San Antonio, January 21, 2026
Several popular restaurants in San Antonio have shut down recently, attributing their closures to high rent and rising operational costs. Iconic establishments like Carriqui and Good Time Charlie’s Bar & Cafe have been affected, emphasizing the struggle to maintain profitability amidst economic pressures. Restaurant owners have addressed public criticism, highlighting the tough decisions they faced in a challenging market. The community is mourning the loss of these unique dining spots that contributed richly to San Antonio’s culinary landscape.
San Antonio, Texas
High rent leads popular S.A. eatery to shutter as owners address the ‘haters’
San Antonio’s dining scene has recently seen the closure of several notable establishments, with high rent being a significant factor in some cases. Owners of these restaurants have addressed public criticism, emphasizing the challenges they faced in maintaining operations amidst rising costs.
Recent Restaurant Closures in San Antonio
- Carriqui: A South Texas-inspired restaurant located in the Pearl district, Carriqui closed its doors on October 19, 2025, after three years of operation. The owners did not specify the reasons for the closure, but industry challenges such as rising labor costs and evolving consumer behavior may have played a role.
- Good Time Charlie’s Bar & Cafe: After 46 years, this downtown establishment closed permanently on October 23, 2025. The property was acquired by the nearby DoSeum, leading to the closure.
- Bandit BBQ & Burgers: This barbecue favorite unexpectedly closed for the second time on October 20, 2025, after a brief reopening. The owners did not provide specific reasons for the closure.
- Chela’s Tacos: A Mexican eatery on Broadway, Chela’s Tacos quietly closed on October 4, 2025, placing a sign on its front door to inform customers of the closure.
- La Hacienda Scenic Loop: A family-owned restaurant that closed on June 30, 2024, after about seven years in business. The closure was attributed to challenges dating back to COVID-19, including staff loss and construction disruptions.
- 225 Urban Smoke: A Cajun barbecue joint that closed on April 20, 2025, after a failed negotiation with its landlord. The owners cited an inability to afford nearly doubling rent as the reason for the closure.
- Mad Pecker Brewing Co.: A brewpub that closed on March 31, 2025, after a decade in business. The closure was attributed to ongoing challenges, including rising costs and labor shortages.
- Revolutionary Wings: A restaurant known for its unique wing flavors, which closed on March 29, 2025. The owners did not provide specific reasons for the closure.
- Tiago’s Cabo Grille: A Mexican restaurant that closed on July 8, 2025. The owners did not specify the reasons for the closure.
- Cascabel Mexican Patio: A Mexican restaurant that closed on July 23, 2025, after 22 years in business. The owners did not provide specific reasons for the closure.
- El Mana: A Mexican restaurant that closed on July 26, 2025, after eight years in business. The owners did not provide specific reasons for the closure.
- Mai O Mai: A food truck that closed on July 31, 2025, after four years in business. The owner did not provide specific reasons for the closure.
- Oscar’s Taco House: A restaurant that closed on June 28, 2025, after more than six decades in business. The closure was due to the city purchasing the property for a planned railroad overpass.
- Pat O’Brien’s: A New Orleans-inspired bar that closed in August 2025 after 22 years in downtown San Antonio. The owner cited challenges such as post-COVID era difficulties, ongoing construction, fluctuating tourism, and rising costs.
- Pinch Boil House: An Asian seafood restaurant that closed on April 27, 2025, after nearly 10 years in business. The owners did not provide specific reasons for the closure.
- Salad and Go: A chain that closed 41 locations, including all in San Antonio, as part of a strategy to focus on markets in Dallas and Oklahoma.
- La Hacienda Scenic Loop: A family-owned restaurant that closed on June 30, 2024, after about seven years in business. The closure was attributed to challenges dating back to COVID-19, including staff loss and construction disruptions.
Addressing Public Criticism
In response to public criticism regarding the closures, owners have emphasized the challenges they faced in maintaining operations amidst rising costs. They have addressed the ‘haters’ by highlighting the economic pressures and industry challenges that led to their decisions. The restaurant industry has been navigating through a tough economy with rising costs of goods and ongoing labor shortages, leading to increased overtime and higher payroll expenses.
Conclusion
The recent closures of several San Antonio restaurants underscore the financial pressures and challenges faced by the local dining industry. High rent and other economic factors have played significant roles in these decisions, leading owners to make difficult choices to sustain their businesses. The community has expressed disappointment over the loss of these establishments, which were cherished for their unique offerings and contributions to the city’s culinary landscape.
FAQ
What are some notable restaurant closures in San Antonio recently?
Several notable restaurant closures in San Antonio include Carriqui, Good Time Charlie’s Bar & Cafe, Bandit BBQ & Burgers, Chela’s Tacos, La Hacienda Scenic Loop, 225 Urban Smoke, Mad Pecker Brewing Co., Revolutionary Wings, Tiago’s Cabo Grille, Cascabel Mexican Patio, El Mana, Mai O Mai, Oscar’s Taco House, Pat O’Brien’s, Pinch Boil House, Salad and Go, and La Hacienda Scenic Loop. These closures have been attributed to various factors, including high rent, economic pressures, and industry challenges.
How have restaurant owners addressed public criticism regarding these closures?
Restaurant owners have addressed public criticism by emphasizing the challenges they faced in maintaining operations amidst rising costs. They have highlighted economic pressures and industry challenges that led to their decisions, including rising costs of goods and ongoing labor shortages.
What factors have contributed to the recent restaurant closures in San Antonio?
Factors contributing to the recent restaurant closures in San Antonio include high rent, economic pressures, industry challenges such as rising labor costs, and evolving consumer behavior. These factors have made it difficult for some establishments to sustain operations.
Key Features of Recent Restaurant Closures in San Antonio
| Restaurant Name | Location | Closure Date | Reason for Closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carriqui | Pearl district | October 19, 2025 | Not specified; industry challenges likely contributed |
| Good Time Charlie’s Bar & Cafe | Downtown San Antonio | October 23, 2025 | Property acquired by DoSeum |
| Bandit BBQ & Burgers | Northeast Side | October 20, 2025 | Not specified |
| Chela’s Tacos | Broadway | October 4, 2025 | Not specified |
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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.
