April 5, 2022 – Word that Poppy Hall will be closing its doors evokes a classic Neil Young line: “Rock and roll is here to stay/ It’s better to burn out than fade away.”
Poppy Hall burned brilliantly for four years, riding the trend towards simple, expertly prepared bistro fare that made it one of the most popular new restaurants of the last decade.
It announced the closure with a message to email subscribers, and a classic line of its own: “We ain’t here for a long time, we’re here for a good time!”
“To all of our friends, neighbors, customers, fellow oyster lovers, and good eaters who have dined with us over the years,” it continued, “THANK YOU!”
The announcement acknowledges rumblings about closing, adding, “It’s true,” and yet another vintage refrain: “All good things must come to an end. After 4 years as the beacon on Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove, we will soon be turning off the lights.”
While COVID crushed many restaurants, Poppy Hall’s close knit team proved nimble in pivoting to takeout, buoyed by its legion and loyal following.
As I wrote for a March 2020 story called “The Ups and Downs of Restaurant Take Out”: “They’re humming along—and frequently selling out without sending anyone home hungry.
Like any true rock stars, Poppy Hall won’t leave the stage without an encore. Chef Philip Wojtowicz and his team are inviting everyone to join them for lunch and brunch 11am-2:30pm Wednesdays through Sunday through Easter Sunday, April 17. They are also offering dinner starting at 5:30pm Thursday-Sunday through April 10.
“Come wine and dine, say hello and join us in great food and fun times while you still can,” the email says.
CEO of Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce Jenny MacMurdo is among those bummed by the closure, but optimistic that it leads to good things for the Poppy Hall family and downtown Pacific Grove.
“I’m sad to see it happen, but it could be the birth of something new and exciting,” she says. “It’s been a vibrant spot for downtown, and it would be great if another restaurateur takes the place and keeps that vibrancy. It’s such a great location, it’s got the water [credits] and the kitchen, and they’ve turned it into such a nice space.”
Our calls to the Poppy Hall team today were not returned, but we hope to have more information about its sudden and unexpected closure soon.
About the author
Mark C. Anderson, Edible Monterey Bay's managing editor, appears on "Friday Found Treasures" via KRML 94.7 every week, a little after 12pm noon. Reach him via mark@ediblemontereybay.com.
