Is it "damn hipsters" or "damn gentrification" or maybe just plain "damn," because another Seattle restaurant closes and it’s only January? And this one is particularly painful: Capitol Hill’s Kingfish Cafe will turn out its lights this month—January 25 to be exact—after serving up soul since 1997. 

On Tuesday, January 13, owners (and sisters) Laurel and Leslie Coaston surprised the food community with an evening announcement via their Facebook page that, “It has been an amazing journey but all journeys must come to an end.” 

Kingfish, we will miss your stuffed pork chops, everything-is-in-it gumbo, chicken liver and onions with cracklins, and your ability to make a true mint julep. Hurry up and get your last bites at this 19th Avenue fixture for warmth and good food. However the Coastons say they're hoping to open another restaurant "in the near future," and  will bear some resemblance to Kingfish, maybe even in the name. Here's hoping.