It’s to be expected that we’ll see a wave of restaurant closures each year — it’s the nature of the industry, after all — but 2023 hit San Antonio’s food scene particularly hard.
This year, we said goodbye to a variety of bars and restaurants beloved by the community, from historic, long-standing eateries such as the Pig Stand to nationally lauded Carnitas Lonja.
As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at the places San Antonio foodies lost that we know they’re going to miss.
23 San Antonio-area bars and restaurants that closed in 2023 that we’ll miss
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Dec 8, 2023 at 1:48 pm
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Amber Esparza
Carnitas Lonja
1103 Roosevelt Ave.
Carnitas Lonja had a tumultuous 2023 that ultimately ended with the spot’s closure. In June, owner Alex Paredes announced that the spot would take a “short break,” and also vacate its original location, which was taken over by Lovers Pizza. In August, Lonja Food Hall debuted in the space next door, but by December Paredes announced the closure of Carnitas Lonja and Fish Lonja, with the final day of service slated for Dec. 31.
1103 Roosevelt Ave.
Carnitas Lonja had a tumultuous 2023 that ultimately ended with the spot’s closure. In June, owner Alex Paredes announced that the spot would take a “short break,” and also vacate its original location, which was taken over by Lovers Pizza. In August, Lonja Food Hall debuted in the space next door, but by December Paredes announced the closure of Carnitas Lonja and Fish Lonja, with the final day of service slated for Dec. 31.
Sanford Nowlin
Pig Stand
1508 Broadway
After 101 years of service, the iconic downtown-area diner Pig Stand announced the sale of its Broadway building to a land developer in February and confirmed its permanent closure in March. San Antonio’s Pig Stand was the last in a nationwide chain, which flourished in the mid-20th century.
1508 Broadway
After 101 years of service, the iconic downtown-area diner Pig Stand announced the sale of its Broadway building to a land developer in February and confirmed its permanent closure in March. San Antonio’s Pig Stand was the last in a nationwide chain, which flourished in the mid-20th century.
Brandon Rodriguez
Twin Sisters Bakery & Cafe
6322 N. New Braunfels Ave.
After 43 years serving breakfast and lunch in Alamo Heights, Twin Sisters closed its doors in June. The eatery was known for its signature sweet potato muffins and Caesar salads.
6322 N. New Braunfels Ave.
After 43 years serving breakfast and lunch in Alamo Heights, Twin Sisters closed its doors in June. The eatery was known for its signature sweet potato muffins and Caesar salads.
Photo via Instagram / betosaltmex
Beto’s Alt-Mex
8142 Broadway
Due to a 40% rise in operating costs over the past year, longtime Broadway eatery Beto’s Alt-Mex closed in March after 25 years. The owners indicated they hope to maintain the brand by creating a cookbook and potentially collaborating with stores like H-E-B on pre-packaged meals.
8142 Broadway
Due to a 40% rise in operating costs over the past year, longtime Broadway eatery Beto’s Alt-Mex closed in March after 25 years. The owners indicated they hope to maintain the brand by creating a cookbook and potentially collaborating with stores like H-E-B on pre-packaged meals.
Photo via Google Maps
Martha’s Mexican Restaurant and Grill
5822 Babcock Road
Martha’s Mexican Restaurant and Grill, a longtime hidden gem for margaritas and Tex-Mex, announced its closure in April. According to the owners, this decision was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of the economy.
5822 Babcock Road
Martha’s Mexican Restaurant and Grill, a longtime hidden gem for margaritas and Tex-Mex, announced its closure in April. According to the owners, this decision was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of the economy.
Courtesy Photo / Sangria on the Burg
Sangria on the Burg
5115 Fredericksburg Road
In early December, local chef Ceasar Zepeda revealed that his beloved brunch spot Sangria on the Burg would close Dec. 31. He cited “rising costs and declining sales” as the reason for the decision to shutter the Medical Center-area restaurant.
5115 Fredericksburg Road
In early December, local chef Ceasar Zepeda revealed that his beloved brunch spot Sangria on the Burg would close Dec. 31. He cited “rising costs and declining sales” as the reason for the decision to shutter the Medical Center-area restaurant.
Courtesy Photo / Luna Music Bar & Lounge
Luna Music Bar & Lounge
6740 San Pedro Ave.
San Pedro music venue Luna changed hands in late November, after 20 years in operation. Luna owner Marcos Treviño announced the sale on social media, stating that he wants to spend more time with family and “would like to go out on top and on our terms.” At the time, he did not name the buyers, but wished them well "in whatever direction they decide to take the venue."
