BiBo’s Madd Apple Café, a favorite spot for dining in the city’s Arts District before attending the theater at Portland Stage Company, announced on social media Monday that it will close Jan. 1, after 18 years in business.

William Boutwell, who owns the hip little café at 23 Forest Ave. with his wife, Andrea, announced on Twitter and Facebook that they will hold a farewell dinner on Dec. 16 and a New Year’s event on Dec. 31.

“As we announce the end of this adventure,” Boutwell wrote in a letter to customers, “John Hiatt’s lyric comes to mind, ‘mixing up drinks with mixed feelings.’ Our recipe includes: Pride in and exhaustion from the hard work, Gratitude for all the kindness and support along the way, Anticipation and anxiety for what lies ahead, and a tinge of Sadness. It’s never easy to Kiss & Say Goodbye.”

The Madd Apple is known for its “Satanic eggs” – the restaurant was offering deviled eggs with varied fillings long before deviled eggs became trendy again – apple fritters, and Maine Lobster and Crab Cakes.