Decades old Pleasanton diner Stable Cafe closes for good

Stable Cafe, a 32-year-old Pleasanton diner operating at the horse racetrack of the Alameda County Fairgrounds, served its final meal on Sept. 8.

Esther Hill — cook, waitress, cashier and owner — ran the operation for 32 years. She has decided to retire and move closer to her family, according to Pleasanton Weekly. News of the closure was originally announced in a Facebook post on Aug. 6. 

“The Stable cafe has been a staple in P-Town racing. Coffee, gossip and racing secrets were shared in ‘The Kitchen’ all before the sunrise,” read part of the statement. “A true community around the track.”

Reflected in the outpour of well wishes on the Facebook post, the Stable Cafe — and Hill herself — will be missed.

Customer Luree Skinner-Jones commented that Stable Cafe was the ‘best secret spot ever.’ 

“I was feeling sadness, and joy, when [Hill] told me,” wrote Ernie Aldama on the goodbye post. “Congrats to a great run, but now it’s time for a new chapter.”

Kathy Layman added that she was thankful that her family got to know the Stable Cafe in a special way.

“We will miss going for amazing breakfasts and dinners,” she wrote. “Have a great time in retirement, Ester! You are the best!”

As of now, it is unknown what will happen next at the restaurant space. CBS reported that no buyer emerged when Hill announced her retirement.

SFGATE reached out to Stable Cafe but did not hear back in time for publication.