D is for Done: The Rise and Fall of Cafe D

We were devastated to learn that Jamaica Plain’s Cafe D was closing. The popular spot sold its last fish taco on Sunday, promising a “bright future” on its website.

Not that Cafe D’s past was particularly dim. Owner Doug (“D”)Organ says he didn’t have any rent or landlord issues like his old neighbors Milky Way and Bella Luna.

“Jamaica Plain is very diligent about the neighborhood. They think, ‘You’re failing because we’re not supporting you.’ Once they understood that I’m moving on to do something more personal, they’ve been very supportive,” Organ tells Chowder.

Could be, could be. (Partings are always perfectly amicable, aren’t they?) All we know is that as soon as we heard the news, we were chomping at the bit to find what was taking its place in this neighborhood long on Indian food, Latin flavors, and youngster-targeted dives. A French boîte, perhaps? Another quirky seasonal café?

Oh. An Indian restaurant. Quelle surprise. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But. You know. How about a little diversity, people? Here’s hoping that it’ll be a great one.)

Meanwhile, back at the closed café, Organ doesn’t have a time frame for when we can expect his new spot to open, but due to a noncompete clause with the new owners of the Centre Street spot, it won’t be in Jamaica Plain. “I’m looking in Allston and Brookline,” Organ says.

“I really want to open a new chapter. I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Organ continues, “and have done all sit-down, fine dining–esque restaurants. The new venture will be a radical departure. It will be nothing life Cafe D—it will be more casual, to-go.”

Thankfully, Organ offers a tiny glimmer of hope: His new place will still have those addictive fish tacos.

Logo from Cafe D’s website