Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Vintage L.A.: Documentary on The Historic King Eddy Saloon Screens Tonight
Photo via the King Eddy on Facebook
When news came down the pike about the closing of historic Skid Row Bar the King Eddy, Downtowners and L.A. history buffs lamented. It's considered one of the last legit dives in the area, and we're not talking about the pseudo-vintage bars to appeal to the mustachioed hipster crowd.
The King Eddy is located in an area of Downtown on 5th and Los Angeles that's called "the Nickel." It's been owned by the same family for nearly 50 years, but at the end of summer ownership will transfer over to Michael Leko Urbano Pizza Bar, Spring Street Bar, and the Library Bar. No word as to whether the new owners will keep the 6 a.m. opening hours. But some, like the film's creators, aren't thrilled with what they consider to be the end of an era. The bar is a pilgrimage for fans of American novelist John Fante, who set the scene of his novel Ask the Dust in the basement of the King Eddy. Novelist James M. Cain also was known to hang out at the dive while researching his book The Postman Always Rings Twice.
Blogdowntown reports that tonight Los Angeles Visionaries Association (LAVA) will be screening a short documentary film about the history of the King Eddy this evening at the saloon. Admission is free, and the movie will play from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Visit the LAVA site for more details.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
