OUT on Robertson Pilot Program Has Soft Opening

The OUT on Robertson pilot program had its soft opening last night, Saturday, April, 17, 2021. Robertson Boulevard will be closed off to moving vehicle traffic south of Santa Monica Boulevard and north of Melrose Avenue on Saturdays and Sundays.

The city of West Hollywood is doing its part to help out businesses with the street closure by showcasing WeHo restaurants and shops. The official OUT on Robertson opening night will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday May 1, 2021.

For its soft opening, the street only held the expanded Abbey Bar & Grill with outside seating and about 30 new tables. A red carpet, lighting and potted plants lined up on the west side of Robertson.

There was also an AHF Free HIV test van providing rapid testing and information. The van usually parks on Santa Monica Boulevard where there is more walking traffic.

WEHO TIMES chatted with a few of the patrons waiting to get into the Abbey about the street closer. “Just in time for summer and everyone getting vaccinated, feels like a combination of things to come, it feels fun,” said Andrew Vu.

“It will be exciting to meet new people with the bigger capacity, that is what I’m excited about,” added Alex Rodal.

A resident named Will said the locals felt that the city should go further and close down Santa Monica Blvd from San Vicente Blvd to Doheny Blvd.

Another local resident thought it would be great if it became a permit program like Lincoln Road in Miami, Florida.

At this point, OUT ON ROBERTSON is in its testing stages. It is an extension to the compact OUT Zones throughout the City, which began in August 2020. The City’s Temporary Outdoor Expansion Permit program offers streamlined approval for businesses to use sidewalks, on-street parking spaces, and private parking lots as areas to expand operations.

To get answers to frequently asked questions, download our FAQ here. For West Hollywood businesses interested in expanding to OUT on Robertson, please visit www.weho.org/business or email creativecity@weho.org.

The most up-to-date list of participating OUT Zone businesses can be found at www.weho.org/outzones. OUT Zones are marked by colorful signage with spots to “Dine OUT” for restaurants and cafes, “Shop OUT” for boutiques and goods, and “Werk OUT” for exercise and personal care.

For more information about the OUT on Robertson pilot program, please contact City of West Hollywood Management Specialist Paolo Kespradit at (323) 848-6556 or at pkespradit@weho.org.