Seattle’s vibrant food scene is experiencing a wave of change this June, as several beloved restaurants from Cap Hill to Kirkland are closing their doors—some temporarily, others for good. If you’re a local foodie or a visitor planning your next culinary adventure, here’s the latest, verified news about the popular Seattle-area restaurants closing this month.
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The Latest: Seattle Restaurant Closures Unfold in June 2025
The phrase from Cap Hill to Kirkland has never felt more poignant. This month, iconic eateries and neighborhood favorites are shutting down across the region. The closures span a range of cuisines, styles, and communities, reflecting both the challenges and the resilience of Seattle’s dining industry.
Key Point Summary
- Multiple high-profile closures are happening in June 2025.
- Closures include both temporary and permanent shutdowns.
- The affected restaurants stretch from Capitol Hill to Kirkland, impacting diverse neighborhoods.
- Reasons range from rising costs to strategic business refreshes.
Sea Creatures Restaurant Group: Major Changes on Capitol Hill
One of the most notable stories from Cap Hill to Kirkland is the Sea Creatures Restaurant Group’s announcement of significant closures and transformations. James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson and her partners are temporarily closing Bateau and Boat Bar, two acclaimed establishments on Union Street, starting June 19, 2025. These restaurants will undergo a months-long transformation, with plans to reopen later this year with refreshed concepts and new energy.
Alongside these temporary closures, General Porpoise—Erickson’s popular doughnut and coffee chain—is shutting down two locations permanently this month. The Capitol Hill café, located next to Bateau, will close on June 19, while the Laurelhurst location will serve its last customers on June 24. Staff from the Laurelhurst café are being relocated to other General Porpoise locations, a small silver lining for the dedicated team.
What’s Next for Bateau and Boat Bar?
The Sea Creatures team has assured loyal guests that the closure is not the end, but a chance for reflection and reinvention. Both Bateau and Boat Bar are expected to stay closed for three to six months, with a promise to return with renewed focus and fresh ideas. This move is part of the group’s broader “footprint reimagining” strategy, aimed at adapting to shifting market realities and guest expectations.
Kirkland and Beyond: More Closures Hit the Eastside
The trend from Cap Hill to Kirkland continues as the Eastside sees its own share of restaurant farewells. Hanoon, a popular destination in Kirkland known for its modern Middle Eastern cuisine, has closed its doors. While other restaurants in the Nadi Mama group (like Mamnoon and Mbar) remain open in Seattle, the loss of Hanoon leaves a noticeable gap in Kirkland’s dining landscape.
Other notable closures include:
- Rachel’s Ginger Beer (Denny Triangle): Closing after June 7, though three other locations remain open.
- RE AMARG Chocolate Shop (Capitol Hill): Closed after a four-year run, leaving behind a legacy of community and tradition.
- Coter’s (Greenwood): The retro arcade and bar closed due to rising rents, echoing a common theme across the city.
- The Greater Good (Ballard): This cocktail bar cited increased costs and small business challenges as reasons for closing.
The Broader Impact: Why Are So Many Restaurants Closing?
The wave of closures from Cap Hill to Kirkland is not happening in a vacuum. Several key factors are driving these decisions:
- Rising Operating Costs: Rent, wages, and supply prices have all surged, squeezing profit margins.
- Labor Shortages: Recruiting and retaining staff remains a challenge, especially with Seattle’s minimum wage now at $20.67 per hour.
- Changing Consumer Habits: The pandemic shifted how people dine out, with more takeout and delivery, and less frequent in-person dining.
- Strategic Refreshes: Some closures, like those by Sea Creatures, are part of a deliberate strategy to adapt and evolve, rather than simply shutting down.
Health and Safety: Additional Closures and Inspections
Not all closures are voluntary. Recent health inspections have led to the temporary shutdown of several establishments for safety violations. For example, Honey Court Restaurant in the International District was closed on June 12 due to multiple critical violations but was approved to reopen the next day after addressing the issues. Meanwhile, unpermitted vendors and establishments with refrigeration or sanitation problems have also faced immediate closure.
Community Reactions: Nostalgia, Support, and Hope
For many Seattleites, the news from Cap Hill to Kirkland is bittersweet. Social media has been flooded with memories, tributes, and messages of support for restaurant owners and staff. While the loss of familiar spots is tough, there’s also optimism that refreshed concepts and new ventures will emerge from this period of transition.
Community Voices
- “It’s the end of an era, but I can’t wait to see what Bateau becomes next.”
- “Sad to lose Hanoon in Kirkland, but grateful Mamnoon is still going strong.”
- “Supporting local businesses has never been more important.”
What’s Next? The Future of Seattle’s Dining Scene
While closures from Cap Hill to Kirkland mark the end for some, they also signal new beginnings. Restaurant groups are using this time to innovate, rethink their spaces, and find sustainable ways to serve their communities. As the city’s culinary landscape shifts, food lovers can look forward to the reopening of refreshed favorites and the arrival of new concepts.
How You Can Support
- Visit your favorite restaurants before they close and show appreciation to the staff.
- Follow restaurants on social media for updates on reopening plans and new ventures.
- Share your favorite memories and encourage friends to support local businesses.
- Stay informed about health and safety regulations to make safe dining choices.
Key Takeaways: From Cap Hill to Kirkland
- June 2025 is a pivotal month for Seattle’s restaurant scene, with closures affecting both iconic and neighborhood spots.
- The Sea Creatures Restaurant Group is leading a major transformation, temporarily closing Bateau and Boat Bar and permanently closing two General Porpoise locations.
- Kirkland and other neighborhoods are also seeing beloved eateries shut down, reflecting broader industry challenges.
- Community support, adaptability, and innovation will shape the next chapter for Seattle dining.
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