The kitchen’s closed.
Loyal patrons of a Sheepshead Bay Turkish restaurant took to social media this week to mourn the loss of the community staple as it shut its doors for good earlier this month.
“I know Sahara Restaurant Brooklyn wasn’t doing well in recent years, but to see it permanently closed feels like a death,” wrote Sahana Hanif on Facebook.
Located at 2337 Coney Island Ave., the family-owned Mediterranean eatery first opened in 1986 and featured a dining area, dance club, and private event space.
“Our establishment can accommodate any occasion with our outside seating in the oasis garden, private party room with a capacity of 40, and our second-floor dance hall for special occasions with a capacity of 110. No party is too big or too small,” reads the now-defunct restaurant’s promotional materials.
Over the years, Sahara developed a devout following in the neighborhood, becoming a go-to spot for holidays and special occasions, patrons said.
“We spent every Christmas and Easter here and we’d always come in the summer,” said Facebook user Mariam Atia. “So sad.”
The closing gives the community one less place to grub, but for some, it represents a more sentimental loss.
“This restaurant was a Brooklyn icon for my family and so many people I know. It’s where we went for birthdays, anniversaries, and family get togethers,” Hanif said. “Feels odd to lose a dining place where so many late nights with my parents and sisters were spent.”