6740 San Pedro Ave.
San Pedro music venue Luna changed hands in late November, after 20 years in operation. Luna owner Marcos Treviño announced the sale on social media, stating that he wants to spend more time with family and “would like to go out on top and on our terms.” At the time, he did not name the buyers, but wished them well "in whatever direction they decide to take the venue."
Photo via Instagram / windmill_ice_house
Windmill Ice House
2769 Nacogdoches
Offering traditional Texan styles of barbecue, Windmill Ice House served an expansive and customizable array of options. The restaurant closed its doors in July, and a new location of Biff Buzby’s Burgers is slated to open in the space.
2769 Nacogdoches
Offering traditional Texan styles of barbecue, Windmill Ice House served an expansive and customizable array of options. The restaurant closed its doors in July, and a new location of Biff Buzby’s Burgers is slated to open in the space.
Photo via Google Maps
Little Gretel Restaurant
518 River Road, Boerne
Little Gretel, a Boerne restaurant alongside Cibolo Creek which specialized in Czech-German-Eastern European fare, announced its closure in April due to the retirement of chef-owners Denise and Jimmy Mazal. Its menu included items such as schnitzel, sauerbraten and wild boar sausages.
518 River Road, Boerne
Little Gretel, a Boerne restaurant alongside Cibolo Creek which specialized in Czech-German-Eastern European fare, announced its closure in April due to the retirement of chef-owners Denise and Jimmy Mazal. Its menu included items such as schnitzel, sauerbraten and wild boar sausages.
Jaime Monzon
The Squeezebox
2806 N. St. Mary's St.
St. Mary’s Strip staple The Squeezebox shuttered this summer, citing losses from lengthy road construction in the area as “the final death blow” to the bar.
2806 N. St. Mary's St.
St. Mary’s Strip staple The Squeezebox shuttered this summer, citing losses from lengthy road construction in the area as “the final death blow” to the bar.
Nina Rangel
Bubby’s Jewish Soul Food
12730 NW Military Highway
Bagel haven Bubby’s Jewish Soul Food shuttered in July after two years in business. Married business partners Jason and Charlie Nuttall-Fiske opened the restaurant in November of 2021, serving up sandwiches, soups and deli counter items prepared using recipes passed on by their own bubbies, or grandmothers.
12730 NW Military Highway
Bagel haven Bubby’s Jewish Soul Food shuttered in July after two years in business. Married business partners Jason and Charlie Nuttall-Fiske opened the restaurant in November of 2021, serving up sandwiches, soups and deli counter items prepared using recipes passed on by their own bubbies, or grandmothers.
Photo via Google Maps
Grady’s Bar-B-Q
Multiple Locations
Grady’s Bar-B-Q, well-known for its smoked meats, fried catfish and homestyle sides, shockingly closed all three of its locations this May after more than 70 years operating in San Antonio. A reason was not provided for the closure, but company representatives said they were attempting to find work for as many of their employees as possible.
Multiple Locations
Grady’s Bar-B-Q, well-known for its smoked meats, fried catfish and homestyle sides, shockingly closed all three of its locations this May after more than 70 years operating in San Antonio. A reason was not provided for the closure, but company representatives said they were attempting to find work for as many of their employees as possible.
![Sarah’s Barbacoa
6330 De Zavala Road, Suite 103
North Side Mexican restaurant Sarah’s Barbacoa shut its doors this March after four years of serving tamales and tacos. Owner Sarah Hernandez took to Instagram to share that she was looking to pursue other venture: “[A] very promising opportunity has come up that I cannot turn away from.”](https://media2.sacurrent.com/sacurrent/imager/23-san-antonio-area-bars-and-restaurants-that-closed-in-2023-that-well-miss/u/zoom/33243790/sarahs-barbacoa.jpg?cb=1701979164)
Photo via Google Maps
Sarah’s Barbacoa
6330 De Zavala Road, Suite 103
North Side Mexican restaurant Sarah’s Barbacoa shut its doors this March after four years of serving tamales and tacos. Owner Sarah Hernandez took to Instagram to share that she was looking to pursue other venture: “[A] very promising opportunity has come up that I cannot turn away from.”
6330 De Zavala Road, Suite 103
North Side Mexican restaurant Sarah’s Barbacoa shut its doors this March after four years of serving tamales and tacos. Owner Sarah Hernandez took to Instagram to share that she was looking to pursue other venture: “[A] very promising opportunity has come up that I cannot turn away from.”
Brandon Rodriguez
Betty’s Battalion
1524 E. Grayson St.
Once located just across from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, the Government Hill institution Betty’s Battalion served civilians and service-members alike for 37 years. The laid-back military-themed tavern, whose walls were lined with photos capturing years and years of memories made by patrons, closed in April after its lease was terminated.
