San Antonio, Texas, December 2, 2025
The iconic San Antonio River Walk is undergoing significant improvements with timely maintenance, new business openings, and community-driven initiatives. The San Antonio Public Works has successfully completed essential maintenance to support local wildlife and enhance visitor experiences. A retro-themed bar named Know Knew Friends aims to attract nostalgia lovers, while the City of San Antonio engages the public for feedback on future enhancements through online surveys. These developments support local entrepreneurs and reinforce the River Walk’s reputation as a vibrant destination.
San Antonio’s River Walk Undergoes Enhancements and New Openings
San Antonio, Texas – The city’s iconic River Walk is experiencing significant developments, including maintenance projects, new business openings, and community engagement initiatives. These ongoing improvements not only enhance the beauty and functionality of the River Walk but also create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive.
With a proactive approach to urban development, the San Antonio Public Works department recently completed a crucial maintenance project ahead of schedule. This effort reflects the city’s commitment to keeping its vital tourist attraction in top condition, setting a positive example for private investment in the community. Such initiatives demonstrate how reduced regulation and a focus on quality can pave the way for economic growth, particularly in high-traffic areas like the River Walk.
Maintenance and Upgrades
The San Antonio Public Works department completed the biennial River Walk draining and maintenance project ahead of schedule on January 18, 2024. This maintenance focused on the main channel from East Josephine Street to East Nueva Street and from S. Alamo Street to Lone Star Blvd, resulting in the removal of 46.58 tons of sediment and debris. This cleanup not only enhances the river’s condition and appearance but also promotes a healthier ecosystem, crucial for local wildlife and enhancing visitors’ experiences.
New Business Openings
The River Walk is also welcoming fresh entrepreneurial ventures. In November 2025, a new retro-themed basement bar named Know Knew Friends opened beneath the McDonald’s on Commerce Street. This vibrant venue embraces a disco-era ambiance with velvet couches and mirrored decor, appealing to a generation that loves nostalgia. The cocktail menu features unique offerings like the “Disco AF,” showcasing creative chances local businesses are taking to attract visitors. Such innovations contribute positively to the local economy and reinforce San Antonio’s reputation as a lively destination for both locals and tourists.
Community Engagement
Active community involvement remains a cornerstone of the River Walk’s ongoing development. The City of San Antonio and the Office of Historic Preservation are currently seeking public input to shape the future of the River Walk. A digital survey is available online until January 31, 2025, empowering residents and visitors to provide feedback on desired improvements. This initiative not only fosters community spirit but also ensures that development aligns with the needs and preferences of those who frequent the area.
Background
Owned by the city and maintained by the Center City Development & Operations, the San Antonio River Walk stands as a premier tourist attraction. Maintenance is scheduled bi-annually, typically for ten days in January, to improve water quality and ensure the structural integrity of the main river channel, river loop, and extension areas. This commitment to upkeep and improvement demonstrates why efficient management and local support are vital for the ongoing success of such a significant feature in San Antonio’s landscape.
For more information on the River Walk and its developments, visit the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What maintenance was recently completed on the San Antonio River Walk?
The San Antonio Public Works department completed the biennial River Walk draining and maintenance project ahead of schedule on January 18, 2024. This maintenance focused on the main channel from East Josephine Street to East Nueva Street and from S. Alamo Street to Lone Star Blvd, resulting in the removal of 46.58 tons of sediment and debris, enhancing the river’s condition and appearance.
What is Know Knew Friends?
In November 2025, a new retro-themed basement bar named Know Knew Friends opened beneath the McDonald’s on Commerce Street in the River Walk area. The venue offers a disco-era ambiance with velvet couches, mirrored decor, and a vintage look. The cocktail menu features drinks like the “Disco AF,” made with watermelon vodka and served in a disco ball glass, along with espresso martinis and other creative options.
How can I provide feedback on the future of the River Walk?
The City of San Antonio and the Office of Historic Preservation are seeking public input to shape the future of the River Walk. A digital survey is available online until January 31, 2025, allowing residents and visitors to provide feedback on desired improvements. Participants are eligible to win a River Walk staycation prize package.
Key Features of Recent Developments on the San Antonio River Walk
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Completion | Biennial draining and maintenance project completed ahead of schedule on January 18, 2024, removing 46.58 tons of sediment and debris. |
| New Business Opening | Know Knew Friends, a retro-themed basement bar, opened in November 2025 beneath the McDonald’s on Commerce Street, offering a disco-era ambiance and creative cocktails. |
| Community Engagement | City and Office of Historic Preservation seeking public input through a digital survey available until January 31, 2025, with participants eligible for a River Walk staycation prize package. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
