A San Pedro Farewell: The Green Onion, A Culinary Heartbeat, Prepares Its Bittersweet Exit

It's always a bittersweet moment, isn't it? That feeling when a place — a true landmark, really — that has simply always been there, serving as a backdrop to countless memories, announces its final bow. For the folks of San Pedro, that moment is upon them. The Green Onion, a name synonymous with hearty breakfasts and late-night cravings, with generations of shared meals, is preparing to close its doors, and honestly, the thought stings a little.

November 23rd, 2025 — that’s the date etched into the collective heart of San Pedro. After decades, a lifetime even for many, of flipping tortillas and perfecting that legendary green sauce, the beloved Mexican-American eatery will serve its last customers. And you know, it’s not just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of local history, a gathering spot that has seen families grow, friendships deepen, and stories unfold, all against the comforting clatter of plates and the aroma of simmering chili verde.

Betty Dashiell, the stalwart owner, a figure as integral to the Green Onion as its signature breakfast burrito, is retiring. And who can blame her, truly? Years of dedication, early mornings, and late nights demand a pause, a moment for herself. But her decision, while completely understandable, leaves a void — a big, onion-shaped hole, if you will — in the heart of the community. People are, well, they're understandably gutted. Facebook groups are alight with tributes, reminiscing about first dates, Sunday brunches, or simply that perfect, post-game meal.

What made The Green Onion so special, you might ask? Was it the food? Absolutely. Those taquitos, crisp and satisfying; the chili verde, a symphony of flavors; and of course, that green sauce, a condiment so revered it probably deserves its own postal code. But it was more than the menu, wasn’t it? It was the feeling you got walking through those doors — a sense of home, of unpretentious comfort. It was the friendly faces, the bustling atmosphere, the sheer consistency of quality and warmth that kept people coming back, year after year, decade after decade.

Think of all the conversations, the celebrations, the quiet moments of reflection that happened within those walls. From sunrise, with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with sizzling bacon, to the late hours when folks sought solace in a plate of nachos, The Green Onion was there, a steady beacon. It embodied a certain kind of California casual, a friendly neighborhood joint where everyone felt welcome, no matter who they were or where they came from.

So, as the final days tick by, there’s a quiet pilgrimage happening. Locals are heading back, perhaps for one last taste of their favorite dish, one more memory to tuck away. It’s a moment to say goodbye, yes, but also a profound opportunity to say thank you. Thank you, Betty. Thank you, The Green Onion, for the flavors, the laughter, and the countless moments that made San Pedro a little brighter, a little more delicious. You'll be missed, truly, profoundly missed.