After 40 years at the corner of Slater Avenue and San Mateo Street, Silky Sullivan’s Irish Pub is slated to serve its last meal in November.

A representative at the restaurant could not confirm the official final day for the restaurant. However, according to Fountain Valley City Council member Kim Constantine, the final date could be Friday, Nov. 8.

“Silky is iconic (and) will truly be missed. I’ve been enjoying their offerings since being introduced to Silky by my longtime friend, Gregory in the late ’80s,” wrote Constantine in an Oct. 26 Facebook post announcing the closure. “I was pleased to celebrate my re-election to Fountain Valley City Council in late 2022. It was special to me since it was just across the street from City Hall and very convenient for everyone.”

Fans of the decades-old Irish pub-themed eatery, noted for its green awning and comfort-food menu, replied with memories of Silky Sullivan’s. Merritt Reid wrote, “My uncle used to go once a week with the guys. It was called therapy night. And my last day with the Chamber many, many years ago was held there. I’ll miss that place!” While Melissa Kovacevich Rotondo noted, “Sorry to see Silky Sullivan’s go. It is Fountain Valley!”

ALSO SEE: River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano begins opening restaurants

Curt Seeden wrote about the restaurant in a 2013 article for the Orange County Register, saying, “Silky’s has a lot going for it, starting with the food. But the ‘Cheers’-like ambiance, the 16 widescreen TV screens, the live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights and the ‘Half-Off Tuesday Night Appetizer’ specials are just some of the reasons it’s been so popular over the years.”

Constantine also wrote in the same post that “Slater Investments, the landowners of Silky Sullivan’s and two adjacent office buildings, have until March 2025 to start [the] construction project of 270 luxury apartment rentals that was approved in 4/2022 by Fountain Valley City Council majority (not me or [then-Mayor Patrick Harper], since many are asking and I’m always straight with you).”

Once built, she stated, “it will be nearly three times the density as the nearby The Havens apartment complex next door.”

Related Articles

Silky Sullivan’s will still hold its Halloween Party this year on Thursday, Oct. 31 featuring a costume contest, live music with Echo Love Chamber, prizes, food and drink specials and more.

Built on the former site of the Fountain Valley post office in 1984, Silky Sullivan’s, christened after an American racehorse best known for his come-from-behind winning prowess, was the brainchild of Bill Madden, Dan Madden and Rob Robertson. For 40 years, the eatery hosted weddings, a World Series win, date nights and family outings. No word yet if Silky Sullivan’s plans on opening in another space.

In related Fountain Valley closure news, Rubio’s and Chop Stop, located on Brookhurst Street and Ellis Avenue, have shuttered to make way for Qué Vida Tacos, an O.C.-based, counter-service taco spot with locations in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach and Yorba Linda.

Home to Kei Concepts’ Nếp Cafe, Fountain Valley saw three major openings this year: Oregon-based Dutch Bros Coffee’s inaugural OC location, Pho Flavor and Le Shrimp.