The uncertain economy is spelling trouble for San Antonio’s service industry.
Even some of our most beloved bars and restaurants aren’t immune to the effects of rising rents, tariff-based price increases and consumers’ diminishing purchasing power. This year, the Alamo City has already lost wonderful dining spots, some of which had been in business for decades.
Gone but not forgotten, here are some of the eateries and watering holes that we have lost already this year.
Comfort Cafe at Los Patios
2015 NE Loop 410 at Los Patios
Comfort Cafe closed its Los Patios location in June. The popular pay-what-you-can brunch spot with a righteous mission is sadly gone, but the good news is that Comfort Cafe still has two other locations, at 6812 Bandera Road in Leon Valley and 111 NW 1st Street in Smithville. Further, is has opened a coffee, crepe and gift shop called Sweet Serenity “just steps away from its Bandera Road location.” Credit: Nina RangelBunz Handcrafted Burgers6819 N. Loop 1604 West
San Antonio said goodbye to the Bunz Handcrafted Burger location at La Cantera-area the first week of May. Luckily, the original Bunz location is still in operation at 122 E. Houston St. downtown. Credit: Instagram / blue143Ocho at Hotel Havana
1015 Navarro St, (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com
With Pan-Latin fare, mojitos and a chic aesthetic at the forefront, Ocho is a favorite for a reason. Tourists may flock to the beautiful Hotel Havana, but locals will feel more than welcome to enjoy the scenery brought to you by this glass-enclosed riverside spot. With the cocktail menu highlighting San Antonio’s Mexican roots (we’re talking about tequila) and the prevalence of rum in Havana’s culture, guests will be drinking well here. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Nick Simonite for Hotel HavanaHavana Bar
1015 Navarro St., (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com.
Havana Bar closed in tandem with Ocho. A red lightbulb and a descent down candlelit stairs led the way into this sultry bar in the basement of Hotel Havana where time appeared to stand still. Dim lighting and overstuffed chairs created an intimate environment for drinks after a show at the Tobin Center. This one hurts. Credit: Travis E. PolingTiago’s Cabo Grille
17711 I-10 #101, (210) 254-9901,https://www.tiagoscabogrille.com/
After 18 years in business, Tiago’s Cabo Grille said adios in July. The taqueria located at The Rim was known for its coastal Mexican fare, margaritas and chocolate cake before its closure. But the silver lining of the story is that a Salsita Drinks & Tacos has opened in its place. Credit: Instagram / tiagoscabogrilleCascabel Mexican Patio
1000 S St Mary’s St, (210) 212-6456Cascabel Mexican Patio has closed down after more than two decades of serving up interior-Mexican cuisine. Credit: Facebook / Cascabel Mexican PatioBond’s 007 Rock Bar
450 Soledad St., (210) 255-0007, bondsrockbar.com
This long-running downtown bar, which closed at the beginning of the year, harkened back to the era when San Antonio was called the Heavy Metal Capital of the World. The walls were adorned with hard rock memorabilia, and the bar top was decorated with the logos of nearly any ’80s metal act you can think of. The upstairs music venue offered live bands on the weekends, including occasional touring shows, and boasted an appropriately powerful sound system. Credit: Michael KarlisLa Chinita’s
1012 Avondale Ave, (210) 534-8010
This unassuming and unique spot had Chinese-American fare, plus a few Mexican dishes like rice & beans. However, after months of it being “temporarily closed,” it doesn’t show any signs of life any time soon.Jardín Restaurant
555 Funston Place, (210) 338-5100, jardinsatx.com
Jardin is known for elevated Mediterranean brunch in the beautiful setting of the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. The restaurant announced that its final day of service is May 31. Credit:Instagram / jardinsatxPhoenix Chinese Cafe11821 West Ave. After more than two decades of serving Cantonese cuisine on the North Side, Phoenix Chinese Cafe appears to have closed. Credit: Kat StinsonPinch Boil House
5130 Broadway
This Viet-Cajun concept has been a big hit with adventurous eaters of the Alamo City. April 27 was the last day of service for the restaurant after 10 years in business. At least we still have their other concept, Curry Boys BBQ. Credit:Photo via Instagram / pinchboilhouseThe Lemon Girls2214 N Zarzamora St. The Lemon Girls juice shop was among last year’s recipients for “Queer to Stay,” a business development grant by the Human Rights Campaign. However, it wasn’t enough to keep the lights on for the business. Credit: Instagram / @TheLemonGirlsSATXStixs & Stone5718 B Wurzbach Rd. The Northwest San Antonio spot led by chef Leo Davila earned accolades for mixing Asian and Tex-Mex flavors. The four-year-old shuttered its doors on March 29. Credit: Ron BechtolMad Pecker Brewing Co.6025 Tezel Rd #122 Add Mad Pecker Brewing Co. to the list of Alamo City craft-beer producers unable to ride out a dismal industry climate. The brewpub closed its doors March 31. Credit: Adam DoeRevolutionary Wings427 E Ramsey Rd. This North Side wing spot closed down March 29. The business, which started as a food truck, offered an extensive menu of wings in a variety of creative flavors. Credit: Screen Shot: Google MapsPlantyful Sweets
