The Silver Lake Icon: 5 Secrets Behind Cliff's Edge's Closure And The New Life Of Its Iconic Patio
For over 16 years, Cliff's Edge on Sunset Boulevard was not just a restaurant; it was the definitive Silver Lake dining experience, a lush, two-level patio oasis that felt like a secret treehouse in the middle of Los Angeles. As of this current date in December 2025, the original Cliff's Edge is permanently closed, having shuttered its doors in the tumultuous year of 2020. This article dives deep into the legacy of the iconic New American spot, the circumstances of its closure, and the new, vibrant Mediterranean concept that has successfully resurrected the magical space.
The location at 3626 W Sunset Blvd remains one of the most sought-after dining spots in the city, a testament to the original design and atmosphere that captivated Angelenos for nearly two decades. The story of Cliff's Edge is a tale of a beloved East Side institution—its rise, the notable figures who shaped it, and the successful transformation of its legendary courtyard into a new culinary destination.
The Legacy of Cliff's Edge: A Silver Lake Institution (2004–2020)
Cliff's Edge opened in 2004 and quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the Silver Lake dining scene. Its fame rested almost entirely on its breathtaking, multi-tiered outdoor patio, which was shielded from the bustle of Sunset Boulevard by dense foliage and towering trees. This bohemian, romantic atmosphere became its signature and a major draw for dates, celebrations, and locals seeking an escape.
The Key Figures and Culinary Evolution
The restaurant's identity was closely tied to its high-profile owner and a rotating cast of talented chefs, which kept the menu fresh and the buzz constant throughout its run:
- Owner Dana Hollister: Hollister is a legendary figure in L.A.'s East Side nightlife and hospitality scene. She was the visionary behind Cliff's Edge and other local staples like 4100 Bar and Brite Spot in Echo Park. She gained international notoriety for her high-stakes legal battle with pop star Katy Perry over the sale of a former convent, which only added to the mystique of her properties, including Cliff's Edge.
- Chef Benjamin Bailly: Bailly, a French-born chef, was known for helming the kitchen during one of the restaurant's most celebrated periods, bringing a refined touch to the New American menu.
- Chef Vartan Abgaryan: Later in the restaurant’s history, Abgaryan, formerly of Public Kitchen & Bar, took over the culinary direction, continuing the tradition of elevated, seasonal dishes that complemented the unique atmosphere.
The cuisine at Cliff's Edge was generally categorized as New American, focusing on seasonal ingredients and a sophisticated-yet-approachable style that matched the neighborhood's bohemian chic.
The Shocking 2020 Closure and the COVID-19 Impact
The permanent closure of Cliff's Edge in March 2020 was a significant blow to the Silver Lake community and the wider Los Angeles culinary landscape. The news was particularly disheartening because the restaurant's greatest asset—its expansive, open-air, two-level patio—seemed perfectly suited to survive the outdoor-only dining mandates of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Industry insiders and heartbroken regulars cited the business disruptions and lockdowns brought on by the pandemic as the official cause of the closure. Despite its built-in advantage of a beautiful outdoor space, the economic realities of the initial 2020 shutdown proved too much for the 16-year-old establishment. The loss of Cliff's Edge was widely regarded as one of the saddest restaurant closures of that year, underscoring the pandemic's devastating effect on even the most beloved local institutions.
The Resurrection: Bacari Silver Lake Takes the Iconic Space
While the closure marked the end of an era, the story of the iconic space at 3626 Sunset Boulevard continued. In a move that delighted East Side residents, the location was acquired and reborn as Bacari Silver Lake, which officially opened its doors on June 30, 2021.
Bacari is part of a successful, growing family of Los Angeles restaurants known for their distinctive "Bacari" style. The new owners understood the magic of the location and made the deliberate choice to preserve and enhance the legendary two-level patio.
A Sleeker, Lusher Vibe
The new iteration maintains the essential indoor-outdoor feel but introduces a "farmhouse Tuscany ambiance," making the space feel "sleeker and lusher than ever." The famous courtyard, with its huge, illuminated trees and bohemian touches, remains the heart of the restaurant, providing the same romantic, secluded atmosphere that patrons of Cliff's Edge cherished. This successful transformation proves that while the name changed, the spirit of the space—a lush, intimate oasis—lives on.
The Bacari Culinary Concept: Cicchetti and Open Bar
Bacari Silver Lake introduced a significant shift in cuisine, moving away from Cliff's Edge's New American style to a distinctive Italian and Mediterranean concept. The menu is centered on Cicchetti, which are Venetian-style small plates designed for sharing, encouraging a communal and leisurely dining experience.
Key menu items reflect this Mediterranean-inspired approach, featuring dishes like:
- Asian Pear & Brie Pizza (featuring guava fromage blanc)
- Charred Green Bean & Snow Pea
- Shrimp Ceviche
- Flat Iron Steak
- Watermelon & Feta Salad
In addition to the food, Bacari is known for its open bar program, a concept that allows guests to enjoy a wide variety of drinks, including wine, beer, and signature cocktails, at a fixed, time-based price. This unique approach to hospitality, combined with the romantic atmosphere, has allowed Bacari Silver Lake to quickly establish its own reputation as a vibrant and distinctive Italian restaurant in the heart of the East Side.
The Lasting Impact on Silver Lake Dining
The story of Cliff's Edge and its successor is a perfect microcosm of Los Angeles's dynamic restaurant industry. Cliff's Edge created an enduring blueprint for what an iconic Silver Lake dining experience should be: a bohemian, hidden-gem patio with an elevated culinary program. Its 16-year run cemented the location as a true landmark on Sunset Boulevard.
The arrival of Bacari Silver Lake proves that the power of a truly special location can transcend ownership and concept. By respecting the lush, two-level structure and infusing it with a fresh, vibrant Mediterranean energy, Bacari has not only filled the void left by Cliff's Edge but has successfully written the next chapter for this beloved East Side oasis. For those looking to experience the magic of the famous patio, the spirit of the space, now with a Tuscan twist and a focus on Cicchetti, continues to thrive today.
Detail Author:
- Name : Brendon Fritsch Sr.
- Username : chelsey.reinger
- Email : nglover@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 2004-11-24
- Address : 41718 Nathanael Club New Alftown, NV 78667-0954
- Phone : (352) 222-9773
- Company : Parisian Ltd
- Job : Food Batchmaker
- Bio : Aliquam tempora ut praesentium totam quidem. Sit aspernatur non tenetur qui aut reprehenderit molestias. Consequatur sunt impedit est minima.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/sanford1981
- username : sanford1981
- bio : Veritatis accusamus tempore voluptatem veritatis quia. Possimus totam ab nostrum similique. Facilis temporibus nam vel at quaerat est.
- followers : 4830
- following : 52
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/rogersanford
- username : rogersanford
- bio : Ut necessitatibus nulla voluptas quae.
- followers : 3585
- following : 1839
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/roger.sanford
- username : roger.sanford
- bio : Eius vel at quae. Ut sunt enim dolores aspernatur odio natus quod.
- followers : 3149
- following : 985
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@rogersanford
- username : rogersanford
- bio : Architecto accusantium non omnis incidunt reprehenderit excepturi mollitia.
- followers : 6244
- following : 47
