Bar Abruptly Closes For Good In Downtown Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — A mainstay in the downtown Westfield dining scene for more than 20 years is shutting its doors in 2026.

16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro at 16 Prospect Street is permanently closed, effective as of Thursday.

The brother/owner team of Westfield natives, Christopher and Timothy Boyle, addressed their followers in a social media post on Thursday morning:

"Happy New Year from 16 Prospect. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control we shall be closed permanently. My spine refuses to return to work in 2026. I'll post more detail later.

Longtime customers and supporters of the downtown hangout were quick to offer their well-wishes and memories in response to the surprise information.

"I'm truly heartbroken," Facebook user Carlos Gonzalez said. "For the better part of two decades, it's been such a special part of our little town-festive, welcoming, and always memorable."

The intimate dining setting featured a stage that housed live music five nights a week and a 72-seat dining room towards the back of the restaurant. Everything, including bread, juices, mixes, and bar snacks, was made in-house, the business said.

One user on Facebook also mentioned the charitable endeavors, such as supporting seniors who were in hospice, that the restaurant supported over the years.

"Sweet memories in the past dining and donating," Noel A. Crawford said, "...and then seeing plaques in the bar area with my parents' names engraved!"

Patch has reached out for further information regarding the closing and will bring you details as they become available.

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