San Diego Closed restaurants from the Down Economy
I think we should keep track of this and what opens in their place.
Here are some closed restaurants so far:
Chive Restaurant
Gemelli Restaurant
Gemelli Pizza
Side Bar
Cafe Cerise (although it closed before the economic dip)
Ole Madrid
Crudo - Little Italy
Little Italy Bar and Grille
Exy Restaurant
Commonwealth Cafe
Galileo 101
Tesara - Gaslamp
Bully's La Jolla
Turf Club (although I think it moved)
Wine Encounter
Jade Theater
Visions
There are many more I am forgetting.
Please add to thread any I am missing, and what is going to open in its place.
Thanks!
By stevewag23
on Jan 28, 2009 10:33 PM
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the economy didn't get Turf Club - greedy landlords did. They are up and running in La Mesa now.
Wine Encounter was closed but has re-opened with new management.
I didn't know Commonwealth had closed down. That was the place on 30th that claimed "Late Night Eats" but closed at 11-12 correct?
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Bud's Louisiana- Closed because of greedy landlords also.
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But it reopened recently
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Oh yeah, I ran into them one day and they told me about that.
Bonita?
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Tierrasanta
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Commonwealth closed due to permit issues but has reopened in the past few months with new owners. They can no longer stay open into the wee hours (neighbor noise complaints) and now close earlier.
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The Turf Club didn’t move, but is under new management (the old landlords) at its previous location. The previous owners who started the Turf Club opened a new place in La Mesa, The Riviera Supper Club And Turquoise Room.
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I'm pretty sure the economy did not get the two Gemelli operations.
Guild, recently closed, may be a victim though.
Kinda hard to generalize though given how tough this business is even in the best of times.
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As others have pointed out, it's hard to say how much of this is really due to the economy. That said, it wouldn't surprise me at all. I know for myself I'm eating out much less frequently than I used to, and I always tended to eat at moderately priced venues anyway. In this kind of economic climate it seems pretty silly to drop $50 on a meal for two considering how many groceries that same money will buy.
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The same is true for me, and it seems like the change is permanent. My family has found other ways to entertain ourselves.
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Hadn't noticed till recently, Hardrock in LJ is gone, French Pastry on LJ Blvd is now Cass St. Cafe.
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There was also a Boll Wevell in Bird Rock that was open for five minutes. Anyone been to the new Cass St. location?
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Yes, it's very different from the Grill. He's rehired the two principal pastry and bread chefs and they are putting out some very nice product...the croissants are fabulous. The menu is low key offering some of the most popular items from the Grill and he's installed a small wine bar in the dining room. He's changed the interior quite a bit and over all, it's seems to have good potential. This is nothing like the Grill. Give it a try.
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Thanks for the info, I will try to get over there this weekend.
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What restaurant is different from the Grill?
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I don't know the reason, but Belgian Frie in PB closed within the past few months. I miss those fries.
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I was so sad about Belgian Frie. I am rarely in PB, but I was a couple of weeks ago and started craving those fires. I drove up and down the street 3 times before I realized it was gone.
Sushi on The Rock in Carlsbad has been gone for a few months now
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The Turf Club is not closed. It is under new ownership. The previous ownership have opened a similar restaurant in La Mesa, the Riviera. The landlord now operates the original Golden Hill location. Since one restaurant has been replaced by two, this is definitely not a closing.
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It's difficult to believe the Turf Club has had landlord issues. It's owned by Timothy May who also owns The Casbah, Southpark Grill, The Whistlestop, and Starlite - he seems like a pretty screwd business man. Has anyone been to the new/old Turf Club in Golden Hill since the change or the new Riviera?
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Tim didn't own the building. When his lease ran out it was not renewed by the building owner who simply took over the business for more profit.
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Even if he didn't own the building, he owns the equipment, possibly the fixtues (depending on how the lease was negotiated), the signage and the name. Why not move the whole concept of the Turf Club including the name considering it is such a well established, sucessfull restaurant. I doesn't make sense.
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Just read this in the UT online -
Dussini Mediterranean Bistro will close Feb. 1 and The Old Spaghetti Factory will open Feb. 23. The Dussini Loft Bar will remain open to guests on the upper floor, the restaurant chain said in a news release.
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Good news. I don't care about the food or drinks at Dusini but the bar upstairs was a nice place to play some pool.
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Ew. I was so happy when Spaghetti Factory closed. That place sucked.
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Its been so long since I went to Spaghetti Factory. (Like 20 years).
Wasn't Spaghetti Factory the height of downtown San Diego haute cuisine back in those days?
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Yum, Spaghetti Factory, you can do better with a can of Spaghetti O's.
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The Old Spaghetti Factory's food was middle class red house pasta, but it packed the tourists in. Dussini never found its mark with higher prices, little focus and slow service. Same owners.
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"but it packed the tourists in"
Back in the days of minimal competition.
They tried to cash in on the striped shirt mortgage broker crowd, but miss timed the market.
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Does the world really need another Spaghetti Factory?
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Cilantro the raw food concept has closed all three of it's outlets.
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Boy, is that a non-surprise.
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Yeah, I know.
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Heh, amen brother.
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Vine Ripe in La Mesa on Fletcher has closed its doors...they're suppesedly looking for another location to re-open. I hope so...we enjoyed not only the store, but the attached grill, as well.
Has Dining Diva heard anything?
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Oh not, not Vine Ripe too. I liked the attached grill as well. Hadn't heard anything about Vine Ripe, but it's a hard location.
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Yeah. Last ad was dated Dec 9. Back to El Cajon for me.
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Damn! I was there right after Christmas and there was no indication that they were in trouble. The grill there was a regular weekend lunch spot for me.
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They had just put up a sign advertising that they were serving breakfast at the grill part, but we never got a chance to check it out
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Hard Rock Hotels bars shut down.
I had a feeling that "Vegas" in San diego would not work.
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/storie...
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Another, so not a surprise...
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That closure is a management dispute between hotel ownership and club management company headed by Randy Gerber. Owners trying to oust him and cut the remaining years of his contract. They want to run it themselves.
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This would be his version. There's is that he security staff were beating up customers.
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No doubt because the hotel is hurting for money.
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Visions, that sub-par sushi place that closed looks like it is being turned into "Griffs Sports Grille".
It seems like there are two types of places that succeed in San diego:
1. Americanized Sushi Bars
2. Sports "Grilles"
When one closes, give the other a try.
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Well, that's a pretty generalized sweeping statement.
How well a sports "grille" does is probably directly proportional to how closely it's located to SDSU, UCSD, USD or a neighborhood with a higher number of under 30 residents.
You seem to imply that there is something less than or undesirable about Americanized sushi bars and sports "grilles"?
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Agreed. It was a pretty sweeping statement.
Sometimes it just seems that in San Diego, the lowest common denominator works.
Especially in the Gaslamp.
It will be sad when its Sushi Bar - Sports Bar - Sushi Bar - Sports bar on every street.
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Or, they could combine the concept, and open up a "Seau's" on every other block.
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Ha.
Good one.
You can't say that Junior Seau isn't a visionary.
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Twenty years ago, it would have been:
One Italian restaurant closed, and another opened in the same location... ;-)
I liked the bumper sticker back then:
"Honk if you don't own an Italian Restaurant"
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This whole topic makes me sad. I can't honestly say I will mourn any of the restaurants listed above, (except maybe Chive, and Cafe Cerise) and I think a fair number of them might have been doomed regardless - but I agree that because of the economy we're likely to lose a number of independent mid to upper range restaurants in SD over the next year or so. I won't name names because rumors of closing are the ultimate kiss of death, but I can think of several off the top of my head whose days I believe are numbered.
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Name some names!
I really think that the corporate chains in the Gaslamp will get hit harder than the local independent places.
Places like Cafe Chloe, Starlight, Jaynes Gastropub and other places similar that cater to locals should be able to weather the storm.
The "gouge the locals and gouge the conventioneer" places are going to feel the sting.
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"I really think that the corporate chains in the Gaslamp will get hit harder than the local independent places."
Not necessarily. The chains will probably have deeper pockets and deeper resources than the indy operators. The chais will have some units that are top performers (i.e. generate good revenue and/or profits) that can help defray the losses from the units that are struggling. The deeper the pockets or resources the longer the operator will be able to hold on in a shifting economy.
Don't foget, we're seeing cut backs, declines and decreases to a degree that has not been seen in 25-30 years. There are several generations that have never lived through an economic recession of this magnitude. It's not exactly business as usual. Conventional wisdom would seem to indicate that businesses that are stable and well run would have the best chance for survival. I hope that is true because I certainly get no pleasure from seeing someone's business and/or life's work fail. If the business cycle continues to decline and go through this correction it's in, we very well could see some well run places throw in the towel. Those with the funding, the vision and the guts to hang in there will probably succeed. The Red Lobster and Olive Gardens of the world aren't going anywhere any time soon.
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Point well taken.
I guess it really comes down to who has the cash and staying power.
Places with high price point, regardless of chain or local are in for a rough one.
Certainly local places that "gouge the locals and gouge the conventioneer" are in for real trouble (ie EXY and Osetra)
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I'm sad to say I agree with DiningDiva, smaller, neighborhoody local places will feel the pinch as us locals tighten our belts. Corporate places will just lower their profit margin a bit and survive. Business travel will go down, expense accounts will be tighter, but conventions won't stop, so all those insipid places in the gaslamp will survive.
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I agree with DD. I am much more afraid that good local places will have a hard time to survive. Just to give an example: We go to Cafe Chloe very regular but we have never seen before as recently on a Saturday that we had no problems to get a table at 8pm (at least half of the tables were empty) and that we were the last guests at 10pm and they closed after we left.
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I am really sorry to hear that Honkman. I really like Cafe Chloe too. I hope they've got the ability to weather the economic storm.
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I think they'll be fine. They are open all day, so they have a pretty steady stream of customers. They also have a great happy hour deal going right now, called four five six - three groups of appetizers and drinks - for four, five and six bucks. (The frites are four) Between what times? You guessed it, four and six.
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was there for lunch on Tuesday and it was a packed house
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sad to hear Cafe Chloe was empty and I really hope they survive this recession. They have one of the best pomme frites and dips in the city. However, it's motivating us to head down there again since it looks like it's easier to get a table.
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I don't know if I really count those, since they sort of rotate in and out anyway. I think Osetra wasn't long for this world regardless of the economy. I also disagree that the corporate owned places will feel the sting - it's the independents that will feel the squeeze of higher food prices and fewer customers. It's a tough time to own a restaurant right now.
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Heat Supper Club in the gaslamp closed.
Now it is Stage Bar and Grill.
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Is it new owners or new concept.
I don't think you really classify a restaurant with "going out of business" unless there is a change of ownership or the owner(s) walk away. If a venue closes and reopens as a different concept but with the same owners, they've simply just reinvented themselves and we all do that all the time. In fact, I'd venture to guess that the operations that weather the economic storm the best will those that are adept at recreating themselves in order to stay in business.
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"In fact, I'd venture to guess that the operations that weather the economic storm the best will those that are adept at recreating themselves in order to stay in business."
I find this an odd comment. Wouldn't restaurants that have consistently provided good food and service at a fair price be natural survivors? Why would a restaurant have to reinvent themselves if their current model was working?
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"Why would a restaurant have to reinvent themselves if their current model was working?"
I agree. There is no need to change if its working.
Hence Dussini turning back into the Old Spagetti Factory.
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Is that what's happening or is that a joke?
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Yes it is happening. And it is a "joke". Unreal.
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/storie...
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That's amazing. I guess their upscale concept was a failure (actually I never heard of Dussini). At the same time you'd have beat me senseless to get me into the Old Spaghetti Factory.
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Let's hope neither happens.
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If the current model *is* working and the operator has his/her head above water financially and enough captial, then no, they shouldn't need to reinvent their restaurant. But what's a fair price. What you or I may think of as fair (i.e. good price or value for the meal) someone else may think is overpriced and not fair. "Fair" is a pretty subjective term.
