Hotel Cafe

History

The Hotel Café opened in 2000 as a coffee shop on Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood, started by Marko Shafer and Max Mamikunian as a room where singer-songwriters could play for small crowds. In the early years the espresso machines had to stay off during songs, and the club expanded into the space next door in 2004. A second stage, about half the size of the main room, was added in 2016. The roughly 200-capacity club became known for launching songwriters including Sara Bareilles, Damien Rice, and Adele. In November 2025 the owners announced that this location would close in early 2026, with plans to reopen elsewhere.