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This running list of Bay Area restaurant closures covers venues shuttered between August of 2019 and March 9, 2020. For a list of restaurants that will not reopen following the coronavirus crisis, go here.
MARCH 9
OAKLAND — When it opened last April, Here’s How was hailed as one of the most exciting new cocktail bars in Oakland thanks to the pedigree of its owner, Bay Area bar superstar Jennifer Colliau, and interesting, forward-thinking features like an open prep kitchen and a robust canned cocktail program. But all that came to an end two weeks ago, as the bar closed its doors, citing financial hardship in the face of a months-long battle with building residents that delayed the bar’s opening and prevented it from receiving its permanent liquor license.
OAKLAND — A staple on the Jack London Square waterfront for the past seven years, Lungomare shuttered last week, leaving Oakland with one fewer destination for fresh pasta and seafood-centric northern Italian fare. The hotel group that now owns the restaurant has not yet announced what its new focus will be when it reopens later this year.
FiDi — Red’s House, the widely acclaimed Jamaican pop-up, ended a three-month run at Breaking Bread. Pop-ups are of course tenuous and temporary by their very nature, but in a city with very few Caribbean restaurants to speak of, this loss is particularly painful — even if it proves to be temporary, as the pop-up’s proprietors search for a permanent home.
EMBARCADERO — Unable to settle a dispute with its Ferry Building landlord over the terms of a rent increase, the New American spot MarketBar will have its last day of business on April 22. It joins Mijita Cocina Mexicana (which closed in December) and Tanya Holland’s San Francisco outpost of Brown Sugar Kitchen (which shuttered in January) among prominent Ferry Building departures.
REDWOOD CITY — Known for its generous breakfast sandwiches and friendly service, the popular cafe Kristi Marie’s has closed in Redwood City. As Palo Alto Online first reported, the owners left a note citing how much more difficult it is for “the smaller guys” to stay in business.
FEBRUARY 24
MISSION — Katz Bagels is closing its first and last location, which is well known to 16th Street denizens for its massive and be-winged 3D bagel as well as for its under-five-buck breakfast sandwiches. According to a sign on its door, which was first noted by Mission Local, the company once has a flourishing whole business and locations in SoMa and in the Haight. Its Mission shop, which opened in 1993, will shutter on March 24.
WEST PORTAL — After 89 years in business, Shaw’s candy shop has closed its last location. It first opened at 122 West Portal Avenue in 1931, grew to a 50-location chain known for homemade ice cream and chocolates, and eventually contracted back into its original spot. Hoodline reports that there’s a ”for rent” sign on the door, but Shaw’s owners have not commented on the company’s end.
BRISBANE, PARKSIDE — Bakers of Paris, one of the largest wholesale bakeries in the city, will close on March 20 after rent on its production facility was increased to a reported $650,000 per year, Hoodline first reported. The bakery once boasted storefronts in the Haight, Noe Valley, and the Parkside, and built out a 330 client business that served international chain hotels, large and small grocery stores, and local restaurants and cafes.
CASTRO — After the Flying Falafel triumphed over a NIMBY complaint that sought to block its opening at 463 Castro Street, it instead opened a members-only social club in its space. When the city’s Planning Commission cried foul regarding the unexpected pivot, owners of both businesses departed the location, telling Hoodline that the city claims that “any gathering of people is not permitted.”
EMBARCADERO — 1912-era Embarcadero coffee shack Java House (which is not to be confused with Red’s Java House, another Embarcadero institution located on the Southern side of the Bay Bridge) has closed, a sign on its door first noted by SF Gate says. Its owners for the last 33 years have reportedly sold the majority of the business to a newcomer to the food game, an insurance broker named Mike Heffernan, and it will reopen as a place called “Frankie’s Java House” by Memorial Day. [SF Gate]
FEBRUARY 10
BAYVIEW, MISSION, SUNSET — Seven Stills brewery and distillery is pausing production and closing three locations. The state found the company in violation of 68 counts of tied-house laws and suspended its liquor license for 90 days. In response, Seven Stills is now shuttering three locations: Bayview and Mission are closing permanently, and Sunset is closing temporarily. The big new facility at Mission Bay — which the team just spent a breathtaking $11 million to build — will remain open.
