As we learn more heartbreaking news about restaurants that have been destroyed by the Palisades Fire (RIP Reel Inn, Cholada Thai, Moonshadows) and the Eaton Fire (RIP Fox's, Side Pie, Everest Burgers), it's heartening to see that several restaurants and food businesses are stepping up to offer various forms of food aid. Below are a few that we've quickly compiled.
We'll periodically update this list. Feel free to send us info and tips at goodfood@kcrw.com. In addition…
Jose Andres works with World Central Kitchen to hand out food, water, and meals in New Orleans. Photo by Natassja Ebert
BASIC RESOURCES
Mutual Aid LA has compiled a spreadsheet of resources for various kinds of aid including food, animal boarding, and shelter.
LA Fire has also posted a handy map of mutual aid resources.
LAUSD has compiled a list of Grab & Go food locations all across the city.
World Central Kitchen's Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires. "Our teams and partners have mobilized across the region to provide nourishing meals to people in need," the organization says. You can donate to support these efforts. WCK has open sites offering free meals at:
- Pasadena Convention Center, 8am-10pm
- 300 E. Green St., Pasadena
- Sereno Ave, 3:30-8pm
- 2234 El Sereno Ave., Altadena
- St. Francis High School, 1:30-9pm
- 200 Foothill Blvd., La Canada Flintridge
The Los Angeles Food Policy Council says it is currently working with Food Recovery Organizations in the region to connect them to active food distribution sites for delivery. The organization is coordinating volunteers and sending them to food distribution sites. Please let them know if you need or have volunteers to help coordinate volunteer sites.
Slice Out Hunger has launched a fund that it says will support Angelenos and independent Los Angeles pizzerias. Your donation helps them purchase food from independent pizzerias to be delivered to relief shelters that are housing people displaced by the wildfires. The fund is supported by pizzerias across the US, who are donating 15% of sales from LA-inspired pizzas. You can donate here.
Tehachapi Grain Project says it is partnering with chefs and @foodforward and @wckitchen to get produce to affected communities. Partners include many staples at local farmers' markets such as @tamaifamilyfarms, @weiserfamilyfarms, @regierfamilyfarms, @windrosefarm, and @valdivia_farms as well as @fiorellipizza, @petitgrainboulangerie, and @chefmichelle_and_company.
If you want to volunteer, here is a spreadsheet with a list of options.
RESTAURANT AID LISTS
Other media outlets have also posted lists of restaurants offering free meals to first responders and/or people displaced by the fires.
LaSorted's, a pizzeria with locations in Chinatown and Silver Lake, is offering free pies to anyone displaced by the fires. Photo by Tommy Brockert
EASTSIDE
Yes, this is a large and not totally accurate geographical grouping.
LaSorted's Pizzeria — Silver Lake, Chinatown
On Wednesday, January 8, LaSorted's owner Tommy Brockert, was offering free pies to anyone displaced by the fires at the pizzeria's Silver Lake location. On Thursday, January 9, he posted on IG that he was giving away pizzas at both the Silver Lake and Chinatown locations: "If you or anyone you know needs help we're here for it. If you wanna send someone food we're here. We're in this together. We Love LA."
BLVD MKT — Montebello
The Montebello food hall says, "Our doors at BLVD MRKT are open to anyone displaced or in need. Please don't hesitate to reach out—send us a DM or email us at hola@gentefy.com so we can accommodate you and your family with a free meal or any resources we might be able to coordinate for you."
Rossoblu — Downtown LA
Rossoblu chef and co-owner Steve Samson says he plans to make a big pot of soup today and, "Anyone can come by Rossoblu for a bowl and a hug. You can have as many of each as you need and stay as long as you like." By today, he means Thursday, January 9, 2025. He says the soup probably won't be ready until after 2 p.m. but it will be available indefinitely.
