A cafe in Bellevue, best known for its elevated burgers and sandwiches made with locally sourced, organic ingredients, is closing for good after 12-and-a-half years in business.
Elusive Cow announced on social media that its final day in business will be Sunday, May 25. The restaurant says the industry hasn’t been the same since the COVID-19 pandemic. Add in issues with inflation and the higher cost of goods and imports, plus the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge being closed for 100 days following a fire last November, and it created too many insurmountable obstacles.
“We have done everything we can to control our cost, so much so that after 12 1/2 [years] of being open, our operational budget is not much more than when it started. The issue has been that with the economic uncertainty being so prevalent these days, we totally understand that many folks have cut back dining out as often,” owner Jim Fisher wrote.
Fisher also thanked the vendors, farmers and staff who worked with Elusive Cow over the years, as well as all the guests who have dined with them.
“We hope that over these next few weeks that you will stop by and share one more meal with us. It’s been such a great honor and privilege to serve so many wonderful people over these past 12 1/2 years. Sure we weren’t always perfect, but we did our best to make sure that the food that you were spending your hard earned money was always delicious.”
Elusive Cow’s last day is Sunday, May 25. The cafe is located at 519 Fairfield Ave. and will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
More info: theelusivecow.com.
This article appears in May 14-27, 2025.
