From Pad Thai to padlocked. Lotus of Siam, long revered as the “best Thai restaurant in America” by influential food critics, will shutter its outpost at the Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas after roughly four years. And Sin City insiders say there’s a drama raging behind the scenes of the shock closure — publicly … Read more
Your empty dinner plate may be disappearing faster than etiquette says it should. Traditional dining etiquette calls for restaurants to wait until everyone at a table has finished eating before clearing the plate. But many contemporary restaurants clear plates individually, creating an awkward question for diners: Is the server simply being attentive or are you being hurried out? “Everyone … Read more
Southern California’s brutal restaurant shakeout showed no signs of cooling off in August. A wave of closures swept from Los Angeles down to San Diego throughout August 2026, claiming everything from a decades-old taco institution to a beloved West Hollywood watering hole, some longtime favorites were squeezed out by crippling overhead, shifts in consumer spending … Read more
Bahama Breeze is about to blow away for good. Earlier this year, parent company — Darden Restaurants — announced all Bahama Breeze locations would close down for good, sailing away after 30 years. The Orlando-based chain revealed 14 of its restaurants would shut down while 28 would be converted into other Darden brand eateries (Olive … Read more
Mel Robbins learned an unusual lesson about earning big tips when she worked as a waitress: Pay attention to the women at the table. The bestselling author and podcast host recently recalled advice from a “mentor-boss” at the Red Rooster Tavern in Michigan about figuring out who really influences the gratuity. “She told me when I … Read more
The rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could be changing more than what Americans put on their plates, as restaurants increasingly look to wellness drinks and other alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. The National Restaurant Association’s new 2026 Restaurant Beverage Trends report found growing interest in a wider range of drink choices, particularly among younger consumers, as restaurants … Read more
The Queen is dead. A popular West Hollywood restaurant and influencer mecca is closing its doors after five years in business. Queen Violet, an Asian fusion restaurant, announced the closure in a sign posted to its door this week. “To Our Queen Violet Family,” the sign reads. “Thank you for your love and support over … Read more
Diners at a busy restaurant in Sydney’s northwest were treated to a bit of a spectacle on the weekend when a woman stepped up to deal with a wayward bird that had made its way inside. In footage shared on social media, the woman, named Alice, can be seen calmly approaching the ibis, which is … Read more
They thought it was a real Shake-down. Just in case guilt tipping wasn’t already running amok. An incensed customer has accused Shake Shack of raising the prices on their order after they didn’t leave a gratuity at the self-checkout kiosk. “My wife says that if you don’t tip at Shake Shack, they make it more … Read more
Your wings are going digital. Another Wingstop location supposedly just took cash off its menu as the chain pushes for cashless stores — and customers are outraged over it. The move toward contactless payment started in 2022, when Wingstop rolled out its first “restaurant of the future.” The prototype was in Dallas, Texas and smaller … Read more
They’re cleaning up their act. A restaurant that has been awarded one of the culinary industry’s highest honors is fighting its way back from a one-star hygiene rating. In 2022, Ynyshir Restaurant near Machynlleth became the first restaurant in Wales to receive a two-Michelin-star rating. Ynyshir is famed for its 30-course tasting menu that highlights … Read more
Peak, the 101st-floor restaurant atop 30 Hudson Yards, has reached new heights. Opened by London-based Rhubarb Hospitality just before the pandemic, the eatery never quite hit its stride. Last fall, Tao Group took over as management. After a thoughtful redesign, it reopened as Peak With Priceless at the end of May. It’s now the city’s … Read more
California foodies are about to have 400-plus reasons to skip cooking. LA’s biggest restaurant week is back with $15 meals and Michelin deals, bringing two weeks of discounted prix-fixe menus to more than 400 restaurants across Los Angeles — from neighborhood classics and burger joints to exquisite, acclaimed dining destinations. Dine LA Restaurant Week returns … Read more
Think you’ve got an appetite big enough to sink a sushi boat? A Southern California restaurant is serving up a colossal 80-piece sushi challenge that has social media stars lining up for viral glory. One competitive eater made it look ridiculously easy. Most food challenges are designed so the majority of participants fail. Instagram/sake2me_chino Illustration … Read more
Los Angeles’ restaurant scene is getting cooked. A brutal wave of closures has swept across the city this summer, knocking out everything from decades-old celebrity haunts and chef-driven institutions to buzzy newbies that barely survived a year. At least eight notable restaurants closed or temporarily shuttered between May and late July, with the latest casualty … Read more
It’s National Chicken Wing Day, and fans of one of America’s most iconic foods have reason to celebrate: Wing prices have fallen after years of soaring costs. Wholesale whole wing prices are down from a year ago. There’s also a steady supply available, according to a July market trend report published by Performance Foodservice. It’s likely chicken … Read more
Baby Back Ribs made Chili’s famous. Now, it’s the baby back booths making a comeback. The iconic casual dining chain is serving up a hefty side of nostalgia this year, rolling out a retro-inspired glow-up that revives the signature red booths, colorful décor and quirky details that made Chili’s a ’90s dining institution. The nationwide … Read more
Beverly Hills is losing one of its legendary celebrity hot spots in a few days — and fans on social media are completely heartbroken. Crustacean, the glitzy Asian fusion restaurant famous for its top secret garlic noodle recipe and a koi fish aquarium walkway, is leaving its longtime Santa Monica Boulevard and Bedford Drive location … Read more
An iconic harbor restaurant In Orange County has promised to share the recipe for its signature mai tai before closing their doors for good after a half century. Located in Dana Point Harbor, the Wind & Sea restaurant has been serving guests since Bob Mardian opened the doors in 1972 at just 24 years old, … Read more
One of the world’s most beloved Asian restaurant chains is expanding in Southern California, with a massive new Orange County location set to open next month — bringing hundreds of jobs with it. Din Tai Fung announced Friday that its newest restaurant will debut at 1401 Brea Mall Lane in Brea on Aug. 31, following … Read more