Wurstkuche Prepares to Open Its Doors in the Arts District

By Ed Fuentes
Published: Monday, November 17, 2008, at 02:48PM

Ed Fuentes [Flickr]

It's not an Arts District speakeasy. It's Wurstküche, adding a well planned eatery to the Arts District. Seen in front is Bogey the chihuahua waiting for some take-out.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — New Arts District eatery Wurstküche cracked open the doors on Saturday for a pre-soft opening trial, and a steady flow of customers kept the cafe door open into the night.

Gourmet links at $6.75 caught many eyes, as did the selection of beers on tap.

While the cafe is intended to primarily serve take-out (phase two of the space will offer more eat-in seating), there are small tables and a counter inside that cleverly use the building's sharp interior corner to make the space feel larger than it is. It's been a long process of planning and permits, and this sampling via the cafe has me interested in how the rest of the restaurant will turn out.

For Joseph Pitruzzelli and Tyler Wilson, the process of opening has been more than just finding rattlesnake sausage or chicken sausage with mango and jalapenos -- though incidentally those two were the biggest sellers last Saturday.

From day one, Pitruzzelli and Wilson (and friends) have been community minded, researching what people wanted and looked for in a cafe. Small touches have been carefully thought out. Simple landscaping was added in April, a month before real interior work began. A request to DOT got a green 15-minute parking zone curbside, an attempt to create a space for customers to drop in and pick up their orders.

The cafe gets its bread from Homeboy Bakery. While the decision was made based on quality, it's a great use of a local resource and supports a worthy cause.

Those who have been eatery waiting for the eatery to open will not be disappointed. Officially, doors open tomorrow, November 18. There's more menu tweaking to come, though, and traditional and vegetarian sausages have yet to make their debut.

This week, Wurstküche will be open Monday through Thursday from 11am till 8 pm. On Friday and Saturday the daring cafe will be testing something else locals have wanted: late night dining. They'll be staying open until 3am.

Wurstküche / 800 E 3rd St @ Traction Avenue (Joel Bloom Square) / 213-687-4444

Ed Fuentes

The small space is comfortable for a quick bite, yet it may be tested by those who wants to stay at a table for a few beers. Outside, in the background, is Bloom's General Store.

Comments

William Pit writes:

For those of us who have seen this restaurant progress from an empty brick building, into a hip place with great food and an incredible list of beers(24 on tap) it was a sweet day, Sat., when they opened. I missed that opening but have made up for it since. Yesterday, the 19th I had what I think was a great meal, grilled spicy mango with jalepeno sausage, grilled onions, hot peppers on top, a side of Belgian fries and an ice cold Aventinus Eisbock. It was wonderful. For those of you who don't drink alcohol this place has some of the most unusual soft drinks from around the country. Another thing I like about this place is there are no flat screens. You can actually have a beer and conversation without someone screaming every time the ball is moved. The one negative about this place.... sorry I can't think of one.

# on Nov.20.2008 AT 07:42 AM

Sara writes:

There is a taste for every bud on the tongue available at Wurstkuche! Even for all you vegeterians and vegans out there is are tasty sausage alternatives! The food is deliciously gourment, yet affordable and filling at that! Where can you get such deal this days! Another impressive item about this place is there 24 beers on tap. Not only do these guys know their sasauges, but beers as well! Even for you girly girls out there “who hate beer” you will be pleasantly surprised- Just ask for the BumbleBee. Lastly the vibe is definitely an added plus. Its has neighborhood friendly appeal in the heart of the new upcoming Art’s District. Again this is Highly Recommended!

# on Nov.24.2008 AT 12:03 PM