SHUT

Bel-Loc Diner: Sadly,

this weekend will be the last for locals to sip piping-hot coffee at

one of the hallowed booths inside the Bel-Loc Diner. We can’t say we

didn’t see it coming. Last summer, a spokesperson for the 53-year-old

Parkville landmark announced that, facing retirement, owner Bill Doxanas

had entered into a deal to sell the vintage spot to Starbucks

Corporation—which planned to raze the building to make way for a coffee

shop with a drive-thru window. From there it was only a waiting game.

Despite a staunch effort from local nonprofit Preservation Maryland, the

current structure will not be able to be maintained when Starbucks

moves in. The Bel-Loc, fittingly named after the Baltimore beltway and

its location in Loch Raven, has long been a gathering place for locals

looking to scarf down pancakes, jam to jukebox oldies, and meet with

neighbors over paper placemats.

1700 E. Joppa Road., 410-668-2525

Cafe Cito: Hampden

locals took to social media earlier this week to lament the loss of

this beloved breakfast-and-lunch spot. “No words can describe our love

for your support over these past three years,” owner Dave Sherman wrote

in a message posted to Facebook. “To my Cito Crew, by far the best crew

I’ve ever worked with, one million thank you’s.” Sherman, who opened

breakfast stall Ground & Griddled inside R. House in Remington last

fall, has yet to disclose the reasons behind the unexpected closure. The

shop, best known for its Spanish-inspired breakfast sandwiches, will

operate its last service on Saturday, March 25.

3500 Chestnut Ave., 443-682-9701