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San Antonio might have seen more than 100 restaurant, coffeeshop, bakery, tea shop, and food truck openings this year, but we also said goodbye to quite a few spots we’re going to miss. Join us in pouring a 40 for these homies.
Crossroads Kitchen
The iconic late-night food spot on the St. Mary’s Strip closed on July 31 after three and a half years. Credit: CourtesyLüke
The closing of celebrity chef John Besh’s Lüke made headlines, though it wasn’t the biggest surprise. The restaurant that helped change San Antonio’s culinary scene had weakened in recent years, with a somewhat brutal review from the San Antonio Express-News in October 2016 signaled the beginning of the end. Lüke officially closed its doors on February 28.
Photo via Facebook / Lüke San Antonio Credit:Courtesy of Lüke San AntonioTimbo’s Burgers
Timbo’s closed in mid-June after 10 years at its Broadway location. Owners lost the lease in May and were given a 90-day notice. Earl Abel’s has since relocated and set up shop in the former burger joint.
Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras Credit:Instagram/JessElizarrarasBest Sunday Funday:
CLOSED – Nectar Wine Bar & Ale House, 214 Broadway, (210) 375-4082, nectarsa.com
Photo via Instagram, nectarwinebarBistro Vatel
San Antonians have one less French dining spot with the closing of Bistro Vatel during Father’s Day weekend. Chef Damian Watel and staff are now working out of Bite, owned by wife and fellow chef Lisa Astorga-Watel. Credit: Courtesy of Chez Vatel BistroThe Fridge
The Fridge decided to call it quits at the end of July. RIP The Hottie – a Hot Cheetos-crusted sandwich that was made with the munchies in mind. Credit: CourtesyBronson Holbrook and Natalie Nazarewicz
Photo courtesy of PRESS Coffee Credit: CourtesyThe Original Hot Dog House
The hot dog house, located on Bitters Road, closed on August 27. Owners shared with the Current that they’re now focusing on sister location Pugels.
Photo via Instagram / kristlelauren Credit:Instagram/kristlelaurenCha-Cha’s Mexican Restaurant
The Mexican joint, located off of Bandera Road, closed in August after 32+ years in the business. Credit: Orlando CantuEl Machito
7300 Jones Maltsberger, (210) 314-3971, chefjohnnyhernandez.com
Photo via Instagram, @elmachitosaOlmos Pharmacy
Olmos Park – and the rest of San Antonio – lost the ever-iconic Olmos Pharmacy on September 7.
Photo via Facebook / Olmos Pharmacy Credit: Photo via Facebook / Olmos PharmacyStay Golden Social House
Stay Golden closed its doors in June, with the building since being demolished. A 10-story office building will be built in its place. Owners have plans to reopen just a block away, in the former home of Run Wild Sports at the corner of Grayson and Broadway. Its new name? Still Golden Social House. Credit: CourtesyPollos Asados Los Norteños
4642 Rigsby Ave., (210) 648-3303, facebook.com
As of June 28, San Antonio’s favorite chicken spot has closed yet again just two months after reopening. The Rigsby spot has had smoke problem in the past, much to the complaint of the restaurant’s owners.
Photo via Instagram / jesselizarrarasBurnt Ends
The barbecue spot vacated its Blanco Road location at the end of January. A February Facebook post indicated Burnt Ends would set up shop somewhere else, but has yet to do so at year’s end.
Photo via Instagram / burntendssaSaigon Express
A favorite for pho, Saigon Express abruptly shut down on April 7 after 14 years in the noodle game. The owner declined to give reason for closure.
Photo via Instagram / ElBeggar Credit:Instagram/ElBeggarTacos N Tequila
The taco spot pulled the plug on the San Antonio location after three years. The other texas locations in Dallas and Austin remain open. Credit: Dan PaytonMalinalli Bakery & Bistro ?
2211 NW Military Hwy #131, (210) 209-3463, malinalli.us
This family-owned establishment offers savory eats like the chorizo and egg torta, as well as Mexican coffee, sourced from Cuetzalan, Mexico, hand-rolled croissants and seasonal treats.
Photo via Instagram, s.a.foodieNapa Flats
The Bryan-based eatery decided to close the San Antonio location in late October, after more than two years. Credit: Dan PaytonAlchemy Kombucha and Culture
Known for making Element Kombucha (San Antonio’s first take on fermented tea) and a veggie-driven menu, Alchemy closed its dining operations in mid-June. It now focuses on higher production of Element Kombucha, available at H-E-B.
Photo via Facebook / Alchemy Kombucha and Culture Credit:Facebook/Alchemy Kombucha and CultureAlberico Fine Wine
‘Accidental Restaurant’ Alberico Fine Wine Needs Fine Tuning Credit: Dan PaytonAldacos Mexican Cuisine-Stone Oak
20079 Stone Oak Pkwy, (210) 494-0561, aldacosrestaurants.com
How do $4 Bloody Marys and $3 Mimosas sound? Pair them with a breakfast chile relleno or chilaquiles San Antonio with puntas de puerco 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for a complete brunch experience.
Photo via Instagram, twentysomethingsa