Calle Ocho has announced it will be permanently closing after serving the Upper West Side for 23 years.
The long-time Upper West Side restaurant will serve a final brunch on Sunday, January 23. This last meal will take place at Calle Ocho’s third, current and final location at 2756 Broadway (between 105th and 106th streets). The restaurant took possession of this space in January 2020, following the closure of West End Hall.
Calle Ocho opened in 1998 at 446 Columbus Avenue, between 81st and 82nd streets. This space is now occupied by The Milling Room. In 2012, Calle moved to The Excelsior Hotel at 45 West 81st Street. The historic hotel recently sold for close to $80 million and is expected to be converted into an apartment building.
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A representative from Calle Ocho tells us that reservations are open every day until the 23rd, giving patrons one last chance to enjoy its bottomless sangria, ceviche, arepas and delicious rolls with passion fruit butter.
Leading up to the announcement of its forthcoming closure, the restaurant paid tribute to some of its long-time staff members.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Calle Ocho shared the following statement on January 15:
“We know this is most unwelcome news to you, our loyal guests, and truly sad for our staff but after 23 years of serving the best Cuban/Pan Latino cuisine in New York we have been forced to make the decision to close our doors, permanently, after brunch on Sunday January 23rd.
“We offer our most heartfelt thanks for you choosing Calle Ocho over all the other options available to you in NYC. We have been truly fortunate to serve you in any of our three locations for more than two decades.
“Way back in 1998, when we first opened our doors, we were supported by an amazing wave of guests who sought our innovative yet, at the same time, classic Comida Latina. Many of you remember our first home on Columbus Avenue, then followed us to 81st Street 13 years later. We still believe the move to 106th Street was a good one. When we opened in early January 2020 the world was a very different place than it is now. The restaurant was busy, showing amazing promise for our new location.
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“Not even two months on we were facing occupancy restrictions and shortly thereafter a complete shutdown. From that time forward, we did everything possible to stay open, keep our people employed and the business relevant in hopes of better times ahead. We truly believed we would make it through Covid and have many years for Calle Ocho in its new home, unfortunately that is not the case.
“Our staff is very important to us, we are fervently working on keeping our long-time employees employed at the other restaurants we are involved with or introducing them to friendly competitors. Our sister establishment, Bodega 88, will continue to serve many of our Calle Ocho favorites. When you yearn for our Calamari or Cuban Classico you know it is still available to you.
“Please accept our sincere thanks and gratitude for your support throughout the years. We hope your memories of your time spent at Calle Ocho will bring a smile to your face in the most unexpected times.”
Another great spot that is dying. This is so sad. Our city is changing faster than we can comprehend.
This is just a tragedy!!
One of my favorites for many years through all its locations and incarnations. Sad!
Sorry to see you go. I hope your management goes to the 88 place. That place loud and a mess.