Staff were informed of the closure on Monday, May 12, 2025, just over three years after the iconic establishment reopened in a new building across from its longtime home at the base of The Lafayette Hotel in North Park. Known for its dimly lit ambiance, plush red leather booths, nightly piano music, and classic steakhouse fare, The Red Fox has been a cherished part of the city’s culinary landscape for decades. The closure has stunned the community, with loyal patrons expressing shock and sadness online over the loss of a venue synonymous with celebrations, date nights, and late-night martinis.
The Red Fox boasts a storied history that spans centuries. Its interior, featuring wooden panels, leaded glass, and Tudor-style décor, dates back to a 1560s pub in Surrey, England. In 1926, these materials were shipped to California for a beachfront mansion in Santa Monica owned by actress Marion Davies, companion of William Randolph Hearst. By the late 1950s, the elements were relocated to San Diego, becoming the Red Fox Room beneath the Lafayette Hotel.
The Red Fox boasts a storied history that spans centuries. Its interior, featuring wooden panels, leaded glass, and Tudor-style décor, dates back to a 1560s pub in Surrey, England. In 1926, these materials were shipped to California for a beachfront mansion in Santa Monica owned by actress Marion Davies, companion of William Randolph Hearst. By the late 1950s, the elements were relocated to San Diego, becoming the Red Fox Room beneath the Lafayette Hotel.
The Demos family took ownership in 1966, maintaining its legacy for decades. In 2020, the restaurant closed due to the pandemic and a previously planned relocation. After two years, The Red Fox reopened in March 2022 at 2223 El Cajon Boulevard, a custom-built space that meticulously recreated its signature design, including the stained glass panels and century-old bar. The restaurant has most recently operated under owner Jim Demos.
Despite the effort put into the relaunch, the steakhouse has now closed again. According to an employee, all staff were let go, and the reason for the closure was not fully disclosed during the staff meeting, nor was any discussion of a future re-opening. While no official reason has been provided, the restaurant's website was updated Monday afternoon to state: "Sorry, we are currently closed and are hoping to re-open in September if not sooner. We will miss you all and hope to see you very soon!"
Despite the effort put into the relaunch, the steakhouse has now closed again. According to an employee, all staff were let go, and the reason for the closure was not fully disclosed during the staff meeting, nor was any discussion of a future re-opening. While no official reason has been provided, the restaurant's website was updated Monday afternoon to state: "Sorry, we are currently closed and are hoping to re-open in September if not sooner. We will miss you all and hope to see you very soon!"
We contacted The Red Fox's Facebook page to ask about a potential reopening, and they responded: "That's a good question. The owners fired all staff without notice."
The original location, now part of the renovated Lafayette Hotel owned by San Diego's Consortium Holdings, was converted into Quixote, a new bar and restaurant that opened in July 2023 after the hotel’s $31 million renovation. Many believe that the Lafayette's new bar and restaurant concepts, introduced after CH Projects took ownership, made it challenging for Red Fox to thrive in its new space.
The original location, now part of the renovated Lafayette Hotel owned by San Diego's Consortium Holdings, was converted into Quixote, a new bar and restaurant that opened in July 2023 after the hotel’s $31 million renovation. Many believe that the Lafayette's new bar and restaurant concepts, introduced after CH Projects took ownership, made it challenging for Red Fox to thrive in its new space.
As one of San Diego’s most atmospheric dining destinations, The Red Fox’s closure - temporary or otherwise - marks a poignant moment for those who cherished its timeless charm. More details, including confirmation of a potential reopening, are expected in the coming months.
