20th Century Cafe shutters its doors

Scores of EYB Members have praised the magnificent Baking at the 20th Century Cafe by Michelle Polzine. The stunning honey cake depicted on the cover is a mainstay of the book’s namesake restaurant, and is only the tip of the iceberg of great recipes found inside. Yesterday we learned the sad news that Polzine is permanently closing her Hayes Valley cafe.

Polzine, who opened the beloved cafe in 2013, sent an email to customers this week confirming that it will wind down activities and shutter its doors over the next two months. The news was a gut punch to the devoted regular customers of the cafe. While COVID played a part in the cafe’s demise, there were other contributing factors, says Polzine. A serious health issue put her out of commission right before the pandemic hit, and she struggled to find investors. Only a small (but devoted) crowd appreciated the Old World stylings and pace of the cafe.

The good news for fans of the cafe’s eponymous cookbook is that Polzine’s future plans might involve another book, after she takes a well-deserved break. She is also considering partnering with a savory chef or stepping into an existing restaurant. For those wishing to explore the Baking at the 20th Century Cafe cookbook more fully, Food52’s Baking Club is featuring the book as its selection for May.