In the business world in which we've been living good food and good service should be enough to keep a healthy operator in business. This is true and I agree. What we don't know for any restaurant are the operating costs - labor, rent, utilities, advertising/printing, laundry, insurance, equipment repair and, of course, the what it costs to put good food on the table. It doesn't matter how good the food or the service is if the other expenses are too high to deal with. In normal times a good restaurant *would* be a natural survivor. We're not in normal times.
Do I think every restaurant in this city is going to go belly up? No, of course, not. Nor do I think every restaurant needs to reinvent themselves. The dynamic and paradigm are shifting and we're all having to feel our way through things no matter what industry we're in. A solid restaurant should not have to reinvent itself but there may need to be some tweaking, modifications, alterations, whatever done in order to ensure profitability, survival and that it continues to meet the needs of an ever changing and increasingly nervous and budget minded dining customer.
Your point is well taken, a restaurant serving good food and providing good service at prices most people consider to be fair and equitable probably can survive. My guess is that it won't look or do business 5 years from now like it does now.
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Excellent points.
"tweaking, modifications, alterations" are all smart buisness moves.
I just find it amazing when a place Completely Reverts back to how it was before (ie Dussini to Old Spagetti Factory).
I think it really speaks volumes to the economy and how San Diego is changing. (and changing back to how it once was).
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"I just find it amazing when a place Completely Reverts back to how it was before (ie Dussini to Old Spagetti Factory)."
This would be a fun game. I can't think of any other time this has happened before. Perhaps Chilango's? But I thought it's not the original.
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I was told by a manager at the time, that the reason that they switched concepts at the OSF location was that the new restaurant was a lot smaller than the old space. The Hard Rock took the back half of the space. I now think that they thought they could make a killing on the petco and convention crowd. I guess a full house with people paying 15 bucks for a meal, beats a quarter full restaurant at 40 bucks a head.
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@Old Man
Sometimes is doesn't matter how good of food and service you provide, if your landlord gets too greedy you can't pay the rent simple as that.
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Shouldn't blame greedy landlords as the sole root cause of failure, I don't think and restaurant owners arms were twisted to sign a lease. I believe many resto owners never create a proforma P&L to determine Operating Costs, Food & Beverage Costs and then to see if they could price an entree that would sell and leave them with some profit. The rental market 'was' tough in SD but that's changing as well, maybe they won't need to own the property to make a go of an eating establishment. OK, that was my 2 cents.
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The long-standing Sun Café, a popular place to grab breakfast on the cheap, is closed and slated to reopen as a Mexican restaurant, says Jimmy Parker, director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, a trade group that promotes businesses within the district.
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Sun Cafe closed..sad..I really liked that place for a cheap breakfast.
My concern on dining is the freshness of the product..they might want to hold on to things a little longer than I would like...I am already seeing things that normally would not of gone out...I can just imagine what else is going on.
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I hope they keep the building and interior the way it is for preservation's sake. I believe the Sun Cafe has been in continuous operation since it was first opened by the Obayashi family, though it has since changed ownership. There used to be a thriving Japanese-American community clustered around Island St. and 5th Ave. There's something about that shop that reminds me of the Far East Cafe in L.A.'s Little Tokyo, though I've never eaten at either one.
In fact I was just in downtown on Saturday and noticed a new banner in front of the Sun Cafe.
Apparently the Obayashi family also opened a restaurant named Miyako in the 50's, which even featured sashimi on their menu at a whopping $1.25!
Here's a pic I took some time ago of the two Obayashi sisters in front of Sun Cafe: http://www.flickr.com/photos/akatayam...
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The sign still remains with some alterations.
It is now called "Funky Garcias". (No, that is not a joke, that is really what its called).
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Max New York Steakhouse is closed until February 2009
and will re-open under the name Urban Bar and Grill.
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Las Hadas Bar and Grille opens where Chive stood.
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Yesterday night I drove on Girard Ave in LJ and it looks like that Truffles Cafe is closed.
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It did, a couple of weeks ago.
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Is Girard Gourmet still open ? Yesterday it looked like it was closed.
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Wow, that would be incredible if it did.
That place has been open at least 20 years, hasn't it?
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Used to be a Mrs. Fields.
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Oooops, thought you were referring to Truffles Cafe.
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As far as I know, walked by it this weekend.
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Good, because it seemed to look like the windows were covered with newspapers yesterday
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Walked by on the way from bank this afternoon. Open, nothing changed. You may have mistaken the paper in the windows with another retail store or the previously mentioned Truffles Cafe.
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Martini Ranch closed and is now Double Deuce.
Not sure if it is same owners.
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Wow, that was my favorite place downtown for overpriced drinks and crappy club music.
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I was forced to go to the north county version once.
Believe it or not, it was actually worse.
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Blue Coral Seafood in LJ Aventine complex is closed (may have happened long ago). New (looks almost complete) construction is under way behind a fence and the new occupant will be FL based chain "Truluck's Seafood". Ugh.
http://www.trulucks.com/locations.php
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I walked by Lot 81 the other day and saw that it had closed and a BBQ place is opening in its place. I never made it there but it was not open long.
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Inside knowledge:
As for lot 81, It will now become "Frankie the Bull's" Grill, Named after the top chef contestant Francis Joseph Terzoli.
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cool thanks, wasn't sure what to make of the Top Chef thing on the sign. I didn't know that there was someone from San Diego on that season.
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I never went to Blue Coral Seafood, but this one idiot I used to work with claimed it was "the best place for sushi in san diego".
Then again, I think sushi to him ment California Rolls.
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Well, technically, and emotionally, California rolls ARE sushi. They not only meet the definition, but my grandparents (1st generation, sent to the internment camps and everything) always made California rolls, or similar, for big parties when I was little. They are really easy to make large quantities of, and are a Japanese family party classic.
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I got you.
I think you understood my point.
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Never heard of "Truluck's Seafood".
On a positive note, it looks like they have Florida Stone Crabs.
A first in SD, to my knowledge.
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We have some great stone crabs caught right here in San Diego. Why spent all the time, fuel, and money importing stone crabs from across the continent when you can have great fresh locally caught stone crabs instead?
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"We have some great stone crabs caught right here in San Diego."
Not in any world that resembles reality.
Maybe if you import them from Florida then drop them in the Pacific and catch them.
"The Florida stone crab, Menippe mercenaria, is a crab found in the western North Atlantic, from North Carolina to Belize, including Texas, the Gulf of Mexico, Cuba and the Bahamas." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_...
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Not sure about the species but "stone crab claws" are a major part of the local crab catch according to NOAA's fish report.
Edit: They're called "rock crabs" not "stone crabs" mostly red and yellow rock crabs. My mistake.
http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/wdb/pub/spec...
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"Why spent all the time, fuel, and money importing stone crabs from across the continent when you can have great fresh locally caught stone crabs instead?"
Because they are insanely good.
Plus, it helps out the economy.
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Blue Coral Seafood...Corporate Chain Restaurant Death.
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I had the worst ahi dish of my life at that place. It was Chain hell, I think were owned by some of the Flemings Steak peeps. And Trulucks Seafood is more of the same. Why would you bring Florida seafood to Cal. If you love Florida Stone Crabs take a trip to Miami. I just really view it as an insult, but the masses may buy into it.
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"If you love Florida Stone Crabs take a trip to Miami."
I do.
And I ship them in, which you can do with Joe's Stone Crabs.
Or you can go to Joe's in Las Vegas or Chicago.
I wouldn't look at it as an insult.
I think it is more of an Insult that a chain like Oceanaire has become the best seafood (in my opinon) restaurant in San Diego (which ships in tons of seafood from other places...and lots of east coast oysters and shellfish).
I with someone local would step up.
It is easier just to enjoy the good food.
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They were also in that cursed corner location at the Aventine. There's been so many restaraunts that have come and gone in that spot.
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Hmmm, I give them a year max. the menu looks real corporate. It is one of those places that looks like why bother. they have steaks, gee you can go to flemings next door or up the street to donovans for probably a better steak. They have some southern dishes on the menu, and that never went over well in SD. Fish, well I would rather have fresh west coast stuff, than fish from the atlantic. Maybe I never grew up with stone crabs, so I don't get the allure, they seemed just ok to me when I had them in Fla. Give me a fresh Dungy any day
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I agree, there is no reason why Trulucks Seafood will work when Blue Coral did not.
Pretty interchangable.
I grew up on both coasts.
Try Stone crabs again.
I rate them:
1. Blue Crab
2. Stone Crabs
3. Peekytoe
4. Dungeness
5. King
But I love them all. (Save maybe King)
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The Aventine complex is like the cast of Gilligan's island - it's Japengo, Flemings (though I wonder how well they are doing in this economy), "and the rest.." Though, it seems that the Melting Pot still exists, for some reason that escapes me.
My wife and I had a few good dinners at 808 La Jolla - I was sorry to see it close.
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We were at Flemings (don't ask why) midweek and it was PACKED. 20 minutes for a table, both special event rooms filled, bar 3-deep. Took 30 minutes to receive our dinners from time ordered. NEVER going back.
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if it was this midweek, it was probably due to Torrey Pines golf event.
I would write to corporate with your displeasure on wait times.
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You're right, that's not typical for mid-week, except for HH.
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Foodiechick - just to clarify, was this Wednesday or Thursday last week (February 4 or 5)? You were aware that the PGA Buick Invitational golf tournament was last week, weren't you?
Eating out in the La Jolla-UTC area in that week is a very trying, and often disappointing, experience. That's when one should go at least 10 miles away from the Golden Triangle for dining out (or better yet, simply hole up that week and be creative in the kitchen).
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The problem was not the food (although I've never thought it was anything special), it was the service...and a complete lack of communication. I've had better service at another venue when we accidently stumbled in during a Governator fundraiser.
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Why will you never go back? Those wait times sound pretty reasonable for a packed restaurant. Was the food unsatisfactory? I have no opinion on Flemings, I'm just curious.
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LOT 81 will be missed, especially their Angus burger was superb; best I've had, followed by El Camino Real Grill at SE corner of La Costa Ave & El Camino Real, La Costa.
The new operatorn promises they will continue the Angus, and their BBQ will beat Phil's on Sports Arena.
Already closed is the Surfer's Grill at the P. B. Promenade, the 3rd attempt after Da Kine left after years there.
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El Camino Grill in La Costa closed and is now Grubby's Pizza....
and is now closed! That was fast!
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Filippe's in Encinitas is closed. Ate there 1 week & it was closed the next week. We liked it. So sorry.
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Is Tacos Mi Pueblo closed in Santee? I tried to go there on Sunday and then again on Wed and both times it was dark and nobody was there. I wanted to try out some Al Pastor but it doesnt look like they are open.
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Heard Bully's Del Mar is closed as well.
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The only one left standing is Mission Valley, I was there Tues., pretty empty but, a good burger.
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We were there week and a half ago at dinner and it was packed! Different owner than La Jolla and Del Mar, but still fingers crossed.
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I just checked and Bully's Del Mar is open . Going for a burger this afternoon.
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Mellow Wine Bar in Liberty Station is RIP.
Word on the street is Wine Steals cannibalized them.
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How could Wine Steals cannibalize them? WS opened at least a year earlier. I always thought it was odd that among the first 10 or so businesses that opened in the rather limited mall, were wine bars. Could it be that the greedy landlords cannibalized them? Just a thought.
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OOps...was Mimosa (me) that posted above comment forgetting to log out Mr Rotie. His opinions are his, the above are mine.
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According to Food Buzz SD, Parallel 33 in Mission Hills closed it's doors last Saturday night after 9 1/2 years - New owners to come.
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I wonder how many of these closings are due to the economic times as opposed to the natural order of the food business. Restaurants have the highest mortality rate of most if not all businesses even in good economic times. For example, in the case of Parallel 33 you have a challenging location with no parking combined with a chef driven restaurant who's very well know chef/owner departed a bit ago (I don't remember the timing but it was before the downturn). With the identity of the food and restaurant so closely tied to the chef, I wondered how it would fare after her departure. I think the same question can be asked of several of the restaurants mentioned in the original and subsequent posts. Another example is EXY. Huge space, sky high rent, questionable location. There could have been other factors such as a limited market for upscale fusion greek cuisine and ridiculous name. Don't get me wrong, I do believe the economy has severely hit the restaurant industry, but it is not the sole factor in the failure of all of the businesses mentioned.
