Updated 10/26/2024
Here is a chronological list of restaurants that have closed their doors in Denton, Texas. This page is a nostalgic look back and a resource for available restaurant space.
A closed-down restaurant can offer new opportunities for those looking to start afresh. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments. Do you have fond memories of these shut-down restaurants? Please share them with us in the comments below.
Denton, Texas – Population 142,262
Denton, Texas, is a vibrant college town known for its artsy vibe, live music scene, and the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, creating a unique blend of small-town charm and creative energy.
La Mexicana
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 619 S Locust St, Denton, TX 76201
Closed: April 2024 (temporarily closed)
History: La Mexicana is a beloved spot for authentic Mexican cuisine in Denton. Although it closed temporarily in April 2024, there’s hope that it may reopen, allowing loyal patrons to enjoy its dishes once again.
Coffee & Cocktails (formerly The Never Sleep and Golden Boy Coffee Co.)
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 1803 N Elm St, Denton, TX 76201
Closed: January 31, 2024
History: Known for its laid-back atmosphere and skilled baristas, Coffee & Cocktails closed after an employee walkout due to ongoing management issues. Reviews praised the dedicated crew, but mismanagement ultimately led to the cafe’s closure.
Taco Cabana
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 2220 S Loop 288, Denton, TX 76205
Closed: January 2024
History: This Taco Cabana location was one of 18 underperforming branches shut down across Texas. Known for its quick Mexican meals, it ultimately struggled to maintain sales in the Loop 288 area.
Johnny Carino’s
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 1516 Centre Pl Dr, Denton, TX 76205
Closed: 2022
History: Johnny Carino’s, an Italian restaurant chain, closed in 2022, and the location was later converted into a Saltgrass Steak House. Carino’s was well-known for its hearty Italian meals and relaxed atmosphere.
Spiral Diner
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 608 E Hickory St, Suite 100, Denton, TX 76201
Closed: 2022
History: Spiral Diner, a vegan favorite, closed when its lease ended. Business had slowed post-pandemic, and management cited low foot traffic as the main reason for closure after five years in Denton.
Metzger’s Food & Beverage (Londonderry Lane)
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 628 Londonderry Ln, Denton, TX 76205
Closed: January 15, 2020
History: Metzger’s Food & Beverage had a strong following but closed its Londonderry Lane location in 2020. Fortunately, other locations remain open to continue serving Denton residents.
Cigar Frog’s
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 100 N Interstate 35 #101, Denton, TX 76205
Closed: 2019
History: Cigar Frog’s was a popular cigar lounge in Denton, closed when the owners retired. The business was later rebranded as Denton Cigar Co., keeping the tradition alive for local cigar enthusiasts.
Vitty’s Sports Bar & Grill
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 1776 Teasley Ln #102, Denton, TX 76205
Closed: 2019
History: Vitty’s was a lively sports bar, popular with Denton locals for its casual vibe. However, it closed when the owners decided to relocate to Florida, marking the end of an era for fans of the establishment.
Corner Bakery Cafe
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 2217 S Interstate 35E, Denton, TX 76205
Closed: 2019
History: After five years of serving breakfast and baked goods in Denton, Corner Bakery Cafe closed, partly due to construction that affected customer accessibility and sales.
Fuddrucker’s
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 1732 S Loop 288 Suite #130, Denton, TX 76205
Closed: 2019
History: Fuddrucker’s Denton location shut down as part of a nationwide closure of the chain. Known for its burgers and fresh toppings, only a few locations remain across the country.
Luigi’s
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 2000 W University Dr, Denton, TX 76201
Closed: 2019
History: Luigi’s Italian restaurant served the Denton community for 20 years before closing. It was later replaced by Northstar Cafe, which specializes in breakfast and lunch fare.
Blue Fish
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 828 W University Dr, Denton, TX 76201
Closed: 2019
History: Blue Fish was a popular spot for fresh sushi, offering quality service and a vibrant menu. Though no specific reasons were given, it eventually closed, leaving fans of Japanese cuisine missing their go-to place.
Cafe Brazil
City: Denton, Texas
Address: 501 W University Dr, Denton, TX 76201
Closed: 2019
History: Cafe Brazil was part of a local coffeehouse chain known for unlimited coffee refills and creative breakfast options. The Denton location closed after a decade, leaving a void for local coffee lovers and brunch enthusiasts.
FAQ: Closed Down Restaurants in Denton, Texas
Q: Why did La Mexicana close?
A: La Mexicana, located at 619 S Locust St in Denton, temporarily closed in April 2024. Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, the restaurant’s loyal patrons are hopeful it may reopen soon.
Q: What led to the closure of Coffee & Cocktails?
A: Coffee & Cocktails, formerly known as The Never Sleep and Golden Boy Coffee Co., closed on January 31, 2024, following an employee walkout due to ongoing management issues. The cafe was loved for its friendly crew and relaxed vibe, but mismanagement eventually led to its closure.
Q: Why did Taco Cabana shut down in Denton?
A: Taco Cabana at 2220 S Loop 288 in Denton closed in January 2024. It was one of 18 locations across Texas that shut down due to underperformance.
Q: What happened to Johnny Carino’s in Denton?
A: Johnny Carino’s, located at 1516 Centre Pl Dr, closed in 2022. This Italian restaurant was later replaced by Saltgrass Steak House, ending its run as a popular spot for hearty Italian meals.
Q: Why did Spiral Diner close?
A: Spiral Diner, a vegan restaurant located at 608 E Hickory St in Denton, closed in 2022 when its lease ended. Management cited low business and slow post-pandemic recovery as reasons for the closure after five years of operation.
Q: What led to the closure of Metzger’s Food & Beverage on Londonderry Lane?
A: Metzger’s closed its Londonderry Lane location in Denton on January 15, 2020. Fortunately, other locations remain open to serve the Denton community.
Q: Why did Cigar Frog’s close?
A: Cigar Frog’s, located at 100 N Interstate 35 #101, closed in 2019 when the owners retired. It was later rebranded as Denton Cigar Co., continuing the legacy for local cigar enthusiasts.
Q: What happened to Vitty’s Sports Bar & Grill?
A: Vitty’s, located at 1776 Teasley Ln in Denton, closed in 2019. The popular sports bar shut down after its owners moved to Florida, leaving regulars without their favorite hangout.
Q: Why did Corner Bakery Cafe in Denton close?
A: Corner Bakery Cafe, at 2217 S Interstate 35E in Denton, closed in 2019 after five years. Construction near the cafe impacted sales and ultimately led to its closure.
Q: Why did Fuddrucker’s shut down in Denton?
A: Fuddrucker’s, located at 1732 S Loop 288, closed in 2019 as part of a nationwide downsizing of the chain. Known for its custom burgers, only a few Fuddrucker’s locations remain open in the U.S.
Q: What happened to Luigi’s?
A: Luigi’s, located at 2000 W University Dr in Denton, closed in 2019 after 20 years of service. The Italian restaurant was later replaced by Northstar Cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch.
Q: Why did Blue Fish close?
A: Blue Fish, located at 828 W University Dr in Denton, was known for fresh sushi and excellent service. Though no specific reason was given, the restaurant eventually closed in 2019, leaving sushi fans searching for a new favorite.
Q: What led to the closure of Cafe Brazil?
A: Cafe Brazil, located at 501 W University Dr in Denton, closed in 2019 after a decade. Part of a local coffeehouse chain, it was well-loved for its unlimited coffee refills and breakfast options, but the Denton location ultimately ended its run.