In 2023, we said goodbye to some of San Diego’s longstanding businesses. These locations served local communities for at least a decade and offered entertainment, food, drinks, and shopping. While we can no longer visit these places, they’ve left us with memories that we’ll bring into 2024 and beyond.
Local restaurants
- Sushi Diner in Clairemont, known for its fresh sushi with Jamaican influences, closed in January after 16 years. The eatery is still in business, though — roll over to Mission Valley to find Sushi Diner 2.
- After 25 years, Bub’s at the Beach shuttered at the end of April. The PB staple debuted in 1998, but its downtown location — Bub’s at the Ballpark — is still open.
- El Dorado had its last call in late August after 15 years in business. The beloved East Village lounge is credited for popularizing San Diego’s cocktail scene.
- Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant closed its downtown San Diego location — the one near Petco Park — in September after 15 years in business. Lolita’s five other stores remain open.
- In mid-October, Twiggs Coffeehouse and Bakery closed both of its locations. The Park Boulevard eatery had been serving University Heights since 1992, while the extension cafe on Adams Avenue in North Park was ~15 years old.
- The original Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant in Grantville had its final day of operation in late December. It first opened in 1979; it’s two other locations remain open.
Arts and entertainment
- Tin Roof San Diego closed in October after about a decade. The bar and music hall was known for its live performances and theme nights, and housed off-site experiences during Comic-Con.
- On the final day of 2023, the Santee Drive-In rolled the credits on its final movie and closed after 65 years in business.
- In December, the Ocean Beach Playhouse had its final curtain call. The local theater ended its 11-year run with a performance of “Rent.”
- At the end of the year, Architectural Salvage in Little Italy announced its plans to close after 28 years. The vintage and reclaimed interior store will host its Celebration Sale Friday, Jan. 12-Sunday, Jan. 14.
Bigger brands
San Diego lost many stores in 2023, including shops from large brands.
- Bed Bath and Beyond announced the closure of three local stores in January.
- The Starbucks at the corner of Fifth and Robinson avenues in Hillcrest closed in June. It opened in 1994 and was one of the brand’s first stores in the city.
- In February, Tuesday Morning decided to close five local stores as the company downsized.
- In October, Rite Aid shared plans to close four local stores.
- The Walgreens on University Avenue in North Park closed in November.
- Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at the Aventine complex in University City closed in July after nearly 23 years in business. The complex surrounding the restaurant is undergoing a transformation to attract life science tenants.
