West Columbia Italian restaurant Al’s Upstairs is closing after 44 years. Here’s when
An absolute mainstay of the Midlands dining scene will close its doors before the end of the year.
Al’s Upstairs, the Italian restaurant at 300 Meeting St. in West Columbia, announced on Monday it plans to close. The announcement came courtesy of a lengthy message on the restaurant’s Facebook page from owner Al Loftis.
“With mixed emotions and a heart full of gratitude, I announce my retirement from the restaurant business and the closure of Al’s Upstairs Italian Restaurant after a remarkable 44-year run,” Loftis wrote. “Our final day of operations will be December 19, 2023.
“My journey in the restaurant industry began at the age of 18, and I am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve you over the years.”
Just one hour after the restaurant had posted the message on Facebook it had already amassed nearly 100 comments and had been shared more than 150 times.
Al’s has been, for decades, a favorite of Midlands residents who sought a cozy spot for a special occasion or a date night. Perched in the wedge where Meeting Street meets Sunset Boulevard, the upstairs restaurant offers a view out over the Congaree River to the Columbia skyline.
The restaurant has long offered a diverse Italian menu, including seafood manicotti, filet mignon, chicken parmigiana, veal piccata and much more.
Customers immediately offered emotional messages to the restaurant on its Monday Facebook announcement.
“Thank you for wonderful memories!” one customer wrote. “We got engaged in your wonderful restaurant and have enjoyed many wonderful evenings there. We are sad to see you go!”
In his Monday message, Loftis thanked his family, chefs, managers, staff members and customers for more than four decades of memories. He also said the restaurant will roll on through the Dec. 19 closing date.
“As we approach our final days of service, I want to assure you that we will uphold our high standards until the last meal is served,” Loftis wrote. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of the vibrant community that Al’s has become, and I am grateful for the memories and relationships forged over the years.
“Thank you for being an integral part of the Al’s Upstairs Italian Restaurant family. We look forward to serving you in these final weeks and bidding a fond farewell.”
This story was originally published November 13, 2023 at 2:16 PM.