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"I wonder how many of these closings are due to the economic times as opposed to the natural order of the food business. Restaurants have the highest mortality rate of most if not all businesses even in good economic times."
That was the point I made when this thread started. It's all assumption.
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I don't see a point to this list either. You can't go check out a restaurant once it's closed, and new restaurant openings are invariably mentioned in other threads anyway.
It would be more useful, albeit more difficult, to find out which restaurants are in danger of closing due to the economy and give people heads-up to go support the restaurants that they like.
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I thought it would be interesting to see it all in one place.
Obviously other poster do as well.
It is better find see it all in one place than searching all around chowhound like a chimp right?
Consider it a "resource page" if it makes you feel better.
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This was what I set out to do up here in the central SJ valley. Simply have an alphabetical list that anyone could update for not just closures, but also changes. Turns out posters find it easier to just report new information, no problem, once or twice a month I just copy the prior list, add the updates and repost. No great effort on my part and it seems to be serving the purpose.
Check it out at this link and let me know if there's a way to improve it. TIA
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/571492
Cheers,
Dave
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Did Amiko Gubbins leave?
We will never know for sure what "role" the down economy played.
Bottom line restaurants close (generally speaking) because of lack of cash flow in.
Sure there are other factors in San Diego: Idiotic names, retarded concepts, greedy landlords, dentists turned restaurateurs, horrible service, crap locations, overpriced food, chefs that suck.
Edit:
I guess Amiko left back in May '08
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She left to become Lenny Kravitz personal chef is what I'd read somewhere....
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I thought I read somewhere that she went to go work for Specialty Produce.
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She did, but parted ways with them about a week ago.
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...would have been 10 years this September. the attached bar/restaurant space Blue Lotus was an absolute favorite place of mine to hear music and eat. the chef who took over, Benjamin Moore, was damn talented. it's freakin sad, really. that place MADE the neighborhood.
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Yeah, real sad.
That place kind of "ushered in" the boutique dining wave of san diego this decade.
Chive first.
Now Parallel.
Brutal.
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Ric Libiran, owner of Cafe Bleu, is mixing up his color palette this summer with the opening of The Red Door. Currently undergoing a major face-lift in the Mission Hills spot vacated by Parallel 33 in February, The Red Door is expected to be up and dishing contemporary American bistro fare by late June or early July. - From the trib.
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Looking forward to having a neighborhood option.
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Yellow Coyote in the Carlsbad forum has closed. It looks like they slipped out in the middle of the night. Menus are ready, Silverware is ready and chairs are out, But there is a UPS sticker on the door from feb 6th. The place never really worked, service sucked, and the management seemed indifferent at best. I don't want to sound like T.O.M. but I am not suprised. Just curious to see what is going in. That mall has not filled the old Sushi on the Rock space. The rents must be astronomical in that mall
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Old news but add Bistro D'Asia to the list. What works in Coronado doesn't in University Heights...
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I heard the Coronado location is laughable as well.
Bad Service. Worse food.
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New Listing - Sushi on the Rock on Girard. Don't think it affects the upstairs second location on Prospect.
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The Belgian Frie on Mission Blvd as well as the PB rotisserie are closed... Too bad, I really liked these two places...
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That's a shame about Parallel 33. I loved that place. I live out in philly now so it's nice to get updated on closings. I come back a couple times a year and I have my list of places that are an absolute must. Cafe Chloe, Nine Ten, Jayne's Gastropub, AR Valentien, Sushi Ota, Mama's Bakery... I could go on forever. I gotta be honest I don't know how people go to Flemings. Everything is so greasy. I'm not spending 50 bucks on a steak. The sides aren't good. Most of them taste like they've been microwaved. I went twice once to the bar for apps and drinks and then for dinner. That was the last time. Definitely not worth it. There are too many other great places to spend your money.
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Amen, RIP P33!
FYI Sidebar is coming back this spring
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I used to go to Parallel 33 a lot but it had kind of fallen off my list. Went last summer for my birthday and have to admit it was a disappointment. Nothing good lasts forever, I guess.
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Just drove by Daily's on Prospect in LJ, a new sign is up 'opening soon Joey's BBQ'. This ought to be interesting.
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That can't be good. No self-respecting BBQ person would open a restaurant in that corporate building.
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Daily Grill?
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Not sure if it was just Daily's or Daily grill. Sort of a sandwich kind of deli on the ground floor of what used to be the FEDEX building on Prospect across from (what used to be Hard Rock Cafe.)
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It hasn't closed, but a month or so ago our Sunday brunch reservation at The Better Half was canceled. They said they aren't getting enough business to do it right now. Pretty sad, I loved the two meals I've had there and I was looking forward to trying their brunch.
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Chef Kennedy will start Sunday brunch in the near future again but due to the cold weather they are not getting enough customers in the moment. In addition, since he is now owner and chef he resonsible for everything and is still working on business paperwork and more changes to the interior and wine menu (wines by the glass, full bottles, more half bottles etc.). He is also currently changing the menu completely (which will change more frequently in the future and will be also regularly (daily) updated on their soon new webpage) and he mentioned that he is simply happy to have a half day of on Sunday morning without the Sunday brunch in the moment. Give them 1-2 months and he will start the Sunday brunch again.
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No disrespect to Chef Kennedy and his establishment but perhaps, now that he is the Chef and the owner, he should surround himself by people he can delegate to.. Why is he doing the wine list? It seems to be that his plate is full and that can be dangerous.. Just a thought... but I wish them well, San Diego needs to support these type of restaurants.
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As far as I know he has somebody who is responsible for the wine list but my understanding is that he is currently very involved in some general changes with the current concept of the wine list. (And I guess it is also for him simply a learning process how much he is involved with everything).
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hey honkman, since you seem quite in the know there, zubin is out completely? i did always trust his wine knowledge. that said, it was chef Kennedy's food that absolutely MADE my birthday last year (crab beignets! oh man...) so I wish him the best, he is the type of chef I hope to see more of...
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Yes, Zubin and his wife are completely out of the Better Half.
I also recommend to get a special tasting menu from Chef Kennedy for your next birthday (you have to call him a few days before and he won't do it on Friday or Saturday when they are too busy). I had one for my last birthday and it was the best meal in San Diego last year. All dishes are always made specifically for the tasting menu and are not available on the regular menu (e.g. souffle, escagot, sweatbreads, foie gras etc.)
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Sounds great.
What does the special tasting menu typically run? Ballpark?
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The last time in December was $60-65.
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Nevermind, I see the closing was reported further down.
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Saw sign saying Sushi Fix in Little Italy is RIP.
Phone # disconnected too.
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Add La Trattoria in Santee to the list. Closed as of last Saturday
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Wow, that stinks. They were one of the few bright spots in the East County wasteland...
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I saw a sign today in LJ where the old Hard Rock was, 'Opening soon French 101'. Oh boy, can't wait.
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Ole madrid is being gutted and redesigned...don't know the name yet, but I do know that the owner of airport lounge, mauricio, is designing it...supposed to be "out there" conceptually
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It is called "voyeur"
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Is Hula's in Hillcrest closed for good?
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I heard it's being turned into a "Fiesta Cantina", just like the location in West Hollywood.
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Epazote in Del Mar Plaza.
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Really?
Any details on this?
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Only that is reopening sometime in May with a new name. Not sure of type of concept or if it is same owner (after spending about a million renovating just about 1 1/2 years ago). My source is keeping some details close to the vest.
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Thanks for the info.
Last summer was the slowest summer up in Del Mar in recent memory.
Had to hurt.
I bet they are rushing to get open by May...
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Epazote won't be missed by me, that's for sure. I found it's food, before and after the change, to be lackluster and overpriced. The atmosphere also seemed like a tackier version of Scottsdale; out of the ordinary for SD.
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I never dug the food either.
But tackier than Scottsdale?
Is that possible?
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It's only tackier because, unlike Scottsdale, Epazote is/was in a town that has a relaxing, beautiful, confident vibe. Del Mar deserves better than this restaurant.
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"a town that has a relaxing, beautiful, confident vibe"
Back in the days of Bing Crosby.
Nowadays, its getting more and more similar to any other un-classy town.
Long live The Turf Club: The last bastion of class.
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by "confident vibe" do you mean exclusive, snobbish, and peppered with Trust Fund brats?
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Possibly.
Only these days "exclusive, snobbish, and peppered with Trust Fund brats" means dressing and acting with no class.
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Sheesh times move so fast next thing I know Board and Brew will be taking reservations haha
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Grappa Restaurant/ Legends across from CAL STATE San Marcos...
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Parallel 33 CLOSED????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! First Region, now Parallel, I had not heard they closed. This sucks.
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Boll Wevil in Point Loma also closed. Did all the boll Wevils close?
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The one on Clairmont Mesa Blvd by the Registrar of Voters is still open, as are the ones in Lakeside and Ramona.
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The Lakeside Boll Weevil has been closed for a while now.
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The ones on Morena and LJ Bvld are now the Cotton Patch.
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How ironic, as the old Cotton Patch restaurant on Midway was what spawned the Boll Weevil chain!
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The operator of the Cotton Patch stores (and many of the bankrupt Boll Weevil locations is the daughter of the original owner of Cotton Patch and Boll Weevil restaurants. Somehow she was able to get access (despite closing for bankruptcy) and convert them under the new name. Not her first go around with Boll Weevil bankruptcy either.
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Separate companies, one goes under the other is resurrected, same owner, smoke and mirrors. Pity any lender, public or private, that gave a loan to that cause.
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I thought the same thing when I saw the new signs go up (knowing her history). So unfair and deceptive.
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Mukashi Sushi and Seafood Market, jogged by and seemed closed.
Hane sushi killed them.
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Yeah, they looked closed when I went by there the other day. They spent so long getting ready to open that it almost seemed doomed from the start.
Mille Feuille in Hillcrest is also gone and I think that there are some other places in the area soon to follow.
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Are you sure Mille Feuille is gone ? We drove by yesterday evening and it looked open.
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Yes. Interesting sign, something like "we are closed" and then: "Ownership Relocating", which makes me wonder- is "ownership relocating" a euphemism for "owner blew town"?
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I drove by yesterday morning and there was brown paper covering all the doors and windows. I didn't want to crane my neck too long to try to decipher the sign on the door and cause an accident.
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It was only a matter of months after their opening that Mille Feuille was to close. The concept wasn't an enticing one, and the whole set-up seemed odd. Sorry to see another business fail, but I was surprised it lasted as long as it did.
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Regarding Mukashi: I remember signing up for there email list before they opened.
They got back to me, but never let me know when they were opening.
I ended up never going.
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Wow how long were they open? I got to try some confections from them at Better Half once, never went by though.
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Anyone else get the e-mail from Urban Kitchen's that Laurel is going to be history by the end of the week. To be replaced with a new concept by the end of June?
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Yes, that's been brewing for some time, and I got it on Twitter. It's LONG overdue. Always one of my favorites, the last few times I've been for cocktails, your could hear the crickets.
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I agree the change is long overdue. The last couple of times I was there I got the impression that there was talent in the kitchen but that it was being challenged to execute a menu that was at the top of their culinary skill set, so while things were generally good, I always got the impression that they could have been done better. Or, in other words (I think) the skills in the kitchen didn't always match those need to fully execute the printed menu. And at the prices they were trying to achieve, it didn't always match.
I liked the bar and I liked the room, hopefully, the new concept can take advantage of both.
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"And at the prices they were trying to achieve, it didn't always match."
It almost never matched.
The prices were sky high last time I was there (which was a while back when the kitchen closed on me at 9pm on a friday, after I ordered a bottle of wine).
I remember entrees being $33+.
When you get to that level, your food better be top notch, or you might as well fly to SF or NYC and eat better food at a lesser price.
And get better service.
And meet a Model Girl on your way out (NYC).
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... when chef Brian was in the kitchen I have personally watched the creation of a well excuted, bold and original new dish that IMMEDIATELY got "dumbed down" by the powers that be in order to pacify the clientele. it is a shame to see talent restrained.
