5 historic California restaurants just got $50,000 grants for repairs. See the list
A handful of historical restaurants across California recently received preservation grants aimed at improving their businesses.
American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation bestowed the $50,000 awards on a total of 50 restaurants across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the financial services company said in a news release.
“Our 2025 grantees reflect the deep-rooted food traditions that define American communities, and we hope these grants spark ripple effects that sustain them in the future,” Madge Thomas, head of corporate sustainability at American Express, said in the release.
The grant is part of the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, which was launched five years ago to celebrate and invest in independent restaurants that are cultural and culinary landmarks across the country, according to American Express.
Several of the grant recipients are family-owned eateries that have fed their communities for generations.
In 2025, a total five California restaurants earned $50,000 grants to “restore, expand, hire and innovate — ensuring they remain vibrant parts of their communities,” American Express said.
Here’s which ones:
Los Angeles Mexican restaurant is historic landmark
Established in 1930, El Paseo Inn is in lively, open-air Mexican marketplace in the center of downtown Los Angeles.
The nearly century-old restaurant at 11 East Olvera St. has been designated a historic landmark and houses one of the oldest bars in Los Angelas, El Paseo Inn said on its website.
Over the years, the Mexican restaurant said, it’s served a variety of famous and historic figures, including President George H.W. Bush, President Bill Clinton and civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.
San Luis Obispo Chinese restaurant gets grant for repairs
Mee Heng Low Noodle House, 815 Palm St. in downtown San Luis Obispo is best known for its noodle dishes, chop suey and dumplings.
The 98-year-old Chinese restaurant is among the last surviving remnants of the city’s once booming Chinatown.
Mee Heng Low Noodle House plans to use the $50,000 grant to “support the refurbishment of our neon signs and external facade,” the restaurant said in a social media post
“We really needed an update, and this will provide it for us,” restaurant manager and chef Russell Kwong told The Tribune. “We’re trying to revitalize Chinatown right now, and this is going to help a lot.”
San Francisco Indian restaurant housed in a former hotel
One of the oldest Indian restaurants in San Francisco, New Dehli Restaurant opened its doors in 1988.
Over the years, the eatery has served more than two million patrons in the ballroom of the former Hotel Ramona, 160 Ellis St. in San Francisco.
New Dehli Restaurant serves up a “delicious and affordable menu with a San Francisco twist,” San Francisco Heritage said in a Facebook post.
Southern California Peruvian restaurant plans renovations, mural
Qusqo Bistro and Gallery, 11633 Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles, focuses on Incan culture and its emphasis on a “plant-based diet to heal and strengthen the mind, body,and soul,” according to the restaurant’s website.
Chef and owner Lucy Haro is the mastermind behind the Peruvian restaurant.
Haro told LAist that she plans to spend the $50,000 grant on renovations to the restaurant, plus a new mural.
“In Los Angeles, you’ve got a blend of cultures. So, we want to create a mural that showcases that spirit, that brings so many people together,” she told LAist.
Route 66 roadhouse awarded preservation grant
The Barn has served customers driving on one of the country’s most famous roadways — Route 66 — for more than 70 years.
The roadhouse dive bar, 4560 National Trails Highway in Newberry Springs, dishes up food, liquor and live music.
“Two hours from everywhere, in the middle of nowhere,” the bar said on its Facebook page. “Coolest bar EVER!”
