San Antonio’s original Burger Boy, at 2323 N. St. Mary's St., is days away from reopening. The beloved burger joint, one of the most popular spots for late-night eats on the busy nightlife strip, has been shuttered since August 2025, when a late-night blaze damaged parts of the building.
“Re-Grand opening date to be revealed VERY soon!” wrote the business on Instagram. “We’re excited to announce that our original St. Mary’s location is right around the corner!”
For local burger fans, progress on the building has been painstakingly slow. According to the San Antonio Fire Department, the flames first broke out in the kitchen before spreading to the attic, but the damage was hard to spot for passers-by.
The St. Mary's Burger Boy has a new parking lot and a fresh coat of paint.Photo by Brandon Watson
Burger Boy's roots in San Antonio stretch back to 1955, when Frank Bates opened Whopper Burger, reportedly with just $500. Beating Burger King at the trademark game, the brand stuck around until 1983, when Bates passed away, and his widow sold the company.
His son, Carl Bates, opened the first Burger Boy on the St. Mary's Strip in 1985, where the iconic original sign still rotates. An investment group purchased the chain in 2017 and began slowly expanding the restaurant's footprint throughout the area.
The St. Mary’s original, with its distinctive rotating sign, A-frame building, and bold blue and orange color scheme, has continued to set the tone for the company’s branding. Those bones were still intact during a site visit. The main visible change was a newly paved drive-thru and parking lot.
Burger Boy has not revealed the exact date for the reopening, but fans can follow along on social media for updates. While waiting, locals can get Working Man combo meals and shakes at nine other area locations.
Kona Grill keeps the mimosas flowing.Kona Grill/ Facebook
What's up, doc? This Root Awakening cocktail from Whiskey Cake.Photo courtesy of Whiskey Cake