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You know this makes good sense to me. So many of the dishes seemed like they "missed by that much". While they were good, they missed being great. If the chef had to removed stuff from the original that could be why.
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Same here, according to one of their contacts it is going from "fine dining" to "upscale casual" with the direction focusing on "California/Italian". Whatever, I have faith in Tracy. But I am ready for the change and hopefully lower price point.
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yeah, I always drive by and see nobody there.
I really think they took something good (the old laurel) and ruined it.
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I personally LOVE Laurel the way it is now. My fiance and I had it at the top of our list for our wedding reception venue. I have faith in Tracy that she will make the new concept awesome, but it still makes me a little sad to see that this incarnation will be gone.
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a personal project: www.changinglaurel.com
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cool site.
I knew they were going to have to change that place.
It was on life support for a while.
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Great pics Fakey and story line too!
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The old Laurel was the best. The food was ten times better than it is now.
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Agreed.
Although its closed now.
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Good news, you can still get the old Laurel style Mac and Cheese Gratin at Roseville. Wow, good stuff!
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Good follow up article on Laurel and SD dining:
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/storie...
"Gone are the striking red chandelier and crystal candleholders, and so too is the whimsical, Parisian-style decor that had come to define San Diego's Laurel Restaurant."
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Laurel is becoming Cucina Urbana.
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maybe it's just me, but interior designers and architects should stick to designing buildings and interiors, not overpriced style over substance restaurants where they don't let the chefs run free.
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Limonz in PB is gone.
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Darn, sorry to hear that. I always liked their chicken
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Yeah, I heard it became some salad place.
I heard that closed too.
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Word on the street is that Dish in hillcrest closed.
Can anyone confirm this?
If it is true, then another piece of the stingaree empire has crumbled.
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It's pretty common knowledge the Stingaree empire has collapsed under it's weight in debt. I was by Dish on Monday and it wasn't open, but I can't confirm it's officially closed. Would anyone be surprised if it were? I think not.
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"common knowledge the Stingaree empire has collapsed under it's weight in debt"
That and horrible concepts, a bad low quality to high price ratio, lack of beautiful people when they touted themselves to be a place for beautiful people, and lack of mortgage brokers in striped shirts from the mall to fit the bill.
"Corporate Cool" is finished.
At least for the time being.
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I think that it is normally closed on Mondays so it may still be open. I have only been to Dish once and it was a while ago but Universal seems packed every time I drive by.
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I had the same thought too since Terra is closed on Monday and it's just down the street from Dish. That's why I said I couldn't really confirm if it was officially closed or not. It would not surprise me if it was. I've stopped in a couple times by have never actually eaten there. I get a weird vibe in the place, like they're not really interested in having anyone over 35 in the place.
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I was definatly a clubby sort of place. I took a peek on a Friday or Saturday somewhere around 6:00pm. Not only were there no patrons, the place looked closed and there were no employees around, but the place was completely open. After strolling around for a while, some guy walked through and said they the usually don't get really busy until after 9 or 10pm! I kind of reminded me of the space that is currently/formerly Aubergine and all of it's incarnations. The restaurant was just a way to get you into the club, not a complete thought unto itself. BTW, is Aubergine still in existence?
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I have been by Aubergine on many a thursday and friday night (although not in a while) and it always seemed closed.
I really doubt if it is still open.
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Aubergine is closed, and let go of all their longtime staff, to reopen as a crobar
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This may be silly question but crobar is a restaurant also or just a bar?
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When did Aubergine officially close?
I am guessing this has no relation to the legendary Crobar originally from Chicago that opened in Miami Beach, NYC (both now closed I think) and Buenos Aires among other places.
Correct?
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don't have the answer to either of these... the info is from a couple of friends who worked there and were let go (read: fired) along with everyone else.
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Just got word from someone in the now that Dish will only be open for Sunday Brunch for the next six weeks or so. Said to be reworking the entire restaurant concept.
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Open once a week for brunch? Who would want to eat at a restaurant that is serving only once a week? Makes me question the freshness of what will be served the following week...
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Probably trying to sell the place and this may be a way to show their still open. Can't imagine how they're paying the bills.
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Crescent Heights, downtown. Gone.
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Confirmed?
If it is, it doesn't surprise me.
Tough location, high price point, food probably too advanced for SD and opened just as the economy plummeted.
It is really just a question of how big a bankroll they have to stay open.
Every time I rolled by it seemed empty.
It got good reviews on this board and 4.5 stars with a lot of reviews on yelp. Really shows how difficult a restaurant enviornment San Diego is. Especially for higher end food/ enviornment.
If it is indeed closed, this is another "high profile" chef with some pedigree that has gone down.
2nd Wolfgang Puck alum to go down as well. Jason Siebert being the other (who had a really good restaurant called cafe cerise.)
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That's a big wow, yet somehow not surprised. They are closed on Sunday and Monday, was it one of those days?
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They were open Friday...
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Took a look inside at 5:30 pm, and it was completely dark.
Anyone else have confirmation on this one?
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If that was today, they are closed on MONDAY.
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They closed as of this evening. Confirmed to me from several employees. They let go of they're sommelier 2 weeks ago and business has continued to be dead so the plug was pulled. Employees complained about location being dead after dark and no easy parking in front of restaurant. Ate there a couple of times and food was wonderful. Really sad for SD food scene.
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Man, I think they spent more time "under construction/Coming soon" than they did open.
I pray it is replaced with a solid Vietnamese pho/sandwich place.
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"I pray it is replaced with a solid Vietnamese pho/sandwich place."
That would be great.
But I wouldn't hold my breath, the rent in that space has got to be high.
My bet is it stays vacant for a while, until another brave chef steps forward.
Either that or another fudruckers.
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Hey, I could live with paying an extra buck per sandwich to pay for their overhead. ;-)
But you're right, the space will probably stay vacant for a year and then be filled by another superfluous bank.
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"I could live with paying an extra buck per sandwich"
Hell, I would pay double.
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It was on Monday.
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Yes, confirmed.
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"You try to hold on as long as we can," McIntyre said. "We have gotten great accolades and great response from people in San Diego. But it didn't make sense anymore. We are a small time operator and we are not backed by a big corporation that can wait out the downturn."
http://www.signonsandiego.com/enterta...
I wonder if Jai in La Jolla is next.
Could this be a San Diego Wolfgang Puck Curse?
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Come to think of it, didn't Wolfgang Puck try to open a restaurant in San Diego in the 90's that folded too?
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he had one of those casual restaurants in Mission Valley Mall where the Outback is now. Not sure if he also had an upscale place in addition to it.
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You are right. He only had Wolfgang Puck Cafe in MV (one of his casual chain properties). Wanted to buy Top of the Cove, but owner wanted too much $$$.
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Too bad that Top of the Cove didn't work out. I bet he could have made that one work.
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Wolfgang Puck’s venture into San Diego with JAI at the La Jolla Playhouse, may soon be short lived. It seems that they miss their after theater audience by closing at 10 pm, and there’s no lunch service that might catch people looking for a quiet place to meet. For many San Diegans, traveling to a university campus to see a play or eat dinner, is more than they can bear…
Source: http://www.foodbuzzsd.com/blog/2010/0...
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I was under the impression that it was being shutdown temporarily and will be back when theater season starts up again.
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I guess we will find out.
Maybe its the San Diego Wolfgang Puck Curse?
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According to this post Better Half has closed. Anyone?
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/633328
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seems like it is official.
Huge loss.
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Milles Feuille , Hillcrest. Oceanaire (national) files for bankruptcy.
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"Oceanaire (national) files for bankruptcy."
Wow.
"The company said in its bankruptcy filing that it owes between $10 million and $50 million to at least 50 creditors. It estimates its assets at $1 million to $10 million."
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The newspaper said they were keeping several restaurants open, including San Diego, and only closing the under performing restaurants. That being said, sometimes the assets get sold to cover the debt.
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Yep.
I think the san diego one is probably one of their better preforming ones (top chef hype, good reviews on here, word of mouth, lack of competition in gaslamp etc)
Although that is just a guess.
Wow, if that place closed in san diego, san diego would be lookiing very circa 90's.
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The U/T article quoted Brian Malarkey as saying the SD branch of Oceanaire was the #2 unit in the chain. The article also went on to say that Oceanaire was closing 4 under performing units and listed them. Article was in the Business section, on Thursday IIRC.
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Any idea as to #1?
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Washington D.C. I think, but you can go to SignOnSanDiego and find the article
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They are closing the Philly one. Not sure of the others. Brian Malarkey says so far SD is safe. That place is always packed so I hope so.
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"always packed"
Nowhere close to it was two years ago.
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It looks like Casa de Madera has closed for the second time. After struggling for a while they closed a few months ago and then recently I noticed that they had reopened with a cheaper version of the menu. Now they have closed again and there is a sign saying that a new place called Banana Leaf will be opening. It is supposed to be Southern Indian food.
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Where is that spot?
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It is on 5th, in between University and Washington. I thought it was a little strange that they are opening an Indian place across the street from Bombay, although it might be a totally different take on it.
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The Monsoon Group that operates that space also owns and operates Bombay. They are trying to replicate what the Cohen Group does.
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Either that, or they are trying to turn that corner of Hillcrest into downtown Little India. :)
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Cool.
We need more ethnic neighborhoods in San Diego.
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They also been trying to get a concept to fly in the old Starbucks location at 5th and Washington. I think it was called something like Cofe Cafe. I'm not sure it is anything right now.
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Yep. New sign that I saw tonight: "Kona Coffee Coming Soon"!?!?
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Looks like Lucky D's is on the ropes in the "hip" east village.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/enterta...
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Tastes (Restaurant/Winebar) in Encinitas is closed
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Closed for over a month. Word is Third Corner helped hasten their demise.
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La Vache and Viva Pasta in Hillcrest.
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La Vache?
Confirmed?
Viva Pasta, can't say that was a shocker.
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I heard that La Vache closed also. Were was Viva Pasta?
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a little strip mall in hillcrest.
there used to be a capriottis sandwich place there that also closed
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wow La Vache has been there since I can remember. Although, I can't remember the last time I had brunch there that wasn't a disappointment either.
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Months of rumors have finally proven true. Jack's La Jolla was closed sometime this week, all doors are locked up, no explanation signage.
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Additional info: http://bit.ly/167zoW
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Another catastrophic san diego defeat.
Looks like Tony Disalvo exited at the right time.
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It sounds like there was more to this than just the economy (sort of like the Better Half situation), and perhaps Disalvo was aware of the "more."
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And in that article in the UT today, George Hauer pretty much said they'll be more to come. yikes.
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Gone but still glittering
Tony DiSalvo, who formerly helmed the kitchen at the now shuttered Jack’s La Jolla, is cooking to rave reviews at Whist at the Viceroy hotel in Santa Monica.
Source:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/20...
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Also Blu Wave Mediterranean in La Jolla. Always wondered how they stayed open so long. This leaves two really prominent restaurant spaces vacant in prime locations.
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For those residing in the culinary non-mecca of East County, I think Vinny's Brooklyn Pizza in Alpine just went under. Their phone number was disconnected last week.
Vinny was making excellent pizza and thus by default became one of maybe three places out here that was acceptable.
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And yet Olive Garden and Red Lobster pummel the landscape like a one-two punch, with a finishing under hook by the Cheesecake Craptory.
This is so so sad.
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According to the UT and another well placed source, Modus Supper Club in Banker's Hill closed a week ago friday. "Was working on another concept, but didn't pan out."
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I am surprised Modus lasted that long.
I read somewhere that they were trying to change the name to Modus Gastro Bar.
Biting off Jaynes Gastropubs style.
I think the thing that drove the steak through the heart of Modus Supper Club was when Starlite Lounge opened.
It split the local population (Bankers Hill, Middletown, Mission Hills) in half (at best).
There was no point in going to Modus, when Starlite served similar food, possibly better food.
It is sad that Modus closed. It was a place that tried to do good late night dining.
They found, like many other places, that people in San Diego do not eat late.
No matter what.
Their food was also a little to advanced for peoples tastes in this town.
