Starting in December 2023, a wave of bar and restaurant closures swept through the San Antonio area, and the high-profile losses included several nationally renowned eateries.

Unfortunately, the trend continued through the end of the year and into 2024. In addition to economic factors, owners cited construction disruptions, retirement and other circumstances as reasons for shutting down.

Rio Rio Cantina 421 E. Commerce St. Downtown’s Rio Rio Cantina closed on January 13 after 34 years in business. “Our lease was coming up, and we decided not to renew,” said Patrick Jennings, controller for the San Antonio-based Paesano’s restaurant group, which owned Rio Rio. “It’s a wonderful building, and the owners are great. It’s been an incredible run. Hats off to the thousands of people who have worked there over the years and the millions who have eaten there.” Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Wurst Behavior 358 E. Craig Place Sean Wen and Andrew Ho shut down their Asian-inspired beer garden Wurst Behavior after less than a year in operation. The restaurant’s menu featured items such as kimchi queso, brats topped with papaya salad and sweet Italian sausages garnished with charred eggplant and tomato purée. Credit: Nina Rangel
Second Pitch Beer Co. 11935 Starcrest Drive, (210) 474-0234, secondpitchbeer.com On March 7, Second Pitch Beer Co.’s owners announced that the spot was shutting down, with its last day in operation slated for March 9. The award-winning brewery featured abundant seasonal and rotating beers along with their Hometown Lager and Meet in the Middle IPA. “Thank you for the memories and for your support, love, and friendship over these three years,” the post announcing the closure read. “We met amazing people who we hope will be in our lives for years to come.” Credit: Photo via Instagram / secondpitchbeercompany
Yolanda’s Uptown Cafe 615 Fredericksburg Road Shortly before Christmas, Yolanda’s Uptown Cafe closed its doors. The 34-year-old business closed so owners Yolanda and Perfecto Vasquez can focus on retirement and each other, Yolanda told news site MySA. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Fratello’s Deli & Market Multiple locations, fratellosdeli.com Nothing warms the heart better than gooey, cheesy, freshly-made lasagna. Fratello’s also has extensive pasta and sandwich options sure to satiate any diner. Photo via Instagram / safoodgirl Credit: Photo via Instagram / safoodgirl
El Ojo 3000 N. St. Mary’s St. A St. Mary’s Strip staple since 2018, El Ojo was among the first casualties in this year’s onslaught of closures. It’s reopening in December as a dance club called Wav Room. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Brown Coffee Co. 812 S. Alamo St. San Antonio’s Brown Coffee Co. slung its last cups of joe on leap day. “Brown Coffee says goodbye! We hate to leave South Town! It’s been an awesome five years,” an Instagram post announcing the closure read. “The coffee community and culture is so amazing in San Antonio, and we were so proud to contribute to it.” Credit: Photo via Google Maps
16. Tlahco Mexican Kitchen – Stone Oak 1662 Encino Rio, Suite 100, tlahcokitchen.com “Delicious and authentic Mexican food! I love Tex-Mex as much as the next person, but it’s so refreshing to have authentic Mexican food served in handmade ceramics. The service is quick, the prices are slightly higher than other Mexican restaurants but worth it. It’s an unassuming and casual atmosphere, but the food is high quality” – Nicole D. Credit: Photo via Instagram / tlahco.mk
Meemo’s Bakery 2611 Wagon Wheel St. At the end of 2023, Meemo’s Bakery closed its doors. The company’s website was updated with a statement, which cited declining sales and lack of employees as reasons for the closure. “Dear customers, we regret to inform you that Meemo’s Bakery & Cafe has permanently closed due to staffing and supply concerns in the challenging economic climate,” the website stated. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Dry Dock Oyster Bar 8522 Fredericksburg Road Dry Dock Oyster Bar closed in February after 42 years in operation. A legal notice posted to the restaurant’s front door stated that the business failed to pay rent and was locked by its landlord. Dry Dock was founded in 1982 and known for its seafood-focused menu, beer and distinctive boat-shaped building. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Bexar Kolache Co. 819 Fredericksburg Road Bexar Kolache Co. closed up shop on Christmas Eve of 2023, but the bakery’s founder Emily Stone indicated she plans to relocate the business. “We’ll be back soon, #satx,” an Instagram post announcing the closure read. “my goal was to breathe life into SA’s historic buildings by filling a cultural gap in our food scene. I’ve now done it in 2 locations. Where will I renovate next?” Credit: Photo via Instagram / bexarkolaches
Cinderella Bakery 1261 Saltillo St. Originally founded in 1960, longtime West side business Cinderella Bakery closed permanently in early January. The family-owned bakery started out serving pan dulce but expanded to include other Mexican favorites, including tamales and barbacoa. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Augie’s Alamo City BBQ Steakhouse 909 Broadway Augie’s Alamo City BBQ Steakhouse closed in early March, citing ongoing construction and a “significant decrease in business.” Owner Augie Cortez said he intends to consolidate the eatery with the original Augie’s location at 3709 N. St. Mary’s St. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
AllStars Gentlemen’s Sports Club 9440 I-10 Northwest San Antonio’s long running AllStars Gentlemen’s Sports Club closed in early 2024. The business’ owners did not publicly state a reason for its closure, but the iconic AllStars sign — a longtime I-10 landmark — was put up for sale on Facebook Marketplace, with a price of $30,000 or best offer. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Nuevo Leon Bakery 1106 S. New Braunfels Ave. Nuevo Leon Bakery shut down in January of this year. The 28 year old business was known equally well for its tacos and its sweets. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Pig Liquors 519 S. Presa St. Southtown staple Pig Liquors, a homespun shop known for its cozy atmosphere and emphasis on specialty spirits, closed earlier this year so that owner Anet Alaniz could retire. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Chocollazo 4013 Broadway Boardwalk on Broadway sweets shop Chocollazo closed its doors in February. In a social media post, owners Mary and Frank Collazo said they’re shutting down Chocollazo Feb. 17 and thanked fans for their support. In the post, they stated that their daughter Mikala would be taking over the space with her venture The Ivy League Plant Shop. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Ace of Steaks 20626 Stone Oak Parkway, #103 The first restaurant to close in 2024 at this specific corner of Stone Oak, Ace of Steaks featured a Las Vegas-style bonanza of gold-encrusted entrees, bottle service and cuts of meat running $1,000. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Ace of Steaks
The Rill Eatery & Bar 518 River Road, Boerne Boerne’s The Rill Eatery & Bar closed after only three months in operation. The restaurant took over the space formerly occupied by Little Gretel. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Bier Garten Riverwalk 126 Losoya St. After serving up brews and authentic German fare on the River Walk since 2013, Bier Garten Riverwalk revealed in a January Facebook post that it was closing for good to make way for the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum Project. However, Mad Dogs Restaurant Group CEO Terry Corless shared in an official statement that he hoped to find another spot for the Bier Garten to take root. Credit: Photo via Google Maps

Additional Slideshows

23 San Antonio-area bars and restaurants that closed in 2023 that we’ll miss

San Antonio-area bars and restaurants that we said goodbye to in 2022