It’s always sad to say goodbye to a neighborhood favorite. Today, we bid farewell to Tutu’s (25 Bogart St.). This burger and booze establishment off of the Morgan L train stop shuttered its doors for good in September, as some of you regulars might already be aware.
Tutu’s closed suddenly and without a trace. According to their farewell notice on their Facebook page, Tutu’s closed on Oct. 8.
“All good things must come to an end. Tutu’s is closing her doors,” the farewell notice reads. “We’ve loved sharing our home with you – thank you for the support and community. We look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood.”
Tutu’s Instagram has been taken down and attempts to reach out to the owner, Lucas Walters, have gone unanswered. We can only speculate until further information comes to light, but let’s take this time to look back on our fondest memories from the last five years.
Tutu’s managed to land itself on more than a couple “best of” lists here on Bushwick Daily. In 2015 we dubbed it one of the best happy hour deals in Bushwick, offering a $10 burger and beer combo.
They graced our extremely divisive and ever-popular “best burger” roundup on multiple occasions, as well as the best biscuit roundup in 2014.
When NYC Oyster Week rolled around in 2014, we judged their clams as pretty effin’ good. And lastly, in those milder spring and summer months with their perfect drinking and dining outside, Tutu’s made our patio roundup. Thank you, Tutu’s, for your many “bests.” We loved you for each and every one of them.
Bushwick Daily wasn’t the only publication who appreciated Tutu’s. Thrillist, The Infatuation NYC, and even The New York Times all recommended this establishment to their readers.
We asked our own readers and contributors to reminisce on some of their favorite Tutu’s moments and memories, however hazy they might be.
Writer Nathan Wahl loved their stand-up comedy in the basement. “It was a little weird, but there were a few comedians who were always great. One of the comedians … went on to write for a lot of Comedy Central shows and award shows. I also watched the series finale of “Breaking Bad” in their basement. Memz.”
This writer remembers Tutu’s as being her saving grace last New Year’s Day. Hungover and hungry as all hell, I searched the Bushwick streets for a satisfying meal while most restaurants were closed. Tutu’s came through like a champ. Clearly many others were in the same situation, as I contently ate my burger elbow-to-elbow with fellow diners.
It seems Tutu’s was a cure-all for more than just hangovers, but also lovers’ quarrels. Photographer Kevin Hoopes remembers, “my girlfriend and I got into a fight there one time. We were arguing and then we were eating and arguing less and less and then it was just like, oh man FUCK these burgers are good, aren’t they.” Thanks, Tutu’s. <3
Alas, another Bushwick restaurant bites the dust. Tutu’s, you may be gone but will not soon be forgotten.
Do you have your own fond memories of this bygone establishment? Share in the comments!
Cover Image via Google Maps.