San Carlos is preparing to say goodbye to one of its dining landmarks. Izzy’s, the lone steakhouse located along Skyway Road, will close its doors on Oct. 4 after nearly 20 years in business.
The restaurant, opened in 2005 as the Peninsula outpost of Sam DuVall’s San Francisco institution Izzy’s Steaks & Chops, quickly became a go-to destination for family dinners, special occasions, and community gatherings. Its warm interior and hearty menu reflected DuVall’s vision of an old-school neighborhood steakhouse, a concept that carried through even after his daughter, Samantha Bechtel, took over operations.
Announcing the closure, Bechtel called the decision “difficult” but expressed gratitude: “We are incredibly proud of the memories created here…the thousands of meals served, special moments shared, and most of all, the dedication of our team who have delivered warm, genuine hospitality day after day.”
Izzy’s Announcement of Closure in Instagram
2023 to 2024 Renovation and Changes
The news quickly sparked a wave of responses from San Carlos residents. Many described Izzy’s as a “staple” of the community and shared personal memories tied to the restaurant. “It was very sad to hear about it,” one longtime patron said. “I have such good memories of the place.” Others noted changes in recent years that may have contributed to the closure.
Izzy’s in San Carlos shut down in June 2023 for a major overhaul and remained closed for about seven months. It reopened in January 2024 with two new private dining rooms, a garden patio, and a redesigned interior featuring updated booths, bold flooring, and murals that honored the restaurant’s history.
The menu was also refreshed, keeping signature steaks while adding seasonal dishes and vegetarian options. While many welcomed the upgrades, some longtime patrons later felt the new version didn’t fully capture the cozy charm of the original.
Community Reactions
Several customers pointed to service challenges after the restaurant’s COVID-era remodel, with one commenting that “it wasn’t the same” and “lost a lot of business.”
For many families, though, the sentiment is less about operations and more about tradition. “My mom and aunt loved to go there,” one resident reflected. Another described Izzy’s as their “family’s Sunday ritual,” underscoring how deeply the restaurant was woven into daily life in San Carlos. Some customers recall going to Izzy’s for regular dinner and also for “Seniors Dinner” which happened 4:00 – 6:00 PM, featuring their best items on menu at smaller portions and reduced price.
When a longstanding spot closes, residents often feel not just the loss of a business but the fading of a familiar piece of life in San Carlos. The comments around Izzy’s closing reflect that sense of loss. As one commenter put it simply: “It was a great restaurant. Very sad.”
Looking Ahead
While the San Carlos location will close, Izzy’s will continue operating in San Francisco’s Marina District. For many local families, the tradition may carry on across the bridge, even as they mourn the loss of their neighborhood steakhouse.
Izzy’s final service is scheduled for Oct. 4, marking the end of a chapter that left an indelible mark on San Carlos.
Izzy’s Steaks and Chops San Carlos 13 Years Ago, photo from wikimapia.
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