The Barstool Fund - La Cave Steakhouse
Up next: La Cave Steakhouse (Costa Mesa, CA)
La Cave has been thriving for six decades, opening on Valentine's day in 1962. This subterranean gem has been popular for its fine steaks and seafood, vibrant lounge with live music, DJs, dancing and more.
Reader Email
Hello Barstool,
I’m writing you from California, land of good weather and ludicrous, business crushing lock downs.
La Cave restaurant is an independent steak house in Costa Mesa, CA has been in business since 1962. It’s a very unique spot in Orange County because it’s very old school; red vinyl booths, dimly lit and underground…literally. You take the elevator down and your in a different time. Like Mad Men and Goodfellas had a baby. John Wayne used to come in all the time.
I work behind the bar. I’ve been bartending there for 20 years. Most nights I work, I know about 75% of my customers at the bar. Unfortunately, we are in danger of shutting down. The first shut down in March was only supposed to be two weeks. Cut to 2.5 months later. Half our staff didn’t come back. We owe money to vendors. We were open half capacity for a month and shut down again. Outdoor only. People come to La Cave for the classic ambience and so we struggled with making people sit in the parking lot. There have been many iterations of what being in business looks like. But mainly, indoor to outdoor over and over. Since the new Newsom lockdown (right after thanksgiving) we have been closed.
The owner, Laura Palitz, doesn’t know I am asking for help for her business, but it’s such a cool spot. I love working there and I love my clients that come and see me when I work. I hope this email helps. Thanks for what you’re doing for restaurants.
Thanks for your consideration.
