This is a curated list of the Bay Area’s most notable and permanent restaurant and bar closures, with new updates published once a week. See a closing we missed? Then drop us a line. For more news, check out our list of restaurants that closed earlier this winter.
EMBARCADERO — After 56 years on the Embarcadero, Waterfront Restaurant is closed as of Wednesday, December 31, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The restaurant opened in 1969, and the space is now being assessed by the Port of San Francisco with hopes of bringing the space to the market in early 2026, a port representative told the paper. 7 The Embarcadero, San Francisco
NORTH BEACH — It’s the end of an era: Cafe Jacqueline is now closed. Owner Jacqueline Margulis closed her namesake restaurant after a stunning 46 years of serving her specialty souffles, SFGATE reports. It’s unclear when, exactly, the restaurant closed, but the outlet confirms the closure is permanent, and there is now a real estate listing for the restaurant seeking a new owner. 1454 Grant Avenue, San Francisco
CASTRO — The San Francisco location of Kitchen Story served its last Millionaire’s Bacon on Sunday, January 4, per an Instagram post. The brunch spot has been open since 2013, spinning off a second location in Oakland (which will remain open). In the Instagram post, ownership states that they are “deeply grateful to our guests who have supported us,” and assures that it’s not a goodbye, but rather a shift in concept and “a fresh beginning.” It’s unclear what that replacement will be, but the post goes on to say that the new spot will open soon. 3499 16th Street, San Francisco
CASTRO — Hoodline reports that Bottle Bacchanal will close up shop as of Monday, January 12. The business has been up for sale since June, the news outlet goes on to state, and now a liquor license application confirms the business has been sold. An Instagram post announced the news, inviting customers to come in to say hi and grab a bottle before the closure, and thanked customers “for supporting a small, woman-owned business, for drinking adventurously, and for making this place feel alive.” 4126 18th Street, San Francisco
MARINA — Modern Korean restaurant Ilcha will close its doors on Saturday, February 14, owners Kummi Kim and Hilwin Wong announced on Instagram. The restaurant, which opened in 2022, became known for dishes such as its soy sauce-cured shrimp and crab, as well as its crisp, fried chicken. “As the saying goes, it was truly fun while it lasted,” the message reads in part, “and we are thankful for every moment.” 2151 Lombard Street, San Francisco
SAUSALITO — Another storied waterfront restaurant closed on New Year’s Eve: The Trident in Sausalito has shut down after 127 years, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The restaurant saw a number of celebrities walk through its doors over its century-plus run — especially during its heyday in the 1960s, when musicians like Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, Joan Baez, and the Rolling Stones would come through. Owner Bob Freeman told the paper, “Every other expense is up, and sales are down, and those two don’t work out together. It is a sad chapter for Sausalito.” 558 Bridgeway, Sausalito
CAMPBELL — Almost a year after opening, the Mercury News reports that Lira has closed as of Wednesday, December 31. The restaurant first launched with chef Tucker Ricchio, who gained national popularity as the Season 2 winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef in 2023. The news outlet reports the restaurant garnered great reviews during her time at the restaurant, but she departed in June 2025, due to “differences” with the restaurant’s two entrepreneur-owners. 368 East Campbell Avenue, Campbell
PALO ALTO, SAN RAMON — It seems even dessert titan Sprinkles Cupcakes couldn’t escape a New Year’s Eve closure, as the company shut down all of its locations. The San Francisco Chronicle noted the closures also impacted the Bay Area locations at Palo Alto and San Ramon. Sprinkles rose to fame with its cupcakes, yes, but also became popular with the creation of its Cupcake ATM, which vended cupcakes at any time of the day.
