There’s nothing quite like the heartbreak of learning that your favorite childhood restaurant is closing – or even losing a new eatery you’d come to love. These Washington restaurants are part of a long list of dining establishment that have closed their doors, but we really wish they’d open them again.
- Royal Fork, Yakima
Royal Fork Facebook Royal Fork is one of the country’s oldest chains of buffet restaurants, and their Yakima location was a local favorite for years.
- Charlie’s on Broadway, Seattle
Rick V / TripAdvisor After 37 years of business in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, Charlie’s closed n 2015. It reopened briefly, but sadly closed for good last year.
- Cyrus O’Leary’s, Spokane
Cyrus O’Leary’s Pies Facebook Cyrus O’Leary’s closed their iconic Spokane restaurant in 2011 after 31 years in business, citing a number of factors from the economy to competition. Fortunately, their mouthwatering pies can still be found at local grocery stores.
- Manny’s Cafe, Moses Lake
gcleff11 / TripAdvisor Located in an old street car, Manny’s Cafe was known for their big, hearty breakfasts. Locals and patrons just passing through town were impressed with the portions and the quality for their price.
- Nickelbys Restaurant & Lounge, Tumwater
Nickelbys Restaurant & Lounge Facebook After 28 years in business, the beloved Nickelbys closed its doors last year. The place was a local watering hole for many of the 22,500 Tumwater residents.
- Fire & Brimstone, Kennewick
Rollingst1 / TripAdvisor Known for their addictive wood-fired pizza, Fire & Brimstone was a local favorite–so it came as a shock when the owners announced its closure last summer. We miss it already.
- Icon Grill, Seattle
Icon Grill Facebook This appropriately named eatery was a beautiful, colorful icon in Seattle, and its location made it easy for tourists to discover it as well. The owners were forced to close in January 2017 when they learned their building would be torn down and a replacement location couldn’t be found.
- Sweet Ole Bob’s, Spokane
jeffreyw / Flickr Known for their savory comfort food (including the world’s greatest reuben) and weekend karaoke, Sweet Ole Bob’s was a local legend. The mom and pop restaurant closed in 2016, but we’d love to see a revival of such a classic establishment.
- The Valley Cafe, Ellensburg
eburggrl / TripAdvisor This restaurant opened its doors in 1930, so it was a devastating loss when it quietly closed, leaving locals longing for one more meal.
- The Old Spaghetti Factory, Seattle
vmax137 / TripAdvisor Yes, there are numerous other Old Spaghetti Factory locations (including five in Washington). And yes, there is better Italian food in Seattle than anything you’d find here. But that won’t stop the many of us who grew up eating at this restaurant from missing it. Seattle’s Old Spaghetti Factory had been open for 46 years when it closed in December 2016.
Did this list make you feel nostalgic? Don’t worry–these long-standing local eateries are still going strong.
Royal Fork Facebook
Royal Fork is one of the country’s oldest chains of buffet restaurants, and their Yakima location was a local favorite for years.
Rick V / TripAdvisor
After 37 years of business in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, Charlie’s closed n 2015. It reopened briefly, but sadly closed for good last year.
Cyrus O’Leary’s Pies Facebook
Cyrus O’Leary’s closed their iconic Spokane restaurant in 2011 after 31 years in business, citing a number of factors from the economy to competition. Fortunately, their mouthwatering pies can still be found at local grocery stores.
gcleff11 / TripAdvisor
Located in an old street car, Manny’s Cafe was known for their big, hearty breakfasts. Locals and patrons just passing through town were impressed with the portions and the quality for their price.
Nickelbys Restaurant & Lounge Facebook
After 28 years in business, the beloved Nickelbys closed its doors last year. The place was a local watering hole for many of the 22,500 Tumwater residents.
Rollingst1 / TripAdvisor
Known for their addictive wood-fired pizza, Fire & Brimstone was a local favorite–so it came as a shock when the owners announced its closure last summer. We miss it already.
Icon Grill Facebook
This appropriately named eatery was a beautiful, colorful icon in Seattle, and its location made it easy for tourists to discover it as well. The owners were forced to close in January 2017 when they learned their building would be torn down and a replacement location couldn’t be found.
jeffreyw / Flickr
Known for their savory comfort food (including the world’s greatest reuben) and weekend karaoke, Sweet Ole Bob’s was a local legend. The mom and pop restaurant closed in 2016, but we’d love to see a revival of such a classic establishment.
eburggrl / TripAdvisor
This restaurant opened its doors in 1930, so it was a devastating loss when it quietly closed, leaving locals longing for one more meal.
vmax137 / TripAdvisor
Yes, there are numerous other Old Spaghetti Factory locations (including five in Washington). And yes, there is better Italian food in Seattle than anything you’d find here. But that won’t stop the many of us who grew up eating at this restaurant from missing it. Seattle’s Old Spaghetti Factory had been open for 46 years when it closed in December 2016.
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