Abbot’s Habit was one of the classic Venice hangouts. On Abbot Kinney Blvd., right in the thick of things, this coffee shop / cafè dive welcomed all comers locals, tourists, young and old, creative types, rich and homeless. Nina Sant’Angela, owner for the last 17 years cared for her eclectic clientele and they cared for her. She held out against gentrification until it finally rolled over Abbots Habit, shuttering one of the last remaining Venice Beach originals.
Venice Loses Abbot’s Habit
Nina Sant’Angela, owner of Abbot’s Habit. It was one of the classic Venice hangouts. Photo by Eric Drachman/KCRW