The Rite Spot Cafe’s future is uncertain

The Rite Spot Cafe was shut down last month for health and safety violations.

While this isn’t the first time, usually the closures have been limited to the kitchen and this has definitely been the longest one we’ve seen yet. People and musicians close to the establishment are skeptical it will be revived this time, with repair costs and real estate pressure being major factors.

The Rite Spot has been around for 60 years. It has was a starting place for Jolie Holland, the Dodos, thee Oh Sees, Toshio Hirano, American Idol contestant Emily Anne Reed and even once hosted Norah Jones. The spot can be hit or miss, with service ranging from cold to downright crabby, but I would be seriously bummed to see it go. It is one of the few places you can sit at a table without waiting, get a drink, eat a good burger, and watch some great live music. As a musician myself, some of my first San Francisco shows were there and I met a lot of great people through it.

We’ll keep an eye out for any developments, but in the meantime you may need to settle for Charlottesville, VA’s segregated alternative, the White Spot.

13 Responses to “The Rite Spot Cafe’s future is uncertain”

  1. Ben says:

    Major bummer. I loved that place.

  2. Andrew says:

    The White Spot, scene of many a late-night college hamburger, is an institution and I won’t have you speaking ill of it, sir.

    Besides, The Virginian was definitely Charlottesville’s best segregated lunch counter: http://www.virginianrestaurant.com/thevirginian/

  3. Matt says:

    How can folks help?

  4. Rick says:

    Good riddance.

  5. fingerbinger says:

    Wow. Major bummer. I’ve seen some great shows there, including several Lily Taylor performances. Also, pie! I’ll miss the pie a lot.

  6. Herr Doktor Professor Deth Vegetable says:

    That a shame, the Rite Spot fucking rocks.

  7. ddp says:

    Serious bummer. If there’s anything we can do to help, please post an update!

  8. Andrea says:

    Awww no, bummer indeed. I love that place. Rite Spot was my girls night out beginning every weekend.

  9. Rolf says:

    Yo the tin cup serenade started there too! I’m just saying’…