These Riverside County restaurants closed in the first half of 2023

The first half of 2023 changed the dining scene in Riverside County with a number of restaurants closing.

Temecula and the city of Riverside in particular saw several well-known establishments call it quits after years or decades of service.

Here are some of them.

Dhat Creole Grill, Riverside: This Caribbean food eatery was one of the original tenants of the Riverside Food Lab when it opened in 2018. It was an offshoot of Dhat Creole, a family restaurant in Redlands. It closed Dec. 31 after the family opened another restaurant, Beignet Spot, a few blocks from the food hall. Its spot has been taken over by the Shrimp Shack.

Yellow Basket Restaurant, Temecula: The location of this burger and breakfast chain announced its closure on social media in early January. It was at 40575 Winchester Road, near Promenade Temecula. Remaining locations are in Menifee, Wildomar and Santa Ana.

Slater’s 50/50, Riverside: This chain known for its over-the-top burgers and boozy shakes quietly opened a location in downtown Riverside’s Mission Square Plaza in 2021. It just as quietly closed early this year and has been replaced by River Ranch Grill and Bar.

Lenoir’s Bistro & Bakery, Riverside: This quick service restaurant in Canyon Crest Towne Centre opened in the fall of 2020 and made it through the novel coronavirus pandemic. But it found the economic hardships that followed too challenging, according to a Feb. 14 posting on Instagram.

Wicks Brewing Co., Riverside: This Riverside craft brewery closed March 5 after 10 years in business. Its owners did not comment but Ryan Wicks, who was part of the family business, had been charged with murder in a 2022 car crash and had recently been ordered held for a trial in the case. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office described Ryan Wicks as an owner, but the brewery stated that he wasn’t. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control lists Ryan’s father, Edmund Bradley Wicks, as a licensee.

Ironfire Old Town Outpost, Temecula: Ironfire Brewing Company opened a tasting room off Old Town Front Street in 2018, one of several craft breweries that decided an Old Town address would raise their visibility. Ironfire closed the tasting room on April 16, near the end of its five-year lease, according to a Facebook post. The OG Tasting Room at its brewery, 42095 Zevo Drive No. 1, remains open.

Dragon House, Riverside: With its ornate interior, this family-owned restaurant was a go-to place for Chinese food since the 1980s. Owners Charlie and Joanne Sun decided it was time to retire and closed it in late April. Another Dragon House restaurant remains in Moreno Valley.

Duke’s Mesquite Broiler, Temecula: This barbecue restaurant on Temecula Parkway opened in 2008. Owners Scot and Karen Lohman closed it in late April, citing the difficulty of doing business in California in a Facebook post.

The Bank: This longtime Mexican Restaurant in Old Town Temecula closed its doors May 7 in a dispute with the city that led to it losing permit to serve alcohol, offer live entertainment and stay open late.

Provecho Grill, Menifee: This Mexican restaurant opened in 2012 with food by award-winning chef Rosie O’Connor. It closed in May rather than renew its lease, according to a Facebook post.

Refuge Brewery tap room, Temecula: Refuge Brewery, founded in 2012, decided to let go of its lease at its original location and close its tap room on June 3, according to its Facebook page. Its brews are still available at restaurants and stores.

Romano’s Canyon Crest, Marisa’s Italian Deli, Riverside:  Starting in 1999, Romano’s was the place to go for pizza and live music in Canyon Crest Towne Centre. That ended June 4, with founder Gary Romano announcing the closure in social media. He closed Marisa’s Italian Deli, also in the outdoor shopping center, the following week. Romano’s restaurants in Redlands and Riverside’s Mission Grove remain open. The latter has become a concert venue.