HAYES VALLEY — The Absinthe Group never seemed to find quite the right restaurant concept for the corner of Gough and Grove. First Boxing Room folded, and now Barcino is on its way out. The Spanish spot was only open for a couple of years, but the group is finally letting the space go.
RUSSIAN HILL — La Folie, the fine dining institution, is closing after 32 years of foie gras, poached lobster, and lobster soufflés. Chef Roland Passot is closing the doors on March 14 in order to retire. It’s the end of an era for fans of French cuisine and fine dining.
CASTRO — Dapper Dog hot dogs and Slurp noodle bar are smaller spots, but both shuttered within a week of each other. They’re the latest to leave a prime block in the Castro littered with even more empty storefronts.
BERKELEY — Perhaps not everyone will be sad about this one: Western Pacific was the restaurant Charlie Hallowell launched less than a year ago, while still publicly going through sexual harassment allegations. Apparently the neighborhood was not interested in his wood-fired pizza, pasta, or pleas for a comeback. Less than a year later, it’s officially closed, Berkeleyside confirms.
JANUARY 20
MISSION — Amnesia is shutting down the dance party in early March, Mission Local reported first. Known for live music and craft beer, the Valencia Street bar has been in business for almost 20 years. An employee said the venue is changing hands, and might reopen in a few months, but may not need the entertainment license going forward.
SOMA — After 28 years of bringing Basque-leaning French bistro fare to SoMa, Fringale is calling it quits, the Chronicle first reported. Current owner Jean-Marie Legendre blamed a downturn in business on Central Subway construction and tech workers who don’t go our for lunch.
NOE VALLEY — Hoodline broke the news that Savor Open Kitchen shuttered this month after nearly 20 years in business. The neighborhood spot had a shaded patio, and once did lively business in burgers and brunches, but the owner blamed tech people for not supporting local restaurants.
FISHERMAN’S WHARF — El Farolito has rolled its last super burrito in the tourist district, Hoodline spotted. Never fear, the meaty offerings are still available at three other locations across the city.
SOMA — Inay Filipino Kitchen closed its kiosk at the Metreon at the end of December, Hoodline reports. Owner Manuel Ramirez was serving his mother’s Filipino fare to shoppers and moviegoers for eight years, but is changing the location to a Bonchon Korean fried chicken outpost.
MISSION — Valencia Pizza & Pasta has slung its last pies, Hoodline reported. The spot was known for okay pizza, cheap wine, and 90s nostalgia. The space appears empty.
MISSION — Just next door, Burger Joint is also leaving an empty storefront, as first reported by the Chronicle. A temporary closure for a seismic retrofit turned out to be permanent. The spot served burgers and shakes to the neighborhood for 25 years.
RUSSIAN HILL — After only four years of hot coffee and breakfast burritos, Brew Bros Cafe is closing, Hoodline reports.
OAKLAND — Katrina Rozelle is closing her namesake pastry shop after 33 years of wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and cookies, Hoodline spotted first. Rozelle posted the “bittersweet” decision to retire on her website, and thanked her loyal community of “discriminating dessert lovers.”
BERKELEY — Moxy Beer Garden is rolling out the kegs after six years of pouring craft beer for South Berkeley, Berkeleyside reported first. The owner says the landlord refused to sell or extend the lease, forcing the restaurant out.
JANUARY 13
UNION SQUARE — Gold Dust Lounge, the long-shimmering dive bar, has officially closed after 54 years of serving cheap Irish coffee to the tune of tourist karaoke.
EMBARCADERO — Not even fried chicken and cornmeal waffles can cut it at the Ferry Building these days. Celeb chef Tanya Holland is closing this location of Brown Sugar Kitchen less than a year after opening. Her flagship Oakland restaurant remains open.