1524 E. Grayson St.
Once located just across from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, the Government Hill institution Betty’s Battalion served civilians and service-members alike for 37 years. The laid-back military-themed tavern, whose walls were lined with photos capturing years and years of memories made by patrons, closed in April after its lease was terminated.
Photo via Google Maps
RockerDogz Gourmet Street Dogz
3014 Roosevelt Ave.
After starting as a hot dog cart in 2011 and opening a permanent location in late 2020, the South Side staple RockerDogz shuttered in April. Its owner, Kris Martinez, hinted at potential monthly pop-ups moving forward, but the permanent brick-and-mortar location in the bright pink house is no more.
3014 Roosevelt Ave.
After starting as a hot dog cart in 2011 and opening a permanent location in late 2020, the South Side staple RockerDogz shuttered in April. Its owner, Kris Martinez, hinted at potential monthly pop-ups moving forward, but the permanent brick-and-mortar location in the bright pink house is no more.
Photo via Instagram / project_pollo
Project Pollo
Multiple Locations
Project Pollo, a San Antonio-based vegan chain based on a menu of faux-chicken options, closed its doors this April after it was purchased by a franchise group. Founder Lucas Bradbury stated that all San Antonio stores, including one rebranded as Side Chicks, would close, calling it a “bittersweet moment.”
Multiple Locations
Project Pollo, a San Antonio-based vegan chain based on a menu of faux-chicken options, closed its doors this April after it was purchased by a franchise group. Founder Lucas Bradbury stated that all San Antonio stores, including one rebranded as Side Chicks, would close, calling it a “bittersweet moment.”
Photo via Google Maps
210 Ceviche
9502 Interstate 10 West, Suite 101
210 Ceviche owners Arnie Ortega and Ricardo Mora announced the restaurant’s closure in July. Opened in 2013, 210 Ceviche offered a selection of Mexican-style ceviches and was known for its nautical theme, tapas and frozen drinks.
9502 Interstate 10 West, Suite 101
210 Ceviche owners Arnie Ortega and Ricardo Mora announced the restaurant’s closure in July. Opened in 2013, 210 Ceviche offered a selection of Mexican-style ceviches and was known for its nautical theme, tapas and frozen drinks.
Brandon Rodriguez
Espuelas — The Bar at The Bridge
306 Austin St.
Espuelas — The Bar at The Bridge closed its doors in August. Located under the scenic Hays Street Bridge, the bar was known for its eclectic tap offerings, which range from locally produced vanilla sage white tea kombucha to a variety of craft, domestic and imported beers.
306 Austin St.
Espuelas — The Bar at The Bridge closed its doors in August. Located under the scenic Hays Street Bridge, the bar was known for its eclectic tap offerings, which range from locally produced vanilla sage white tea kombucha to a variety of craft, domestic and imported beers.
![Sari-Sari Supper Club
10234 State Highway 151
Sari-Sari Supper Club owners Adrian and Camille De Los Reyes announced the restaurant’s closure in December. “After two years of meeting our amazing guests, and hosting delectable dinners in collaboration [with] very talented chefs; it’s the end of an era and all good things must come to an end,” an Instagram post about the closure read. The restaurant announced its last day in business would be Dec. 23.](https://media2.sacurrent.com/sacurrent/imager/23-san-antonio-area-bars-and-restaurants-that-closed-in-2023-that-well-miss/u/zoom/33253917/sari_sari_supper_club.jpg?cb=1703945197)
Photo via Google Maps
Sari-Sari Supper Club
10234 State Highway 151
Sari-Sari Supper Club owners Adrian and Camille De Los Reyes announced the restaurant’s closure in December. “After two years of meeting our amazing guests, and hosting delectable dinners in collaboration [with] very talented chefs; it’s the end of an era and all good things must come to an end,” an Instagram post about the closure read. The restaurant announced its last day in business would be Dec. 23.
10234 State Highway 151
Sari-Sari Supper Club owners Adrian and Camille De Los Reyes announced the restaurant’s closure in December. “After two years of meeting our amazing guests, and hosting delectable dinners in collaboration [with] very talented chefs; it’s the end of an era and all good things must come to an end,” an Instagram post about the closure read. The restaurant announced its last day in business would be Dec. 23.
Photo via Google Maps
The Texan Icehouse
4518 West Ave.
Balcones Heights watering hole The Texan announced its shuttering in April due to the new owners’ desire to reinvent the location under a new name. For 10 years, The Texan dished out drinks and hosted karaoke nights in its cozy white-brick outpost right off West Ave.
4518 West Ave.
Balcones Heights watering hole The Texan announced its shuttering in April due to the new owners’ desire to reinvent the location under a new name. For 10 years, The Texan dished out drinks and hosted karaoke nights in its cozy white-brick outpost right off West Ave.
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