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Modus Supper Club was voted best new restaurant a few years ago.
So was Crescent Heights.
Getting voted "best new restaurant" must be the kiss of death.
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Best new is good. Best new that can last is better.
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Airport Lounge is closing.
Going to turn into a 2nd location for El Camino (same owners).
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Really? Can't see that spot working out any better for El Camino. It's a dead spot. Much like Barrio Logan was for the Guild, and that stretch of University was for the Better Half. It may have proximity to other interesting things in the area, but the fact that there is ZERO foot traffic on the street, no decent non-metered parking, and the fact that the corner is invisible when on any of the busier cross-streets around it, makes it very risky. Not to mention that the Lucha Libre taco shop is nearby, with the exact same theme, and cheaper.
However, if El Camino inherits Airport Lounge's full liquor license, then at last that place will be able to serve a proper Margarita. It is absolutely pointless to be a sitdown Mexican joint in this town (or any town for that matter) and only be able to serve Margaritas with Agave wine.
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"It's a dead spot."
Don't forget, from 2004 to 2006 Airport lounge was arguably one of the hottest spots in town (a respectable run, until competition exploded in this town: Stingaree, Ivy, Hard rock, Se Hotel, Confidential, etc)
"no decent non-metered parking"
The used car lot across the street folded. They might be able to use that. Columbia is a block away.
"if El Camino inherits Airport Lounge's full liquor license"
They will. El Camino and Airport have the same owners.
Although, I do agree it is risky , this place has the potential to be a restaurant that transition into a nightclub successfully (a trick that no place in san diego has ever done).
But odds are against that trick.
I
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Hawthorne Restaurant and Lounge on University looked like it was closed when we drove by today.
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I've heard that Hawthorne is going to reopen with a more "casual" and inexpensive menu.
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Didn't that place used to be on Hawthorne street?
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Yeah, they moved there when the new theater started up. Wonder if they'd like the old place back?
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I walked by Hawthorne today. The sign said something to the effect of "Closed for painting and cleaning".
So, they are either taking the time to do a menu-overhaul and interior re-design (a la Laurel->Cucina Urbana), or they really are just doing some simple painting and cleaning.
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Tastes in Encinitas is now closed. It was a wine-store-in a restaurant concept that served quite good food. Owner announced he was selling all his wine at half off while he developed a new concept. So far the concept is a closed sign in the window.
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Too bad. I like the "wine-store-in a restaurant concept".
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The Little Fish Market in Mission Valley is closed. There is a liquor license application on the window, so I guess another restaurant is opening there. I will have to stop and read the posting. I will miss the lobster salad sandwich.
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Yeah, I saw that Thursday morning driving in to work. I noticed that all the signage had been removed from the building and saw the new liquor license app in window. I'll miss it too, it was always a reliable option for Mission Valley.
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A Mexican restaurant and margarita bar is going into the former Little Fish Market space.
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I phoned the Fish Market corporate office to find out if maybe the Little Fish Market was simply moving, but NO! It's gone. Will miss the casual ambiance and crab-stuffed avocado as well as spicy red chowder with sourdough. Good location and prices much lower than at the "big" fish Markets.
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Redzone sports bar and grill closed.
But opening again under new owners.
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Such a loss. One less "grill" in San Diego.
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California Cuisine in Hillcrest is closed. It will reopen under different management as an Italian restaurant.
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goody
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Miami Grille in Poway..was a very popular place.
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Closed in Poway on Fathers Day - still in UTC with live salsa music 3 nights a week pending new Liquor License - and a new one opening in Temecular early 2010
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Peking Palace in UTC. Just noticed it this weekend.
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I think that's already closed for about 5-6 months (and not really a big loss, whereas California Cuisine was not a cutting-edge food destination but a quite good restaurant which had some good dishes.)
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you're probably right, as I haven't been to that part of UTC for a while and probably overlooked the dark windows and all. definitely not a big loss.
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According to Yelp, Sammy Sushi in Kearny Mesa closed. Disappointing, I liked that place, even though I hadn't been there in a while.
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Illume Bistro announced they are closing soon (maybe end of week?) on Twitter this evening. Everything 1/2 off the rest of this week.
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Is that the place in little italy?
They actually seemed like they had a following.
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Cotton Patch in LJ closed, what a loss, not certain I can continue without it.
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Didn't it just open a few months ago?
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Yah, it was a re-name of the previous place, unfortunately bad is bad.
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Cafe Eleven is closing in Hillcrest
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Being replaced by another restaurant run by Chris Shaw, the owner of Urban Mo's and Baja Bettys.
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Both restaurants are at least not a good indication that Cafe Eleven will be replaced by something good.
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ROTFL
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Haha, I had to Google that acronym. Love it!
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Cafe Eleven will be replaced by Gossip Grill (a female oriented restaurant according to some papers) - Urban Mo’s, Baja Betty and Gossip Grill - trifecta of doomed food.
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Now scheduled to open Oct 30, 2009. Just in time for Halloween.
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Hawthorne's in NP is being replaced by "West Coast Tavern" - which is a partnership with Urban Solace's Matt Gordon, the owners of True North and David Cohen.
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'Canes Bar & Grill in Mission Beach is supposedly closing in November. I'm not sure if that's for remodeling or if it's going to reopen, but that's what I read on CityBeat.
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I know they had a fire recently so maybe it is remodeling related to that. I saw that Zetouna's Cafe on Washington in Mission Hills is closed. There is a sign that says 'temporarily closed' but there is another sign that says the restaurant is for sale by owner. I never made it there but heard mixed reviews. It never seemed to get going.
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Dakota Grill & Spirits has closed after 16 years in the Gaslamp Quarter.
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wow that one is kind of shocking. Never was a fan, but it seemed to do good business.
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Since it's a Cohn restaurant, I'd guess it will be remade into another restaurant. Their restaurants may not be putting out the cutting edge of food, but they are good business people.
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Precisely, the Dakota Grill location is being revamped/rebranded into another Cohn restaurant. I don't remember whether the new restaurant theme was mentioned in the article I read.
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The reincarnation of Dakota's.....it'll become ......are you ready for this......a Fondue restaurant come January!
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Excellent!!!
A fondue restaurant in the gaslamp will definitely take san diego to the next level.
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Trophy's in UTC is being replaced by La Jolla Strip Club, some kind of steak place.
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Trophy's has been bad since their 1st restaurant. Good Bye!!!! Bad service, bad food, bad customer service.
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Sounds like it might be related to the Gaslamp Strip Club. I guess Donovan's and Fleming's (as well as the Ruth's Chris 5 or so miles up the 5) just weren't enough to service the UTC hotel crowd.
I pretty much lived right above Trophy's for two years, and never went in that time, You'd think that a decent sports bar / brewery could make a go of it in the area, but I guess not.
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Yeah if it's related hmm.... Grill your own steak. And season it. At that point I might as well grill it myself (which I do quite often).
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Gaslamp Strip Club is a Cohn restaurant.
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I just noticed today that the MV Trophy's is now the All American Grill. I have no idea when that happened.
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Chilangos Mexico City Grill paper on windows, phone # rings and rings.
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Not surprised. the re-opened version of Chilangos didn't quite live up to the original incarnation. To bad, sad to see it finally go. That stretch of Uni is pretty hard. The corner has been a million different things, the upscale animal store didn't make it, Chilangos has been several different things. Not a lot of real longevity there between 2nd and 1st
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And Better Half unfortunately shut down.
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Yes, and so did all the places that were in the space before the Better Half
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Where Chilangos once stood, it is now Charisma, Cucina Italiana.
Red decor.
Looks to be already up and running.
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Yep---Charimsa is open for business--planning on dinner there next week.
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Cool, I am interested to know how it is.
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Just Burgers in Little Italy has closed. It's a tough location (formally Bud's Louisiana Cafe). It's being replaced by a Santanas.
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Not only is that a difficult location but they have the best (IMO) bar burger next door and one of the best gourmet burgers just opened down the street.
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between Waterfront and the new Burger Lounge I didn't expect them to last long.
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What's better, waterfront or burger lounge? I've been to the BL in La Jolla, and it was decent. But I hear about Waterfront quite often (has anyone had burgers at Nunus? my friends rave about it but it wasn't anything special ... the dive bar itself was cool though)
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Kind of a different animal, so to speak.
Waterfront is more of a good dive bar burger (not great in my opinion but good).
Burger lounge is more the new millennium grass fed thing.
Try them both, and see what you like more.
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agreed. I think Burger Lounge is a higher quality tasting burger, but I like both.
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Can't argue with having to try both burgers. I've had BL in La Jolla, but both of these are around the corner from my friends, so try I must!
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LOVE Nunu's and yes, the burger is good..especially after a few cocktails..
One of the best dives in SD..60's decor with the drinks strong and the naugahyde flowing.
Waterfront is one of my favorites too..burger is great but the fries blow.
www.nunuscocktails.com
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I probably shoulda had more cocktails. Don't get me wrong, it was a good burger, but while eating at my friends sushi shop she went to get nunus for the staff, and they loved it. Maybe it was a case of inflated expectations :D But the bar itself was fun
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I don't get why people rave about Waterfront. Commodity meat on commodity bread - what's the fuss all about? You can get that burger a million places - the only thing unique about it is the atmosphere of the venue.
Burger Lounge is a good-tasting burger, but what makes it special to me is that they use much better ingredients than your typical burger joint. So even if the burger itself isn't unique, the fact that it's made from good stuff is what makes it worth eating.
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Last time I went to the waterfront the burger seemed way worse than I remember.
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The Waterfront Burger is vapid. But that would imply a presence of non-flavor, so I guess the Waterfront burger is a ketchup-vector, and little else.
Sorry.
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"ketchup-vector"
Could be a new marketing scheme for them.
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Yeah- as in "come get your condiment inoculation." Vector Burger.
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Yeah, I called that one a while back.
"bar burger next door and one of the best gourmet burgers just opened down the street"
They also weren't very good.
I wish Bud's would move back, I get the feeling san diego already has a few Santanas.
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Fuddrucker's downtown is closed.
Very strange, as I was just there late last week for lunch, and when I went to drop by today, not only was it closed, but the place looked trashed on the inside. Everything had already been ripped out. The tables, cash registers, the fridges and kitchen area. All gone, with no notice whatsoever.
Very strange.
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Yeah just saw that.
I remember when that place opened, about May '08.
I actually saw a sign in there window that they were opened to 3am on fri and sat.
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Chilango's (in Hillcrest) apppears to have closed (again).
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cafe noir just north of the ballpark had closed
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Cafe Eleven has closed.
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And Hillcrest’s Café Bleu will hold its last night of service Saturday, Oct. 24. Café Bleu’s owners also run The Red Door in Mission Hills.
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LOL last week we were near there and I said "I think that is the longest a restaurant has lasted in there for the last 15 years". Ooops!
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Just got an e-mail from the owners of Appertivo in North Park that they are closing....... Very suprised I live axcross the street & they seemed to have a really steady stream of business. However we were worried about them because another location of Arrivederci is opening across the street & would really split the business.
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not surprising. The Arrivederci has been threatening to open in that spot for a couple of years with little-to-no work being done so that definitely wasn't the problem.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/507549
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according to frank sabatini in gay and lesbian times, the owners nearly doubled apertivo's rent, to close to 5K/month. north park is booming, but still... an interesting move given the overall economy, i guess.
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ciro's hillcrest closed?
- walked by ciro's pizza next to dish (which is still closed/undergoing its "makeover") last night and it was definitely not open. no mention of this location on their website either. unfortunately, if the recent reviews on yelp are true, it's no big loss.
http://sdurban.com/blog/
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Anyone know what happened to Tastes in Encinitas? Went by there the other day and saw the name had changed.
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Wings Pizza and Things next to Petco park has closed. For lease signs up in the windows.
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"Wings Pizza and Things"
Can't say I know anyone who ate there.
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The only thing that would have drawn me would have been the "Things," but why do you need that when the Old Spaghetti Factory is back in business?
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"Tastes in Encinitas" - Closed a few months ago.
