20 Popular restaurants that no longer exist in U.S

20) The Four Seasons Restaurant

Restaurants play an important role in one's life as a symbol of celebration. From birthday parties to dates and get-togethers, people often look for places where they can dine out and enjoy a good meal. The Four Seasons Restaurant in Manhattan was one such place that became popular very quickly. However, after being open for over six decades, it was shut down in 2019.

19) Le Cirque

There was a time when Le Cirque, a popular restaurant that served French cuisine, was filled with guests enjoying the delicious food and drinks. It was known for offering the guests a fine dining experience in New York City. However, due to the high rent cost of the restaurant, Le Cirque was forced to close down in 2018.

18) Carnegie Deli

The deli culture is extremely popular in the US due to the affordable options that they have. Among them, Carnegie Deli in Midtown Manhattan was one of the most popular for its pastrami and slaw. It served patrons for 78 years, and customers would line up till the next block for their order. In 2016, the deli closed permanently, mainly because the restaurant owner retired, and the restaurant faced multiple hardships.

17) Howard Johnson's

Howard Johnson's was among the oldest restaurants in the US. People were fond of their fried clams, steaks, chicken, and more. Besides their delicious food, the restaurant's buildings with orange roofs also became popular across the country. However, they began disappearing in the late 90s and have been closed completely.

16) Elaine's

Back in the 1960s, restaurants and cafes' popularity grew manifold when they became a hot spot for celebrities. Elaine's in New York City was one such restaurant that opened in 1963 and was a popular place to dine in for many film industry stars. However, following the death of its owner Elaine Kaufman, the restaurant was shut down in 2011.

15) Bahooka

Bahooka, a family-owned restaurant, opened up in 1967 in Rosemead, California. It tried to capitalize in the country and became known for its fish tanks and novelty decor. Their tiki drink was also among the most loved ones on its expansive menu. Despite its popularity, the restaurant closed about a decade ago. People still fondly remember their Tiki drink.

14) Lyon's Restaurant

Along with their luxurious-looking decor, Lyon's became a difficult competitor. The chain was always full as it offered them a casual dining experience with a vast menu at a very low cost. The restaurants were founded in 1952 and grew over the years. The last of those restaurants, however, filed for bankruptcy in 1998, and it closed entirely in 2012.

13) The Original Spago

The original Spago opened in 1982 in West Hollywood, California. It was owned by the renowned chef, Wolfgang Puck. The restaurant soon became a chain and became a popular hangout place in the film industry. In 2001, the chef closed down the original restaurant while the other restaurants kept on working.

12) Mr. Steak

Steaks have always been popular among non-vegetarians; however, people have not tasted a steak like the one that Mr. Steak served, ever since it shut down in 1996. They began in Colorado in the 60s and soon opened more than 200 restaurants in the US and Canada. In the 80s, their few restaurants began to close down. The final location shut down in 2009.

11) Burger Chef

Burger Chef has always been a giant name among the burger-selling restaurants. They began with a small shop in Indiana in the mid-50s and eventually opened over 1,000 locations. Despite their continuous success over the years, the burger joint was sold to Hardee's in the 80s. Their last restaurant was shut down in 1996.

10) NASCAR Cafe

NASCAR has always been a giant, but its name did not work for a coffee joint. NASCAR Cafe opened up in the Sahara Hotel in its various locations across Las Vegas. Despite being connected to racing, the menu of these cafes did not have any items related to racing. Soon after they were closed, the cafes were demolished to make way for a renovation project.

9) Brown Derby

The Brown Derby was founded in 1926 at its Wilshire Boulevard location by Herbert K. Somborn. With time, it became a popular Hollywood spot with several celebrities dining at it daily. Besides its delicious delicacies, its architecture was also lauded. However, in 1987, all locations of the restaurant were shut down and the property was sold.

8) Cloud Club

In 1930, a private luncheon club named Cloud Club opened in the Chrysler Building in New York City. It was situated on the 69th floor of the iconic building. It ran for over 40 years and served the titans of the city. Despite its popularity, the club closed down in 1979, and its space has remained empty since.

7) Toots Shor's Restaurant

This restaurant's wall of fame is filled with the A-list celebrities of the 40s and 50s. From Marilyn Monroe to Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra, the restaurant has hosted many stars. However, in 1971, the bar was shut down as the building was seized for taxes. A few years later, it reopened, but it was not well received and quickly closed.

6) Minnie Pearl's Fried Chicken

Minnie Pearl's Fried Chicken started in 1966 and became a big competitor to the other fast food chains. The owner of the restaurant hired Minnie Pearl as the spokesperson, and her popularity helped the eatery to up its game. After two years, the fast food chain was shut down in 1968 after Wall Street announced that its profits were generated from unpaid franchise fees.

5) Beefsteak Charlie’s

After opening its first restaurant in New York City, Beefsteak Charlie's became popular in three different states. They expanded rapidly over the years. As the name suggests, the restaurant served steaks and unlimited salad among many other dishes. They also became popular in the television world. However, the chain's downfall began in 1987, and all of the shops were closed off around 2009.

4) Chasen's

Chasen's, which opened in 1936 in West Hollywood, was usually filled with celebrities dining with their companions. The restaurant was also popular for hosting several Academy Award after-parties. Many celebrities graced these parties and made headlines for their appearances. Despite its popularity, the restaurant was shut down in 1995 and is still missed by many.

3) The Original McDonald's

McDonald's needs no introduction, as the fast food giant has spread across the world. The chain has over 37,000 restaurants and has made its customers fall in love with its burgers over the years. While the chain is still successful, its original branch in San Bernardino, California, was demolished in 1972. However, the place was later bought and turned into a museum.

2) Old Country Buffet

Buffets grew in popularity dramatically during the 1980s and 1990s. Among the restaurants, the Old Country Buffet was the most successful one. However, amid the pandemic, the popular could not compete in the market where food delivery became a daily thing. In the 2020s, the chain was shut down.

1) Chi-Chi's

Chi-Chi's contributed a lot to the popularity of Mexican cuisine among Americans. Its restaurants served millions over the years. It gave Americans a new dining experience with its popular tacos. However, soon more Mexican restaurants opened up, and Chi-Chi's could not handle the competition. It is set to make a comeback in 2025.