The cafe that was once a favorite hangout of the Doors’ Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, as well as other Beat poets, authors, artists and followers, is now the upscale Piccolo restaurant. Venice West closed quietly in 1966 after its owner was threatened with arrest and eviction. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
On the east wall of the Dudley Avenue building, Henry’s Beach Market erected a colorful mural. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
Alan Leib and other conservationists hope to recreate Venice West Cafe and turn the tiny strip of Dudley Avenue into a Bohemian district with brick paving and period lampposts. Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for the Doors, applauded the idea of restoring his band’s old hangout: “I think it would be very exciting for today’s young people to have . . . a re-created authentic Beat psychedelic cafe.” (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
