San Antonio, Texas, January 5, 2026

In 2025, San Antonio’s dining landscape has been deeply affected by multiple restaurant closures. These beloved establishments, such as Cured and Oscar’s Taco House, have significantly impacted the community. Contributing factors include post-pandemic challenges, economic pressures, and changing consumer behaviors. The Texas Restaurant Association highlights the struggle restaurants face in maintaining affordability, with rising costs forcing many to shut their doors. The loss of these iconic venues raises concerns about the future of San Antonio’s culinary heritage and the community’s response to these transitions.

San Antonio’s Culinary Scene Faces Multiple Restaurant Closures in 2025

San Antonio, Texas – The city’s vibrant dining landscape has experienced significant changes in 2025, with several beloved restaurants closing their doors. These closures have left a lasting impact on the community and highlight the challenges faced by the local restaurant industry.

Notable Restaurant Closures in 2025

• Cured: After 13 years in the Pearl District, Chef Steve McHugh announced the closure of Cured on January 4, 2026. The restaurant was renowned for its innovative approach to curing meats and its role in the area’s culinary renaissance.
• Oscar’s Taco House: A San Antonio staple for 63 years, Oscar’s Taco House closed in June 2025. The closure was prompted by the city’s plan to construct a new bridge through the restaurant’s location. Owner Alex Pruneda has since opened Ava’s Diner, serving many of Oscar’s favorites.
• Pat O’Brien’s: The New Orleans-inspired bar at 121 Alamo Plaza closed in August 2025 after 22 years. Owner Cory Neal cited challenges such as post-pandemic difficulties, ongoing construction near the Alamo, and rising operational costs.
• Potbelli BBQ: Located on East Commerce Street, Potbelli BBQ announced its closure in November 2025. While the restaurant ceased operations, the owners plan to continue offering catering services.
• Pinch Boil House: This Asian seafood restaurant on Broadway closed on April 27, 2025, after nearly a decade in business. The decision was described as “extremely difficult” by the owners.
• Salad and Go: The chain announced the closure of 41 locations, including all in San Antonio, as part of a strategic shift to focus on other markets.
• Taco Cabana: The San Antonio-based chain quietly closed several locations, primarily on the city’s North Side, as it plans to expand into new markets.
• Cascabel Mexican Patio: After 22 years in Southtown, this popular Mexican restaurant closed in July 2025. The owners expressed gratitude for the community’s support over the years.
• Good Time Charlie’s Bar & Cafe: A community staple for over 45 years, this establishment closed in October 2025 after the land was sold to the DoSeum.
• Dry Dock: After 43 years, the boat-shaped seafood restaurant in the Medical Center area transitioned to new ownership in May 2025 and was rebranded as Crab City.

Challenges Facing San Antonio’s Restaurant Industry

The closures reflect broader challenges within the local restaurant industry. Factors such as post-pandemic economic pressures, rising operational costs, and changing consumer behaviors have significantly impacted many establishments. The Texas Restaurant Association has highlighted these issues, noting that restaurants are battling economic pressures that drive up menu prices and make dining out less affordable for consumers.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

The loss of these establishments has been felt deeply by the San Antonio community. Many residents have shared fond memories and expressed concerns about the changing dining landscape. As the city continues to evolve, the restaurant industry faces the challenge of adapting to new economic realities while maintaining the rich culinary traditions that define San Antonio.

Conclusion

San Antonio’s restaurant scene in 2025 has been marked by the closure of several iconic establishments. These changes underscore the resilience of the local community and the ongoing efforts to support and revitalize the city’s dining culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ Schema in JSON-LD Format

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What are some notable restaurant closures in San Antonio in 2025?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Several beloved establishments closed their doors in 2025, including Cured, Oscar's Taco House, Pat O’Brien’s, Potbelli BBQ, Pinch Boil House, Salad and Go, Taco Cabana, Cascabel Mexican Patio, Good Time Charlie's Bar & Cafe, and Dry Dock."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What challenges are contributing to these closures?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Factors such as post-pandemic economic pressures, rising operational costs, and changing consumer behaviors have significantly impacted many establishments. The Texas Restaurant Association has highlighted these issues, noting that restaurants are battling economic pressures that drive up menu prices and make dining out less affordable for consumers."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How has the community responded to these closures?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The loss of these establishments has been felt deeply by the San Antonio community. Many residents have shared fond memories and expressed concerns about the changing dining landscape. As the city continues to evolve, the restaurant industry faces the challenge of adapting to new economic realities while maintaining the rich culinary traditions that define San Antonio."
      }
    }
  ]
}

Key Features of San Antonio’s Restaurant Closures in 2025

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Rollover Crash in San Antonio Results in Fatality and Injuries
San Antonio’s Cured Restaurant Closes; Historic Kendalia Halle for Sale
San Antonio’s Winter Restaurant Weeks Announced
Blood Donation Event in San Antonio Offers Spurs Tickets
Noodle Tree Ramen Restaurant Announces Closure
San Antonio Woman Restrained After Car-Jumping Incident
San Antonio’s Dining Scene Welcomes New Establishments
Landscaping Business in San Antonio Closes Amid Investigation
Cured Restaurant to Close in San Antonio’s Pearl District
H-E-B Expands Across Texas with Multiple Store Openings

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.