A popular bar is closing down permanently in Niagara Falls

Jack’s Cantina in Niagara Falls has been a mainstay on Centre Road in Niagara Falls for 28 years. It survived a serious fire in November 2011. They simply rebuild across the street.

But it couldn’t beat COVID-19.

Tonight (January 15) is last call for the popular Clifton Hill-area establishment after the owners announced on Facebook this week that they were shutting down for good – yet another victim of COVID-19 restrictions.

One employee told insauga.com, “It couldn’t take the ongoing restrictions from the pandemic.”

And the pandemic kept punching the popular night-spot until the bitter end. Instead of a final weekend with two glorious last calls, current restrictions are forcing all final evening patrons to leave at 11 pm.

Owner Dom DiGiorgio, a five-year Junior B goalie, took over the restaurant from father Jack in 2005.

Customers were gutted by the news, learning from the Facebook posting.

“Oh this is so sad. We never got to come back and see you all. (It) was the best place in Niagara Falls to drink and meet the locals. Jack was the best gentlemen and so kind hugs and good wishes to all of you,” said one.

Said another: “I spent a lot of my youth here!! Created some wonderful memories and met some great people. Thank you for your hospitality and we wish you all the best!”

“To the many memories we have and the many forgotten. Always a lot of tonnes of laughs” added another.

A musician who had played there said, “This bar should definitely be in the Niagara music scene history books!! So many memories gigging there and starting out as a young musician. Very sad to hear that it is closing.”

One American was sad he couldn’t cross the bridge for a final farewell. “So many memories there and across the street! Love everyone at Jacks treated us like family! Dom DeGiorgio, wish we could come from USA, but that is proving to be difficult nowadays!”