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Cafe Largo

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Due its relatively affordable rents and its central location, the Fairfax neighborhood became a prime destination for Generation-X hipsters and young urban professionals during the 1990s; it was within this context that the nightclub Largo emerged as a symbol of “cool culture" on Fairfax Avenue. Upon its opening in 1989, “Cafe Largo,” (the original name) received much positive publicity for its poetry readings, its cabaret shows, and its late night dining options. Mark Flanagan bought the club in 1992 and helped to reinvent Largo as an intimate performance space for up-and-coming comedians and musicians. Indeed, regulars included comedy rock duo Tenacious D, singer-songwriter Aimee Mann, and stand-up comedians Paul F. Tompkins and Patton Oswald. In June of 2008, the 120-seat venue on 432 Fairfax Avenue closed and Largo relocated to a larger space at 366 N LaCienga Boulevard. 

While located in the midst of a historically Jewish neighborhood and frequently featuring stand-up performances from Jewish comedians such as Sarah Silverman and Larry David, Largo was predominantly insulated from the dwindling though still identifiable Jewish character and composition of the neighborhood. According to the Los Angeles Times, “That’s because the younger, hipster crowd that frequents it [Largo] and other clubs on the street, such as Dime, come out at night, when many in the community’s aging Jewish population are at home.” One notable exception and contentious instance of co-mingling occurred in 1992: while Largo was scheduled to host a poetry reading and fundraiser for Palestinians, the planned event drew the ire of the militant Jewish Defense League, who threatened to cause “trouble” if the event was not canceled. While mainstream Jewish leaders spoke out against the Jewish Defense League and police assured protection, the event was ultimately canceled. 
 
 

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