At long last, the sun has returned and patio dining is once again palatable. Still, it’s hard to ignore the cloud of high-profile restaurant closures that has been dampening the mood on what seems like a weekly basis these days. Here’s what you need to know about the shuttered businesses, plus some more positive news to help wash the bad taste out of your mouth.

Iconic inn is now history

Before Pike Place Market, there was the Virginia Inn. The storied restaurant and bar that opened in 1903, surviving the Great Depression and Covid pandemic to serve generations of Seattleites, will close on April 27. The death knell? A lease dispute between owner Craig Perez and the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority, centered around a required annual payment to the landlord of 6% on all sales above $1.2 million.

Seattle’s second-oldest Thai restaurant is closing

Time is up for Thai Siam, one of Seattle’s longest-running Thai restaurants. The end of the month will mark the end of a 38-year run for the Crown Hill institution and owner Vhanthip “Nancy” Bhokayasupatt, who’s also known in the community for pitching in to help feed unhoused people.

Grab drinks and small dishes for $8 at Poquitos Seattle’s new “Ocho Hour.”

Photo courtesy of Poquitos Seattle

Eight is the magic number

Poquitos Seattle’s new executive chef, Rudy Riveron, brings more than two decades of experience to the Mexican restaurant in Capitol Hill, as well as a new “Ocho Hour.” From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and late nights Friday and Saturday (10 p.m. to close), the special menu will offer up food like taquitos dorados and nachos, and drinks like mojitos and margaritas, for $8.

The Neighborhood is here

Pizza topped like a loaded baked potato? What about fruit on your pizza pie? These were the  fever dream flavors on display at the family and friends preview of The Neighborhood in West Seattle. It formally opened on Wed., April 16, with a fresh coat of paint, historic photos of the area, and plans to rethink traditional dishes with a modern flair.

Canlis’ next executive chef

Who will it be? That’s the question everyone wants to know at Canlis, the landmark fine-dining destination overlooking Lake Union. Owner Mark Canlis has narrowed it down to about a dozen qualified candidates to replace the outgoing Aisha Ibrahim. Expect the menu to remain unchanged until the role is filled later this spring or early summer.

Chocolate to sing about

Step aside, Willy Wonka — there’s a new chocolatier in town. It’s Seattle-based musician Aaron Lindstrom. On Saturday, April 26, Cocoa Legato will open as equal parts chocolate factory and cafe, imbuing the founder’s love of music into a space where guests can enjoy ethically sourced high-quality cacao from small South American farms alongside intimate, live performances on the stage.

Two sweets to be true

If you’ve got eyes on dessert, there are some fresh options. Kemi Dessert Bar will open up today for another weekend in Capitol Hill as it continues its soft open run. Nutty Squirrel Gelato is expanding to Ballard, moving into the former D’Ambrosio Gelato space on May 1.