Building

Once known as Venice West Café, this historic hangout for post-beatnik intellectuals became a local and national hub for poets, artists and liberals interested in carrying on a tradition which began in 1950s America. Morrison would come here often to drink espresso, read books, and discuss his passion for beat-era poetry. In 2010, the Cultural Heritage Commission of Los Angeles paid tribute to the history, mounting a plaque on the wall outside in remembrance of this cultural renaissance. The building inspired the Beat Generation to head West from New York and brought together a community of artists and poets such as Jim Morrison. After being closed for years, the building is now a high-end Italian restaurant.