San Antonio Faces Restaurant Closures Amidst Tough Summer
Ah, San Antonio, a city bursting with rich culture and mouthwatering food. However, this summer has been a tough one for our beloved local dining scene. Traditionally, the sunny season sees a dip in restaurant and bar activity, but this year feels particularly rough. As many businesses struggle to recover from the lingering effects of the pandemic, some well-known names in the local hospitality are sadly waving goodbye.
The Hard Truth
With the post-Covid hangover still causing headaches, rising economic anxieties, and folks opting for “coldcationing”—that’s vacationing in colder destinations during summer—it’s been a harsh reality for many establishments. The closure of several beloved restaurants is part of a broader trend, prompting a group of local business heavyweights to create a Business Community PAC aimed at rallying support and assistance for struggling enterprises.
Farewell to Favorites
If you’re a regular at any of these local gems, the list of departing restaurants might tug at your heartstrings:
- Acadiana Cafe—After an impressive 38 years of serving up Cajun delights, owner Dave Saylor announced the sale of his beloved establishment to Hacienda Vallarta Restaurant Group in July.
- Allora and Arrosta—After quite a rocky year, including a chef’s departure, these charming sibling restaurants have bid us farewell. Arrosta closed on June 29, and Allora’s last service was on August 31.
- Barbarella—This energetic nightclub, which was a San Antonio spin-off of an Austin favorite, hung up its dancing shoes just four months after opening in early September.
- Blue Box—Known for bringing the craft cocktail scene to Pearl since 2012, this neighborhood anchor announced it had to “unfortunately” close its doors in late July.
- Botika—A favorite for its unique Peruvian-Asian fusion that reigned for eight years, Botika waved goodbye on August 4, with chef-owner Geronimo Lopez hinting at new opportunities on the horizon.
- Cypress Cafe—After being evicted from its longtime space, this Korean eatery made a comeback as a ghost kitchen inside Lombrano Food Hall.
- Diez Flores—This promising concept that opened its doors in December spent just a few months showcasing diverse Latin cuisines before closing.
- Godai Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant—This iconic sushi haven folded at the end of August after filing for Chapter Seven bankruptcy, despite its deep-rooted history in the local dining scene.
- Greenhouse—After a strong debut, this coffee shop and bakery in Olmos Park struggled with high rent and closed its doors on September 15.
- Hands Down—Once a popular bar contributing to the lively vibe of Southtown, Hands Down closed June 15 but promises to return through a series of pop-ups.
- Krazy Katsu—Despite being a counter-service success, this chicken sandwich eatery found it hard to expand and ultimately shut down its Medical Center location in early June.
- Rooster Crow Bakery—Hailing from Shavano Park, this bakery led by pastry chef Jenn Reisman closed on September 6 but is already set for a new venture at a nearby diner.
- The Rustic—This popular music venue faced hurdles with construction-related traffic issues and shut down unexpectedly in late May.
- Saucy Birds—This casual dining concept morphed into a new venture but ultimately decided not to renew its lease in late May after being in business for just a short time.
The Bright Side—Support Local
While the closing of these iconic spots can feel disheartening, it has never been more vital to rally together and support local businesses that remain. Each visit to restaurants and bars not only helps keep them afloat but also shows that we care about the culinary diversity that makes San Antonio so special.
Looking Ahead
And it’s not all gloomy! Recently, Texas received notable recognition, with three restaurants highlighted on a prestigious list of favorites. One such gem, Barbs B Q, is a testament to the rich barbecue traditions infused with international flavors. The buzzing atmosphere of Simply South attracts crowds willing to wait hours for their vegetarian fare, and Viola and Agnes brings the essence of soulful Southern cooking to life.
San Antonio is resilient, and as we navigate these tricky waters together, let’s keep the spirit of dining out alive. Every meal shared supports our local treasures and ensures that our vibrant food scene continues to thrive!
