a statement, LGO Hospitality, the group behind the restaurant, cited ongoing challenges tied to property ownership instability and worsening conditions in downtown Santa Monica.
The company said repeated changes in building ownership and lack of long-term investment contributed to the closure, adding that these factors ultimately undermined the business’s ability to sustain operations.
Nearby, Britannia Pub has also announced it will close in July when its lease expires, ending a 30-year run on Santa Monica Boulevard. While owners did not directly cite a reason for the closure, they confirmed they have already secured a new location and plan to continue the brand elsewhere.
Locals expressed disappointment over the wave of closures, pointing to rising rents, shifting consumer habits, and safety concerns as key challenges facing the area.
Santa Monica officials have acknowledged the downturn in foot traffic and business activity in the Third Street Promenade district. In response, the city recently approved a $3 million revitalization plan aimed at boosting economic activity, including discounted parking, fee reductions for new developments, and expanded entertainment zones.
Despite the decline, business leaders say new openings are still planned in the area, including a Taco Bell Cantina and a Raising Cane’s, signaling efforts to reshape the district’s future.
For many residents, however, the closures represent the end of an era for one of Santa Monica’s most iconic entertainment corridors.