This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—a nostalgic look back and a helpful resource for those seeking available restaurant spaces. These are the places that we miss. This is our restaurant history. A forgotten piece of our heritage. No matter how long each of these eateries was open, on a daily basis they paid someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or embodied a part of the community. So please join us and do not forget this part of our town.
Fort Lauderdale, a vibrant city in southeastern Florida with a population of approximately 182,000, boasts a dynamic food scene that reflects its coastal geography and diverse cultural influences. Known for its fresh seafood, the area excels in dishes like stone crab claws and key lime pie, a nod to Florida’s culinary heritage. The city’s location along the Intracoastal Waterway has historically made it a hub for fishing and trade, further enriching its culinary landscape. A must-visit is **Café Martorano**, renowned for its Italian-American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Fort Lauderdale’s blend of sun-soaked beaches and rich history serves as the perfect backdrop for a culinary adventure that celebrates flavors from near and far.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.
Closed Down Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Remembering the Spots That Once Defined Dining in the Venice of America
Fort Lauderdale’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving. While new places pop up on Las Olas Boulevard and beyond, many memorable eateries have come and gone—some leaving behind empty storefronts, others completely transformed into new businesses. Here’s a tribute to some of Fort Lauderdale’s most notable restaurant closures, organized by decade.
2020s
La Bonne Crepe
Closure Date: April 2024
A Las Olas favorite for over 40 years, La Bonne Crepe closed after decades of serving French-American fare, particularly its signature crepes.
O-B House
Closure Date: April 2024
Located in the historic Himmarshee District, O-B House was beloved for hearty breakfasts and farm-fresh ingredients.
Cuba Libre
Closure Date: May 27, 2024
This Cuban concept from Philadelphia brought Havana nightlife to Fort Lauderdale for three years before shutting down its Las Olas location.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Closure Date: May 2024
A wine-lover’s destination located at the Galleria Mall, Cooper’s Hawk ended its 5-year run in Fort Lauderdale.
Sushi Garage
Closure Date: May 2024
This Miami transplant offered upscale sushi inside the Icon Las Olas tower but closed after just three years.
Matchbox
Closure Date: April 2024
Known for wood-fired pizzas and a modern menu, Matchbox closed after just two years of operation.
Big Buns Damn Good Burgers
Closure Date: April 2024
A quick hit off Las Olas River Walk, this fast-casual burger joint closed after only two years.
Asbury Ale House
Closure Date: May 2024
This modern gastropub was open for less than six months before shutting its doors in early 2024.
Piazza Italia
Closure Date: May 2024
This Italian spot brought Old World flavor to Las Olas Boulevard, but closed in the spring of 2024.
Santiago’s Bodega
Closure Date: May 28, 2024
Inspired by Hemingway’s Cuba, this tapas-style spot only lasted two years before closing.
Val+tino
Closure Date: May 5, 2024
An attempt to revive Valentino Cucina Italiana, this modern concept shut down just four months after opening.
The Balcony Las Olas
Closure Date: March 2024
A Bourbon Street-inspired venue that brought New Orleans flavors to Fort Lauderdale for five years.
Top Round
Closure Date: March 2024
A fast-casual roast beef and fried chicken joint, Top Round closed after less than two years.
Tijuana Flats (Sunrise Blvd)
Closure Date: 2024
This Tex-Mex chain closed several Florida locations following a bankruptcy filing, including its Fort Lauderdale spot.
Verino’s Pizzeria
Closure Date: 2024
A locally loved pizzeria that replaced the former Jade Palace restaurant, Verino’s shut down after a brief stint.
2000s–2010s
Old Chicago (1280 S Colorado Blvd)
Opened: 1998 | Closed: 2021
Known for deep-dish pizza and beer, this franchise closed during the post-COVID shakeup.
1980s–1990s
The Good Taco (Pine Ridge Plaza)
Closed: December 10, 1984
A Tex-Mex spot that closed both its locations on the same day, one at Pine Ridge Plaza and another at 1500 S Federal Highway.
Chi-Chi’s
Location: 160 FL-436, Casselberry (serving as a brand example)
Closed: 1995
Part of a once-thriving national Mexican chain, Chi-Chi’s vanished from the Florida market by the mid-90s.
1970s and Earlier / Undated (Including Howard Johnson’s & Legacy Chains)
Howard Johnson’s (5001 Federal Hwy)
Status: Formerly Topanga restaurant, now vacant.
Once a prominent roadside staple, this HoJo site has seen multiple restaurant reincarnations.
Howard Johnson’s (700 N Atlantic Blvd)
Status: No known successor
A beachside location without clear follow-up tenants.
Howard Johnson’s (2075 W State Rd 84)
Status: Demolished; replaced by Auto Vault
Classic HoJo diner now completely gone, with an auto storage facility in its place.
Howard Johnson’s (4660 N Ocean Dr, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea)
Status: Now Bean & Barnacle
The old HoJo bones are now home to a casual beachfront café.
Howard Johnson’s (3300 N Ocean Blvd)
Status: Now Greek Islands Taverna
A landmark shift from American comfort food to upscale Greek fare.
Howard Johnson’s (US-1 & NE 3rd St)
Status: Details unknown
Another HoJo with no public record of its final days or follow-up tenants.
Howard Johnson’s (US-1 & SE 17th St)
Status: Now Whole Foods
What was once a motel/restaurant site is now an upscale grocery store.
Howard Johnson’s (US-441 & W Broward Blvd, Plantation)
Status: Unknown
No current information is available about what replaced this location.
The Ground Round (US-1 & SE 17th St)
Status: Now Whole Foods
This Ground Round shared the same property that’s now home to Whole Foods.
Red Coach Grill
Status: Dates unknown; subsequent tenants not listed
Once a popular steakhouse chain, now replaced by unknown businesses.
Final Thoughts
Fort Lauderdale’s restaurant history is filled with memorable meals, neon signs, and waterfront seating that lives on only in stories and photos. Whether you remember crepes at La Bonne, breakfast at O-B House, or fried shrimp at HoJo’s, these places all contributed to the city’s unique flavor.
Want to contribute your own memories? Visit Closed Down Restaurants.com to explore and share.
