Silver Lake residents can now dine beneath stained glass and church bells. A former 1931 Romanesque church has been transformed into the highly-anticipated Hotel Lucile. The 25 historic rooms at 1629 Griffith Park Blvd aren’t the only way to experience the newly reimagined space. French-American restaurant Sous Sous occupies the refurbished chapel, with an organ-inspired bar and countless original details.
South of France meets South of the USA in this cozy restaurant. The purpose of the restaurant, to act as a gathering space for the community, is evident even in their approachable menu. The team behind the uber-successful De La Nonna has curated a selection of dishes that emphasizes freshly caught fish with French-American preparation. Inspired by the culinary traditions of coastal communities on both sides of the Atlantic, the menu draws connections between places like Marseille and Nice and American port cities such as Charleston and New Orleans, bringing the flavors of the South to Silver Lake.
The beverage program follows the same coastal French feel. The wine list is carefully curated, featuring French classics alongside unexpected offerings like chillable reds. Most selections come from coastal regions, complementing the seafood-forward dishes without taking itself too seriously. The inventive cocktail menu is similarly playful. The overall aesthetic is communal and chic, with the former chapel providing a dramatic backdrop for a lingering night at the bar.
The architectural details are nothing short of breathtaking. Although the space now has a contemporary design sensibility, it hasn’t lost its original character. Among the standout details are the stained-glass depictions of the 12 apostles, iron-framed windows, and, of course, the iconic bell tower. Together, they make the space feel less like a restaurant housed inside an old church and more like a thoughtful continuation of the building’s history.
Although Silver Lake has been a hotspot for dining, nightlife, and creative culture, it has notably lacked an internationally-recognized hotel. Hotel Lucile is about to change that. The restaurant and the hotel itself offer a level of upscale hospitality that stands out on Griffith Park Boulevard.
Residents are thrilled that the building has been preserved and revived rather than torn down. The team hopes the new space is used as a neighborhood gathering place, with a restaurant, bar, café, and spaces for cultural events. In doing so, Hotel Lucile preserves the spirit of the original church while opening its doors to a new generation as a welcoming, lively community space.
Sous Sous at the Hotel Lucile
Sunday – Thursday | 5pm – 9pm
Friday – Saturday | 5pm – 10pm
