It seems that a certain eatery may have some unexpected ingredients in their recipe.
Burger enthusiasts in Los Angeles received quite a surprise on Tuesday when The Win-Dow, a popular burger joint known for its straightforward and affordable offerings, was ordered to close by public health inspectors due to a rodent and vermin problem.
This walk-up smashburger establishment had earned a loyal following in a city where even casual lunches can be pretty pricey.
Photos shared on Reddit showed the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health notice at the Silver Lake location, accompanied by a handwritten sign, likely from the management, stating that The Win-Dow was “temporarily closed for maintenance.”
However, locals weren’t convinced by this explanation. One commenter joked, “Ratatouille be making my burger.”
The unsettling discovery ignited discussions about whether the restaurant was directly responsible or if it had just become another casualty of the vast urban rat issue plaguing the city.
“Honestly I blame it less on them and more on there just being a plethora of rats in that general area,” remarked one individual.
Another commenter pointed out that the whole vicinity has a rather unpleasant dumpster nearby.
There might be some validity to these concerns. Modern Bread & Bagel, located next door at the same Griffith Park Boulevard address, also faced closure by health officials on September 15 for a vermin problem, with inspection records showing several violations.
A keen observer on Reddit quickly made the connection, noting, “Modern Bread and Bagel is closed too, must be that whole complex infested.”
The Win-Dow had been rapidly expanding across the city, gaining traction from Venice to Hollywood. Yet, the Silver Lake branch has faced its share of challenges with community sentiment—beyond just the four-legged intruders.
Commenters gleefully supported the health department’s action, calling the pest situation “karma.” This location faced backlash online last summer after allegedly serving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
“May they have the abysmal future sales they deserve,” expressed one individual. “I hope it turns into a rat cafeteria.”
When reached for comment, an employee at The Win-Dow abruptly hung up.
