Bar Chelou, the “weird” and award-winning restaurant in Pasadena, will close its doors on February 16, 2025. Chef-owner Douglas Rankin, who helmed the modern Euro bistro since its opening in early 2023, has decided to shut down the beloved restaurant after facing challenges stemming from the Eaton fire in January, which significantly impacted nearby Altadena.
Rankin cited the uncertainty caused by the fire, along with the strain of rising costs of living in Los Angeles, as the key reasons behind the closure. “All the signs were pointing towards: We have no clear path forward,” Rankin explained. The restaurant’s proximity to the fire led to days of closure due to thick smoke, and despite reopening, sales were down by as much as 20-30%, ultimately making it difficult to sustain the business in the current environment.
A Brief but Brilliant Journey
Opening with the goal of serving unexpected, creative dishes, Bar Chelou quickly became one of the most exciting culinary spots in the city. The name Chelou translates to “weird” or “unexpected” in French, and the restaurant lived up to that reputation with avant-garde takes on traditional dishes. Signature items like rainbow trout in garlic chive pil pil, clams and leeks with fresh crunchy bread, and an impressive pork chop with cabbage and fennel pollen furikake caught the attention of critics and diners alike.
Bar Chelou garnered significant national and local recognition. It appeared on the L.A. Times 101 List, was named one of the 25 best restaurants by the New York Times, and was lauded by Bon Appétit and Eater LA as one of the most exciting new openings of 2023. In his review, L.A. Times food critic Bill Addison described the restaurant as offering a “nouvelle cuisine fever dream,” a sentiment echoed by many food enthusiasts who had come to cherish its bold and eccentric approach.
A New Beginning in Denver?
Despite the closure, Rankin isn’t giving up on his culinary vision. He plans to relocate with his family to Colorado, where he is considering reopening Bar Chelou in a new location, potentially in Denver. “I’m very confident in what I do,” Rankin said, adding that the challenges of the past few months have pushed him to explore new opportunities.
Rankin, who has had a successful career working with restaurants like Trois Mec and Bar Restaurant, will continue to support the Los Angeles culinary scene, even as he looks forward to future endeavors. He also remains deeply grateful for the community and support that helped Bar Chelou become a recognized name in the city’s vibrant restaurant landscape.
Reflecting on a Dream
As Bar Chelou prepares for its final service, Rankin’s decision to close marks the end of a chapter filled with creative innovation and national acclaim. The restaurant’s embrace of the unexpected will be missed, but Rankin’s journey is far from over. His love for Los Angeles, its people, and its food culture will continue to influence his work, wherever it takes him.
Bar Chelou’s final day of service will be February 16, and fans of the restaurant will have one last chance to savor the innovative dishes that made it a standout in Pasadena’s dining scene.
Related topics: