The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the permanent closure of many historic and iconic restaurants, leaving a significant impact on the culinary landscape. These closures reflect not only the challenges faced by the restaurant industry but also a loss of cultural landmarks and community gathering places. In this blog post, we explore 9 historic restaurants that couldn’t survive the pandemic, each with its own unique story and legacy.
Moishe’s Steakhouse
A fixture of Montreal since 1938, Moishe’s Steakhouse was a tribute to the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Known for its old-world charm and Jewish culinary delights, patrons relished in its hearty meals and the ambiance that spoke of eras past.
The 2020 lockdowns silenced its bustling dining rooms, leading to its eventual closure. Though a new version emerged in 2023, the soul of the original was irreplaceable, as new staff, recipes, and ambiance marked its rebirth.
The Montreal community fondly recalls the years when Moishe’s provided not just food, but a place of cultural resonance and gathering.
Sokolowski’s University Inn
Since 1923, Sokolowski’s University Inn was a Cleveland institution, offering hearty Polish-American fare that warmed both the stomach and soul. Its charm earned it a James Beard “American Classic” award, drawing locals for generations.
In October 2020, the doors closed for good, amid the challenges of the pandemic. The Inn’s closure left a void in Cleveland’s culinary and cultural landscape, where it had served as a beloved gathering spot.
Even now, the spirit of community and tradition it fostered lingers in the memories of those fortunate enough to have dined there.
Noriega Hotel
For over a century, the Noriega Hotel stood as a beacon of Basque culture in Bakersfield, California, offering family-style dining that celebrated community and tradition. Established in 1893, it became a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike.
The pandemic in early 2020 made it difficult to maintain its communal dining experience, leading to its closure. Although a new version opened elsewhere in 2021, the original site remains a memory of its vibrant past.
Its legacy as a place of warmth, shared meals, and cultural exchange is fondly remembered by all who gathered there.
Chumley’s
Founded in 1922, Chumley’s was more than just a bar; it was a Greenwich Village legend. This speakeasy-turned-literary landmark was frequented by literary giants and boasted a history as rich as its patrons’ narratives.
The charm of Chumley’s lay in its storied walls and the whispers of history they held. Yet, March 2020 saw its final closure, and by July, the decision was irreversible.
Though its iconic décor was auctioned, the spirit of camaraderie and creativity it fostered continues to be celebrated in the annals of New York’s literary lore.
Spiaggia
Spiaggia was synonymous with elegance in Chicago’s dining scene, its doors open for 37 years to culinary enthusiasts seeking the finest Italian cuisine. Its reputation was built on a foundation of excellence, creativity, and passion.
However, the financial pressures of the pandemic proved insurmountable, leading to its closure without reopening after lockdowns.
Chicagoans remember Spiaggia not just for its exquisite dishes, but for the memories created within its walls, where celebrations and everyday dining experiences alike were imbued with a touch of class.
Pacific Dining Car
Since 1921, Pacific Dining Car was a Los Angeles icon, serving fine dining delights around the clock. Its vintage train car decor and 24/7 service made it a unique gem in the city’s culinary crown.
Despite hopes to reopen, the financial toll of the pandemic led to the permanent closure of its original and Santa Monica locations by mid-2021.
The legacy of Pacific Dining Car lives on in the hearts of Angelenos who savored its offerings, from late-night meals to celebrations of life’s milestones.
Café Poca Cosa
Café Poca Cosa, renowned since the 1980s, was a culinary jewel in Tucson, Arizona, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and flavorful Mexican dishes. The move to a larger location in 1989 marked a new era of success and community engagement.
However, the pandemic’s challenges proved overwhelming, leading to its permanent closure despite local acclaim.
Tucson residents fondly recall the lively music and spirited gatherings that made Café Poca Cosa a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.
101 Coffee Shop
A Hollywood staple, 101 Coffee Shop was renowned for its retro charm and vibrant dining experiences. Its 1960s-style decor and celebrity clientele made it a beloved fixture for over two decades.
In March 2020, the diner temporarily closed, but hopes for reopening dwindled, leading to its permanent shutdown.
The closure marks the end of an era for Hollywood’s dining scene, but the memories of shared meals and star-studded encounters remain vivid in the minds of its patrons.
Alioto’s
Founded in 1925, Alioto’s was more than just a restaurant; it was a family legacy. Nestled on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, this Italian seafood haven was famous for its cioppino and familial warmth. Generations of the Alioto family poured their hearts into this establishment, making it a staple of the bay area.
However, in March 2020, the beloved institution was forced to close its doors, a decision sealed permanently by April 2022. Plans for a public waterfront plaza mean Alioto’s physical footprint will soon be erased.
The community mourns the loss, remembering delicious meals and shared moments that marked Alioto’s as a cherished local treasure.