CASTRO — On a sunny sliver of a corner where Market meets Noe, Cafe Flore quietly closed over the holidays, after 47 years in the neighborhood. Recent owners struggled with necessary updates, and aspired to make it a “cannabis cafe,” before business wound down.
EMBARCADERO — Traci Des Jardins closed two restaurants within the year, not just the iconic Jardiniere, but most recently Mijita Cocina Mexicana, her more casual spot in the Ferry Building. After 15 years in the famous food hall, Des Jardins simply said her lease was up.
TENDERLOIN — Meraki Market, a high-end market founded by an events planner, has shuttered after a little more than a year in business.
SOMA — Gozu is temporarily closed after a small fire broke out in the kitchen. It remains to be seen when diners will be welcomed back to the counter for wagyu tastings.
UNION SQUARE — Ayala quietly shuttered after a year of serving fish dishes inside Hotel G, Hoodline reported. Apparently French Laundry alum (and recent reality TV chef) Tim Hollingsworth will be putting a new restaurant into the space.
FILLMORE — Fat Angel has closed after 10 years of serving craft beer and comforting mac and cheese to Fillmore Street, Tablehopper spotted first. It’s making way for Anchovy Bar, a new fishy spot from the State Bird Provisions team.
PALO ALTO — Town & Country is losing an old-school and much-loved sandwich shop. Village Cheese House closed at the end of December, after 60 years of stacking triple-deckers with house spread, Mercury News reports.
DECEMBER 16
DOGPATCH — Glena’s Tacos and Margaritas, a favorite spot for al pastor and piña coladas from a former fine-dining chef, went dark before Thanksgiving. Chef-owner Michael Gaines says the closure is temporary, but declined to comment further, and the neighbors don’t sound optimistic.
CASTRO — Tacos Club, a late-night option for tacos and burritos, has quietly shuttered, Hoodline reports. It’s one of nine vacancies currently plaguing that block of Market Street.
FIDI — The grilled cheese trend may have gone cold. Grilled Cheese Kitchen is closing its FiDi location, following the closing of its Mission location in 2016, Hoodline reports. The original location in South Park will remain open.
SOMA — Tap 415 in Westfield Mall has served its last burgers and beers, Hoodline reports based on a tip. Anyone seeking a drink after the movies will have to look elsewhere. Like much of the top floor, it’s being converted to offices.
MISSION — Legendary dive bar Zeitgeist is closing temporarily in January for a seismic retrofit, Hoodline reported first. They’re going out with a rager (meaning, cheap beer) on January 3 to 8.
CASTRO — After 22 years on a brunch-friendly corner of 16th and Market, Squat & Gobble is closing, Hoodline reported first. The crepes and cafe fare are officially out, but the cafe will open as a taqueria under the same ownership.
OAKLAND — Bissap Baobab, the only Senegalese restaurant and dance club in Oakland, is shuttering at the end of December. It’s been a tough couple of years for owner Marco Senghor, who’s struggled with eviction notices and allegations of immigration fraud. Sister restaurant Little Baobab in the Mission remains open.
OAKLAND — After 14 years in Old Oakland, Tamarindo Antojeria has served its last rounds of mezcal tacos and cochinita pibil tacos.
BERKELEY — John’s Ice Cream is closing up shop after a decade on Shattuck Ave, Berkeleyside reports. It was known for dollar scoops and hard-to-find flavors like avocado and pandan.
SAN CARLOS — Chuck’s Coffee & Donuts, a family-owned doughnut shop, is closing after 30 deep-fried years. The son blamed “skyrocketing” rent in a Reddit post.
DECEMBER 2
NOPA — After five years of filet mignon and foie gras, Bistro Central Parc is bidding adieu to the neighborhood. In an email, owner Gina Calder said she’s “thankful for all the memories, food, and celebrations shared.”
BERNAL — Cortland is losing its only oyster bar. Red Hill Station, known for slurp-worthy happy hours and brunches, has closed after five years in the neighborhood, Tablehopper spotted.
