It’s the end of an era for Ella’s Deli, the popular kosher-style deli and ice cream parlor located at 2902 E. Washington Ave. in Madison. For 42 years, the iconic carousel-themed venue served old-school phosphates and egg creams with a liberal side of whimsy.
But an announcement by the restaurant on Facebook today indicates that the venue will close later this month.
"It is with sad hearts that we announce that Ella’s Deli will be closing at our current location," the message notes, indicating that the restaurant’s final day will be sometime around Jan. 21.
Speculation has been brewing about the fate of Ella’s since the building went up for sale at $1.4 million last spring. Since that time, the price has since decreased to $1.2 million, and the family hopes to find an owner who might carry on the legacy of the restaurant.
"Our goal is to continue the Ella’s tradition," the message reads. "It is our hope that Ella’s will be back under new ownership, in a new space, and with a new and exciting direction."
In the meantime, it might be time for one last pilgrimage to Madison.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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