Blue Plate Oysterette Latest Restaurant Closing in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA – November 7, 2025, 7:19 PM PST

Blue Plate Oysterette, a seafood restaurant on Ocean Avenue, will permanently close its doors on January 4, 2026, marking it as the latest in a series of restaurant closures in Santa Monica. Owner Jennifer Rush cited escalating operational costs, business regulations, and safety concerns related to the area's homelessness crisis as the primary reasons for the decision.The restaurant, a 16-year fixture known for its fresh seafood and coastal ambiance, has faced declining foot traffic, according to Rush. She pointed to increasing incidents of crime, mental illness, and open drug use near the establishment, which have deterred both staff and tourists.

Rush, who also operates two other restaurants in Santa Monica, expressed hope to keep those locations open but emphasized that conditions in the area must improve for their survival.Local resident Jeanette Yoffe, a former employee on the Santa Monica Promenade, echoed the sentiment, noting that the once-thriving area has seen a significant drop in business due to the visible homelessness issue. The closure adds to a growing trend, with other California eateries like MOD Pizza and Cracker Barrel facing similar challenges, though specific closures in the state have varied by location.

Despite Santa Monica's reputation as a culinary destination-bolstered by its farm-to-table dining scene and proximity to weekly farmers markets-the city has struggled with economic pressures and safety concerns. Rush highlighted state and local laws she believes favor employees over business owners, further straining operations. The restaurant's closure comes as the city continues to grapple with balancing its tourism appeal with the realities of urban challenges.

The announcement has sparked concern among locals and business owners, with some calling for increased support to address homelessness and crime. As Blue Plate Oysterette prepares to shutter, the closure serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties facing Santa Monica's dining industry, with the potential for more closures looming if conditions do not improve.