OPENING ALERT

Boudro’s levels up with sleek new terrace bar overlooking River Walk

Boudro's new terrace bar overlooks the River walk.

Photo courtesy of Boudro's

It may not seem like it now, but there will soon come a time when San Antonians can dine outdoors without getting drenched to the bone. Boudro’s Texas Bistro at 421 E Commerce St. is ready with a new terrace bar, now open above the classic River Walk restaurant’s patio.

The new dining area takes over the footprint of Rio Rio Cantina, which quietly closed in early 2024 after a 35-year run. Boudro’s quickly acquired the Schultze Rilling Building space, filing project details with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in June of that year.

Boudro's A neutral color scheme lets the outdoor views shine.Photo courtesy of Boudros

According to the submission, the renovations were originally planned to be completed in September 2024. The $175,000 project involved some demolition and a refresh to both the 1,1015-square-foot interior and the smaller 590 square foot patio.

The interior refresh keeps the same contemporary locus as Boudro’s original interior, using minimal materials that won’t distract from the spectacular river views. Blond wood wraps the bar and trellising, and neutral chairs are accented by black-and-white tile and landscape photos.

Boudro’s says the space will serve up “the same bold flavors and memorable experiences” as the downstairs space. The bistro is consistently ranked as one of the top dining experiences on the River Walk with Southwestern-inspired dishes like blue crab tostadas and chicken tortilla caldo. Assumably, the ever-popular tableside guacamole will be available on the upper level.

Light woods and landscape photography set the scene.Photo courtesy of Boudro's

The release promised more cocktail options, although it did not name specific drinks. Boudro’s has long had a full bar program headlined by its signature prickly pear cocktail.

The long-running bistro is not the only downtown restaurant taking advantage of overhead space. The owners of Casa Rio recently announced it was transforming its upstairs event space into a new rooftop bar, The Night Heron. The opening is expected as early as winter 2026.

The new Boudro’s patio will be open daily for dinner, 4-10 pm.

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SUDDEN SHUTTERS

Mad Pecker Brewing to close again after brief San Antonio comeback

Mad Pecker Brewing Co., San Antonio, craft beer

https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/215485274_10159778797697313_3397123546658607828_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=9eae26&_nc_ohc=ZS-NI-fZH8EQ7kNvgHY1IE0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&_nc_gid=AdfX1q7m6u7EUw60AdumvW0&oh=00_AYDcpMAA8s1psLTuKCtaKe_fTdt4wRoFtg-dVj8Qobh_ig&oe=67318784Mad Pecker Brewing Co.

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After a surprise revival gave San Antonio beer fans a glimmer of hope, Mad Pecker Brewing Co. is once again closing its doors. In a collaborative post with popular creator As Seen in SA, the Northwest Side brewpub says it will permanently shutter on December 20.

The closure marks a tumultuous year for founders Jason and Erika Gonzales. The brewery first closed on March 31, right as it was celebrating its 10th anniversary. Days later, on May 12, Mad Pecker announced a comeback that the owners said was made possible by an outpouring of community support.

"The memories that it holds for so many of you provided [us] with even greater motivation to reopen Mad Pecker to restore all of its glory back to the community," the owners said via Facebook.

At the time, the owners said they were making some improvements to the taproom. The core beer offerings, the food menu, and community programming like trivia nights remained largely the same — as did the economic headwinds of San Antonio’s craft beer market.

At the tail-end of 2024, the Gonzaleses pleaded for the community's help in saving the brewpub from closure, citing dwindling crowds, rising business costs, and changing beer drinkers' habits. Since then, they’ve remained mum on finances, but the outlook for the industry has not brightened.

In 2025, area breweries Vista Brewing, Künstler Tap Haus, Faust Brewing, and Freetail Brewing’s Southtown taproom ceased operations following the 2024 loss of Man Overboard Brewing Co., Second Pitch Beer Co., and Weathered Souls Brewing Co. Alamo Beer Co. was recently bought out by an Australian firm after filing for bankruptcy.

Mad Pecker did not immediately return a request for more information. We will update this article if it makes an official statement.

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