Danny Boy's Famous Original Pizza — Downtown LA
Known for its New York-style slices, Danny Boy's says, "Angelenos: we are heartbroken to see the destruction in our city. If you have been displaced, please come in for pizza on the house. Both Danny Boy's locations [Downtown LA and Westwood] will be open to feed our communities. The same goes for the incredible firefighters and first responders out there putting their lives on the line to save our city — we are here to feed and support you. Please come in for pizzas on us."
Lowboy — Echo Park
Lowboy will be opening its Echo Park takeout window today (Thursday, January 9, 2025) starting at 3 p.m "to offer anyone in our community a free warm meal." The menu will be limited to hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and Impossible burgers with fries.
Villa's Tacos — Highland Park
Although Villa's Tacos has been closed the last couple of days, they write, "My team & I are making as many Villa's Trios as possible to pass out to our firefighters and first responders. If you or anyone you know has any leads (or an exact address) where we can go, please let us know. Thank you. God bless."
Tam O'Shanter — Atwater Village
At the Tam O'Shanter, first responders and those forced to evacuate their homes can get complimentary sandwiches with a soft drink." Guests can also donate directly to those affected by the fires on their checks. "Every contribution will go directly to supporting relief efforts in our community," according to a press release from the restaurant.
Cafe Tropical — Silver Lake
The beloved Cafe Tropical posted on Wednesday, January 8: "If you are evacuated. If you lost your home. If you just need to be around some other people. Our doors are open for you."
Bar Sinizki, Elf, Dune, Bub & Grandma's, The Juice — Atwater Village
Bar Sinizki, Elf, and Dune were all closed but their staffs banded together to make sandwiches, on bread donated by Bub and Grandma's, for anyone who needs them. The Juice took loads of fruit, sandwiches, and juice out to the Palisades. "We are going to make as many as we can until we run out of ingredients," they wrote. "If you need some- come by or tell us where we can drop them. There is no charge. We know many of you are still without power and cannot cook. We are working as quickly as we can to get reopened to serve our communities. Let's pull together, Los Angeles! We love this city and the people here so much."
Taqueria Frontera — Cypress Park
Known for its Tijuana-style tacos, Taqueria Frontera writes, "To our first responders, firefighters & police, please come in for a meal on us. Our hearts are with our beloved communities during this time, and we are here to help and serve. If you know of a family in need of a warm meal that has lost their home, please contact us."
Evil Cooks — El Sereno
Elvia Huerta and Alex Garcia, who have been making tacos since 2018, announced they will be open Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January and "LA WILL COME BACK STRONGER! We'll be open tomorrow and we'll be supporting our local firefighters since they been a big support to us we can't let them down, all first responders and any victims in these horrible times."
Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery — Pasadena
Pasadena restaurant Agnes is providing free or discounted meals.
Jitlada — East Hollywood
Adored Thai Town restaurant Jitlada announced it will serve free meals to firefighters and first-line responders.
Guerilla Tacos — Downtown LA
Although Guerilla Tacos is closing at the end of January, they posted, "We will be taking care of the bill for first responders and evacuees." The restaurant also says, "If you are a restaurant or happen to have a lot of food that you don't need, we are accepting donations on behalf of the @ihclaorg and @nativohlp to be delivered to the Rose Bowl for first responders."
Bar Etoile — Melrose Hill
On Thursday, January 9, Bar Etoile was offering free meals to people who needed them.
Gra — Echo Park
"As we all try to come to terms with these heartbreaking circumstances we've decided to reopen tonight [Thursday, January 9] for To-go only. If you are a firefighter, first respondent or volunteer please send us a message or swing by for a meal on us. Sending strength & love to all those affected," they announced.
Sonoritas Prime Tacos — Downtown LA
Sonoritas, a taqueria with outposts in West LA and DTLA, announced it is serving "free meals to all fire evacuees and first responders" at both locations.
Bé Ù — Virgil Village
Although it closed early on Wednesday, January 8 because of poor air quality, Bé Ù stayed open to provide free meals to fire evacuees and first responders.
Pie Trap Pizza — Covina
Pie Trap Pizza in Covina, not far from the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena, is offering free pizza for evacuees and people in need. Call 626-541-0051 to coordinate.
