Shoreline Grill to Close on Jan. 31st

The second major downtown restaurant closing (the first being McCormick and Schmick’s on Congress) of the year has been announced, and unfortunately it is one of my long time favorites, the Shoreline Grill. For 23 years, the Shoreline has graced the shores of first Town and then Ladybird Lake with a wonderful blend of innovative cuisine and a grown-up atmosphere. Folks would gather near the windows each evening to sip wine and watch the bats depart from the bridge. That in itself was a time honored tradition.

I have probably dined at this restaurant at least 50 times and can’t ever really remember a disappointing meal. What really stands out for me is the first time I tried former Chef Dan Haverty’s Shrimp Harissa. It was an epiphany for me and became one of my go-to standards for years. The servers were terrific and the owners Jeff Weinberger and Ron and Peggy Weiss were highly professional and passionate about their mission. I will miss this wonderful restaurant, as I’m sure all of you will. The place should be rocking on its final night tonight and I’m sure there will be many stories from some of the storied regulars!