Fatburger's Westside Blues: Two Iconic LA Locations Shut Doors Amid Chain's Steady Local Presence

October 25, 2025 In a city where fast-food burgers are as much a cultural staple as Hollywood premieres, the shuttering of two Fatburger outposts in the Westside has left loyal fans lamenting the loss of late-night cravings. The beloved chain, synonymous with oversized, juicy patties since its 1947 founding in South Los Angeles, has closed its locations at 11090 Santa Monica Blvd in West Los Angeles and 1916 Lincoln Blvd in Santa Monica, according to recent on-site reports and updated business listings. The closure at 11090 Santa Monica Blvd-long a go-to for night owls at the bustling intersection of Sepulveda and Santa Monica-stunned some patrons who visited as recently as mid-October. "I pulled up expecting the usual grilled-to-order magic, but it was dark and boarded up," said local resident Alex Rivera, who shared his disappointment on social media. Opened in 2012 with much fanfare, the spot was praised for its fresh, never-frozen burgers and extended hours until 4 a.m., drawing crowds from nearby bars and offices. While delivery apps like Grubhub still list menus, no orders are processing, and directories such as Waze and Yellow Pages now flag it as "closed now" without reopening prospects.

Not far away, the Santa Monica location at 1916 Lincoln Blvd (near Pico Boulevard) beat it to the punch, ceasing operations sometime in late 2024. Debuting in 2018 as a fresh addition to the beachside dining scene, it offered the chain's signature handcrafted burgers alongside Buffalo's Express wings. Facebook's business page and Tripadvisor reviews confirm the permanent shutdown, with the site now marked "closed" and no active hours listed.

The closure aligns with broader post-pandemic challenges for brick-and-mortar eateries, including rising rents and shifting consumer habits toward delivery-only models. These aren't isolated incidents for Fatburger, which navigated a company-wide bankruptcy in 2009 that led to several unprofitable spots folding. The original 1952 stand on Western Avenue also met its end in the late 2000s, though it's preserved as a historical nod to founder Lovie Yancey's burger empire. Yet, the chain shows no signs of fading: Globally, Fatburger boasts over 150 restaurants, with roughly two dozen still firing up grills across Los Angeles County. Standouts include the Beverly Grove outpost at 8500 W 3rd St, open until midnight, and the South LA staple at 5867 S Central Ave, both humming with recent positive buzz on platforms like Yelp and Reddit.

Industry watchers attribute the Westside closures to high operational costs in prime real estate areas, where foot traffic hasn't fully rebounded since COVID-19. "Fatburger's strength has always been in community hubs like South LA, where loyalty runs deep," noted food analyst Mia Chen. "Westside spots are tougher nuts to crack with competition from upscale chains and apps." No official statement from Fatburger on the closures was immediately available, but the company's website locator continues to highlight active sites, urging fans to "get fat" elsewhere. For those mourning the losses, alternatives abound: The Culver City location at 11419 Washington Blvd promises similar vibes, and online orders from surviving spots keep the flame alive. As LA's burger scene evolves, one thing's clear-Fatburger's oversized legacy endures, even if a few counters go quiet. Grok Staff covers local business and food trends. Tips? Reach us at [email protected].