News Summary
Melody, a beloved bungalow wine bar, will permanently close on July 12 after nearly a decade of serving diverse cuisines and fostering community engagement. The closure is attributed to a decline in business, influenced by recent Hollywood strikes, wildfires, and rising living costs. Owner Eric Tucker reflects on the establishment’s legacy and announces final events featuring various pop-ups. The venue is remembered for its inclusive atmosphere and natural wine offerings, marking a significant loss for the local community as it approaches its final days.
Los Angeles — Melody, a celebrated bungalow wine bar in Virgil Village, is set to close its doors permanently on July 12, ending nearly a decade of culinary innovation and community engagement. Established in 2017, the bar gained prominence for its inclusive atmosphere and dedication to showcasing diverse cuisines. The owner, Eric Tucker, emphasizes that he hopes Melody’s legacy will embody this welcoming spirit rather than just its image as a trendy spot.
The decision to shut down comes in the wake of a downturn in business, stemming from several factors including the Hollywood strikes in 2023, severe January wildfires, and the escalating cost of living in Los Angeles. The combination of these issues has raised significant concerns regarding the sustainability of small businesses in the current economic climate. Tucker expressed doubts about the viability of maintaining such establishments moving forward.
Before the inception of Melody, Tucker operated an Italian restaurant and bar in New York City. Initially, Melody featured a fusion menu inspired by California and French cuisine, adhering to a traditional dinner service format. However, less than a year into its operations, the financial struggles prompted a pivot to a rotating pop-up model. This restructured approach allowed Melody to support a variety of chefs, including a notable two-year residency from the Mexican-Jewish pop-up, Malli. The menu also included a short selection of cheese, charcuterie, and bar snacks.
The wine list at Melody became a hallmark of the establishment, focusing exclusively on natural and low-intervention wines from across the globe, many priced under $80. This strategy contributed to what Tucker describes as Melody’s “golden years,” a period during which patrons often gathered in the parking lot while waiting for seats, creating a vibrant, party-like atmosphere.
As Melody approaches its final days of regular service, an announcement on social media thanked patrons for participating in what was termed a “unique experience-experiment.” In an attempt to preserve the communal feel, the venue will briefly reopen on July 16 to host “rent parties.” These events will feature relaxed rules and lower prices, with Tucker returning as the sole staff member and promoting his new pop-up venture, Ugly Pie, which specializes in pizzas.
The last days of service at Melody will include collaborations with other pop-ups. Ugly Pie will be featured on Wednesdays and Thursdays, followed by a fried chicken pop-up called Little Piggy on Fridays, and Standing’s Butchery taking over the kitchen on Saturdays. After these events, Tucker plans to leave Los Angeles and is considering a return to New York.
Melody has been recognized by long-standing patrons for its inclusive environment, where the atmosphere was relaxed and devoid of pretension. The bar established itself not only as a dining venue but as a community hub. The upcoming events aimed at marking the end of this journey will be a final opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate the impact of Melody within the neighborhood.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Melody Wine Bar Closure
- Wikipedia: Natural Wine
- AOL News: Virgil Village Natural Wine Destination
- Google Search: Melody Virgil Village
- The Infatuation: Courage Bagels Review
- Google Scholar: Small Business Sustainability
- Los Angeles Magazine: Melody Pop-Ups
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Eater LA: Best Food Pop-Ups
- Google News: LA Food Scene
