COVID-19 has apparently claimed an old favorite restaurant of mine, Siné in Arlington.

On Saturday, January 2, 2021, Siné announced on Facebook and Instagram they were closing their doors for good.

It is with sadness that we have to say Good-Bye! We have closed our doors permanently.

On December 26, 2020, Siné had announced “We are temporarily closing our doors as a precaution due to Covid. Please check back next week.”

A Pentagon Row stalwart

Siné opened at or around the same time as Pentagon Row in the early 2000s. I lived across the street in Riverhouse then and it quickly became a favorite. They had a standard pub menu, outdoor seating, a good draft selection and most of all, decadent baked potato soup.

Oh that potato soup was wonderful – very rich, so warm and filling.

The wings were also pretty special — not sure that glazed and spicy was authentically Irish, but they were good.

I have many warm memories of meals at Siné with family and friends. I was hoping they would survive until we’re on the other side of the pandemic. Nevertheless, nearly 20 years is a good run. Siné may have been the last original restaurant in Pentagon Row following Champps closing in March 2020 (Arlington Now).

Update 1/4/2021

Arlington Now caught up to the story:

By ARLnow’s count, Siné is the 20th Arlington restaurant to close during the pandemic. Early during the public health emergency, in March, Champps sports bar — next to Siné — also closed its doors; it is now set to be replaced by Nighthawk Pizza, a beer-centric hangout, as Pentagon Row rebrands as “Westpost.”

Siné Closes at Pentagon Row – Arlington Now

Update 1/7/2021 – Petition

A change.org petition has been created to save Siné.

We, the customers, supporters, fans, and patrons of Sine humbly petition the Pentagon Row management to work with Sine management, help them through these hard times and see if we can bring this old, dear friend across the finish line and through a bright and hopeful New Year.

A Richmond location remains

As of now, the original Siné location in Richmond appears to be open. But for how long?

Epilogue

According to ARLnow.com, an ‘Irish Farm-to-Table’ Concept from Cathal Armstrong to Replace Siné is coming, exact opening TBD.