Five Points lost another landmark neighborhood restaurant as Al's Pizza abruptly shut its doors after 23 years.
The casual Italian restaurant announced the closure of its restaurant at 1620 Margaret St. in historic Riverside on social media on Tuesday evening, Aug. 25.
"We are immensely grateful for all of our customers, friends, and team members over the years who helped make this location such a staple. We will miss serving you," the post read.
On Wednesday morning, a sign hanging on the restaurant's front window thanked customers and referred would-be guests to four other Al's Pizza locations in the area that are still open.
No reason was given for the closure. Restaurant ownership couldn't be reached for comment.
Al's is the latest iconic Five Points restaurant to close, all within a block of each other. Mossfire Grill shut its doors in November 2025 after 27 years at 1537 Margaret St. And Black Sheep, at 1534 Oak St., closed in May 2023 after about 10 1/2 years.
Al's Pizza opened in Riverside in October 2003 in the second phase of the Publix-anchored Riverside Market Square, home to Starbucks Coffee, Sushi Cafe, Papa John's and others.
It was the longest-running restaurant tenant in the retail strip, which was bookended by Qdoba Mexican Grill (closed 2008) and Five Guys (closed 2013). Firehouse Subs now occupies the spot.
Longtime customers shared memories on social media after Al's closure announcement.
"This is incredibly sad. Many memories here over the last 15 years. Our go-to spot after Jags games. Sad to see it closed down. Feel sorry for all the staff and the community," one man posted on Al's Facebook page.
A woman noted past celebrations at the restaurant.
"I’ve had a lot of memories at this location. I had my prom night dinner there. Many lunches with my brother…. It will be missed. I’m sure the rent at that location is absolutely insane," she posted.
Still open are Al's Pizza locations at 14286 Beach Blvd. and 8060 Philips Highway in Jacksonville; 240 3rd St. in Neptune Beach and 635 A1A N. in Ponte Vedra Beach.
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Gary T. Mills of the Times-Union contributed to this report.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Five Points loses another landmark restaurant as pizzeria closes
