Remembering 2014’s Saddest Bar and Restaurant Closings

Success in the restaurant business is never guaranteed, and each year brings its share of closings. The 2014 list of shutterings is diverse and encompasses long-standing favorites, new endeavors that didn’t pan out, fine dining rooms, dive bars and everything in between.

It can be hard to move on from that favorite place to eat or drink, but the good news is that there are many options that can help fill the void. Check out some of the year’s most notable closings, as well as suggestions of where diners and drinkers can look to instead in 2015.

The Closure: Chadwicks in Georgetown, a longtime haunt with D.C. history

When it happened: Late August

An Alternative: The Chadwicks building didn't stay vacant for long, and the space's new tenant is Mr. Smiths (3205 K St. NW), a Georgetown institution that recently moved from its previous location on M St. Looking for another Georgetown spot with history (and the ability to get a burger)? Try out Martin's Tavern. There is also a Chadwicks in Alexandria.

Closed: CityZen, Eric Ziebold's critical darling in the Mandarin Oriental hotel

When it happened: Mid-December

An Alternative: Indulge in one of chef Robert Wiedmaier's tasting menus at the swanky, French-inspired Marcel's (2401 Pennsylvania Ave, NW). Or wait patiently until Eric Ziebold's new restaurants open in Shaw later this year.

Closed: Duffy's, U Street's favorite source for chicken wings

When it happened: November

An Alternative: There aren't any wings on the menu at the Satellite Room (2047 9th St. NW), but it's a great spot to nosh on some low-key food and a cheap beer. If it's wings and only wings that will do, give the ones at Hill Country, Boundary Stone, Quarry House or Bonchon a try.

Closed: Hogo, a rum bar from Tom Brown

When it happened: August

An Alternative: Grab a mojito and check out the extensive list of tropical, rum-based cocktails at Cuba Libre (801 9th St NW) in Penn Quarter, or grab a Hemingway daquiri at Bar Pilar. Here are some other rum bars to consider as well.

The Hogo Team / R. Lopez

Closed: Menu MBK, Frederik de Pue's combination restaurant, bar and market.

When it happened: October

An Alternative: There are many worthy restaurants in the vicinity, but consider making a stop at the wine-centric Proof for a upscale, modern-American meal. If the combination market/restaurant concept held appeal, consider Alexandria's Society Fair.

Closed: Murphy's of DC, a casual Irish bar

When it happened: November

An Alternative: The bar will be eventually replaced by Bar Civita from the former Liberty Tavern chef Liam LaCivita. Meanwhile, Nanny O'Brien's (3319 Connecticut Ave, NW) is the place to go in Cleveland Park to watch a game over a pint of Guinness and a plate of wings.

Closed: Palena, Frank Ruta's destination restaurant

When it happened: April

An Alternative: Palena's acclaimed chef, Frank Ruta, is about to set up shop at the Grill Room (1050 3st St. NW), located inside Georgetown's Capella Hotel. For a high class Italian-influenced alternative, consider Fiola; for a chef-worthy burger, there are Bourbon Steak and Mintwood Place to try.

Closed: The Passenger, one of the city's most beloved cocktail bars, and The Columbia Room, the destination spot within the bar.

When it happened: It will close at year's end.

An Alternative: Head north to U St. and settle in tp the speakeasy-vibe at The Gibson (2009 14th St. NW), a great spot for a quality cocktail. For a newer, ambitious cocktail bar, Barmini is a great choice. Want something chill? Room 11 combines a great vibe with quality drinks. And hope that the owners of The Passenger find a new location soon (Columbia Room will reopen in Shaw).

The Passenger

Closed: TakEatEasy, a creative sandwich joint

When it happened: May

An Alternative: The sandwiches at Bub and Pop's (1815 M St., NW) are less than a block away and include customer favorites like beef brisket and the Italian hoagie. And remember that TakEatEasy was a spin-off of sorts from the original Fast Gourmet.

Closed: Summers Restaurant

When it happened: Closing at year's end.

An Alternative: Soccer fans mourning the loss of this estimable Arlington bar can head across the Potomac to catch a soccer game at Lucky Bar or Drafting Table. Meanwhile, those who just want a relaxed neighborhood spot can give Rhodeside Grill a spin (they even have basement karaoke).

Closed: TNT Bar, Todd Thrasher's Arlington rock and roll-inspired cocktail bar.

When it happened: September

The Alternative: TNT is currently searching for a new location within DC. In the meantime, get dressed up and make a date to drink at its sister restaurant, Bar PX (728 King Street) in Old Town Alexandria (and sample fish and chips downstairs at Eamonn's. In Arlington, cocktails are a tough commodity to find (Eventide and Tallulawere both alternative options that closed this year as well). Order a drink at Green Pig Bistro instead.

Closed: Pour House, the divey bar for Pittsburgh fans on Barracks Row

When it Closed: April

An Alternative: Nearby is Barrel, from the same owners, which seems to be drawing a similar crowd.