Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe is closing in Emeryville after 20 years.
Isaac H./Yelp
After 20 years of serving American comfort food classics, Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe, whose restaurant owner includes Green Day’s Mike Dirnt, announced its abrupt closure on Instagram this morning. The bustling diner was known for its busy barista counter brewing Oakland coffee and hearty fare like stuffed Denver omelettes with hash browns, stacked juicy burgers with crispy bacon, meatloaf and Reuben sandwiches, and fruit pies a la mode.
“We are deeply grateful and appreciative of our talented employees for their tireless efforts and creative contributions over the years. You’re Rudy,” the announcement said. “They made it what it was: a consistently award-winning diner where everyone among us was always welcome.”
SFGATE has reached out to Rudy’s for comment but has not received a response at the time of publication. Rudy’s Instagram post added that he struggled to create the same environment created by the Yee family, who owned the former Eugene’s Ranch House at Park Avenue and Hollis Street for nearly 40 years before it closed and Rudy’s opened its doors. The longtime cafe said it was time to “pass on the torch”.
Rudy’s Heartache: Corned beef hash, poached eggs, hollandaise and sourdough toast.
John K./Yelp
“The slogan ‘The Best People on Earth Walk Through These Doors’ has been written on both of our front doors for more than 60 years, it must say something about the community we will always love,” the Instagram post reads. “Thank you to all of our customers for your patronage and support over the years. We’ll miss serving your favorite Brew For Breakfast and Late Night Munchies. We wish you all the best.”
In 2018, Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe closed its Uptown Oakland location associated with Fox Theater after seven years in space. Café Emeryville was the last remaining outpost and first opened in 2002.
Steph Rodriguez is SFGATE’s Food Editor. She has a passion for exploring stories where food and culture intersect and enjoys learning about her surroundings by sampling the popular dishes of various neighborhood spots. Her food writing has been recognized by the California News Publishers Association and the Society of Professional Journalists, Northern California. She is the former Editor-in-Chief and Editor-in-Chief of Sacramento News & Review and has lived in Northern California for almost 20 years. Email: [email protected].