Del Monte, The

THE ORIGINAL SPEAKEASY

In 1905, Abbot Kinney and Francis Ryan partnered to create “Ocean Park,” with Kinney envisioning a West Coast Venice inspired by his travels to Italy. The marshy Southern California coastline was inexpensive to buy, allowing Kinney to lay the groundwork for what became Venice Beach. After a falling out, a coin toss gave Kinney the southern portion of the land, where he built his Renaissance-inspired beach city.

Venice quickly became a popular destination for Hollywood’s elite, with amenities like eateries and bars. In 1915, Italian immigrant Cesar Menotti opened “Menotti’s Buffet,” an upscale bar and restaurant. Prohibition in 1920 forced Menotti to transform the establishment into an underground speakeasy, using Venice’s steam pipe tunnels to transport bootlegged liquor. Whiskey arrived via boats offshore, fueling a successful operation that made Menotti a key figure in the local bootlegging scene.

The Townhouse, built in 1915, evolved over decades, passing through several owners while remaining a beloved Venice landmark. Today, it operates as a live music venue and cocktail bar, celebrating its legacy as Venice’s original speakeasy.