Opinion | The Beachwood Cafe From a Resident’s Perspective

Disclaimer: The following is an opinion piece from The Echo’s Editorial Section. It’s a writer’s approach to communicating what they believe and why. Any opinions stated in by-lined editorials reflect the author’s views, not the administration or student body of GALA.

The Beachwood Cafe is small in the heart of Beachwood Canyon. The Canyon is home to the world-famous Hollywood sign and the Beachwood Cafe. The cafe gained popularity from the hit Harry Styles song “Falling” and has drawn thousands of fans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner over the past few months.

Over 17,000 fans filled the seats night after night in the Kia Forum these past few months to see the famous singer and former One Direction member perform hit songs like “Watermelon Sugar” and “As It Was” as part of his Love on Tour concerts. The concerts began on September 4, 2021, and are set to end on July 22, 2023.

Though he’s only released three studio albums, Styles is an icon to many. His most recent album, Harry’s House, skyrocketed to the top of the charts and even earned a Grammy, beating out Beyonce and Adele. Harry’s outfits are a source of inspiration and are often full of life and color.

Though he has had many popular songs with One Direction, I would like to discuss Harry Styles’ second studio album, Fine Line. While it is jam-packed with boppy songs like “Golden” and “Adore You,” one song that stuck out to me was “Falling.” It seems like a sad song to be on such a peppy album. It is not the kind of album you would happily dance along to. But one thing that makes this song interesting and unique is that he name-drops a small cafe in Hollywood, the Beachwood Cafe.

Before 2019, the cafe was usually quiet, but now, thousands of people from across the globe flock to that tiny blue door to complete their trip and fully experience the cafe Styles has dined at in years past. On the weekends, the small area outside the restaurant is busy.

Recent developments have proven challenging for someone living near the cafe. The areas are often clogged by cars parked to experience the same iced coffee Styles once drank. Since it is located in a canyon, echoes from the cafe can be heard. A celebrity knows about this little cafe.

Ultimately, I’m happy the cafe is getting business. It has been open since 2021, and business is booming. While losing a local cafe to the masses is frustrating, I can’t blame Style’ fans for flocking to this cute and tasty Canyon spot.