May 2025 witnessed the closure of numerous restaurants across metro Atlanta, from newly established eateries to long-standing neighborhood staples.
Despite efforts to persevere through challenging times, the decline in in-person dining has significantly impacted these establishments.
Highlights
- Seven restaurants closed down in Metro Atlanta in May 2025.
- Financial strains and rising prices are among the reasons for the closure of some of the iconic restaurants.
- Post-pandemic recovery poses one of the biggest challenges for restaurant owners.
Atlanta Restaurants That Are Closing This Month
Several restaurants in Metro Atlanta face closure after trying their best to survive in the face of financial and other challenges in front of them. From iconic locations to whimsical bakeries, here’s a list of all the restaurants that have closed this month.
Bar Vegan by Picky Cole
- Where: 969 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
- When: May 5, 2025
The cocktail bar and restaurant owned by Pinky Cole and her Slutty Vegan partners, closes down after short four years. Allegedly having lost control over her business, followed by an accident and lawsuits about unpaid wages, Pinky Cole made the announcement via Instagram.
Chef Pat Pascarella’s Bastone
- Where: 887 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
- When: May 14, 2025
Started as Chef Pat Pascarella’s most ambitious restaurant, Bastone could not escape the challenges brought out by the pandemic. After a short three-year journey, the restaurant was closed, but rather than blaming external factors, Pascarella blamed himself. Through an Instagram post, he stated, “We could have done many things differently, but didn’t. You learn from your mistakes, and as much as I would like to tell you that this is my last mistake, I doubt that’s possible.”
Char Korean Bar & Grill
- Where: 299 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307
- When: May 12, 2025
Despite being one of the first restaurants to open up in the area, Char Korean Bar & Grill could not recover post-pandemic. Contrary to expectations, the restaurant’s margins are terribly low, as shared by the owner. While prices have gone up, the area’s influx hasn’t followed suit, leaving the owner no choice but to close the restaurant.
Mac Lab Bakery and Cafe
- Where: 2131 Pleasant Hill Rd #135, Duluth, GA 30096
- When: May 4, 2025
After 10 wonderful years of whimsical macaroons and mouthwatering desserts, Mac Lab Bakery and Cafe’s journey came to an end. The announcement was made via Instagram, wherein the owner, Lan Cheng, stated how burnout and the pandemic influenced this decision. She wishes to heal herself and figure out the next step that would be best for herself and her family.
Taco Mac
- Where: 1006 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
- When: May 12, 2025
The flagship sports bar opened in 1979 in the scenic Virginia-Highland neighborhood and bids goodbye after 46 wonderful years. The restaurant calls this a strategic move, welcoming guests to its 28 other locations where they would be greeted with the same enthusiasm and warmth. The announcement was made via Instagram, where visitors of the restaurant bid their goodbyes to the location.
Jekyll Brewing
- Where: All locations
- When: May 11, 2025
After 12 years in the business, Jekyll Brewing announced the shutdown of all its locations. Speculations of its impending closure could be seen in February when they stopped keg production. As the industry continues to take a hit, many breweries are closing down one after another.
Bartaco
- Where: 969 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
- When: May 5, 2025
Following the string of restaurants closing down in the area, Bartaco also made its exit earlier this month. The restaurant served its last dinner service on May 5. The reason given for the closure was the natural end of the restaurant’s lease. Thanking everyone for their time in the neighborhood, the restaurant smoothly made its exit.
