Nate 'n Al's Reopening In Beverly Hills

BEVERLY HILLS, CA —Good news for Nate 'n Al's fans: The iconic, Jewish delicatessen on Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills will reopen Friday, May 15, for takeout and delivery.

"Guess what?! WE’RE BACK!" the eatery announced on its Facebook page. "After taking some time to find the best way to keep our team members and customers safe, we are reopening starting tomorrow."

Renown for 75 years for its Reubens, matzo ball soup, blintzes and other deli faves, the restaurant closed its doors in March, following California's coronavirus-driven, no-in-house-dining orders. Nate 'n Al's management tried for a week or so to keep business afloat with to-go orders, before abandoning the effort.

"After reviewing all the variables, we no longer feel confident that we can do that. It is with great sadness that we will be closing our doors for all business as of tomorrow, Sunday, March 29th at 8 p.m.," the restaurant posted on March 28. "Thank you all for being a part of the Nate'n Al's family and a special thank you to our employees who have worked tirelessly to be here so that we all have continued to have our favorites available!"

And it was that social-media post that was misinterpreted and fueled speculation and false reports that Nate 'n Al's was history.

"Nate'n Al’s Closure Mourned by Hollywood: 'It’s Heartbreaking,'" read the March 29 headline in the Hollywood Reporter. "Nate 'n Al's, legendary Beverly Hills deli, to close on Sunday," ABC 7 News reported, broadcasting, "... it is permanently closing."

Devastated celebrities also took to social media that day to share their grief:

"Nooooooooo! Nate'n Al's is closing!!!??? This is the deli I grew up with!" Laraine Newman, an original "Saturday Night Live" cast member, tweeted. "The best in Los Angeles. The deli where I saw Danny Kaye when I was 12 and he winked at me!!! Nooooo!"

Beverly Hills Councilmember and former Mayor John Mirisch called the closure of Nate'n Al "nothing short of devastating for our entire community." He told City News Service "after 75 years, it is beyond sad to see it go with a whimper like this."

Nate'n Al’s managers quickly posted a clarification noting that, “The media has incorrectly reported that Nate 'N Al's is 'gone forever,'” adding that the closure, in short, was "for now" and the future was uncertain.

For the past year or so, however, the restaurant's future did seem up in the air, as a move from its current location to a new site on North Canon Drive was under consideration, along with the possibility of new investors, according to media reports.

Founded in 1945 by friends and business partners Nate Rimer and Al Mendelson, the eatery now is owned by Shelli and Irving Azoff.

But for whatever lies ahead, at least for now, loyal patrons know where to turn for their knishes, kishka, latkes, lox and bagels.

Nate 'n Al's, at 414 N. Beverly Drive, will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for takeout and delivery. See more here on menu items, plus pick-up and delivery options.

IN OTHER LOCAL RESTAURANT NEWS ON PATCH:

• Tocaya Organica Rolls Out New, Delivery Burrito Biz In WeHo
• Local First Responders Thanked With 'World Famous Shrimp Trays'
• Craving Schnitzel & Sauerkraut? Rasselbock Opens For Takeout
• Du-par's Legendary Pancake Batter Will Get You Through Lockdown