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I read in the UT that Decanter Lounge on Del Dios Highway closed. It was at the foot of the Il Cielo development. I have no idea how the food was, it was just so out of the way I never went there. I know that they spent some bucks on the place. It looked like it was trying to be one of those poser kind of places sorta like the place that took overt the old Scalini spot on VDV. Oh well.
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After 57 years of continuious operation in SD, Nicolosi's is closing. Sunday is their last day of service. For those of us that grew up here, this is kinda sad. Nicolosi's could always be counted on for familiar and fairly good Italian-American food.
Current location is on Adobe Falls Rd. between Allied Gardens and SDSU
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Oh my, talk about the end of an era. I remember eating at Nicolosi's when they were located in Lemon Grove, many many moons ago. .....;(
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Wow. I used to get their garlic and clam pizza with my dad back in the 80's. Maybe it's time for one last run...
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Never understood how they survived in that loc.
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I heard today that the owners of Nicolosi's got some much positive feedback that they are planning to reopen soon.
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Yes, there was an article in the UT today about it. 2 nephews bought the place from their uncle. 37 of the 38 employees agreed to come back to work. Hopefully, all the people that showed up the last few days will show up to support the new owners
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I heard the same thing on the radio tonight.
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I was driving up 5th in the GL and saw that Mangu and the cigar shop is gone. Not surprised, looks like another restaurant is going in.
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Mangu is gone, but Cesar is opening a burger joint instead. Same owner, different concept
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Wow. Non-stop burger joints.
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Pity his private investors.
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Yes, it's been a long ugly ride
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Seems to be open again.
Now it is called "809 Lounge".
Not sure what the "809" means. The address I think is 503 fifth street.
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The past few times that I have gone by Deli on 5th it has had paper over the windows. I always thought it seemed like a strange business and it never seemed to be busy, although I never did try it. Another place that looks like it may be gone is Ramak Hookah. I don't smoke hookah but when I stopped in there after they first opened they claimed to be making homemade persian food. I didn't make it there too so I can't comment on the food. Again, it seemed doom from the start.
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Luigi's in Little italy closed!
Landini's Pizza in Little Italy open!
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Zetouna's Cafe now closed.
Source: http://sdurban.com/blog/
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Zetouna's will be replaced by Cafe Bleu that recently closed on University and 5th. Its also owned by the Red Door folks....or so I heard.
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Just saw a blurb on the UT website that Rainwater's on Kettner is closing down.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/20...
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Another Icon falls.
I have always had a love/hate with Rainwaters. Actually more hate than love.
It always "seemed" like it should be a great place. But never was.
Extremely overpriced. Sub par service. Ok food.
This was a San Diego Hype Machine place.
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When you have places like The Palm offering an 8oz. USDA Prime fillet and a pacific lobster tail dinner with salad, dessert and all the fix'ins for $45, it's pretty easy to understand why RW's took a tumble, that era is so over.
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Agreed, never thought I had a trip to Rainwater's that amazed me. I would have a better experience at Fleming's for less money, and they always folded my napkin when I went to the bathroom. Never got that at Rainwater's haha.
I don't think it was just a SD Hype Machine, always saw them listed in the fake "Best Of" ads in the airline magazines.
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Good point.
Here is my expert analysis of the fall of an Icon:
1. Restaurant has good reputation. Cultivates following of lawyers,city officials and san diego locals too provincial to know outstanding food. (I heard it was actually good up until the mid-late 90's, although that is debatable.)
2. Advertise in fake "Best Of" ads in the airline magazines.
3. Product goes down the tubes (late 90's). But because of "iconic" status and The San Diego Hype Machine, continues to do business.
4. Lose local following but keep pumping fake "Best Of" ads in the airline magazines.
5. Economy soars. People visit san diego. See fake "Best Of" ads in the airline magazines, and eat at Rainwaters regardless of quality.
6. Economy crashes. People no longer visit san diego. People no longer see See fake "Best Of" ads in the airline magazines.
7. No local biz. No traveler biz.
Place folds.
I wonder what will open in its place?
Another steakhouse?
A Brian Malarkey/ Stingaree team up? (fedora and Ed Hardy shirt dress code?)
Only time will tell.
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Well put. One exception -- some us, though perhaps provincial, know good food but would continue to go for lunch because its across the street.
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"would continue to go for lunch because its across the street"
Did you really though?
I used to be located very close to Rainwaters and after a couple of lunch trips wrote it off.
Believe me, I wanted to like the place so bad. On paper it seems great.
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Same here when I worked downtown. Rainwaters was walking distance from our building. I tried it once and was disappointed, but I believe in giving restaurants a second chance. So I tried again and was even more disappointed. I never understood the attraction.
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OK. I'd get the chicken Caesar to go once a month or so.
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well said..
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I grew up in Peoria IL where Mercedes restaurants is based and all their restaurants have always been this disappointing. Their steakhouse in Peoria that was a nice place when I was in high school now serves drinks in plastic cups while you dine on picnic plaid tablecloths.
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wow.
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Back in the day, Rainwater's was were it was at for high power business meetings and the owner Paddy ruled with an iron fist and she'd be running some serious smack on the waiters where all the customers could hear.
Started taking my clients to Dobson's where Paul has a more jovial demeanor.
They stated they were going to open another restaurant..maybe she has mellowed with age.
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As a solo diner back in the mid-late 90s looking for a great steak dinner I recall only having three choices (not wanting to drive up to Donovan's in La Jolla) Rainwater, Bertrand's, and another I can't recall. Ended up at Rainwater having an excellent steak (if pricey) and service and some pretty good wine BTG.
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"some pretty good wine BTG"
That is where I think they went wrong in the later years.
The wines by the glass started at like $12, then next up was like $15 and then up from there.
It was like the wine by the glass menu was designed to make you feel like a chump for ordering a $12 glass of wine.
Side note: this is the 400th post on this thread.
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I think the glass price was in the $7-8 range for the best stuff back then.
Wonder what the leading post is for number of responses? I see one on the Home Cooking board that's over 1,100.
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"I think the glass price was in the $7-8 range for the best stuff back then."
Yeah, I think they got caught up in the Greed of '05.
The gouge mentality, when san diego thought it was going to become the next Las Vegas, Miami Beach and Amsterdam all wrapped up into one.
Thank goodness that ridiculous talk is over.
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Went to Wired the first time in a few weeks and saw that Chicago On a Bun next to it is gone and replaced by a burger place (a real surprise in SD in the moment). Unfortunately Renaissance Produce in the same mall is also gone - they had certain croatian cookies which I only have seen from time to time at North Park Produce
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Chicago On a Bun I think changed owners at some point.
They used to be run by an old school Chicago couple that was super cool.
About a year ago I noticed they had new owners and the quality seemed to slip.
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ya JK burgers and hot dogs I'm sure it's amazing. Will be closed in 3 months I'm sure.
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Looks like that Royal Mandarin In National City might be closed due to a fire:
http://heartlandzonenews.blogspot.com...
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Yes this news traveled faster than the earthquake through the vietnamese community. The salt and pepper chicken were a staple at almost every potluck party. I found them too salty and oily sometimes, but I admit, they were decent.
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Universal in Hillcrest is closed.
http://sdurban.com/wordpress/
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"Four years of work went into this, and unfortunately, we were victims of the economic times and other unfortunate events," Brennan said. "It seems like this project got off on the wrong foot and was doomed from day one. There were certainly warning signs I didn’t heed."
"Obviously, we put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this project so it's disappointing when it doesn't work out."
Universal-Dish opened in April 2008. The total cost of development was more than $4 million.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/20...
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Brennan comes across as a colossal jerk. The whole deal with the Top of the Cove and I still don't get the appeal of Stingaree. I really not sorry he failed.
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Side Bar Closed , The Witherby Failed, Bar West Failed, Top of the Cove was a disaster, now Universal shut down.... who in their right mind would ever invest with brennan - now he's working on some deal with the old chef of Oceanaire downtown on 5th and Market.
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You nailed it. I'm afraid Brian Malarkey is being taken for an ultimately unfortunate ride.
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Good point.
I was wondering at what point do you stop calling someone a "Nightlife Impresario"?
I think if someone owns one spot, that title should be gone.
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French 101 in La Jolla has closed. Owners spent a ton of money in tenant improvements remodeling the old Hard Rock Cafe. We were fairly excited about the possibilities, but the two meals we had there were disasters. I don't think they were open even 6 months.
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...and the subject of this thread, 'closed because of the economy' is, again, not relevant.
Too many of the above named restaurants closed because they did not have good food, not because of the economy.
{I didn't mean to imply anything to you about your post, FC. This thread/its title has been bugging me for a long time and I just had to say it}
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Agreed.
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"Too many of the above named restaurants closed because they did not have good food, not because of the economy."
A restaurant doesn't close because of bad food. (If that was so, every McDonald's would be closed).
A restaurant goes out of business because of economics.
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Even if the economy was thriving, almost half of the above named restaurants would have closed. They served poorly prepared food.
People will not return and pay for food that is not good. If you want to call that economics, fine. The title of the post refers to the "down economy" and not economics directly.
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Good point, most definitely applies to some of these restaurants.
I worked at the now defunct Reidy O'Neil's many years ago. The owners blamed the demise of their little brainchild on the economy. Strangely, they failed to realize that bad atmosphere ( white tablecloth dining area with a loud bar), combined with the comping hundreds of dollars worth of food and high-end alcohol MIGHT also affect the bottom line.
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I think what you're all describing is partly economy, but mostly poor management of the resources, whether it be food, labor, location. You have to understand how to run a business - i.e. the nuts and bolts, profit and loss, etc - in order to make an indy resto work. A restaurant is about so much more than the food, and if the ownership doesn't understand the other pieces, it won't stay around that long. The stagnating economy exposed those restaurants with poor business models and management and hurried their demise. A strong economy and free flowing money prop up the flawed businesses and tend to extend their shelf life, even after the "use by" date has gone by.
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"Even if the economy was thriving, almost half of the above named restaurants would have closed. They served poorly prepared food."
Pure speculation. And half of them thrived when the economy was good.
"The title of the post refers to the "down economy" and not economics directly."
It is impossible to tell with out a doubt "why" a restaurant closed.
Lets get over the title on the most posted upon thread. It was written a year ago.
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I don't really agree. Olive Garden remains in business despite sucking in every way imaginable.
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It may suck to you, and is not authentic Italian in any way, but it is food, consistently prepared across our Country, and that is a source of comfort for a lot of people. who don't know what a CH is or that this site exists.
I was speaking more of the closed local restaurants having unimaginative/copycat menus made with burned/charred/under or over-seasoned product served in small portions... or stretched with cheap/unquality ingedients to make large portions along with high prices, poor service and/or loud/partylike atmospheres.
Even in this economy, people of all incomes still go out to eat and would rather spend their dollars at OG than some frou frou pretentious bad value place.
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I think it depends on the people. I wouldn't eat at Olive Garden unless my only other choices were fast food joints. I would absolutely choose a "frou frou pretentious bad value place" over corporate chain grub. I think it's really, really weird that you'd imply these places that closed all have either burned and charred, and/or under- or over-seasoned product, or small portions.=
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I never said all. Many people alluded to 'bad experiences' at some of the closed restaurants. I know mine. The bad value part of the equation can be in relation to any, all or a combination thereof. People may not complain about the experience here, but will not go back and will try to stop others if they ask if they should eat at certain places.
The chains have their place in our society. The consistency of preparation and familiar foods. It's a comfort. When I was in Italy in 1985, there were 6 women I traveled with who only ate at the McDonald's on the Navy base with their husbands, never venturing off. Things really never change.
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I don't see it that way. I think chain restaurants are an inherently problematic proposition, from the bad food (not in terms of taste (though I'd argue that point as well), but in terms of it's generally low quality, nutritional content, and industrial production), to the lack of sustainability, to the dumbing-down of palates the world over. Honestly, I couldn't care less if an American overseas is denied their Big Mac fix. If that McDonald's wasn't there, perhaps they'd venture out of their comfort zone and try something radical like a panino.
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Cosign.
