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"Early on Monday, August 8, I noticed Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe had closed — the owners posted on Facebook and Instagram that after 20 years in operation they’ve decided to call it quits, offering no specific reason. Launched in 2002, the Emeryville diner was a late-night East Bay hang with expansive 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily hours and was beloved for cheap shrimp tacos, indulgent dishes like Mr. Roadie’s Fish and Chips, and the Monster Chili Cheeseburger. The closure follows the 2018 closing of its Oakland location that was attached to the Fox Theater; the cafe had been nominated for and won Oakland Magazine’s Best Cafe multiple times (including this year), drew a visit from Guy Fieri in 2010, and was partially owned by Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt. Named after the Clash song “Rudie Can’t Fail,” the location previously spent 40 years as Eugene’s Ranch House, and the owners’ announcement said it was time to “pass the torch,” though it’s unclear what will come into the space next." - Paolo Bicchieri