This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in San Diego, California—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 were open, they daily paid someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or were simply part of the community. So please join us and do not forget this part of our city.
San Diego, California, with a vibrant population of over 1.4 million, boasts a dynamic food scene influenced by its coastal geography and rich cultural history. Nestled along the Pacific Ocean, the city celebrates its proximity to the sea with an abundance of fresh seafood, particularly its iconic fish tacos, a delicious blend of local catch, lime, and unique salsas. The region’s history as a crossroads of Mexican and American cultures is evident in its culinary traditions, exemplified by the bustling Mercado del Barrio, where local flavors shine. A must-visit is George’s at the Cove, renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and innovative cuisine that showcases the best of San Diego’s ingredients. With a backdrop of stunning sunsets and a laid-back lifestyle, San Diego’s food scene perfectly reflects the spirit of its coastal community.
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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 Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect.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 San Diego, California
A Look Back at the Restaurants That Helped Shape the City’s Culinary Identity
San Diego is home to a vibrant, ever-evolving food scene. Over the years, many restaurants—both local treasures and national chains—have closed their doors, leaving behind fond memories and empty storefronts. Below is a chronological list of some of the most memorable closed-down restaurants in San Diego, organized by decade.
2020s
Red Lobster
Location: 8330 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA
Closure Date: May 2024
Known for seafood classics and its iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits, this Red Lobster location served generations of families before closing in 2024.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill
Closure Date: May 2024
In May 2024, Rubio’s closed 48 locations across California—including 13 in San Diego County. Known for introducing fish tacos to mainstream American diners, the closures marked the end of an era for this Southern California-born chain.
Fig Tree Cafe
Closure Date: Late 2024 / Early 2025
A favorite brunch destination known for its seasonal dishes and hip atmosphere, Fig Tree Cafe quietly closed between December 2024 and January 2025.
Ambrogio by Acquerello
Closure Date: Late 2024 / Early 2025
This upscale Italian spot, known for fine dining and modern takes on Milanese cuisine, also closed during the same period as Fig Tree.
Perry’s Cafe (formerly Sambo’s)
Location: 4610 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA
Closure Date: August 15, 2024
Once a Sambo’s location, Perry’s Cafe had become a local favorite breakfast and lunch joint before closing in 2024.
Cafe Gratitude
Location: Little Italy, San Diego, CA
Closure Date: January 2023
A popular vegan restaurant known for its spiritual branding and affirmations like “I Am Grateful,” this location served its last macro bowl in early 2023.
2010s
Hooters
Location: 410 Market Street, San Diego, CA
Closure Date: 2013
Hooters’ downtown San Diego location—once a lively hangout for sports fans and tourists—shut down in 2013, marking the end of its downtown run.
The Linkery
Location: North Park, San Diego, CA
Closure Date: July 2013
Known for its farm-to-table approach and house-made sausages, The Linkery helped pioneer the slow food movement in San Diego before closing its doors.
Anthology
Location: Little Italy, San Diego, CA
Closure Date: January 2013
This upscale, 13,000-square-foot venue blended fine dining with live jazz, blues, and R&B before closing suddenly in 2013.
2000s and Earlier
Souplantation (aka Sweet Tomatoes)
Multiple Locations
Closure Date: March 2020
A longtime favorite for buffet-style soups, salads, and soft-serve ice cream, Souplantation shuttered all locations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dick’s Last Resort
Location: Downtown San Diego
Known for intentionally rude service and irreverent decor, Dick’s was part of a national chain that leaned into a uniquely wild dining experience.
Albie’s Beef Inn
A classic steakhouse with a vintage red leather-booth ambiance and martini bar, Albie’s was a throwback to old San Diego before closing in the early 2000s.
Tyler’s Taste of Texas
Location: El Cajon, CA
Open 24 hours, Tyler’s was a popular post-bar stop known for its steaks and Tex-Mex offerings before it closed in the mid-2000s.
Sports City
A go-to spot for watching the game, Sports City was a hub for fans, friends, and big screen TVs before vanishing from the map.
Le Peep
A national breakfast/brunch chain that had a San Diego location, Le Peep was known for hearty pancakes and omelets. It has since disappeared from the area.
El Callejón
An authentic Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and flavorful dishes, El Callejón was a favorite for margaritas and enchiladas before it closed.
Panda Inn (Horton Plaza)
An upscale Chinese restaurant, Panda Inn offered a more refined dining experience than its fast-casual counterpart, Panda Express. It closed along with the decline of Horton Plaza Mall.
Naugles
Location: 1155 Eleventh Ave, San Diego, CA
Status: Now a Del Taco
Known for its simple yet satisfying Mexican-American fast food, this Naugles location was absorbed by Del Taco in the 1980s during a brand merger.
Howard Johnson’s (Multiple Locations)
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Interstate 15 & West Bernardo Drive: Opened 1970, closed 1977
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4545 Waring Rd: Dates unknown
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7007 Friars Rd (Fashion Valley): Closed during mall expansion
Famous for its orange-roofed architecture and classic comfort food, Howard Johnson’s was a roadside staple across the U.S. before its decline.
Sambo’s (Multiple Locations)
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10430 Friars Rd: Now a Denny’s
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4865 N Harbor Dr: Now an American-style restaurant
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7398 Clairemont Mesa Blvd: Now a ramen shop
Sambo’s, a once-thriving breakfast chain, shuttered most of its locations in the early 1980s. Many were rebranded into Denny’s or other diners.
Final Thoughts
Whether you remember eating bottomless salads at Souplantation, late-night ribs at Tyler’s Taste of Texas, or brunching at Fig Tree Cafe, these restaurants once played a role in San Diego’s dynamic food scene. Though their doors have closed, the memories live on.
For more closed-down restaurant stories and to share your own memories, visit Closed Down Restaurants.com.
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