RUSSIAN HILL — Dim Sum Club, the dumpling spot tucked inside the da Vinci Villa Hotel, has quietly shuttered, Tablehopper reports. It was one of the few Chinese restaurants within striking distance of Russian Hill.
CHINATOWN — Capputea has pulled the plug on all of the hot pots. The Taiwanese restaurant closed after less than a year in the former Hanlin Tea Restaurant space, Hoodline reports.
HAIGHT — Sparrow Bar & Kitchen is closing, hopefully temporarily, for an earthquake retro and reno, Hoodline reports. After a streak of closures in the Haight, the neighborhood is concerned about losing a brunch favorite, but the owner promises to reopen in spring 2020.
OAKLAND — After 14 years of serving Mexican street food to Old Oakland, Tamarindo Antojeria served its last mezcal cocktails and cochinita pibil on November 30.
OAKLAND — Hawk and Pony coffee shop closed on November 24, Berkeleyside says. Temescal residents will have to search for espresso and avocado toast elsewhere.
OAKLAND — Hutch Bar & Kitchen closed quietly earlier this year, Berkeleyside reports. The owner said he split amicably with his landlord, but he’s now resurfaced as Hutch Fine Foods, a self-described “gumbo shack” popping up at events, festivals, and farmers’ markets.
November 15
RICHMOND — After five foggy years out in the avenues, Marla Bakery is packing up shop on November 27, the day before Thanksgiving. Husband-and-wife owners Amy Brown and Joe Wolf are moving to Santa Rosa to spend more time with their two kids. Fortunately, the best brownies ever — along with their bagels and English muffins — should return to the Ferry Building Saturday farmers’ market starting in early 2020.
HAIGHT — People’s Bistro abruptly closed doors, according to Hoodline. It was one of the last remaining Chinese restaurants in the Upper Haight.
COW HOLLOW — Hollow Cow, the gastropub originally known as Lightning Tavern, has poured its last pints, despite best efforts to rebrand, Hoodline reported first. In a Facebook post, the restaurant cited labor costs, regulations, declining foot traffic, high rent, difficult neighbors, and delivery apps.
SUNSET — Following a decade of serving wine, cheese, and charcuterie in the Inner Sunset, InnerFog has “left the building,” Hoodline spotted. The owner taped a letter to the window, thanking loyal customers and citing the rising cost of doing business in the last few years.
HAIGHT — Bing & Boba has closed indefinitely for renovations, and its fate remains to be seen, according to Hoodline. One of the few Chinese options in the Haight, the neighborhood has lost its source for bubble tea and jianbing (Chinese-style breakfast crepes).
TEMESCAL — After 20 years on Telegraph Ave, Doña Tomás is officially closing on November 24, Hoodline confirmed. Fortunately, the restaurant is moving to Piedmont Avenue, but in the meantime, it’s saying goodbye with a blowout party, including an open bar, unlimited food, mariachi, and a piñata.
HAIGHT — Black Sands Brewery is closing on January 1, and renovating and reopening in six months as Fort Point Lower Haight. The growing brand swallowed up the small brewpub in late 2018, promising to keep the beer, burgers, and beautifully designed space.
HAIGHT — Frozen Kuhsterd couldn’t cut it in this neighborhood, citing rising rent and diminishing foot traffic, according to Hoodline. The food truck, however, is still rolling.
OAKLAND — No more cheesesteak for Old Oakland. After only a year, Ed’s Cheesesteak has shuttered and disconnected the phones, Hoodline reports.
BERKELEY — After 34 years on Telegraph Ave, Fat Slice Pizza has served its last thick sourdough slices to starving students, Berkeleyside reports. The owner said he hasn’t broken a profit in more than eight months.
BERKELEY — Smoke’s Poutinerie has served its last fries with gravy and cheese curds, SFGate reported first. Berkeley was the last California location for the Canadian chain.
November 1
SOMA — The losing streak continues for restaurants near the Giants stadium. Pine Tar Grill, the memorabilia-plastered sports bar, threw in the towel on October 31, according to Hoodline.
