For over a decade, La Cuchara has served Basque cuisine to the people of Baltimore. But a fire Sunday has put the restaurant’s operations on an indefinite hold.
“We’ve had La Cuchara for almost 11 years now, and it’s extremely upsetting,” said chef and co-owner Ben Lefenfeld, who runs the restaurant with his wife Amy and brother Jake. “We’re just happy that nobody was hurt.”
The incident is still under investigation, but the Baltimore City Fire Department said they discovered a fire in the venting system. Firefighters brought it under control by 5:33 p.m. There were no injuries.
Lefenfeld said they do not yet know the extent of the damage or how much it will cost to repair.
La Cuchara opened in 2015 at the historic Meadow Mill building near Woodberry and Hampden, where it delighted customers with dishes from the Basque region of northern Spain and southern France. It has earned several accolades, such as “Best Cocktail” from the former Baltimore City Paper and “Baltimore’s Best Bar Program” from The Baltimore Sun.
Lefenfeld said he and his family are “all very shook up,” but their focus is on their 60 employees who have been impacted by the restaurant’s closure for the foreseeable future.
“Our first priority is making sure that we can continue paying staff, so that’s our main focus right now,” he said, “and then we’re just trying to navigate this process the best we can, as far as dealing with insurance companies.”
In the wake of the fire, Lefenfeld said they have received a flood of letters and social media posts from loyal La Cuchara customers.
“We’ve received an outpouring of support from the community and just really appreciate that…. People are writing reviews from dinners they had months ago and expressing their concern. It’s been overwhelming.”
On social media, patrons expressed their gratitude that no one was hurt and hope for a speedy recovery for the restaurant.
“You are my new favorite restaurant – my husband and I celebrated our anniversary there last Monday and I fell in love (with you; already loved my husband),” wrote Nora Neijstrom on Facebook. “Cannot wait to visit again!”
“I hope you all are ok,” wrote Rebecca Pollino on Instagram. “And I hope La Cuchara opens again soon. You’re the only place i feel 100% safe when eating out as a celiac.”
“You know we will be there as soon as you are able to reopen — loved our meal there Friday night,” wrote Henry Kahn on Facebook.
“You’re one of our favorite spots and will support you as soon as you get back on your feet,” wrote Sam McGovern on Instagram.
The fire also adds uncertainty to plans for a second restaurant concept that La Cuchara’s owners were working to bring to fruition.
In May 2025, the firm J. C. Porter Construction LLC announced it was renovating the former Five and Dime Ale House on The Avenue in Hampden, and that La Cuchara’s owners would operate it as a restaurant.
Asked whether the fire will impact those plans, Lefenfeld said they are awaiting more information.
“We really don’t know yet how everything is gonna fit together,” Lefenfeld said of the concept in the vacant Five and Dime. “At this point, we’re just trying to gather as much information we can so we make educated decisions moving forward.”
