I was among the many who were quite shocked at the announcement that Albie's was closing on December 23rd. Though I had my first visit to Albie's a scant three years ago, the unique atmosphere really made an impression on me. While not on my rotation; I managed to revisit about 8-9 times.
I had wanted to visit one last time and when Candice mentioned meeting up for a drink, I was in......
The place was packed....I'd never seen it this full. Word must have gotten around. Lots of love for this place. I heard the word "a San Diego institution" thrown around. We chatted with a couple. The gentleman's wife had been coming here for over 30 years......funny, she never told her husband about Albie's until about a decade ago! They'd moved out of San Diego, but drove down for one last visit.
Over the last couple of visits, I'd found my drink of choice here.....an Old Fashioned.
The piano man was in fine form. Folks were chatting and enjoying the place.
All the semi-nude maidens adorning the walls still looked down upon everyone, a snapshot in time.....kind of what Albie's is. We've all gotten older, but Albie's was Albie's.
So here's to you Albie's. I'm hoping you find a new home.
You can still drop by as Albie's will be open until December 23rd.
Albie’s Beef Inn
1201 Hotel Cir S
San Diego, CA 92108
You can read about my memorable first visit here.
You can also read Soo's post here.
bummer they are closing.
Posted by: kat | Saturday, 19 December 2015 at 03:58 AM
I'm going to miss their steaks with mushroom sauce. Hope they find a new location...
Posted by: Soo @ hungryones | Saturday, 19 December 2015 at 01:29 PM
Hi Kat - Yes, kind of sad.....
I hope so too Soo!
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 19 December 2015 at 08:30 PM
Glad we got to have one last toast there!
Posted by: Candice | Sunday, 20 December 2015 at 02:47 PM
I am too Candice!
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 20 December 2015 at 06:33 PM
It's been packed the last few weeks! Owners say they will look for a new spot and reopen. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Posted by: Junichi | Tuesday, 22 December 2015 at 11:34 AM
They've been looking for a while Junichi. At first they wanted the Old Trieste spot but couldn't get it.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 22 December 2015 at 02:19 PM
I went in for drinks a couple of weeks ago on a Tuesday night and it was slammed! I hope they find a new spot.
Posted by: jack | Wednesday, 23 December 2015 at 07:21 AM
I know they're looking hard for a new spot Jack.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 23 December 2015 at 10:02 AM