San Antonio, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Good Time Charlie’s, a cherished San Antonio restaurant known for its comfortable atmosphere and famous chicken fried steak, has closed its doors after 46 years. Founded by friends in 1979, the restaurant became a community staple before its closure. Despite its end, the property will be transformed by The DoSeum for outdoor programming and more visitor parking. The owners expressed pride in the legacy of the restaurant and are excited for the property’s future.
San Antonio — Good Time Charlie’s, a beloved San Antonio restaurant, closed its doors for the last time on October 22, 2025. Located at the corner of Broadway and East Mulberry Avenue, the restaurant had been a mainstay in the community for 46 years.
Founded in December 1979 by friends Eddie Ruffo and Millard Stetler, Good Time Charlie’s initially began as a live music bar and later evolved into a family-friendly restaurant. Good Time Charlie’s was well-known for its casual atmosphere and hearty comfort food, highlighted by its chicken fried steak, which was ranked No. 6 on the San Antonio Express-News’ list of top 10 chicken fried steaks in the city.
The decision to close was made by the owners, who cited personal timing as right for the transition, but they emphasized it was not directly due to the sale of the property. The property has been acquired by The DoSeum, an award-winning children’s museum located next door at 2800 Broadway.
DoSeum CEO Daniel Menelly announced plans to renovate the front of the Good Time Charlie’s property to introduce outdoor programming and additional parking for visitors. The DoSeum is also purchasing an adjacent site currently occupied by Taco Cabana, although Taco Cabana will remain open and continue leasing the space.
Millard Stetler expressed pride in Good Time Charlie’s legacy and excitement for the future with the DoSeum taking over the property. The closure marks the end of an era for many loyal regulars and families who cherished the restaurant as a community gathering space, symbolizing lasting memories and fellowship for residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Good Time Charlie’s close?
Good Time Charlie’s closed its doors for the last time on October 22, 2025.
Who were the founders of Good Time Charlie’s?
Good Time Charlie’s was founded in December 1979 by friends Eddie Ruffo and Millard Stetler.
What was Good Time Charlie’s known for?
Good Time Charlie’s was known for its casual atmosphere and hearty comfort food, particularly its chicken fried steak.
What will happen to the Good Time Charlie’s property?
The property has been acquired by The DoSeum, which plans to renovate it for outdoor programming and additional parking.
Will Taco Cabana remain open?
Yes, Taco Cabana will remain open and continue leasing the adjacent space after the acquisition.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Good Time Charlie’s |
| Location | Corner of Broadway and East Mulberry Avenue, San Antonio |
| Founders | Eddie Ruffo and Millard Stetler |
| Founded | December 1979 |
| Closing Date | October 22, 2025 |
| Reputation | Known for hearty comfort food, especially chicken fried steak |
| Acquisition | By The DoSeum |
| Date | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 22, 2025 | Good Time Charlie’s closed its doors | Final Closure |
| December 1979 | Good Time Charlie’s opened | Establishment |
| Ongoing | The DoSeum acquires Good Time Charlie’s property | Property Acquisition |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- San Antonio Express-News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- CultureMap San Antonio
- Google Search: Good Time Charlie’s San Antonio
- KSAT News
- Google Scholar: Good Time Charlie’s San Antonio
- News 4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Good Time Charlie’s San Antonio
- San Antonio Current
- Google News: Good Time Charlie’s San Antonio
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.
