Albany restaurant closing
Boss Burger
05.02.24: Thanks to a reader, we’ve learned that Albany’s homey Boss Burger has abruptly closed after 10 years. The neighborhood burger restaurant was first opened by Little Star Pizza’s Jon Guhl in 2014, but underwent several ownership changes during its decade in business. Locals and families will no doubt miss the eatery’s easy, laid-back, diner-style burger fare and quick service. Boss Burgers was at 1187 Solano Ave. in Albany.
Berkeley restaurant closings
Bollywood Cafe
04.11.24: We were sorry to hear that easy, budget-friendly Indian take-out restaurant Bollywood Cafe closed earlier this spring. The narrow Northside space has already reopened as Ali Baba, an all-day breakfast burrito eatery based out of Davis. Bollywood Cafe was at 1805 Euclid Ave. in Berkeley.
Elsie’s On Solano
04.11.24: Only six weeks after opening, chef-owner Cash Caris has shuttered his new sit-down restaurant Elsie’s inside the former Delirama on Solano Avenue. At first, the closure was supposed to be temporary. “Over the past year, we have experienced a significant decline in business, resulting in financial losses that outweigh our daily earnings,” said a note of explanation Sunday evening, now removed from Instagram. “It is disheartening for us, as we are aware of the love and support our community has shown for our establishment.” By Monday, however, the decision was final. “I recently had a heartfelt conversation with my landlord, and it has become evident that the financial strain of running the restaurant has become insurmountable. Regrettably, this means that all reservations will have to be canceled.” Best of luck, Cash, aka The Pastrami Guy. Elsie’s on Solano was at 1746 Solano Ave. in Berkeley.
Garden Variety
04.11.24: Nosh was there when it opened in the COVID-era summer of 2020, and is sorry to learn that this healthful addition to University Avenue has quietly closed up shop. Garden Variety was a salad-focused eatery that made a brave go of it just steps away from Butcher’s Son, sharing the lovely Rose Garden patio space for sunny, floral lunches—diners often ended their veg- and grain-forward meals with a warm cookie or two. The internet still says it’s open, but a Nosh scout confirms the business has fully departed the space. Garden Variety was at 1966 University Ave. in Berkeley.
Kokolo Donburi Berkeley
04.18.24: Downtown Berkeley’s Japanese rice bowl shop Kokolo Donburi, which opened courageously in the dark days of December 2020, closed in April. A call to the restaurant confirmed rumors and reports—the space is slated to become the newest location for hot pot minichain Zhangliang Malatang. Expect to hear more soon in openings. Kokolo Donburi was at 2237 Shattuck Ave.
Linh’s Cafe Berkeley
04.25.24: A reader (thank you!) tipped Nosh that Linh’s Cafe in the Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley closed after service on April 28, as the landlord is selling the building. (Long-time residents might remember the tea house space from its former days as A Cuppa Tea.) Linh’s Cafe was known for tea and coffee drinks, light snacks and comfortable cafe seating on two airy floors. Linh’s Cafe at 2992 College Ave. in Berkeley closed permanently on April 28.
Northbrae Bottle Shop
04.18.24: We were surprised to learn from several Nosh and personal sources (thanks to all) about the abrupt closure of this beloved little neighborhood bottle shop on Hopkins. Northbrae Bottle Shop provided sophisticated, delicious and often rare wines and spirits to north Berkeley locals and visitors from its 2013 opening, replacing Monterey Liquors, and of course through four years of pandemic. Along with liquid comforts, owner-operator Art Kinsey provided old-fashioned and friendly service, adding his own bit of spirited atmosphere to the Hopkins row of classic shops and markets. The shop has already been sold; Nosh will keep readers posted on that upcoming opening. Northbrae Bottle Shop was at 1590 Hopkins St. in Berkeley.
