Ri Ra Irish Pub Closes Permanently in Midtown

After ten years in Midtown, Ri Ra Irish Pub is closed for good. But don’t blame the COVID-19 pandemic for this closure.

The pub temporarily closed in late March due to the dining room shutdown caused by the ongoing pandemic. Eater Atlanta reached out to Ri Ra’s owners after a reader sent in a tip saying the restaurant’s sign, outdoor television, and furniture had recently been removed. The pub is located in the back of the 1010 Midtown building on the corner of Crescent Avenue and 12th Street.

“Our landlord has been supportive in our attempts to find a path forward over many months of discussions but, unfortunately, we both agree that at this stage we have no option but to close our pub,” a statement sent to Eater reads.

The statement stresses that the closure was not caused by the pandemic and the decision to shutter Ri Ra was made “prior to the outbreak” in Atlanta. Ownership closed Ri Ra’s D.C. location in the Georgetown neighborhood after seven years back in January stating the business had struggled for years to be viable there.

When asked to clarify whether those “discussions” with the landlord were regarding a new lease for the Atlanta-based pub, a representative speaking on behalf of Ri Ra declined to clarify any further.

Earlier this week, chef Kevin Rathbun announced the closure of his restaurant Rathbun’s and wine and small plates spot Krog Bar at the Stove Works in Inman Park. Rathbun was unable to agree upon terms for new leases on both restaurants with Asana, the real estate company that owns the property. The building is slated to be redeveloped into more parking and a walkway with access to the Eastside Beltline.

Krog Bar and Rathbun’s may reopen in the future, possibly on property next to his restaurant Kevin Rathbun Steak along the Beltline. Rathbun apparently owns the property there.

1080 Peachtree Street NE, #1, Atlanta.

• Kevin Rathbun Closes Both Rathbun’s and Krog Bar in Inman Park [EATL]