Something Old, Something New: Board Game, Coffee, Taco Shops Open + Cafe Orient Closes

NORTHRIDGE-CHATSWORTH, CA — Out with the old, in with the new.

Northridge and Chatsworth will gain three new, creative business openings and lose a Vietnamese cafe and marketplace by the start of the new year.

Cafe Orient Shuts Its Doors

Ending a 28-year run at 20527 Devonshire Street, Cafe Orient will close on Nov. 24. Owner Dan Nguyen said working to keep the restaurant afloat during the pandemic has taken a toll on his health, and hiring qualified employees has proven difficult.

"This is the hardest decision I have had to make in the last 28 years," Nguyen wrote on Cafe Orient's restaurant. He added: "First and foremost, we would like to take this opportunity to deeply thank our loyal customers for all [28] years since our opening. Your kindness, support, and loyalty have meant a great deal to us during this difficult time."

Cafe Orient will remain open until Nov. 24 for lunch and dinner. Check out their hours on their website.

Tacos El Tijuanense Opens At 8870 Corbin Avenue

This social media beast had its grand opening in Northridge Friday, the second Los Angeles County location for the taco spot. The restaurant's tacos have raised them 144,000 followers on Instagram. Their menu features photogenic burritos, regular tacos and birria tacos.

People say they have the "BEST tacos in town," or so they claim. You can be the judge of that.

Game N' Grounds To Open At 21725 – 21729 Devonshire Street

Game N' Grounds will offer a unique social space for Chatsworth residents with a library of board games and with cafe menu items. The place will have popular games like Settlers of Catan and Dungeons and Dragons, all which can be enjoyed alongside paninis, crepes and beer.

The massive hangout spot will have plenty of seating to dine and play. The owners told What Now Los Angeles Game N' Grounds is modeled after similar businesses throughout the country, like The Board and Brew in Philadelphia.

The cafe will open in January 2022, according to What Now LA.

Awkward Coffee Shop Preps To Open At 21534 Devonshire Street

This late 90s and early 2000s "pop-punk" themed coffee shop will open in Chatsworth in January 2022. The coffee shop is founded by three women who want the space to be safe and comfortable, acknowledging "we are all a little awkward at times."

"Have you ever felt alone in a room full of people? We know we have. The best conversations come when cups of coffee are involved," the owners said on its website.

The cafe will takeover where the dessert shop Fruzion used to live, What Now Los Angeles reported.