so lonja for now
Nationally beloved eatery scares San Antonio with sudden shutter
The national media's current obsession with San Antonio's food scene can be traced to one humble restaurant. In 2017, Alejandro Paredes opened Carnitas Lonja, a simple walk-up spot serving only Michoacán pork. Eater and Esquire magazine couldn't get enough.
Now the nationally acclaimed powerhouse is taking a break. In an Instagram post, Carnitas Lonja announced June 25 was its last day of business at 1107 Roosevelt Ave Ste. B.
"Today was our last service at our little restaurant/kitchen, and we just want to thank everyone for [a] beautiful six and a half years. We cherish every moment," wrote Paredes, adding, "We will take a short break and will keep you posted on what's next."
Replacing the business will be Lovers Pizzeria, a new eatery focused on New York-style slices made with local ingredients. Its newly created social media account promised it will be slinging pies by this summer, although no exact opening date has been divulged.
A usurper taking over one of Alamo City's most cherished culinary powerhouses was sure to draw some backlash, so Lovers quickly added context to Carnitas Lonja's cryptic post. Via its own account and in the comments, Lovers clarified that Paredes was packing up to move across the courtyard to Lonja Square.
In June 2022, Paredes teased that he was turning Carnitas Lonja's patio space — already home to offshoot Fish Lonja — into a nighttime market dedicated to San Antonio's best street food. It's unclear whether the newly renovated Lonja Square will stay true to the original idea or only serve as home to concepts under the Lonja umbrella.