Northwest San Antonio ramen shop Noodle Tree will close in January, bringing a bittersweet end to one of the UT-San Antonio area’s most cherished dining spots.
Chef-owner Mike Nguyen told the Current the restaurant’s final day of service will be Jan. 11 from noon to 8 p.m. — seven years to the day after it first opened. Nguyen, who’s battling cancer, said he made the decision to prioritize his health.
“This is my last rodeo in San Antonio,” Nguyen said. “My body needs to heal, and I’m afraid it will take anywhere from 18 to 36 months. I want to be able to have some quality of life with whatever time I have.”
To give customers more opportunities to visit before the closure, Noodle Tree will expand its weekend hours. Beginning immediately, the restaurant will be open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8:30 p.m.
Nguyen said the physical toll of chemotherapy has made it increasingly difficult to manage the demands of running a food business.
“For me, just to barely function on a daily basis, I’m taking 17 pills to keep me upright,” he added.
Another business will take over the space once Noodle Tree closes, Nguyen said. While he stopped short of ruling out a future return, he acknowledged it’s unlikely.
“I don’t want to say Noodle Tree will never come back, because you never know,” he said.
Noodle Tree was a beloved hub for ramen fans over the years, with Nguyen also branching out with creative concepts including Breeky, which served with Korean-inspired sandwiches, and Momo Yakitori, which served Japanese grilled foods. However, Noodle Tree was always at the heart of the space at 7114 UTSA Blvd., Suite 101.
Before closing, Nguyen plans to travel to Japan for a combined vacation and research-and-development trip, leaving open the possibility of one final treat for San Antonio diners.
“I may bring something back and give San Antonio one final surprise,” he teased. “But who knows?”
Until then, Nguyen said he’s focused on finishing strong and serving the community that’s supported Noodle Tree since its 2019 debut.
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