NORTH BEACH — Kennedy’s Irish Pub & Indian Curry has poured its last pints and deep-fried the final samosa, the Chronicle first reported. The North Beach eccentric went out with one last Halloween party on October 31.
OAKLAND — Following eight years of serving cocktails to Uptown, long after its namesake sister restaurant closed, Plum Bar has papered up the windows, according to Hoodline.
FISHERMAN’S WHARF — Despite being founded in 1933, failing to nab landmark status, and getting ousted from Union Square, it was a flood that took down Gold Dust Lounge, Hoodline first reported. The bar is facing electrical issues and doesn’t know when the Irish coffees might be back.
FISHERMAN’S WHARF — Maybe the tourists will actually have to go to the Mission for burritos. Chipotle is the latest chain to close up shop in the neighborhood, Hoodline first reported.
JACK LONDON SQUARE — Baia Pasta, the dried-pasta maker right next to the bay, is closing with kisses after eight years, Hoodline spotted. In an Instagram post, the owner said he simply couldn’t make a sustainable living in California.
FIDI — Lee’s Deli closed its Montgomery Street location on October 18, after 20 years of serving egg sandwiches and dim sum to the finance crowd, Hoodline reported. Other locations at 75 Battery, 615 Market, and 550 California remain open.
BERKELEY — Fondue Fred will be snuffing out the flames under the cheese pots on December 22. The restaurant will be demolished to make way for a new apartment building, and the owner told Berkeleyside she was unable to find a new location.
BERKELEY — Bacheesos, the family-run Mediterranean restaurant, is losing its Telegraph Ave location on November 4 to make way for a new complex. The owner told Berkeleyside she can no longer make rent in Berkeley. The sister restaurant in Oakland will remain open.
BERKELEY — Chinese restaurant Lilly’s closed on October 31, Berkeleyside heard from despairing readers. The owners wanted to retire, and the restaurant will be replaced with a new sushi spot.
ALBANY — After a dozen years, Ramen Kitchen has served its last bowls of creamy tonkotsu to Solano Ave, Berkeleyside reported. A sign says an American restaurant called Duo Grill House is coming soon.
OCTOBER 18
BAYVIEW — After nearly 60 years in the neighborhood, Sam Jordan’s is closing with a “last call” party on November 2, Hoodline reported first. The historic black-owned bar sank more than $500,000 into a remodel.
OAKLAND — Flora restaurant and bar, the Art Deco cocktail spot in Uptown, is closing on November 9 after 13 years. Fortunately, a friend is taking over the lease — Christ Aivaliotos, former bar manager and co-owner of the Kon-Tiki, is opening a new venue in spot this spring.
OAKLAND — Specialty Foods, the Bay Area’s oldest African and Caribbean Market, is shuttering after nearly 40 years. Chefs and home cooks are mourning hard-to-source ingredients like salted fish and pimento bark, as well as favorite drinks and snacks.
TENDERLOIN — Hooker’s Sweet Treats plans to close before the end of the year, after a sweet nine-year run making caramels. The owner says his lease is up and cited neighborhood struggles.
NOE VALLEY — Church Produce, the corner market with big bins of fruits and vegetables, quickly and quietly shuttered, Hoodline reported first. Notices say the business owed $5,500 in rent, indicating an eviction.
SUNSET — After 50 years serving eggs and pancakes to the Inner Sunset, Howard’s Cafe abruptly cleared out, Hoodline reported. The breakfast spot had a fire code violation stuck to the door, and the SF Fire Department said it might be changing owners.
UNION SQUARE — Tad’s Steak House, serving affordable steaks on big plates for 65 years, is saying goodbye to its location near the Cable Car Turnaround at 120 Powell. Fortunately, it’s moving just around the corner to 38 Ellis and rolling in a full bar.
BAYVIEW — Seven Stills is closing its original taproom, which is nostalgic for the old-school crew, but not entirely sad news: The pints will still be flowing at the brewery’s new flagship location, opening soon.