Riva Cucina
03.21.24: Since June of last year, Nosh has been waiting for the other shoe to drop regarding WhatNow SF’s announcement that 800 Heinz in Berkeley had signed a new tenant; this Sunday, we read the news that Italian restaurant Riva Cucina is saying a heartfelt good-bye after 17 years. Chef Massimo Boldrini and his wife Jennifer’s pretty West Berkeley restaurant was known locally as the place to send Italophiles and Italian expats for a just-right meal. It featured a lovely outdoor patio against a brick backdrop, and hanging drapery, sculptural tile and other luxe touches inside the otherwise industrial interior.
Born into a family of chefs in Ferrara in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, chef Boldrini crafts cuisine that makes the most of local, seasonal ingredients. Together with staff, he and Jennifer made Riva Cucina one of Berkeley’s more welcoming havens for upscale northern Italian dining. In 2017, the Bodrinis lost their home to wildfires in Napa, and fans rallied to help and support their recovery; the community-minded family has since devoted free time to raising funds, volunteering and helping fellow fire victims. During COVID-19 shutdowns, Riva’s dining room closed, but the restaurant shifted to take-out and catering in the East Bay and Wine Country. Now the Boldrinis have chosen to fully step away from Riva to focus on their two children, “before they set sail on adventures of their own,” and to pivot to a new Italian travel project called Gemma. Following a couple of ticketed farewell celebrations at the end of March, the restaurant closed after service on April 10. Riva Cucina was at 800 Heinz Ave. in Berkeley.
Zak’s Snacks
04.11.24: Sorry Northside, it’s not looking good for Zak’s Snacks, the eclectic, eccentric little Berkeley sandwich shop at the corner of Euclid and Hearst. A sign on the door says, “closed for now,” but the windows are fully boarded up and Google says permanently closed. (Please, as always, let us know if we’re wrong, management could not be reached.) The funky snack and sandwich shop opened in 2011. Zak’s Snacks was at 1879 Euclid Ave. in Berkeley.
Emeryville restaurant closing
Chevy’s Fresh Mex Emeryville
04.18.24: The Emeryville Chevy’s closed permanently after service on April 22. The 25-year-old, group-friendly, post-work-friendly, always-party-friendly location of the chain Mexican restaurant was notable for its choice piece of waterfront real estate. SFGate’s coverage of the closure references a lease issue as reason for the closure, and also notes this will mean 62 lost industry jobs. Recent reviews have not minced words—the kitchen especially may have said goodbye to its A-game weeks ago when the closure was first announced—but folks are making the pilgrimage regardless for one last bowl of guac and blended margarita toasts of farewell. Chevy’s Fresh Mex was at 1890 Powell St. in Emeryville.
Oakland restaurant closings
Boston Market (all locations)
04.11.24: Thanks to SFGate for confirmation that all local Boston Market rotisserie delis, including the remaining few locations in the East Bay, have closed for good. Reporters across the country have been following up given recent news that the current owner of the troubled national chain, in operation since the 1980s, has filed for personal bankruptcy, and the company is hemorrhaging locations nationwide. According to SF Gate’s reporting, remaining Boston Markets in Oakland and Fremont (as well as San Jose, Santa Clara and San Francisco) have all been evicted and/or closed in the past few months. East Bay Boston Markets were formerly at 5132 Broadway in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, 3060 E 9th St. in East Oakland, and 3966 Mowry Ave. in Fremont.
Buck Wild Brewing
04.18.24: “Friends, it is with a very heavy heart that we announce the closure of Buck Wild Brewing,” said the April 17 message on the brewery’s Instagram. “The aspirational mission we laid out on day one to produce award-winning ‘craft beer for all’ was realized, and we are humbled by the level of customer loyalty and industry recognition we achieved over the years.”
“Things will wrap up in our Oakland taproom at the close of service on Sunday, April 28,” it continues. “We hope you will find your way to the taproom in the next few weeks to raise a glass and help us toast the final days of this incredible journey.” Buck Wild Brewing opened its notably 100-percent gluten-free craft brewing operation in late 2020. Buck Wild Brewing is at 401 Jackson St. in Oakland and will close after service on April 28.
