Café Tondo: A Harmonious Blend of Past and Present in Los Angeles

Café Tondo, a captivating new establishment nestled in Los Angeles's historic Chinatown, redefines the modern cafe experience by artfully weaving together the rich tapestry of its past with contemporary design sensibilities. Conceived by Mouthwash Studio and meticulously brought to life by Aunt Studio, this all-day gathering spot embodies a spirit of warmth and community, striving to become a cherished 'third place' for its patrons. The interior design thoughtfully retains the building's original character, showcasing its scuffed floors and exposed brickwork, while introducing subtle new elements that create a harmonious dialogue between memory and change. Custom furniture pieces and carefully selected ceramics further enhance the cafe's unique identity, offering a space that is both visually engaging and deeply welcoming.

Chinatown's New Gem: Café Tondo Embraces History and Hospitality

In the vibrant heart of Los Angeles's Chinatown, a new culinary and social hub, Café Tondo, has emerged, offering a distinctive blend of historical reverence and modern comfort. The cafe, which gracefully transitions from a morning coffee haven to an evening wine bar, is the brainchild of Creative Director Abraham Campillo from Mouthwash Studio, in collaboration with Mackenzie Freemire, Alex Tan, Ben Mingo, and Mike Kang of Locale Partners. Their vision was to create a space that fills the contemporary void of disappearing 'third places,' fostering an environment of genuine hospitality and belonging, truly echoing the sentiment of 'mi casa es tu casa.'

Aunt Studio, led by co-founders Noam Saragosti and Juhee Park, meticulously crafted the cafe's interior and exterior. Their design approach was deliberate and sensitive, choosing to honor the building's diverse history, which includes stints as a French bar, an acupuncture clinic, and a mechanic's shop. Instead of erasing these past lives, the designers embraced them, allowing the original scuffed floors, painted brick, and exposed ceilings to contribute to the narrative. New elements, such as a continuous sweep of earthy red plaster, subtly unify the various interconnected spaces. Saragosti and Park describe this as 'a strategic approach: deciding what to embrace, what to subtract, and where to intervene,' resulting in a layered aesthetic that champions 'a subtle dialogue between memory and change.'

Bathed in natural light streaming through large windows, the cafe is adorned with bespoke furniture crafted by OMBIA Studio. Each piece, handmade in Mexico, subtly references traditional cantina culture and everyday rituals. Tabletops are graced with textured ceramic pieces, thoughtfully curated by Isabella Marengo of Bugambilia, while deep navy accents tie the various rooms together. As twilight descends, the ambiance gracefully transforms, setting the stage for evenings filled with live jazz, soulful boleros, lively salsa, and residencies by acclaimed DJs like Mexico City's DJ Escuby.

At the core of Café Tondo's allure is the culinary artistry of Chef Luis Luna from Guadalajara. Drawing inspiration from his experience at renowned establishments like Enrique Olvera's Damian and Xokol, Chef Luna's menu is a narrative of 'place, memory, and tomorrow.' His small plates, celebrating the diverse culinary traditions of Latin America from Mexico to South America, perfectly complement the evening program, which invites guests not merely to dine, but to linger, connect, and become part of a welcoming community.

The thoughtful design of Café Tondo offers a refreshing perspective on urban spaces, demonstrating how embracing history and fostering genuine connection can create truly memorable experiences. It serves as a reminder that a well-designed environment can elevate everyday interactions into meaningful cultural moments, enriching the lives of those who pass through its doors.