NEWS YOU CAN EAT
Another rash of closures darken San Antonio restaurant news
Bier Garten has served its last pint.
Not everyone participates in Dry January, but the second week of the month remains sobering for the San Antonio hospitality industry. The recent rash of closures continues unabated while corporations rush to snag the limited dining dollar.
Openings and closings
The oom-pa-pa is over for one downtown eatery. Via a Facebook post, Mad Dogs Restaurant Group announced that Bier Garten on the River Walk shuttered on January 1 after a 10-year run. Although the concept was financially viable, ownership explained that the expansion of the Alamo forced their move. The company’s other businesses — Mad Dogs British Pub, On the Bend Oyster Bar, Lost Alchemy, and Crockett Tavern — will remain open.
A boozy Southtown landmark is also throwing in the towel. Pig Liquors owner Anet Alaniz took to social media to explain that she is retiring from running her long-running bottle shop Pig Liquors on January 27. Bargain hunters can take advantage of close-out deals while supplies last.
Meanwhile, Meemo’s Bakery’s struggles have come to a head with its sudden shutter. Contemporaneous social media posts indicate the concept folded sometime in late 2023, although the exact date is unknown. The bakeshop’s website explains that supply and staffing concerns forced its hand.
The struggling St. Mary’s strip has lost another landmark. On January 6, El Ojo issued an Instagram statement auguring its impending demise. The bar opened in 2018 with a playlist focused on goth, industrial, and punk. Since then, the bar has made a name for itself with lavishly themed parties. The last day of business is February 10.
Illinois transplant Beerhead Bar & Eatery is having a go at San Antonio’s ailing craft beer scene. In a January 10 social media post, the brand revealed the first of three planned local outposts was open at 19338 Babcock Rd. In addition to suds, the chain serves a full cocktail menu and pub grub like pizza and burgers. Local franchise team Marci and John Jewett have also brought in a selection of regional and local pints.
Californian chain Iguanas Burritozilla will its San Antonio flag on January 13 with the opening of its first area location at 4205 Fredericksburg Rd. The menu is not dissimilar to other national chains like Freebirds World Burrito or Chipotle, with a stronger focus on Cali-Mex ingredients like shrimp and vegetables.