OAKLAND — Noodle Theory Provisions has dished up its last ramen and noodle soups in North Oakland. Luckily, the Rockridge and Moraga locations remain open.
WALNUT CREEK — Miraku sushi restaurant dimmed the lights and posted a note on the door, thanking the community for 34 memorable years. It’s the latest in a streak of closures in Walnut Creek, Mercury News reported.
OCTOBER 4
CIVIC CENTER — The unsavory Burger King location at 1200 Market has finally closed, following many health inspection complaints and failed attempts to ward off street activity.
OAKLAND — Doña Tomás, the colorful cantina, is moving house after 20 years on Telegraph Ave. The last service is on November 24, but the owner is planning to reopen on Piedmont Ave.
OAKLAND — After 33 years on the Oakland waterfront, Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steakhouse is cutting bait, as first reported by the East Bay Times. It’s part of Restaurants Unlimited, a struggling group that also shuttered Palomino after 26 years on the Embarcadero.
HAIGHT — Rosamunde is closing the original location in the Haight, a devastating loss for Toronado bar next door, where drinkers feasted on sausages for 20 years. Fortunately, a longtime employee is planning to reopen and keep it a sausage shop as Berliner Berliner.
FIDI — Caffe Bianco is saying ciao at the end of the month. The father and son posted a sweet video on social media, thanking their downtown regulars for 38 years of espresso in an elegant space.
OAKLAND — Donut Savant is folding up shop at 1934 Broadway due to a demolition, but fans of the deep-fried arts need not despair. It’s moving to East Oakland, exact location TBD.
POLK GULCH — Miller’s East Coast Deli served its last pastrami on September 23, following 18 years on Polk Street.
MISSION — Dosa is closing its original location after 15 years on Valencia Street. The owners say the rent tripled over the years, and SF can’t sustain neighborhood restaurants. The locations on Fillmore and in Oakland remain open.
SOMA — Mr. Smith’s bar and nightclub is closing. The owner said street crime has gotten progressively worse in the last year, putting drug deals on his doorstep.
NORTH BEACH — Barbary Coast Taproom, the wildly decorated bar, has been sold to a new owner, according to Hoodline. It’s reopening as a French bistro right away, so maybe the starry paint job will stay.
HAYES VALLEY — After a dozen years in the neighborhood, cute coffee shop Cafe la Vie posted a sign in the window to say goodbye, Hoodline reported.
FREMONT — Minerva’s is closing after 40 years as a Fremont favorite, the East Bay Times reported. Originally run by a Lebanese family, it was known for freshly baked pita sandwiches and cinnamon rolls.
ROCKRIDGE — Trappist Provisions closed its Rockridge location, but locals can still get good beer. The rapidly expanding Fort Point is taking over the space.
FIDI — Belden Place is losing another restaurant. Plouf, the French cafe, has served its last moules frites after 23 years on the alley, according to SFGate.
UNION SQUARE - Harry Denton’s Starlight Room, the classic bar at the top of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, is dimming the lights. It’s undergoing renovations and returning as something called Lizzie’s Starlight.
CASTRO — Papi Rico, a cheeky gay bar on Castro Street, is shutting down the party. The owners, who also recently shuttered Finn Town Tavern, blamed poor foot traffic.
SEPTEMBER 20
MISSION — Mission Pie has served its last slices and coffee. The neighborhood pie shop closed after 13 years, sharing a heartfelt note to the community.
SOMA — One, two, three strikes: Pete’s Tavern, Pedro’s Cantina, and Amici East Coast Pizza are all out, Hoodline reports. Pete’s and Pedro’s have the same owner, who confirmed that fewer Giants fans contributed to dwindling sales. But Mission Rock Resort, one of his other restaurants, is still open and flooding with fans from the new Chase Center.
MISSION — Is the poke trend officially overfished? Our Poke Place has been closed by new management, Hoodline reports.
