Long Island Said Goodbye to These Restaurants in 2024
2024 was a challenging year for the Long Island restaurant scene, with numerous beloved eateries closing their doors for good. From long-standing neighborhood staples to newly minted concepts, these closures reflect the difficulties facing the industry, from rising costs to shifting consumer habits. Below is a chronological wrap-up of every restaurant that shuttered this past year, with links to the original stories for a deeper dive.
Three TGI Fridays Restaurants on Long Island
Three TGI Fridays locations—Bay Shore, Massapequa Park, and Islandia—closed permanently this January. Part of a larger national reduction of underperforming stores, these closures marked the end of an era for casual dining fans in the area. Read more here. (January 2024)
Denny’s in North Babylon
North Babylon’s Denny’s location closed in January, leaving Centereach as the only remaining Long Island outpost for the chain. The closure followed reports of underperformance in the area. Read more here. (January 2024)
Both Carrabba’s Locations on Long Island
February saw the closure of Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Smithtown and Central Islip. Both locations cited unspecified corporate decisions as the reason for the abrupt shutdowns.
Read more here. (February 2024)
Mario’s Restaurant in East Setauket
After weeks of speculation, Mario’s Restaurant in East Setauket permanently closed its doors in March, ending decades of serving Italian-American favorites to the local community. Read more here. (March 2024)
Burgerology in Patchogue
Burgerology announced in May that its Patchogue location would be closing. Known for its gourmet burgers and creative shakes, the restaurant continues to operate at other Long Island locations. Read more here. (May 2024)
Red Lobster in Stony Brook
Struggles with rising operational costs led to the closure of the Red Lobster in Stony Brook in May. The chain has faced significant challenges nationwide, including multiple location shutdowns. Read more here. (May 2024)
JTIs in Brightwaters
June brought the sudden closure of JTI’s American Kitchen and Bar in Brightwaters. The restaurant ceased operations without warning, leaving many patrons surprised by its abrupt departure. Read more here. (June 2024)
I Am Nacho Mama in Port Washington
July marked the end of I Am Nacho Mama, with the owners citing personal health issues as the reason for the closure of their Port Washington eatery. Read more here. (July 2024)
Rock City Dogs in Bay Shore
Rock City Dogs, a craft hot dog restaurant inspired by classic rock bands, closed its Bay Shore location in August. It was one of Long Island’s more unique dining experiences. Read more here. (August 2024)
Iberico Tapas y Vino in St. James
August also saw the unexpected closure of Iberico Tapas y Vino in St. James. The Spanish eatery shut down without explanation, leaving loyal diners wondering what happened. Read more here. (August 2024)
Brasserie Persil in Oceanside
The French cuisine favorite, Brasserie Persil in Oceanside, closed its doors in September. The owners expressed gratitude to the community but did not provide a reason for the closure. Read more here. (September 2024)
Long Island Pekin in Babylon
Long Island Pekin, a popular spot for Asian-inspired dishes in Babylon, closed in October after five years. The owners hinted at plans for new ventures in the takeout realm. Read more here. (October 2024)
Rabbit Hole Bar & Grill in Merrick
Despite a rebrand less than a year ago, Rabbit Hole Bar & Grill in Merrick closed in November. Rising costs in the post-pandemic economy were cited as the primary reason. Read more here. (November 2024)
Hurricane Grill and Wings in Syosset
Hurricane Grill and Wings in Syosset closed its doors in December, with management citing poor business performance as the reason for the closure. Read more here. (December 2024)
American Standard Whiskey Bar in Bay Shore
The year ended with the closure of American Standard Whiskey Bar in Bay Shore. The bar hosted a farewell New Year’s Eve party before closing on December 31. Read more here. (December 31, 2024)
The closures of these restaurants in 2024 are a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of Long Island’s dining scene. While it’s always tough to say goodbye to local favorites, each closure also makes way for new opportunities and dining experiences. Stay tuned to LongIslandRestaurants.com for updates on the latest openings, trends, and more in the year ahead.
