Genghis Cohen

After learning from chef Sophie Wong, music producer and New York native Allan Rinde crafted a Jewish-inspired Chinese cuisine to be utilized for the Genghis Cohen menu.^[3] He then opened Genghis Cohen in 1983 in the space of a former pizza enterprise while he was working at Cherokee Studios, located across the street.^[4][1] Rinde's friend, Artie Wayne, named the restaurant. In 1997, Rinde sold the business to long-time maître d’, Raymond Kiu. Kiu ran the restaurant until 2015, when he transferred ownership to restaurant regulars and New York natives Marc Rose and Med Abrous.^[5] The restaurant is known for inspiring the Seinfeld episode "The Chinese Restaurant."^[3][6]

In 2025 it was announced that the restaurant would be departing from its location of 42 years due to the N. Fairfax Holdings LLC evicting the business; the restaurant ownership and the landlords had been "unable to secure a long-term lease solution at a reasonable rate."^[4] The restaurant temporarily relocated to 448 N. Fairfax Ave.,^[7] a space a few blocks south of the original location.^[4] Plans for a new permanent location included an expanded bar and new late-night menu.^[2]

As a music producer, Allan Rinde opened the Genghis Cohen cantina adjacent to the restaurant to showcase music acts. By the late ‘80s, it became a busy spot for touring bands and local musicians.^[7] Sara Bareilles got her start at the cantina.^[8][9] The venue also played host to Jackson Browne, Beck, Dave Grohl, Bonnie Raitt, and Tom Morello.^[10] Suzy Williams and Nick Ariondo ran a ten-year residency at the venue.^[11]

34°04′46″N 118°21′41″W / 34.0794°N 118.3613°W / 34.0794; -118.3613