comeback stories

Shuttered West San Antonio seafood joint makes surprise comeback

The Lighthouse Seafood is reopening after an early April closure.

The Lighthouse Seafood/ Facebook

One thing about San Antonio’s hard-working restaurateurs: You should never assume they’ll stay down for the count. After The Lighthouse Seafood suddenly closed in early April, it is already teasing a second coming on Fredericksburg Road.

“Hello out there,” wrote the restaurant on social media. “The Lighthouse Family has missed every single one of you. We miss seeing everyone and interacting with y'all. With that said, we couldn't wait to tell y'all the good news. We will be opening up a new location.”

For now, the seafood spot is keeping most of the details under wraps. It did not reveal the planned opening date nor the actual opening date. A Facebook commenter, however, made a correct guess about the general location, stating it will be by the American Legion Alamo Post Two at 3518 Fredericksburg Rd and across from the H-E-B Training Center at 3503 Fredericksburg Rd.

The family-owned seafood joint shocked locals when it announced it would shutter on April 7, offering little explanation. A chorus of comments soon flooded in, sharing how much San Antonio would miss the unassuming spot.

Lighthouse first debuted in 2016, using recipes from their mother. The place soon became a neighborhood haunt for its affordable menu of fried platters, fish tacos, ceviche, and homestyle sides.

It was just as well-known for its kitschy murals. The outside features a trio of fish mariachi. Inside, the walls were painted with a vibrant swirl of coral, dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks — an upgrade from the original mint green.

Whether the owners will draft a new artist to paint a similar oceanic scene is still unknown, but it is clear they are excited about the new chapter.

“Same great food, same family making it,” wrote the business. “From our family to yours, we can't wait to see you once again.”

closings west side seafood openings

OPENING ALERT

Swanky new rooftop bar to open on San Antonio's Broadway corridor

Rendering courtesy of Seaspice

Renderings show a rounded bar flanked by French bistro stools.

San Antonio is doing a little jet setting, but it’s all on the fifth floor of 1900 Broadway’s Jefferson Bank Building. Local hospitality firm Gusto Group will open Seaspice, a new rooftop club inspired by the French Riviera, on June 12.

The venue is the latest from the team behind Toro Kitchen + Bar, Cuishe Cocina Mexicana, and Stylus Mixology. The footprint has grown since the company filed initial state regulatory paperwork, more than doubling in size to 6,500 square feet.

Seaspice San Antonio An undulating ceiling adds texture overhead.Rendering courtesy of Gusto Group

The concept is not to be confused with Florida’s Seaspice Brasserie and Lounge, a frequent setting for various Real Housewives of Miami rows. Unless Boerne’s “Texas Wives” show up, guests can expect a more peaceful experience, albeit one with plenty of the yacht-style decadence.

The food menu focuses on coastal dishes like lobster rolls, salmon tartare, and grilled octopus tacos, supplemented by a raw bar serving oysters and seafood towers. Drinks include clarified cocktails and tableside martinis with truffles and caviar olives. More roe is served with traditional accoutrements or as “bumps.” Oh la la.

"For us, it always comes down to the experience," said Gusto Group CEO Gerardo de Anda, via a release. "We pay attention to details — how the cocktails arrive, how the seafood is presented, the energy of the room."

Seaspice San Antonio Olive green offsets a mostly neutral color scheme.Rendering courtesy of Gusto Group

Although the Gusto Group says a few visual details may change in the weeks before the opening, the renderings show a brasserie-like space with marble counters, French wicker bistro chairs, and olive trees planted in oversized pots. Undulating ribbons run the length of the ceiling.

Reservations open May 20, but fans can request a “boarding pass” on the website for priority access and invitations to opening weekend events. Once opened, hours will be Tuesday through Thursday, 4-11 pm; Friday, 4 pm-1 am; Saturday, 11 am-1 am; and Sunday, 11 am-9 pm.

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