Halfsies Snack Shack — Azusa
Halfsies Snack Shack in Azusa and the Dog Haus Running Club have partnered and are looking for volunteers to help prepare and distribute meals, gather donated items, and distribute food and supplies. You can also donate money for groceries, food to cook, packaged/prepared food, bottled water, hygiene supplies, blankets and warm clothing.
Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood — Hollywood
The Hard Rock Cafe at Hollywood & Highland Center is offering a complimentary burger or chicken sandwich meal, which comes with fries and a beverage, and fries to all first responders throughout this weekend. It's also providing meals through World Central Kitchen and hosting a drop-off for emergency items to be donated to World Central Kitchen and the Red Cross.
South LA Cafe has been offering free groceries, water, and masks to people displaced by the fires. Photo courtesy of South LA Cafe
WESTSIDE
Yes, this is also a large and not totally accurate geographical grouping.
Danny Boy's Famous Original Pizza — Westwood
Known for its New York-style slices, Danny Boy's says, "Angelenos: we are heartbroken to see the destruction in our city. If you have been displaced, please come in for pizza on the house. Both Danny Boy's locations [Downtown LA and Westwood] will be open to feed our communities. The same goes for the incredible firefighters and first responders out there putting their lives on the line to save our city — we are here to feed and support you. Please come in for pizzas on us."
South LA Cafe — Exposition Park
South LA Cafe says, "We are providing free groceries, water & masks to anyone impacted by the fires or in need, TODAY at our Western Location, 12-4pm." By today, they mean Thursday, January 9, 2025. The official address is 1700 Browning Blvd., near the intersection of Western Ave. and MLK Blvd.
The Abbey — West Hollywood
The WeHo nightlife hub is open today, and they say: "To support our community, we're offering free meals to anyone displaced by the fires and to the incredible first responders keeping us safe."
Lawry's The Prime Rib — Beverly Hills
At old timey steakhouse Lawry's, first responders and those forced to evacuate their homes "can enjoy a free prime rib sandwich or burger with a soft drink at the bar." Guests can also donate directly to those affected by the fires on their checks. "Every contribution will go directly to supporting relief efforts in our community," according to a press release from the restaurant.
Fat + Flour — Culver City
At her Culver City pie shop, Nicole Rucker is offering free bread and coffee today, Thursday, January 9, 2025. "We will be by donation only today. If you need food come get some food, no obligation to pay," she writes.
Re/Creation Cafe — Mid-City
Re-Creation Cafe says, "For anyone in the Los Angeles area that needs a safe place to shelter or work throughout the day, come to Re/creation Cafe. We are here for you."
Calico Fish House — Huntington Beach
Chef and co-owner Andrew Gruel says, "DM @ChefGruel on Twitter to coordinate meal or supply deliveries."
Mariscos Jalisco — Calabasas
Although its La Cienega outpost is closed, award-winning food truck Mariscos Jalisco is giving free plates of its famous tacos dorados to first responders at 27050 Agoura Road in Calabasas.
Sunday Gravy — Inglewood
The Inglewood Italian restaurant says it is offering free meals of spaghetti marinara or spaghetti bolognese with caesar salad and garlic bread to first responders and evacuees. "We will help for as long as we can," Sunday Gravy writes. They're also accepting donations to purchase meals for someone else.
Harold & Belle's — Jefferson Park
The classic Creole restaurant is open and offering free meals to first responders.
Tomat — Westchester
Westchester restaurant Tomat is providing free or discounted meals.
MDK Noodles — Koreatown
On Wilshire Blvd., MDK Noodles will be offering free knife-cut noodles to first responders and firefighters throughout the weekend.
Love Hour — Koreatown
On Western Ave., Love Hour has been offering free meals to firefighters and anyone else affected by the fire. They're also taking donations and drop offs throughout the weekend. "Waters, canned food, blankets, emergency supplies, hygiene products are needed. Will distribute Saturday and Sunday," they write.
