San Antonio dining spot Ocho closes doors after 14 years at Hotel Havana

Ocho, the vibrant Pan-Latin restaurant known for its turquoise-tinted interiors and striking glass conservatory, has quietly closed its doors.

The final service for the dining spot inside downtown’s Hotel Havana was June 29’s Sunday brunch.

Ocho culinary mastermind Jesse Kuykendall, best known as Chef Kirk, announced the news via social media channels. Chef Kirk took over as executive chef in 2019, helming the restaurant popular for its stunning decor, open River Walk views and award-winning fare.

“We truly appreciate all the love and support over the years,” wrote Chef Kirk, who also was named a 2023 San Antonio UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy chef ambassador.

The Ocho team “didn’t want to make a big announcement because we wanted a peaceful, intentional closing,” the online post added. 

Even though Chef Kirk oversaw Ocho’s menu for nearly a decade, they also excelled at multitasking. The hard-working culinary powerhouse earned the rare distinction of being San Antonio’s only two-time Food Network champion and also co-founded Milpa, a separate dining and catering concept dedicated to Mexican street food.

“We’ve grown here, shared countless memories and built something special,” Chef Kirk said. “We’re proud of our team and excited for what’s ahead.”

Concluding, Chef Kirk added that the Ocho property is about to undergo “beautiful renovations.”

The Current reached out to Hotel Havana and the chef for further details but got no response by press time.

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This article appears in Jun 26 – Jul 9, 2025.