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There weren't paninis in Naples/Palermo in 1985. Pizza was an appetizer, not main course, just bread with olive oil and a minimum of toppings,all piled in the center; antipasti was a plate of sliced cured meats and olives and chunks of dry cheese (no lettuce); seafood (shrimp with heads!), pasta bolognese (veal) only and very few other proteins-no garlic:that's Northern Italy. Wine was $1 a bottle(no cork; they just carried the bottle back to the kitchen and refilled it), mineral water $2 a bottle and a (small) bottle (no cans) of coke was $3.
Fortunately, The Mister and I were more adventurous(real anchovies!, espresso for desert) but were in the minority.
When I find a McDonalds with Filet O Fish Fridays and order two or three. Its a comfort and a craving.
I've said it for years: people will spend money on quality food and service, but not to help a place pay rent for having a good view. That is why a good 1/3 to 1/2 of the above places are closed, not because of the economy. They all would have closed anyhow. Because they went into business to make money and tried to do it by skimping on quality ingredients and/or preparation and/or service.
I don't begrudge nor try to change anyone for their food choices (or anything else for that matter). They have to do it for themself.
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A bit OT but garlic is used a lot in Naples (and many parts of southern Italy) but only very subtle by first frying it briefly in the pan and than removing it completely.
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That list of 1985 Naples/Palermo food sounds really, really good...
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Well said Josh. It's sad that venturing away from a McDonald's is considered some kind of radical choice.
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Perhaps we could ask the moderators to change the title to "San Diego - Closed restaurants". In the end it is not possible to know why a restaurant closed (and I agree that a large number of them didn't close (or will close) only because of the slow overall economy) but it is of interest for all CH to have a good source for restaurant closings.
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I'm not surprised, I go by this place everyday, mostly empty. There was nothing to catch your interest on the menu plus, the monthly rent must have been a chocker. Makes me wonder how much thought chef/owners put into a business plan. Like doctors, chefs are great in their 'trade' but, lousy runing a business.
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Daphne's Greek Cafe - just filed Chapter 11... they will try to restructure but with $19,000,000 in debt and crappy food.... good luck.
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Wow this thread takes a long time to load. While at the SD Wine Co. saw Boll Weevil has closed and Bangin' Burgers is opened in it place, ordered the All American special to go while I shopped, not bad, a step up from the Weev, but not a destination burger spot, no other burger options in the area. Good lunch crowd, mostly office folks. Appears they do some beer events on premises (saw old fliers).
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Doesn't Daphne's Greek Cafe have the same owner as EXY restaurant (that high end Greek failure that occupied the same place as the failed LG steakhouse in the gaslamp)?
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Yes - which he also own's the property and has recently leased out the space to I think a sports bar of some sorts...
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Went to Karinya Thai in PB tonight, our local go-to Thai with very nice staff, and a sign on the door said their last night is tomorrow. Talked to the main waitress and she said they just weren't getting enough business and so they are closing. They've been there so long and the food is always good. It's too bad. Now PB is officially only filled with burgers, pizza and mediocre sushi joints.
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Sorry to hear that.
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Walked past Bondi, the Australian place in the Gaslamp last night and it had a notice from an Eviction law firm posted regarding a hearing that day. Place was closed and dark, and appears to be history. That was a place with lots of square feet in a prime location and a big investment in decor.
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I wasn't a huge fan of their food, but I did like their Australian beer selections.
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Yeah, Bondi was the only place I know of in SD to get several of the Australian beers. I won't miss Vegemite though.
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I wonder who'll take on their unused kegs.
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Probably the same vendor that sold them the kegs in the first place will take them back and resell them. As long as it was untapped, it's most likely returnable. If there are creditors looking for payment on unpaid or overdue bills, they'll be looking to get credits or liquidate as much inventory as possible to pay creditors.
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Devastating failure, but not too surprising.
Bondi was built during that time period when The San Diego Hype Machine was saying "San Diego is the Next South Beach!!!!!" and "San Diego is like Vegas at The Beach!!!!"
We have soon found out that san diego has neither the international money/models/fashion industry or gambling revenues to support those absurd statements.
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Back in the mid 80's Olivia Newton John opened an Aussie restaurant up in the Melrose area of LA. The place was an absolute failure. I was kinda wondering how long Bondi was going to last. Yes I know that Sydney is becoming a dining destination due to the immigrant influx, but still Australian food?
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Sydney actually has incredible food. Light years ahead of san diego.
I think the failure was more the economy on this one. It was built when prices where at their highest.
Sadly, Bondi was actually one of the better places in the gaslamp.
Although that is saying as much or as little as you can imagine.
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My Australian dining experience is sadly limited to the aforementioned Koala Blue, which was pretty bad. Cute clothes though, and watching old Paul Hogan TV show [this was way before he made it big in the U.S.] The shows jokes revolved around you guessed it Foster's six packs and shrimps on barbies.
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Bondi was behind on Sales Tax payments for months - Board of Equalization shut them down... someone ran off back to Australia with our $.
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Probably what we will see Bosa do as well.
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Good night, mates. Bondi, the Australian-themed “bar and kitchen” that opened in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter with a big splash in 2006, has shuttered its doors, according to one of our far-flung correspondents. The Fifth Avenue hangout was apparently yet another casualty of the cruel economy. A recorded message says the eatery has shuttered its doors, an event that comes several months after one of the original owners and investors sailed back to smoother waters Down Under …
http://www.sdbj.com/article.asp?aID=9...
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I believe I overheard they were behind on several months of taxes...
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I was in Horton Plaza today and noticed Napa Valley Grille is closed. In fact, there were several empty storefronts - more than I've ever seen there before. Sign of the times.
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I'm not surprised. We stopped in for a glass of wine and a snack before a movie one night. Crummy wine selection & the appetizers looked/tasted like they came from a freezer bag. Powerful mildew smell in the bar area, and all the bottles & glasses behind the bar were dusty. All around gross experience.
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Surf & Saddle - Solana Beach CLOSED
From yelp:
"Went there earlier tonight to find that they had been shut down indefinitely! There was a letter on the window from the owner telling a great story---a morning bartender was selling drugs and happened to sell to an undercover officer! The way that licenses work, it puts the bar owner 100% at fault!
Bummer"
Source: http://www.yelp.com/biz/surf-and-sadd...
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Major Bummer..
Surf and Saddle was a classic dive thats been around for along time..
This is very sad..if it was the 80's, it wouldn't of been a big deal!
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Wow, what bummer....
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Sanfilippo's on 5th in Hillcrest has closed. I used to frequent that place when I lived in the area.
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Pasquale's on Prospect closed for good. Just got word.
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No surprise there. Hate to say it, but at least now we won't have to listen to their loud, live music blaring until midnight.
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I was not positive where it was, so I went on their website which is still up, and lo and behold there were two quotes on the website singing the praises of Pasquales. One was from Ex-NBA nutjob Dennis Rodman and the other was from the advertising guy at the UT, Wolf Verkaaik. Gee no suprise this place tanked.
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Also bull and bear on prospect went out of business. Supposedly they are opening in 8008 girard. we'll see.
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She finally lost the fight with her landlord. He has been trying to evict her for over two years because the regulars were too drunk, loud and disorderly and he got lots of complaints from the neighborhood.
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Mandarin Dynasty
1458 University Ave
I went down there Saturday and peeked in the window. The inside was gutted out. I'll miss that place. Been going there for pan fried noodles every time I went to Balboa Park and craved Chinese food.
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I'm not surprised. Was never terribly impressed with it.
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Found out today that Trattoria Acqua is closing doors on March 13 after 15 years in La Jolla. Could not come to lease terms with landlord. Similar to Pasquale on Prospect situation, except we were there two weeks ago for dinner and the only empty tables were outside in the rain. It's getting pretty morbid in La Jolla.
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was this an issue w/ the landlord trying to be greedy in a recession or the restaurant struggling in a recession (or both)?
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I think the restaurant had gone through a rough patch, but made some adjustments and had recently seemed to gotten its groove back. This really was a case of a greedy landlord (we know him, owns quite a bit of commercial property in downtown LJ).
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that's too bad for Trattoria Acqua. I'm surprised the landlord is being that greedy in this economy, La Jolla or not! You'd think he'd have more sense in this economy.
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La Jolla taking a heavy beating.
Sooner or later those landlords will have to come down in price.
Could be a good thing.
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WTF?!?!
This is very sad..
I can't believe the owner won't negotiate with Victoria and Mike..
Wouldn't you want your commercial real estate filled with your long term loyal tenant vs. an empty 4,000+ sf restaurant?
Thats what % leases are for..where is a new restaurant going to get capital for a new place..no one is lending..especially to one who doesn't have a proven track record.
Doesn't make business sense?
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Sigh, I remember when Mike was running Fio's, back in it's glory days...
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Yep, me too. Poor guy sure did a good job with it given the difficult group of owners. They say they hope to have new plans soon, but in this economy, and the obvious difficulty in this part of town for restaurant leases....?
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Remember when both Mike's were running Fio's..wasn't Jack Berkman part owner too?
Fio's was class act!
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Fio's may have been a class act, but it was not by association with Jack Berkman ; )
Fios was 2 blocks from my studio at 5th and E in the early Gaslamp days with Croce's and about nothing else.
Now, cue the mods.
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Wasn't Fio's around in the early to mid 90's?
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I know. Although it is not high on our list (I know you are a fan), I'm wondering if Crab Catcher is not far behind.
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Hopefully, Crab Catcher re-negotiated their lease but who knows..both restaurants provided a great venue for tourists and locals.
Bull and Bear..Trattoria Acqua..Pasquale's..Bermuda Triangle
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Business isn't always about business. With big numbers comes big egos. Despite the sky falling around him, he could be like a landlord I know in Point Loma who thinks because it is his building, it is more valuable than any other building and will be leased. This kind of thinking had led him to loose a successful 11 year business and now he's struggling to lease it!
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Ego destroys most of these tools..
A true business person, puts ego aside and goes for the deal.
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BC--I totally agree w/ you!
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Thankfully, Con Pane has somewhere to go. It should do well at Liberty Station.
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Good guest sdnativa, I was trying to be cloak and dagger but apparently not very well. Yes, I think Con Pane will do well in Liberty Station, I'm just sad they're leaving the hood!
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Agreed. What a luxury it was to have Con Pane so close by. Maybe something good will go into the space.
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Smart money is on that it will be a burger joint.
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Stevewag23- I cannot tell if you are being cynical or just stating the facts. Or maybe stating the facts cynically. This thread is depressing.
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Depressing in more than on e way too. It's now over 500 posts long, making it the biggest thread on this board. A topic about failed restaurants. What a waste
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Sure, but at least it has saved you a trip or two to a restaurant you wouldn't have know was closed, right?
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I too started one in our area to basically keep folks up to date... depressing. Gets to the point of sadoequinonecrophilia.
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Kind of joking, kind of serious.
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I think that is a great bet, Vegas line probably wouldn't payout too well though.
At least the tide of sushi- and wine-bar wannabes has slowed a bit.
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I agree. Wouldnt be a bit surprised to see Burger Lounge there in the near future, or something similar.
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Burger Lounge is looking to expand to LA not so much SD anymore.
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I saw in today's UT (Diane Bell's column) that Trattoria Acqua is not going to close after all. They were able to get a years lease with an option for 5.
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It's true. The landlord (our neighbor) walked in at 130pm the day they were to close with a new lease. Saturday night turned into a packed celebration. Congrats to Mike and Victoria!
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I would of thought Don would of given up living in the village awhile ago and moved to the Farms..has he turned the parking lot into anything yet?
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nothing yet, fingers crossed. Also BC, Manny has turned up at Manhattan!
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That is awesome about Manny...love Manhattan's!
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I heard that When in Rome in Encinitas might close soon. Does anybody know if it is true ?
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When in Rome has been SOLD - not just closing.... but it will undergo a 1.5M renovation and be a brewhouse restaurant - same owner as PB Ale House.
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The beer and burger trend marches on.
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And right across 101 is the Lumberyard Tavern and Grill in the site of another closed Italian restaurant. Hmmm, Instead of dueling Italian restaurants, Encinitas is going to have dueling burger and beer places. Not so sure I like this trend.
