SUDDEN SHUTTERS
San Antonio's beloved Cypress Café shutters after food hall move
Cypress Café has closed its ghost kitchen after relocating in June 2024.
After a last-minute Hail Mary gave it new life, beloved San Antonio Korean restaurant Cypress Café has shuttered for a second time. Through a social media statement, the Lombrano Food Hall concept announced an immediate closure on May 27.
The restaurant did not give a reason for the closure but did hint it was not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
“We wanted to let you know that Cypress Café will be closed indefinitely for now,” the restaurant wrote. “Thank you so much for all your support. We will keep you updated, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.”
Owners Mimi and Chang Lee emigrated from South Korea in 2000, opening Cypress Café in the basement of Cypress Tower in 2002. The restaurant launched as a sandwich shop for busy workers. Slowly, Mimi began adding traditional dishes she had learned from her North Korean mother-in-law and selling kimchi by the counter.
H-E-B later took over the building, and word of mouth spread. Lunchtime became packed with customers seeking warm hospitality and classic Korean fare like bibimbap, japchae, and bulgogi. A vibrant vegan menu made it a favorite of the plant-based crowd.
In May 2024, H-E-B threw the couple a wrench. The grocery giant had decided to secure Cypress Tower as a work location accessible only to corporate employees. The Lees left their longtime home at the end of the month.
San Antonio didn’t have to wait long for the new chapter. By mid-June 2024, Cypress Café found shelter at the Lombrano Food Hall, operating as a delivery ghost kitchen. Even with delivery app fees eating away at margins, overhead is typically lower at the shared commercial spaces. The move made sense for a concept quickly looking for a new home.
It's unclear if the Lees are looking for a new location or if other factors caused them to take a break. CultureMap will continue to follow Cypress Café in hopes of a return.