Ikaros Greek Restaurant
05.02.24: After 13 years as a pretty dining room on Grand Avenue, Greek restaurant Ikaros has moved to a to-go-only format, and the team now cooks out of the Adeline Food Hall ghost kitchen. Current owners chef George Adranly and his wife Rochael took over in 2018 and did their best to maintain the restaurant’s festive atmosphere. The space will soon become new Indian-Himalayan restaurant Bayleaf. Thanks to a kind reader (and Reddit) for the tip. Ikaros Greek Restaurant has closed its restaurant at 3268 Grand Ave. in Oakland, and is now available to-go only from 5333 Adeline St. in Oakland.
Lion Dance Cafe
05.02.24: As announced earlier this month to much disbelief given its immense popularity and many accolades, Lion Dance Cafe closed for good after service on April 27, for familial reasons. “It’s been real,” said the team, reiterating thanks to its patient and devoted customers who, luckily, did not have to wait long for a new outlet for chef CY Chia and Shane Stanbridge’s unique, award-winning Italo-Chinese-Singaporean fare and flavors to emerge. In a surprise twist, the new Temescal bar Tallboy has partnered with the Lion Dance chefs on a menu of elevated bar snacks. Lion Dance Cafe was at 380 17th St. in Oakland.
Matty’s Old Fashioned (consolidated with Horn)
05.02.24: The Matty’s menu remains available to fans via online ordering apps, but chef Matt Horn devotees should consider 464 8th St. in Oakland as the new home of his touchstone business Horn Barbecue, after last winter’s fire destroyed the original location. As a dine-in concept, Matty’s Old Fashioned will take a back seat to the famous ‘cue, which Horn announced took over the space and reopened on April 26. Matty’s Old Fashioned menu items remain available for takeout or delivery, but Horn Barbecue has taken over the joint at 464 8th St. in Oakland.
Pla Daek Thai Esan
05.02.24: Things don’t look good for Piedmont Avenue’s Pla Daek, the northeastern Thai restaurant that opened in July 2021. Though early reports were positive for chef Wawa Maneewan’s adventurous cuisine, the restaurant seemed to have a tough time finding its footing in the neighborhood. Pla Daek closed “temporarily” for remodeling several weeks ago but, unless we’re mistaken, evidence of any refresh has not been made apparent, and the restaurant’s phone has been disconnected. Nosh thanks a reader for letting us know. Pla Daek Thai Esan was at 4133 Piedmont Ave. in Oakland.
Sliver Pizzeria Uptown (temporary?)
04.04.24: The future is uncertain for the Valdez Street location of Sliver Pizzeria, as Oaklandside team members noticed a “Temporarily Closed” sign in the window and it is marked as such on ordering sites as well. Also, Sliver has removed the location entirely from its website. We have reached out to management to find out more and will keep Nosh readers posted. Sliver Pizzeria Uptown is at 2300 Valdez St. in Oakland and temporarily closed until further notice.
Richmond restaurant closings
Great American Hamburger & Pie Co.
04.11.24: April 11 was the last day of service for unassuming Richmond burger joint Great American Hamburger & Pie Company after the financial strain of an Americans with Disabilities-backed lawsuit that has closed the business, as reported by SFGate. (The lawsuit stemmed from a lack of wheelchair accessibility through the entrance to the eatery.) The diner-style grill counter with devoted regulars first opened in 1986. Great American Hamburger & Pie Co. was at 35 E. Richmond Ave. in Richmond.
Saigon Seafood Harbor Richmond (temporary)
04.25.24: The Richmond location of dim sum restaurant Saigon Seafood Harbor has been closed temporarily for “internal adjustments” since April 1, according to a message on its website. The team asks customers to be patient during the refresh, though a reopening date has not yet been announced. We’ll keep you posted. There is a second location of Saigon Seafood Harbor open in Sunnyvale. Saigon Seafood Harbor is at 3150 Pierce St. in Richmond, and is temporarily closed for renovations.
