Downtown Lansing has officially lost a fixture of its culinary scene. La Cocina Cubana, located at 123 S. Washington Sq., has permanently closed its doors following a failed attempt to secure a new lease. The closure marks the end of a decade-long operation for the restaurant, which had previously announced a temporary closure in late October 2026.
According to a Facebook post published by La Cocina Cubana on October 28, the restaurant was unable to negotiate a new lease for its space. The statement cited “significant maintenance issues” in the aging building and noted that the business had operated without a formal lease for a year, paying rent month to month while covering repair costs. “Despite our efforts to negotiate a new lease under fair and workable terms,” the post read, “we were unable to reach an agreement.”
Lease Dispute Leads to Permanent Closure
The restaurant’s closure follows months of uncertainty. La Cocina Cubana initially announced a temporary shutdown in late October 2026 but did not disclose the reason at the time. The permanent decision came after ongoing challenges with the property’s lease terms, which the business claimed were unsustainable. The Facebook post emphasized the emotional weight of the decision, stating, “After more than 10 years of serving our wonderful community, this was not an easy decision.”
Sister Restaurant Remains Open in East Lansing
While the Downtown Lansing location has closed, La Cocina Cubana’s sister restaurant, Cuban Cuisine, continues to operate in East Lansing. Located at 219 E Grand River Ave, the East Lansing branch remains a point of continuity for customers. The original restaurant’s Facebook post acknowledged the closure as “heartfelt” but expressed gratitude for the community’s support over the years.
The exact timeline for the final day of operations was not specified in the source material. The closure adds to a list of Lansing businesses that have shut down in recent years, though no further details about future plans for the space were provided.
