Posted by Seezer Chavez, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Apr 30, 2010 at 3:47 pm

Sounds to me like Casa Isabel no esta abierto. Comer en Taco Bell instead.

Posted by RS, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on Apr 30, 2010 at 4:22 pm

Its was a favorite place of mine to eat.

From

Web Link

"Sharing the same fate is another longtime establishment. Quaint, unpretentious Mexican restaurant Casa Isabel is closing April 2. The 31-year-old family-run business at 2434 Park Blvd. is one of Palo Alto's oldest restaurants. "Our landlord has refused to renew our lease," owner Mayra Lopez wrote in a letter to customers. "I left El Salvador in 1974 because ... I wanted to live in peace. I knew that in America if I worked hard I could make a better life for my family. ... Many of you have become like family to me. I have seen your families grow, have seen you have children and those children have children. All of you are dear to me and I will miss you very much," she wrote."

Posted by Pat Markevitch, a resident of the Downtown North neighborhood, on Apr 30, 2010 at 4:24 pm

She had to close after 31 years in that location. Real shame too as it was the best mexican food in town. Here's hoping that she finds another location soon.

Posted by Michele, a resident of the Greenmeadow neighborhood, on Apr 30, 2010 at 5:20 pm

Yes, I really hope she opens another place. Her restaurant was quiet, relaxing, and the food was delicious. Sra Lopez herself was so friendly and kind.

Posted by landlord would not renew the lease?, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Apr 30, 2010 at 5:23 pm

What kind of games are Palo Alto landlords playing? There have been several cases like this where well established Palo Alto merchants had to go out of business because the landlord would not renew their lease. There seem to be plenty of vacant buildings around town. Why are landlords kicking out profitable tenants?

Posted by chris, a resident of the University South neighborhood, on Apr 30, 2010 at 5:56 pm

Wouldn't you guess that after that many years the rent was well below market?

Posted by Anon, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Apr 30, 2010 at 6:54 pm

Chris writes: "Wouldn't you guess that after that many years the rent was well below market?"

Possibly, but, with rents declining and with the ongoing commercial real estate bust, "market" isn't what it was three years ago. If the building is rented right away for a lot more, I will stand corrected, but, if it sits there empty like so many others have ...

Posted by Andrea, a resident of the Evergreen Park neighborhood, on May 1, 2010 at 6:22 pm

They close a few weeks ago.

Posted by also a fan, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on May 7, 2010 at 12:11 am

The owner was looking for another location, in Palo Alto if possible. If you know of a reasonable place they could move to, post it here!

Posted by Paul, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Jun 15, 2010 at 11:22 am

A terrible loss for this area. It was neck & neck with Estrellita for the best food around. I hope she can find new digs.

Posted by Senor Blogger, a resident of the Palo Verde neighborhood, on Jul 28, 2010 at 3:33 pm

AAIII,

It was my favorito.

Perhaps the landlord wanted a more TRENDY place with more tinfoil and plastic.

Let's hope they find another more favorable location.

Posted by Jenna, a resident of another community, on Jul 21, 2011 at 5:39 pm

Does anyone know what Mayra is up to now? Or any way to contact her? We really miss her and hope she's doing well (and still cooking!)