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The same thing happens every year at this time in the restaurant industry: Owners of underperforming establishments let the busy month of December play out before deciding whether to pull the plug in the new year. It’s a solid, but often heartbreaking business decision.
Running concurrent with the closures are customers lamenting that they never had a chance to pay a final visit. OK, we're giving you a chance: These five restaurants will be shutting their doors in the next five weeks. Plan your goodbyes accordingly.
Dandy Inn: Closing January 15
When a restaurant announces that it's closing after 40 years in business, expect a public outcry. If the restaurant in question is a beloved Irish pub, it might be a hullabaloo. The minute after Dandy Inn proclaimed when its final Guinness would be poured, its Facebook page lit up with a flood of stories, memories, historical anecdotes, recollections of birthday parties, anniversaries, retirement celebrations... You have a choice: Get to know the pub via the 1000 Facebook comments here, or pay a final (or first) visit. 1030 Lincoln Hwy., Fairview Heights, Illinois, 618-632-5881.
Señor Pique: Closing January 15
We're not sure which we’ll miss more: the Shrimp Poblano Enchiladas (one of the more decadent Mexican entrées in town), the $1.99 lunchtime margaritas, classic fried ice cream (a birthday dessert good enough to make you lie about your birth date), or the wide-as-a-sombrero smile of patriarch Angel Jiminez Gutierrez. Buena suerte, señor. 14870 Manchester, 314-394-3455.
Photo: J. Pollack Photography
Tortillaria Mexican Kitchen: Closing January 15
Even as its 12-year run ends, most locals are still unaware that this cantina in the Central West End was Adam and Jason Tilford’s first restaurant. Tortillaria was the first local restaurant to make corn tortillas from scratch, and it laid the groundwork for the Tilfords' Milagro Modern Mexican and wildly successful Mission Taco Joint concept. The rotating flattop "Rotomal" was the same one that Casa Grill in the Galleria used to warm their tortillas; the cowhide booths in the brick-and-stone dining room came out of Ramon’s Jalapeño in Clayton; and devotees claim the beer-battered, Baja-style tilapia fish tacos are the best in town. 8½ S. Euclid, 314-361-4443.
Fischer's Restaurant: Closing February 15
Operated by the same family for three generations, this 80-year-old restaurant has remained a popular destination for holiday parties, wedding receptions, and community events. House specialties included fried chicken, prime rib, pizza, and the Fischerburger (topped with bacon, cheese, and grilled onions). The restaurant’s final event will be Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert’s prayer breakfast on the morning of February 15. 2100 W. Main, Belleville, Ill, 618-233-1131.
Atlas Restaurant: Closing February 18
Chef Bryan Carr and his wife, Diane, (one-time owners of Pomme and Pomme Café and current owners of avenue) bought the popular neighborhood bistro, located just north of Forest Park, in 2010. It's remained one of the coziest spots in the city and a favorite place to dine or have dessert at the bar. So it came as a surprise when the Carrs announced on Facebook that they were “unable to find an agreement to extend our stay.” The silver lining: The Facebook post also mentioned the likelihood of seeing “some familiar faces” at avenue. Allow us to formally request some familiar dishes as well. 5513 Pershing, 314-367-6800.