1520 N. Main Ave.
This plant-based superfood bakery offered vegan and allergy-friendly baked goods. The shop closed its storefront in March. Credit:Photo via Instagram / plantyfulsweetsBarrio Dogg620 S Presa St. San Diego-based Barrio Dogg closed its Southtown San Antonio location in February, less than a year after opening in March 2024. Credit: Instagram / barriodoggsatxRebelle
300 E. Travis St.
Formerly housed inside the St. Anthony Hotel, “modern classic” Rebelle was a favorite for inventive cocktails and seafood that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. In January, the dining destination abruptly closed its doors, shortly after sacking its longtime chef. Credit: Sanford NowlinThatta Boy Burgers23503 Hardy Oak Blvd #105 Thatta Boy Burgers closed in January after just 6 months in business. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Thatta Boy BurgersThe Frutería Southtown1401 S Flores St Ste. 102. Johnny Hernandez’s The Frutería-Botanero, which served Mexican snacks, closed its doors in January for a new concept “coming soon.” Credit: Courtesy Photo / Johnny HernandezLa Madeleine4820 BroadwayLa Madeleine’s 32-year-old Broadway location closed at the beginning of the year. Credit: Sanford NowlinTexas T Pub121 Broadway Lively downtown dive Texas T Pub has shut down after 40 years in business. The bar first opened its doors in 1986. Credit: Facebook / Texas T PubThe General Public and Bowl & Barrel17619 La Cantera Pkwy #102 The General Public and Bowl & Barrel both announced the closure of their locations at The Rim in August. Both businesses are owned by Dallas’ FreeRange Concepts. Credit: Instagram / bowlandbarrelJim’s11803 Bandera RoadThe Jim’s at 11803 Bandera Road join’s a list of closures that includes longtime diners on Broadway and Hildebrand Avenue. Credit: Google Street ViewThai Cafe11318 Perrin BeitelThai Cafe shut down in early August with little fanfare. The family-owned restaurant on Perrin Beitel Road had been in service for 27 years. Credit: Instagram / thaicafesanantonioCypress Cafe
1222 N. Main Ave., (210) 225-8593, facebook.com/Cypress-cafe-273289429509756
Korean Restaurant Cypress Cafe closed in May one year after being forced to relocate. Cypress Cafe was known to serve up a menu of yummy Korean bites like bulgogi and savory bibimbap. However, owner Mimi Lee said she’s dealing with health problems that forced her to close ‘indefinitely.’ Credit:Photo via Instagram / cypresscafemimiFiesta Patio Cafe
1421 Pat Booker Rd, Universal City San Antonio healthy Tex-Mex staple La Fiesta Patio Cafe abruptly closed after being in business since 1974. The cafe located in Universal City abruptly announced its closure in May after saying it would close in mid-June. Credit: Instagram / Fiesta Patio CafeCosMc’s Multiple locationsThis McDonald’s-associated fast food chain CosMc’s closed in May less than a year after launch. The beverage-led chain focused on menu items for those combatting the “3 p.m. slump,” according to company officials, including lattes, frappes, and other beverages, plus pretzels. Credit: Courtesy of CosMc'sThe Hayden Alon location
10003 NW Military Hwy #2115 The Hayden shuttered its location at the North Side’s Alon Town Centre in May. However, the chain’s original location at 4025 Broadway isn’t going away anytime soon, and even plans to extend its business hours and also update its menu and catering options. Credit: Courtesy Photo / The Hayden
