This is a curated list of Seattle’s most notable and permanent restaurant and bar closures. See a closing we missed? Then drop us a line.
BALLARD — For years, patrons at Ballard’s Waterwheel Lounge knew that the legendary 50-year-old dive bar was scheduled to close in early 2025 because the building was being knocked down for a new apartment complex — there’s been a countdown clock behind the bar ticking away the days. As of New Year’s Eve, that clock hit zero, and the bar is now closed, reports the Seattle Times.
CAPITOL HILL — In more bar news, secretive speakeasy Knee High Stocking Co. has closed quietly. The Times and Capitol Hill Seattle Blog both reported the news but ownership didn’t respond to queries from either.
CAPITOL HILL — In a bizarre incident, an SUV being driven by a man trying to get his girlfriend away from her “pimp” crashed into the SOMA Kombucha taproom, reports Capitol Hill Seattle Blog, citing police reports. The crash did major damage to the business, which is closed for repairs.
GEORGETOWN — Slim’s Last Chance, a roadhouse-style bar and restaurant known for its chili, is closing after February 20, its owners announced on Facebook; they’re moving to California. (The Times had the news first.)
QUEEN ANNE — After 35 years, T.S. McHugh’s, an Irish bar with a distinctive red-and-green building on Mercer Street, has closed, reports Vanishing Seattle. According to the popular Instagram account, there was a sign reading, “We have weathered through many changes over the years. It has become increasingly harder for a small business to survive, let alone thrive.” The space will soon be taken over by new owners, Vanishing Seattle says, who may retain the name.
WALLINGFORD — As of New Year’s Eve, Kabul, Seattle’s most famous Afghan restaurant, has closed. Owner Wali Khairzada, who is 74, has decided to retire rather than to stay open in the face of rising costs.
WHITE CENTER — An Eater Seattle tipster noted that brunchy Greenbridge Cafe had closed, and the owners confirmed the news on their Instagram, writing that they had said farewell to the space but moved their brunch menu to Federal Way’s Pimienta Bistro.
CAPITOL HILL — New American restaurant Cook Weaver has permanently closed as of New Year’s Day, with owner Zac Reynolds saying he wants to spend more time with his family.
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT — Chi Mac, a Korean fried chicken joint on the Ave, has closed permanently; the owners wrote on Instagram that they were “forever grateful, forever humbled, and forever proud to have been part of this city we love.”
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT — Speaking of the Ave, slice emporium Supreme has closed permanently, according to some eagle-eyed Redditors. The pizzeria still has a West Seattle location.
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT — More news from the U District: Khmer spot Angkor Wok has closed after three years. Owner Bon Long told the Instagram account SeattleFoodieAdventure a few months ago that business has been slow, even though his was one of the few Khmer restaurants in Seattle.
LAKE CITY — Not really food news but still worth a mention: The Shanty, the incredibly long-running roadhouse on Lake City Way, is closing for good as owner/bartender John Spaccarotelli rides off into the sunset at the age of 94.
BALLARD — The Ballard location of Katsu Burger has closed permanently; the Times notes that a new business called Sushi Licious has opened in the space.
AURORA — Also via the Times: The Kidd Valley location on Aurora has closed, though the long-running burger chain still has three restaurants in the Seattle area.