BERKELEY — Chaat Cafe on University Ave has served its last samosas, naan wraps, and curries, Berkeleyside reports. The family ran the restaurant for 20 years, but says the landlord raised the lease by $2,500 a month.
PALO ALTO — The last Su Hong restaurant on the Peninsula is closing, according to the Peninsula Foodist and Mercury News. The owner has been running the restaurants since 1977, which had a reputation as where chefs go for takeout. He plans to retire.
NOE VALLEY — Chez Marius, the petit bistro in Noe Valley, has gone dark. Owner Laurent Legendre, who also owns Le P’tit Laurent in Glen Park, hasn’t commented yet.
DESIGN DISTRICT — Udon Time closed for renovations, and is officially replacing noodles with dumplings, and reopening as a Dumpling Time Express. Dumpling Time appears to be in full expansion mode, with this quick-service option, as well as options at the new Chase Center.
SEPTEMBER 9
NOPA — No more queso, fajitas, or frito pies for the Panhandle. Green Chile Kitchen, the New Mexican restaurant, is closing after 14 years, citing rising rents and delivery apps.
DUBOCE — Here’s a wild one: Only a few months after moving into the former Chow location on Church Street, Cook Shoppe got busted for serving beer and wine without a liquor license. But also, one of the owners was wanted for unrelated charges, and arrested on the spot.
MISSION — After only one year, Piri Pica, a fast-casual restaurant serving Portuguese piri-piri chicken, couldn’t make it work on Valencia Street. Thankfully, Chef Telmo Faria is still serving his family’s chicken on the menu at Uma Casa in Noe Valley.
MISSION — Zaytoon is departing Valencia Street after a decade in the neighborhood. But the Divisadero location is still open and serving Palestinian-inspired kebab burgers and chicken shawarma.
POLK GULCH — Rusted Mule, a happy hour favorite for happy hour deals and mini corn dogs, appears to have shuttered, Hoodline reports.
OAKLAND — Diving Dog, the Uptown bar known for letting customers brew on the premises, is closing after five years in business.
BERKELEY — Algorithm Coffee Co. abruptly closed its flagship location on University Ave, Berkeleyside reports. But caffeine fans can still find bag coffee at groceries, farmers’ markets, and online.
BERKELEY — Three alums from the Juice Bar Collective opened the Collective Kitchen & Bar, but it folded after only a few months, Berkeleyside reports.
BERKELEY — Country Cheese Co., which served cheese, chocolate, and other specialty foods to the East Bay for 50 years, sadly closed its last location, according to Berkeleyside.
BERKELEY — Jayakarta, Berkeley’s only Indonesian restaurant, is closing after dinner on August 24. It’s one of several Indonesian restaurants that have shuttered in the Bay Area this year.
AUGUST 23
CASTRO — Finn Town Tavern has served its last oysters, deviled eggs, and fried chicken, leaving another empty storefront in the Castro. One of the partners said reduced foot traffic slowed down business. The space will be used for pop-ups and parties until a new tenant is found.
COW HOLLOW — Cow Marlowe is closing for renovations and reopening as the Greenwich. It’s part of the Big Night Restaurant Group, which includes Marlowe, Park Tavern, Leo’s Oyster Bar, the Cavalier, but this location will cater to the Marina crowd with a lighter menu and nautical decor.
CASTRO — Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant in the Castro, is closing after less than a year. It looks like it will be replaced with Dumpling House, but unclear if it’s the same ownership.
TENDERLOIN — Mexican neighborhood restaurant Papi’s posted a sign in the window, quietly closing after 18 months in business.
BERKELEY — The Octopus, a cafe and literary salon, is closing at the end of August, citing financial difficulties.
UNION SQUARE — After 25 years of catfish nuggets and live music, Biscuits and Blues had to close and cancel shows due to leaking sewage from the Jack in the Box next door. They’re currently embroiled in a legal battle over repairs.
RUSSIAN HILL — Bullitt, a hard-partying bar on Polk Street, skidded out of town, serving its last frozen margaritas, macho nachos, and Kevin Bacon burgers this month. Sister spots Tonic, Soda Popinski’s, and Teeth all remain open.
