Pines of Rome, one of the oldest restaurants still operating in downtown Bethesda, abruptly announced it was closing for "emergency renovations" Thursday, just as Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich declared his intention to ban indoor dining as early as next Tuesday. The owner said they hope to reopen "in a few weeks." Their online ordering website further specifies they will be closed "between December 10 and December 24" in one spot, while another blurb above that says "until further notice."
If approved by the County Council next Tuesday, restaurants and bars will be restricted to outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery sales until further notice. Covid-19 case numbers and hospital bed occupancy rates have spiked after Thanksgiving gatherings and travel, leading officials to revise their policies. Another Bethesda landmark, Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle, already permanently closed this year. The Irish pub's owner blamed earlier pandemic restrictions on live music, and the Bethesda Streetery, for its demise.
All due respect, Pines of Rome has long overstayed itself. I've had spaghetti from a can that was more appetizing than the plate I had there. A restaurant can't survive on white pizza alone.
ReplyDeleteOne of the all time worst Italian restaurants I've ever been in. I cannot fathom why it's been so loved for so long. God, it's awful.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree. Perhaps the worst Italian restaurant I have ever been to. I know they have their fans, but the food is average at best. Olazzo’s, Cessco, and Positano’s have far better Italian food. Even Mama Lucia’s is better than the Pines of Rome. Hard to believe they stayed in business for so long.
ReplyDeleteOh no! I’ve been waiting all year for their extraordinary Stuffed Goose!
ReplyDeleteMany other delicious dishes were posted on the blackboard just inside the door.
Overall excellence with all the servers having worked there for decades.
I hope they are OK!
Wrong - very wrong!
ReplyDeletePines is excellent In all ways!
Rabbit, you're clearly stuck in another generation. Pines is beyond horrible. Get out and experience real Italian food then go back there and see if you still feel the same. Pines is akin to Amalfi which is another long time yet horrible place and a miserable excuse for Italian food. Boggles the mind how bad it is.
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