After 42 years of operation, Julia’s Wallingford restaurant closed on December 31, 2023. Wallyhood mourned the occasion, like many across the city. My husband Larry and I stopped in for brunch on that sad day. It was difficult to say goodbye to a neighborhood fixture. Concerned speculation about the redevelopment of the property, and wishes for a replacement restaurant in this space at 4401 Wallingford Ave N were expressed by neighbors.
But, signs of new life around the restaurant recently appeared. The building was painted, and the sidewalks cleaned. A sign on the front door showed the symbol for a computer file loading. Like a phoenix, Julia’s Wallingford restaurant has been reborn!
Larry and I paid another visit to the newly reopened Julia’s Wallingford. The restaurant has new owners, former employees of Julia’s Issaquah. Their son Victor is proudly managing the restaurant and pointed out the interior improvements that feel fresh and clean. The restaurant is currently open 7 days a week from 7a.m. to 3p.m. Victor explained that with the restaurant newly reopened, they were experiencing a soft opening. Hopefully with a full staff, perhaps by summer, the restaurant may stay open in the future for dinner as well. The menu was familiar, with the addition of Desayuno—Mexican breakfast—dishes that are a nod to his family’s Mexican heritage. We enjoyed our food—it was tasty and reasonably priced. Eggs Benedict and French Toast were our choices. The service was great, and several customers came into the restaurant as we ate.
Congratulations to Victor and his family for their positive undertaking. We wish them great success and we will be back soon!