Decision expected on Doyle's liquor license transfer to Seaport steakhouse

BOSTON — A decision is expected on Thursday whether the liquor license for the beloved Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain will be transferred to a new Boston restaurant.

The history is rich inside Doyle's but people have been coming and going to say goodbye after 137 years.

"This was always one of the spots we go to to be together," said Patrick Skelton.

Doyle's recently announced it is closing in Jamaica Plain and selling its liquor license to the owners of the new Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse in the Seaport.

Davio's made the official request to the city on Wednesday and a decision is expected Thursday. They are paying the owner of Doyle's $455,000 for the license.

Some say limiting the number of liquor licenses is forcing smaller entrepreneurs out of the game and the liquor license leaving Doyle's for the more luxurious section of the Seaport is the perfect example of what is wrong.

"Because the city is growing they have to grow those license because if you don't the restaurants won't open," said Skelton.

Mayor Marty Walsh told Boston 25 News Doyle's will always have a place in Boston's heart. His office is asking the state legislature to update the archaic law that puts a limit on the number of liquor licenses to the city.

"I wish we could just apply to the city of Boston and get one but that is not how the system works. You have to buy one from someone selling them," said Steve DiFillippo, Davio's.

Doyle's diehards are now trying to get a new location similar to what they are losing.

Doyle's does not have a hard end date. That should be released after the liquor licensed decision. They said they will likely close within the next month or so.

Cox Media Group