
Locke-Ober through the years

Landmark Boston restaurant Locke-Ober on Winter Place, a small street off Winter Street in Downtown Crossing, opened in 1875.
Globe File/1995
| October 22, 2012

One of the city's oldest restaurants, Locke-Ober quietly shut down Saturday night with no notice except a sign on the door.
Dina Rudick/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

The main dining room featured polished hardwood tables and elegant chandeliers.
Essdras M. Suarez/Globe Staff/File 2011
| October 22, 2012

Polished silverware in the dining room at Locke-Ober.
Essdras M. Suarez/Globe Staff/File 2011
| October 22, 2012

The restaurant was long a meeting place where the city’s power brokers made their deals and political luminaries made appearances.
Globe File/1979
| October 22, 2012

“It was the place to go in the day,” said Gina Schertzer, 90, who has worked at Durgin Park, another venerable Boston restaurant, since 1975.
.Globe file/1979
| October 22, 2012

Over its 137 years, Locke-Ober has attracted film and television stars such as Paul Newman, James Cagney, and Jackie Gleason.
Globe File/1980
| October 22, 2012

In its heyday, the dark, stately dining room would be abuzz with patrons savoring their thick-cut steaks and signature lobster stew.
.Gobe File
| October 22, 2012

In 2001, celebrity chef Lydia Shire and business partner Paul Licari took over Locke-Ober and embarked on a much-lauded restoration
Globe File/2001
| October 22, 2012

Locke-Ober struggled in the recent economic downturn, suspending lunch service in 2009 and closing briefly in 2011 after Shire’s departure.
Globe file/2009
| October 22, 2012

“It’s a national historical monument, if you ask me,” said David Artiano, 40, who briefly served as Locke-Ober's executive chef in 2011.
Essdras M. Suarez/Globe Staff/File 2011
| October 22, 2012
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“It’s a national historical monument, if you ask me,” Artiano said. “My greatest hope is that someone can save it and pull it from the ashes.
Globe File/2007
| October 22, 2012