A famous Mexican restaurant beloved by Anthony Bourdain is about to close after more than twenty years in business.
Mezcalería Oaxaca in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood announced it will close its doors for the last time on October 1.
The restaurant, opened in 2003, featured the country’s first mezcal-focused bar.
“Thanks to our loyal Capitol Hill customers and neighbors, we will be closing our doors on October 1,” the restaurant said in a statement. posted on his Instagram account.
‘Over the past two decades we have had the honor of serving you in Ballard, Queen Anne and Capitol Hill.’
Mezcalería Oaxaca in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood will close on October 1
Bosses blamed the “changing nature of Seattle” as well as evolving regulations that “made it unsustainable to continue our effort.”
“We look forward to serving you all in the coming weeks. Now is the time to enjoy our celebrated comida corrida as this journey comes to an end,” the restaurant said Saturday.
The restaurant was beloved by locals for its Tacos al Pastor and Aguachile Ceviche along with a wide selection of mezcal.
He also worked with the Mexican government to organize special dinners with many of Mexico’s top chefs, wine producers and agave distillers.
This local favorite restaurant has featured many Michelin and James Beard starred chefs over the years.
Fans and locals alike were shocked and saddened to learn of the restaurant’s impending closure, with many recalling their happy memories of dining there.
“The food, drinks and service were absolutely amazing. You guys are like family to me, you always made me feel at home! So sad to hear that you’re closing your doors,” one of them wrote beneath the closing announcement.
“Besides the amazing food and drinks, there are so many great memories at Mezcaleria Cap Hill. This hurts,” another commented.
“Oh, I always felt like I was walking into my Grandmas house when there was good food and a family atmosphere,” added a third.
This comes after another famous Mexican restaurant also closed this month.
Pink Taco on Los Angeles’ iconic Sunset Strip abruptly closed its doors for the final time on Monday, posting a sign on the door that simply read, “Sorry, we’re closed.”
It is still unclear why this Hollywood classic closed after twelve years.
The restaurant first opened on Sunset Boulevard in 2012 after being founded by Harry Morton in Las Vegas in 1999.
It’s not just Mexican restaurants that have been struggling after the pandemic, as are struggling with rising food and labor costs. There have been a number of closures and bankruptcies.
Mezcalería Oaxaca presents the first bar focused on mezcal in the country
Pink Taco, on Los Angeles’ iconic Sunset Strip, has closed after 12 years in West Hollywood
The highest-profile company to file for bankruptcy was Red Lobster after its $20 unlimited shrimp purchase contract cost it millions of dollars.
Popular Italian restaurant Buca di Beppo filed for bankruptcy in August, just days after abruptly closing 13 underperforming locations.
World of Beer Bar & Kitchen was named one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in the U.S. in 2013.
It also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August, saying it owed suppliers as much as $50 million.
National upmarket supermarket and coffee chain Foxtrot said in early April it would close all its stores with immediate effect, leaving staff and customers stunned.
Businesses are struggling with falling sales as Americans eat out less after two years of steep price hikes.