Casita Del Campo's Silver Lake History

LA WeeklyFood

Credit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoA bearded Rudy Del Campo before opening night 1962; Credit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoRudy Del Campo lights a cigar next to longtime waitress Martha Chapa in this interior photo of Casita Del Campo from 1973.; Credit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoOriginal exteriorCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoOriginal exteriorCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoOriginal exteriorCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoOriginal exteriorCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoOriginal exteriorCredit: Courtesy Casita Del Campo1962; Credit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoNina Del Campo seated at an art show at the restaurantCredit: Courtesy Casita Del Campoalso picturedCredit: Courtesy Casita Del Campoalso picturedCredit: Courtesy Casita Del Campo1962; Credit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoThis 1962 publicity photo shows Helen Del CampoCredit: Courtesy Casita Del CampoleftCredit: Courtesy Casita Del Campohis sisterCredit: Courtesy Casita Del Campohis sisterCredit: Courtesy Casita Del Campo

Casita Del Campo has been a Silver Lake landmark essentially since it opened in 1962. The first owner was an actor and dancer whose claim to fame was a role as a gang member in the movie “West Side Story.” The restaurant and bar has always attracted musicians and other performers, and was always welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Today it is known for its guava margaritas and basement theater, which specializes in drag shows.

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