Keeping a small business afloat in the Bay Area is a great challenge in itself, and over the last few years, pandemic-related roadblocks made the undertaking even tougher. As a result, it was with a heavy heart that we bid so many of the Bay's greatest goodbye last year. Let's pour one out and say thanks to all of these establishments for keeping our cravings satisfied, our nights out exciting, and our hearts warm with memories.
Last updated January 4, 2023
San Francisco
Via AL's Place
(1499 Valencia St // Mission)
Chef and owner Aaron London shocked SF foodies when he announced AL's Place was closing in August 2022. For 7 years, this Michelin-starred eatery rolled out creative, ingredient-focused dishes to die for. Even though the restaurant was doing great business, London reportedly closed AL's Place to spend more time with his family.
Via Alioto's
(8 Fishermans Wharf)
This year saw the end of Alioto's, a family restaurant and local landmark that served up seafood over Fisherman's Wharf for over 90 years.Like so many other businesses, the pandemic closed this chapter of San Francisco history: after shuttering its doors in 2020, Alioto's was never able to reopen and officially ended their lease this year.
Via Giulietta Carrelli on Instagram
(4033 Judah Street // Inner Sunset)
Artisanal toasts may be omnipresent at San Francisco brunch spots nowadays, but Trouble Coffee's cinnamon toast did it first (and best). We'll miss Trouble's unique vibe, punk clientele, and eclectic menu filled with coffee and coconuts, all of which reflected the one-of-a-kind personality of owner Giulietta Carrelli.
Via Coi
(373 Broadway // North Beach)
With the closure of Coi, San Francisco lost a fine dining institution. Chef Daniel Patterson's minimalist (but impeccable) tasting menus earned several accolades during the restaurant's 16 years of business, but sadly it wasn't enough to keep the lauded spot open in the wake of the pandemic.
Via Landmark Theatres
(One Embarcadero Center)
After 26 years, SF's beloved and popular Landmark Theatre on the Embarcadero screened its last movie on February 3, 2022. The City's Financial District was likely one of the areas hit hardest by the pandemic due to lack of tourists and people now working from home, so while the closure doesn't come as a surprise, we're still bummed.
More closures:
East Bay
(2236 Martin Luther King Jr. Way // Oakland)
Oakland's live music scene was dealt a blow this year when Starline Social Club announced it was closing down and going up for sale. Starline hosted everything from dance parties and art shows to local and touring music artists, and it was a key hub for Oakland nightlife for years. Let's hope the new owners carry on that spirit!
Via A Taste of Denmark
(3401 Telegraph Ave // Oakland)
We're not gonna lie, we shed a few tears when we found out we wouldn't be able to get our hands on A Taste of Denmark's signature sweets after this year. Their cashew curls and butterscotch may not be filling our bellies anymore, but the legendary bakery will live on forever in our hearts.
More closures:
South Bay + Peninsula
Via China Bee
(31 S B St // San Mateo)
China Bee delighted locals for decades with Taiwnese cuisine like fried pork chops, beef noodle soup, and, of course, their signature stinky tofu. The family business closed a week before Christmas, prompting an outpouring of support from longtime patrons on social media.
Via Cristiano Tomás - Wikimedia Commons
(792 E Julian St // San Jose)
Burritos, Mexican pastries, fresh tortillas made in-house — these are just a few of the things from Casa Vicky that we miss. The space was sold to new owners in July, but the old restaurant's legacy lives on.
More closures:
North Bay
Via Marin Brewing Company
(1809 Larkspur Landing Cir // Larkspur)
Marin Brewing Company poured its last pint at its original location in January 2022, thanks to pandemic struggles and increased rent. But don't worry, you can can still get their brews elsewhere! Their sister location in Novato, Moylan's Brewing Company, still has Mt. Tam Pale Ale, Raspberry Trail Ale, and other beers on tap.
Via The Fish Market
(3775 El Camino Real // Santa Clara)
Even The Fish Market and its iconic red fish sign aren't immune to the effects of the pandemic. After struggling to reopen in the wake of COVID-19, The Fish Market's Santa Clara location is closed for good. Fortunately, the locations in San Mateo and Palo Alto are still slinging seafood.
More closures:
It’s a heart-breaking list to read through, and we hope we don’t have to see more of our favorites close their doors for good. We're going to keep supporting the businesses we know and love, and we hope you will too!
Written by Grace Orriss
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