Central East Austin Bistro Blue Dahlia Is Closed Permanently

Blue Dahlia Bistro, the nearly 13-year-old Central East Austin restaurant, is now closed permanently on 1115 East 11th Street. “It was a decision based on the combination of declining sales and rising costs over the past few years,” explained co-owner Amy Ramirez to Eater, “and the obvious burden of the current situation with COVID-19.”

Ramirez added, “It kind of feels like a huge piece of our life is gone.”

Blue Dahlia’s other locations — Westlake and San Marcos — are staying put. The two restaurants will actually reopen for takeout and DoorDash deliveries starting today, Friday, May 1.

The French-inspired casual restaurant with a garden patio was known for its tartines, coq au vin, salads, and good brunch selection.

Ramirez opened the original restaurant in July 2007. She and husband/co-owner Sam Ramirez followed that with the Westlake restaurant at 3663 Bee Caves Road in June 2012 and San Marcos at 107 East Hopkins Street in March 2017.

This shutter is among the growing number of permanent restaurant closures during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Many restaurants, which had been forced to close their dining rooms in order to mitigate the spread of the disease, haven’t been able to keep up with regular expenses (rent, bills, debt) because of the loss of revenue. This includes all-hours diner Magnolia Cafe on Lake Austin Boulevard, longtime Southern restaurant Threadgill’s, and campus sandwich shop Fricano’s Deli.

• All Coverage of Blue Dahlia Bistro [EATX]