HAYES VALLEY — Petite Revelry Bistro quietly shuttered this month, posting a sign outside that it would be closed “until further notice.” Negotiations with a part-owner are underway, and the business will reopen when they’re complete, Revelry says.
AUGUST 12
FILLMORE — After less than one year in business, Isla Vida closed at the end of July. Serving jerk chicken and barbecue spare ribs to the historically black Fillmore neighborhood, its closure leaves San Francisco with little representation of Caribbean cuisine.
NORTH BEACH — Tosca Cafe is temporarily closed while changing ownership. April Bloomfield closed the 100-year-old restaurant, but fortunately, chef Nancy Oakes (Boulevard), restaurateur Anna Weinberg (Marlowe), and designer Ken Fulk (the Battery) are taking the keys.
OAKLAND — The Hog’s Apothecary has served its last sausages and beers to Oakland customers. The owner folded the business “with an extremely heavy heart,” due to rising costs and sagging sales.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT — Comfort-food favorite Sauce closed its second location on Belden Place, after closing the original location in Hayes Valley last year. The owners are packing out of San Francisco, although they still have properties in upstate New York.
NAPA VALLEY — Sunk in debt, with reports of unpaid vendors and empty shelves, Dean & DeLuca has been rapidly shuttering stores across the country. Sadly, that included an iconic location in wine country.
SAN JOSE — San Jose’s Japantown lost a sushi institution last month, when new building owners ousted Tsugaru, which had been in business for 47 years.
SONOMA COUNTY — Despite two Michelin stars and seven years of fine dining, Cyrus is cancelling plans for reopening. Chef-owner Douglas Keane was searching for a new space, but says he’s exhausted by “a broken industry.”
CASTRO — Izakaya Sushi Ran, sister to the popular sushi restaurant in Sausalito, abruptly closed its San Francisco location on Market Street.
OAKLAND — Boot and Shoe will now be known as Sister. The new owners are renaming the restaurant, shedding the name associated with Charlie Hallowell, who left in 2018 following sexual harassment accusations from more than 30 employees.
MISSION — Foxsister restaurant is making way for Great Gold, a classic red sauce joint serving eggplant parm and meatballs. It’s in the same chef and partners, just a fresh concept.
MISSION — Ali Baba’s Cave on Valencia closed after 36 years of serving Mediterranean food to the neighborhood. Owner Husein Dawah, a Syrian refugee, has decided to retire.
MISSION — After a dozen years of putting out quality pies, Mission Pie decided to close before compromising its core values. The corner bakery cited increased costs and delivery apps.
DOGPATCH — Despite developing itself as brunch destination, Hawaiian restaurant ’Aina won’t reopen in Dogpatch after all an original closure billed as temporary. Owners say they were called away to Singapore for a family emergency and decided to stay.
MISSION — Carolina-style barbecue spot Southpaw BBQ is closing as the owners part ways. Owner Ben Thorne will keep operating Sneaky’s BBQ, his delivery business.
MISSION — Mission Beach Cafe, whose brunch was as famous as its health violations were infamous, has finally and permanently closed.
NORTH BEACH — Naked Lunch has smashed its last fried chicken sandwich. The business, started originally as a semi-permanent pop-up and named after the novel by William S. Burroughs, served inventive sandwiches for a solid decade.
MID-MARKET — Caribbean restaurant Kaya closed after only a year and a half in business. Chef Nigel Jones ended his partnership with Daniel Patterson and the Alta Group. But he’s busy with Kingston 11, his Oakland restaurant that remains open, and Calabash, a new marketplace under construction.
MARINA — Dabba, an Indian spot with quick and healthy offerings, closed after only one year in action on Chestnut Street. The owners are pursuing other markets.
MARINA — The Brick Yard sports bar threw in the towel, blaming less-than-stellar seasons from the Giants and 49ers, which weren’t drawing game-day crowds.
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