'Guess we’re next.' Walnut Hills cocktail bar/taqueria closing after just 9 months

Solstice, a tropical-themed cocktail bar and taqueria in Walnut Hills, announced it will shutter after just nine months in business. The announcement was made on the restaurant's Facebook page Monday morning.

Solstice opened in June 2023 in the former Suzie Wong's restaurant space. It was owned and operated by the trio of Chris Wolfe, Andy Smith and Brad Lauck, who also own Anjou, a popular high-end craft cocktail bar located just around the corner from Solstice.

"Guess we’re next," the Facebook post began. "... It has been an amazing 9 months being able to bring flavors of the tropics to our neighborhood but unfortunately, we have not experienced the growth needed to continue this journey." Solstice will be open Tuesday and Wednesday, and its final day of service will be Thursday, March 14.

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I wrote about Solstice in July 2023, noting the creativity of its tacos, which included the Spanish-style Zaragoza taco with grilled chicken tossed in tomato sauce and avocado – the South Indian Tiger of Mysore with braised lamb seasoned with turmeric, ginger, garam masala and curry leaf – and the O and No taco with shrimp, creamy avocado coleslaw and banana pepper sauce.

"We cannot thank you enough for your support and are grateful to have shared this experience with you," the post continued. "Most importantly, we want to thank our Solstice family, without who, we could never have made any of this happen. Their dedication and passion for what we do is what made this such a special place and such a struggle for us to make this decision."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Solstice, a Walnut Hills cocktail bar and taqueria, announces closure