No. No no no.

Hal's Bar & Grill, a Venice institution and one of our favorite (everyone's favorite) eat-at-the-bar burger and martini spots in town, just announced that after 30 years on Abbot Kinney it will close its doors come April 24. 

Like many other small, independent and family-owned Abbot Kinney businesses in recent years, Hal's is being forced to find greener pastures now that its lease is up. The only consolation for its loyalists is that the restaurant is trying to stay close to home—ideally on Abbot Kinney, but there are no plans yet for possible locations. 

Change is inevitable, but this one cuts deep. Hal's really embraces its role as a local mainstay, the "soul of Venice," and prides itself on treating everyone like family. Owners Hal Frederick and his partners since 1987 Don and Linda Novak had a vision for Abbot Kinney back when it was still West Washington Blvd.

"I saw the potential on this street long ago," Frederick says on his website. "Collaborating with a small group of dedicated merchants, it took eight months but we changed the name to Abbot Kinney, and planted some trees."

Frederick was also far ahead of the curve in creating Venice's signature style of an upscale casual eatery with an emphasis on local art. In addition to paintings, illustrations and sculptures, Hal's also features live jazz. 

"When I opened Robert's, my first restaurant here in Venice, I lived over at what became L.A. Louver and the owner gave me a course in Contemporary Art 101," Frederick continues. "He handled Jasper Johns, Frank Stella, David Hockney and others. The art at Hal’s is mainly by local artists (who come in and eat all the time). Most are internationally renowned."

No word yet on what will move into the space once Hal's vacates.

If you need us, we'll be sulking at the bar. 

Hal's Bar & Grill // 1349 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291