The oldest operating restaurant in Los Angeles County – one that has catered to countless eaters from all walks of life for 139 years – has closed its doors for good.
Sunday was the last day of business at the Original Saugus Cafe. The longstanding and beloved establishment, located in the Santa Clarita Valley community of Newhall, announced the news on Dec. 29.
“For 139 years, Saugus Cafe has been more than just a restaurant; it has been a place where memories were made, stories were shared and generations came together. We are truly honored to have served this community for so long,” the restaurant shared in a Facebook post. “The decision [to close] was not made lightly, and it comes with heartfelt appreciation for everyone who walked through our doors, supported our staff and made this cafe what it was.”
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Opened around 1886, the Original Saugus Cafe has fed presidents, Hollywood stars and everyone in between for almost a century and a half. Some movies and TV shows have even been filmed in and around the eatery.
Prior to 2025, it had closed temporarily twice – once in 1943 due to financial strain and again 40 years later.
According to the cafe’s announcement, the future plans for the building are currently unknown. The post did not explicitly clarify a reason for the closing.
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