Sonoritas Prime Tacos — West LA
Sonoritas, a taqueria with outposts in West LA and DTLA, announced it is serving "free meals to all fire evacuees and first responders" at both locations.
Petitgrain Boulangerie — Santa Monica
Petitgrain, which makes some of our favorite croissants in LA, is closed today out of an abundance of caution (it was three blocks from the city of Santa Monica's evacuation zone), but co-owner Clémence de Lutz, had been making croissants and other baked goods to deliver to shelters.
Huckleberry, and Milo & Olive — Santa Monica
For first responders, Huckleberry is offering free burritos while Milo & Olive is offering free pizzas. They also write, "If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity or in need of assistance, please reach out to us via DM — we're here to support you." They've also partnered with @itsbiggerthanus_, an organization dedicated to providing essential resources and support to those in need. Right now, their focus is on delivering meals and resources to those affected by the fires.
Kogi BBQ — Various Locations
Chef Roy Choi says @kogibbq and its food trucks are working with @wckitchen to feed first responders and anyone displaced by the fires. They've also launched an LA County Wildfire Fund, which is "mobilizing food donations for first responders, evacuees, and anyone needing a hot meal and a hug."
Hollywood Food Coalition — Hollywood
Located on the campus of the Salvation Army at Hollywood and Bronson, the Hollywood Food Coalition is offering regular meal distribution starting at 6:30 p.m. It's serving regular recipients and providing additional support to community partners as possible
Din Tai Fung, which is famous for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings), is offering a free takeout meal to first responders. Photo via Shutterstock
CHAINS WITH MANY LOCATIONS
Habit Burger & Grill
Through Sunday, January 12, all Habit Burger & Grill locations in LA County will provide a free charburger or veggie burger meal (burger, fries, drink) to ALL first responders and evacuees. Simply stop in and order from the kiosk or a cashier. No delivery or digital orders. In addition, the company says its trucks are available to feed firefighters or evacuation centers. They need to put in the request on Habit's site, free of charge, and the truck will come to them.
Din Tai Fung
Through Sunday, January 12, Din Tai Fung restaurants in Glendale, Century City, Del Amo and Santa Anita are offering a complimentary takeout meal to firefighters and other on-duty first responders, as long as they show their professional ID.
Panda Express
Panda Express is offering free meals to firefighters and other on-duty emergency responders in the impacted areas of LA County through Sunday, January 12, 2025. Firefighters and on-duty emergency responders can simply show their ID to redeem the meal in-store.
Ono Hawaiian BBQ
Ono Hawaiian BBQ is offering free Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Plates and Chicken Katsu Plates for first active-duty first responders including firefighters, police officers, and EMT/paramedics. The offer is valid at select Southern California locations: West LA, Culver City, Alhambra, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Glendora, Upland, Mission Hills, Van Nuys, and Sylmar.
Sizzler
Through Sunday, January 12, the Van Nuys, Los Feliz, Palmdale and Fox Hills Sizzler locations are offering a complimentary meal to all evacuees and first responders affected by the current wildfires. It includes your choice of a 6 oz. steak, six jumbo crispy shrimp or a Malibu chicken entree along with your choice of a side and a fountain drink.
Fatburger
Over the next several days, LA-based and founded burger chain Fatburger is donating 10,000 meals to first responders and fire evacuees via its food truck, the Fatmobile, which will be serving food at first responder sites and at shelters.
Lazy Dog
This weekend — Saturday, Jan. 11 andSunday, Jan. 12 — Lazy Dog restaurants will be providing free meals to first responders and firefighters who visit the locations listed below. On Monday, January 13, the chain is hosting a special 2025 California Wildfire Relief Fundraiser. 100% of net profits from participating locations in Los Angeles and Ventura counties will be donated to The American Red Cross to aid in relief efforts.
- Cerritos
- LA Live
- Downey
- Torrance
- Thousand Oaks
- Oxnard
- Valencia
- West Covina