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Not a restaurant closing but Nathan Coulon (most recently heading Quarter Kitchen) is leaving SD to open a restaurant in OC. We had some of his creations at different opportunities and really liked them. He will be missed in SD.
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That is depressing, losing a chef to orange county.
Ivy recently got took over by the Andaz chain. I am sure that had something to do with him leaving.
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With the Hyatt management now in control at Andaz (formerly Ivy Hotel), there were bound to be changes in the kitchen. Executive chef Nathan Coulon will move on May 6. Next stop, Fashion Island in Newport Beach where he’ll oversee the new True Food Kitchen (a Phoenix import) due to open mid-July. Buzz has eaten at the Phoenix restaurant–its good-for-you menu is based on Dr. Andrew Weil’s principles of an anti-inflammatory pyramid of foods–and the food flavorful and interesting. When Coulon leaves Quarter Kitchen he’ll be in Phoenix for six weeks working with executive chef, Michael Stebner. Yes, that Michael Stebner who owned the well-received-ahead-of-its-time-Region restaurant that focused on locally sourced ingredients with a menu based on Slow Food principles. When Stebner left San Diego he went to Phoenix and ended up working for Fox Restaurant Concepts who created True Food Kitchen. Now San Diego loses another talented chef.
Source: http://www.foodbuzzsd.com/blog/2010/0...
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Saw on another forum (and on Yelp) that the House of BBQ on India Street is gone. I suppose the economy may not be the reason for those have eaten there or that remember the post about it.
The new place opening up is called the Regal Beagle Ale House and Sausage something or other. 70s polyester suits required?
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Given that the Shakespeare Pub is a half block away, interesting that someone would try and open what may be another English Pub (?) that close.
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Rumor has it it will be a Chicago Bears place. The banner says Coming soon...Regal Beagle Ale House and Sausage Grill. No one in their right mind would open another English pub in this neighborhood. Shakespeare is a force of nature.
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Then there better be a lot of Chicago Bears fans in town cuz that location is D-E-A-T-H to anything and everything that goes in there.
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Seriously, that location has a curse or something. I do think that if there's a business that can survive there, it's a bar/pub, because it's a hipster neighborhood that currently only has one option (Shakespeare), and that option isn't very hipster.
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You are forgetting about the Taj Mahal of hipster: Dynamite.
That place was hipster before girls started getting more tattoos than guys, and guys started wearing tighter jeans than girls.
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Hmmm...and here I thought Stevewag23 was only Mangiatore's alter ego.
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lol you too eh? maybe he logged in on an old computer on accident? haha
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Hahaha...nope, I just lost interest in all the arguing a while back. I also think dining options have improved in the past couple years, though in truth eat out less these days so less opportunity for disappointment.
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Aero Club & Starlite aren't far from there either
3365 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
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Good point.
Both hipster strongholds.
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Excellent point, but hipsters in this neighborhood still don't have an option a la Hamilton's. Could Regal Beagle be it?
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If one were to listen to the 91x St. Doug's Album (circa 1994), there's a song by Creedle where one of the lyrics complains about the Lamplighter and Dynamite. Its so passe that going to Dynamite is ironic, and thus totally hip. Or something.
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Interesting.
This stuff can get confusing.
The main thing is if girls act like guys and guys act like girls, it will be super hip. And if there is organic mac n' cheese on the menu.
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Well, I was in the drama club, and my husband was in the chess club. I think we would be turned away at the hipster clubs, their ethics would simply NOT allow us in the door.
Hurumph. We'll be at a D & D meeting.
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This is even more evident in South Park. Funny how the hipster-scene-menu incorporates organic mac' cheese as well as "gourmet" burgers.
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Could have some effect on suite & tender:
Se San Diego Joins Hundreds of Hotels Falling Into Default
http://sdbj.com/news/2010/may/31/se-s...
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Se San Diego Operator 5th Avenue Partners Enters Bankruptcy
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100628-709089.html
Is the Se San Diego in Danger of Closing?
http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/201...
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Magnolia's is closed. I drove down there Sunday and they were loading everything in vans and pickup trucks. One person said they were going to look for a new location.
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Confirmed. RIP Roseville.
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Damn. Liked that place.
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Hey, like all your "white space". Nice graphic design trick. ;D
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Dang, that's too bad
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Chris Walsh has closed Bite in Hillcrest. Not a restaurant, but on an even sadder note: Barry Logan is closing La Milpa Organic Farm at the end of September.
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Wasn't Chris Walsh the one time chef of Confidential?
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Sad to see that Sante on Herschel in La Jolla has closed (website still on). Appears that a Hennessey's Tavern has already moved in.
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Yes, Mr. Buonsante sold the property a couple of months ago. The new Hennessey's just slapped some flat screens on the walls and threw in green, plastic furniture. Fairly depressing. I will be interested to see how they do since it is a few blocks away from the main tourist walking areas (and not exactly "destination dining").
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Another burger joint, wonderful, and to top it off a meh burger joint.
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Bummer. I liked that place, but can't say I've been there in awhile.Hennessey's? Remember when downtown La Jolla used to be upscale?
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Sante had been on the market for well over a year, it was only a matter of time until someone bought it.
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Wow a sudden rash of closings. I Hope it isn't contagious.
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It seems like the San Diego restaurant scene is back on the upswing with new restaurants opening (Banker' Hill, new Burger Lounges, The Smoking Goat to name a few). It seems like these closing may just be the natural order of things - some restaurants will close even in good economic times.
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I'd have to think part of the issue is the rent. BTW - I didn't know the economy was good, who knew!
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If you read my post, you will see that I did not say the economy was good right now, I said that some restaurants will close even in good economic times. However, on the restaurant front here in San Diego, it does appear there are more restaurant openings than closings unlike during the time of the beginning of this thread. That being said, not all restaurant closing that did occur during the worse of the economic downturn was due to the economy. As many have posted throughout this thread, some of the restaurants would have closed regardless of the economy, due to bad leases, bad location, poor management, under capitalization, etc., etc..
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oops maybe it is. Kemo Sabe is closing in Hillcrest. I was a big fan of that place when I was younger and less worldly haha... so I am a bit sad it is closing down regardless of what I think of it these days.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/20...
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Strange.
Didn't the San Diego Hype Machine award Deborah Scott the greatest chef of all time award 10 years straight?
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According to the email from the Cohn's, Kemo Sabe lost their lease but they are hoping to relocate.
Roseville (in Point Loma) is apparently the latest closing.
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After less than 3 months, Tikul on Prospect in La Jolla (famous mexican seafood restaurant from Puerto Vallarta) has ceased doing business. Sign says "circumstances beyone our control". My guess...economy could not support their prices (except for HH) and their landlord is infamous for being outrageous.
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Wow -- that was QUICK.
Speaking about soon to be out of biz in La Jolla, popped into Bull & Bear Bar & Grill for dinner tonight with my family of 5. Was appalled by the lack of service and the crummy menu. Split within 30 seconds of sitting down and made a beeline for Sushi on the Rock II where we scored a large booth on the outside deck. Everyone was MUCH happier with the choice.
1271 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
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I don't think bull and bear was ever known for it's food. More of local drinking spot for the more eclectic people of LJ.
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It's interesting how you can pick up a vibe about a place that you just KNOW it's going to be a bad experience. We ALL got that feeling loud and clear from the moment we walked up their unfinished staircase (with no handrails), to the lack of anyone to welcome and seat us, to the dining tables that had huge cracks in the plastic tops, to the uninspired menu. Thank God we acted on the vibe and split before we made a BIG mistake! Sushi on the Rock II is not my favorite sushi place by a long shot, but it was light years beyond B&B.
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Agreed. I've done the same thing. As a Chowhound one needs to know when to bolt for the exit.
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SDGourmand is right. Bull and Bear is really just the watering hole for the local hardcore drinkers - as well as the hangout for the restaurant service types when they get off their shifts (especially George's). The landlord of the old location tried to figure out a way to kick them out for years because there were so many drunk and disorderly complaints. However, with the new location comes a really snazzy ocean view that seems to be luring in the tourists, every time I walk by the place is packed.
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WOW, I was planning to get in a HH this week, Oh well.....
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What's HH?
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Happy Hour
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Thank you.. I'm a little slow today.
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Tikul closed already? Amazing. How does that happen? I mean, the owner has other locations right, so not an inexperienced newbie. I imagine they poured a ton of money into remodeling that location. They got a lot of helpful play in the press. What do the hounds call it; SD Hype Machine? See, that's not just reserved for Cohn restaurants. :>) Anyway so where do you think they missed the mark? Misgauged the economy, skimped on market research, or??
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The long arm of The San Diego Hype Machine reaches way further than just the Cohn restaurants.
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Cali Deli on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest.
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That was quick.
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Wow. Not surprised, though. They sucked.
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Wow, take a look at the number of posts on this thread!! 570 in about 18 months. Granted a bunch of them are from we the peanut gallery and not actual closings, but still, it's a shame that the longest thread (or at least one of the longest threads) is about restaurants that no longer exist :-(
If ever one needs a reminder that the economy drives business and that restaurants are a business, this thread has got to be it.
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Another closing is Big Red Pizza in La Costa... It was in that cursed location that formally housed grubbys pizza and ECR grille.. That shopping center needs to be torn down and done over, nothing ever lasts in there..
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They really need to get a major tenet in the old Vons location. Without an anchor tenet along with the poor access and signage there is no "drop in" traffic. It is next to impossible for a casual place to last there.
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The Albertson's location on El Camino Real in Encinitas closed more than a year ago. The Daphne's and Baja Fresh there have since closed, although I don't particularly miss them.
Currently, most of the strip mall is like a ghost town, which is apropos considering the architecture is pseudo old western. Of course, Kaito's still there.
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Sad news.
[insert chowhound worthy of needling name here]'s favorite is bankrupt.
This time our sad tale belongs to Claim Jumper. http://bit.ly/9wA9Qb
5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
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I never knew it was a "Gold-rush themed restaurant".
Great theme by the way. I wonder if anyone will fill the vacuum.
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Wellll, how-dee, maname's Prospector Pete, an I'm a-gonna bee a-takin yer orrrder this fine evenin.
Woodja bee likin ta start wit our beeeutiful goooolden margareetuh?
An fer appytizers, we're a-offerin well waht else? Golden chiken nuggets!
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Not closing anything yet:
"The company's Chapter 11 documents cite debts totaling as much as $500 million; they are looking to sell the chain and hope to keep restaurants open in the meantime."
I see that same publication called them the world's unhealthiest restaurant chain earlier this year:
http://eater.com/archives/2010/04/20/...
Maybe one of the more downscale buffet places will buy them out. Or not. San Diego hardly seems like an ideal market for that type of place, yet I always see a pretty good crowd at the Carmel Mtn Ranch location.
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Have you ever seen the portion sizes at Claim Jumper!! There's a reason they've earned the moniker "unhealthiest" eatery in the world. Their claim to fame was the ultra supersize on most of their items. You could feed a small army on one entree portion.
5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
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I bet they went bankrupt solely from the "slice" of chocolate cake
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:-D
No doubt
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Beauty Bar calls it a day
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/20...
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Sabor Mexican Grille in Liberty Station. RIP
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I love the surroundings of Liberty Station but can't see this area really taking off.. Is there a lot of traffic in this area??
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The shopping center with Vons & Trader Joe's on Truxton gets a TON of walk-in traffic from all the High Tech High and Middle schools a block away (do NOT even think of having lunch there during the week). The other areas of NTC probably not so much.
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I always eat late by san diego standards, so I am not a good gauge.
But it seems like Da Kine's Hawaiian, 5 guys burgers and Tender greens all do well.
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Might be late on this one, but Viva Chicago on Miramar Rd. is no longer in operation.
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This thread is like a 'mass grave' for resto's in SD, plus it's getting almost impossible to load on my laptop.
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I know same here.. I wish this message board had a different layout.. It gets so confusing when threads get long..
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Would be GREAT if a moderator would retire this thread and start a new one with the same title. That's how many boards deal with threads that grow over a certain post count.
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Other CH boards have this type thread in a monthly version.
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Since people seem to be complaining that this thread is too long, we're going to lock it now.
Feel free to start a new one.
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