The Real Story on the Bistro 88 Closing

Bistro 88

A lot of rumors have been speculating about the demise of the beloved Westlake restaurant Bistro 88. Chef Jeff Liu’s fusion masterpiece had been a perennial member of our Top 20 for many years.

Then, seemingly overnight, the dreaded padlocks and legal looking notices appeared on the doors and Bistro 88 was history.

Jeff tried to call me but he was on his way to China to look after their Texas BBQ restaurant in Xiawen. So I spoke to his wife Vivian and she told me that they’d been negotiating with the landlord of the space on Bee Caves for a reduction in the rent. Jeff and Vivian were in China and the landlord had apparently told them they could have a sit down on August 5th when they were due to return. But somebody lost patience and long-time partner James had to call Jeff in China with the bad news.

The good part of this story is that Jeff and Vivian want to stay in Westlake to serve their loyal base of core customers and are looking for space as we speak. Let’s wish them well. I miss this place already!