The Oak Room Closes its Doors

The lights are off at The Oak Room at 1035 Swarthmore Ave., one of Pacific Palisades only bars, and for the meantime it will serve for multiple purposes. After making a go at running a sports bar, the owner says he does not plan to sell the space.

"I don't relate to bars," said Owner Steve Taub, hinting at his upcoming project to transform Steve's Deli right next door.

Taub reiterated he has no intention of selling or leasing The Oak Room space. It will primarily serve as a space for any community-related or civic activity meetings. An exercise group has been holding classes there, he added.

Taub's former business partner and friend, Lenny Rosenberg, sold him The Oak Room nine month's ago when he was experiencing health problems. Taub said Rosenberg is better now. The shared spaces used to be Mort's Deli and the Village Pantry.

Now focusing on his deli, Steve said he is focusing on changing it from a diner/deli to a deli/kitchen, and to unveil as "Steve's Kitchen."

"I want to relate to a restaurant, not a bar," he said. "It will be establishment I'll be proud of."

So far, Taub said he plans to make several capital improvements on the interior, such as putting a "highly cultured" wine bar, a glass partition between the kitchen and counter and having uniformed staff. He hinted the plans related to other high-end restaurants in Los Angeles.

"I want to make it as eye-appealing as possible," he said.

The social media presence for Steve's Kitchen is getting strong attention, Taub added, crediting the hire of young new manager.

Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.

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