Food & Drink

7 restaurants that closed across Raleigh and Durham throughout the year

Stories by News & Observer journalists, with AI summarization
The Cortez will close in Raleigh after eight years in business. The acclaimed and pioneering restaurant was a jewel on Glenwood South. By Juli Leonard

The curated articles focus on a trend of restaurant closures across the Triangle area, affecting both beloved local institutions and national chains. Common themes include financial challenges, changes in local dining preferences, and the impact of business evolution.

For instance, The News & Observer previously reported that The Cortez in Raleigh will close to make way for a new dining concept. The 42nd Street Oyster Bar, a nearly four-decade-old institution in Raleigh, is shutting its doors as changes in the area make it impractical to renew its lease.

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is ceasing operations at its only Triangle location due to bankruptcy proceedings. Similarly, the Glenwood South nightlife staple, Cornerstone Tavern, will close after 13 years, marking the end of an era for a popular bar scene.

NO. 1: AN ACCLAIMED RALEIGH RESTAURANT WILL CLOSE NEXT MONTH, MAKING WAY FOR A ‘NEW CONCEPT’

The restaurant’s legacy includes James Beard attention and bold flavor memories. | Published February 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

NO. 2: 42ND STREET OYSTER BAR, ONE OF RALEIGH’S SIGNATURE RESTAURANTS, WILL CLOSE. HERE ARE THE DETAILS

42nd Street Oyster Bar feels like it’s been in Raleigh forever. It will soon close. | Published March 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is closing restaurants. By Jill Toyoshiba

NO. 3: A NATIONAL TEX-MEX CHAIN IS CLOSING RESTAURANTS. WILL ANY IN THE TRIANGLE SHUT DOWN?

The company, which has about 60 restaurants across the United States, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted

The popular Downtown Raleigh boba shop Budacai is set for a rebrand, with plans to reopen as Amrut in mid-April.

NO. 4: A POPULAR RALEIGH BOBA SHOP IS CLOSING — SORT OF. HERE ARE THE DETAILS

A popular Raleigh boba shop will close, but it’s not bad news. | Published March 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

Uncle Julio’s has a “guac specialist” make customized guacamole at your table. Here, Alfredo Carrera makes guacamole during lunch service on Friday, July 12, 2019. The guacamole is a nice addition to the complimentary warm house-fried chips and a distinctive roasted vegetable and chile salsa. By Juli Leonard

NO. 5: WITH DURHAM LOCATION CLOSED, THIS MEXICAN CHAIN HAS NO NC RESTAURANTS LEFT

The upscale restaurant known for an elaborate dessert and guacamole prepared tableside is the latest national chain to leave the Triangle market. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted

Cornerstone Tavern is closing in Raleigh after 13 years as one of the signature pieces of the Glenwood South nightlife district. By Chris Seward

NO. 6: A CENTERPIECE BAR IS CLOSING ON RALEIGH’S GLENWOOD SOUTH AFTER 13 YEARS

Living up to its name, the bar is closing after more than a decade at the heart of Raleigh’s nightlife district. | Published July 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

NO. 7: MAMA DIP’S CLOSES + SO MUCH NEW PIZZA IN THE TRIANGLE

A Southern food icon closes for good in Chapel Hill, and nostalgic pizza has never been better. | Published July 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.