Gone, Godmother: LA's Favorite Italian Deli Sandwich Spot Shut Down by Health Department
It seems like Bay Cities' famous meat-and-cheese-stacked Godmother sandwich has attracted tiny unwelcome terrestrial visitors — vermin, that is. During a recent inspection by the County of Los Angeles Public Health, a vermin infestation was found in the locally loved Santa Monica restaurant, resulting in a temporary closure. Additional issues were identified with hot and cold holding temperatures, inadequate cleaning and sanitizing of cooking surfaces, and handwashing practices. The restaurant remains closed as of May 27; a pre-recorded message plays when calling Bay Cities, saying that the decision to close was made 'in consultation with the Health Department.'
A reopening date has not been announced yet. Eater LA has reached out to Bay Cities for comment.
Bay Cities has been open in Santa Monica since 1925, serving a wide range of Italian deli sandwiches alongside well-stocked aisles of Italian goods, fresh baguettes, and packaged cold salads. The restaurant first opened on the corner of Broadway and Lincoln, a space that later became a now-closed Swingers, before shifting to its current home on the same block. Over the last century, it has attracted near-constant crowds for its cold cut sandwiches made at the in-store deli counter. In a previous inspection in 2024, Bay Cities received a 'B' with infractions including improper handwashing and glove usage, and issues with cleanliness on food contact surfaces.
This isn't the first recent high-profile temporary closure due to a vermin infestation. In April, a cockroach was found in the tonic bar of the Santa Monica Erewhon, where the notorious smoothies are made. The bar closed briefly before reopening after a reinspection. Temporary closures like this aren't rare for Los Angeles. Casa Vega, 101 Noodle Express, Philippe's, Rainbow Bar and Grill, and even the now-closed Original Pantry Cafe have all been temporarily shut down by the health department in the past due to vermin problems.
Hopefully, Bay Cities' unwelcome visitors got a taste of gabagool before being unceremoniously ushered out. Or, like Remy in Ratatouille , some provisions for the road.
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