Stone Unturned

Lauded San Antonio eatery known for unique tacos closing for new concept

Chef Leo Davila emphasized that the closure is a sign of health for the business, with bigger things on the horizon.

Update: Chef Leo Davila's next venture will be as executive chef at a new concept at the St. Anthony Hotel. More about it here.

One of San Antonio's top restaurants, Stixs & Stone, is closing on Saturday, March 29. However, as Chef Leo Davila points out in a video announcing the closure, this isn't cause for concern; in fact, it's a sign that things are going exactly right for the team.

"Myself and the Stixs & Stone team have been presented with an amazing opportunity within San Antonio, but in order to pursue that amazing opportunity, we need to shut down Stixs & Stone," said Davila, referring to the restaurant as a "chapter" that is being closed. "[T]his is not a goodbye. This is not a cry for help from the community. It's actually because of the amazing community that went from customers to friends to family, that has even made this dream a reality."

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Stixs & Stone, which opened in 2021, really is a success story for Davila. It was his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, and while there he earned plenty of accolades including a semi-finalist nomination in the 2025 James Beard Awards, recognition among Texas Monthly's top 10 tacos of 2024, and an appointment as a UNESCO chef ambassador.

Davila is of Mexican and Chinese descent, which inspired the hybrid menu at Stixs & Stone. Guests could find dishes like queso fundido with a pork belly add-in, a chicken and Hong Kong waffle combo, and a Korean-spiced duck breast served with hibiscus mole. Of course the Big Red & Barbacoa tacos — made on soda-infused tortillas — were the restaurant's most famous dish.

According to the chef's video, fans of Stixs & Stone should stay tuned for more information on the team's next moves coming soon.

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Let's Eat

Get a taste of what’s cooking at CultureMap San Antonio's Tastemaker Awards

Freight Fried Chicken/Facebook

Dig into sandwiches from Freight Fried Chicken.

The most delicious event of the year is almost here: CultureMap's annual Tastemaker Awards.

Our signature tasting event and awards ceremony is happening April 10 at Jack Guenther Pavilion at The Briscoe Museum, and bringing with it a whole buffet of chef-driven bites and perfectly paired sips that celebrate San Antonio's unique culinary scene.

Attendees get one delicious evening to sample to their hearts' content, with offerings prepared by the nominees for Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Bar of the Year, Bartender of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, Best Brewery of the Year, and more.

Our judging panel of industry experts — including past Tastemaker champs — selects the nominees and winners, including this year's buzzy wildcard category of Best Coffee Shop.

However, you determine who wins Best New Restaurant via an online bracket, so be sure to make your votes count before the big day!

You'll want to come hungry to the Tastemaker Awards, considering this sneak peek at what's on the menu:

Bang Bang mushroom lettuce cups from Best Quality Daughter
Fried chicken sandwich from Freight Fried Chicken
Pork tenderloin from Roca & Martillo
Reuben bruschetta from Wild Barley Kitchen & Brewery
Lemon lavender sourdough; roasted garlic and rosemary sourdough; mini PB&Js; and bite-size chocolate chip cookies from Spread the Loaves
Brown butter and burnt marshmallow Rice Krispie treats from Rooster Crow Bakery
A signature dish from Corinne San Antonio
A signature dish and drink from Gimme Gimme

These samples will help wet your whistle:

Mangoritas from Naco Mexican Eatery
Fiesta Mexican lager, Ponderosa mango chamoy sour, Dream Juice hazy IPA, and United IPA from Back Unturned Brewing Co.

There will also be beer from Yuengling (Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Flight, and Bock) and specialty cocktails from Jim Beam Black (Kentucky Mule and Highball).

Stay up to date on all things Tastemaker-related with our special editorial series of stories spotlighting the nominees.

Limited VIP passes remain, and it's obvious why they're such a hot ticket: You gain entry to the event a whole hour early, plus exclusive access to the VIP bar. General admission tickets are also available but are selling fast, so act now to secure your entry to San Antonio's most delicious night. We'll see you on April 10!

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The Tastemaker Awards ceremony is brought to you by The Yuengling Company, Jim Beam Black, H-E-B, PicMe Events, and more to be announced soon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit our nonprofit partner, Culinaria.

coffee shop neighborhood restaurant restaurant of the year tastemaker awards tastemakers events