SUDDEN SHUTTERS

Acclaimed San Antonio taquería closes for new mariscos restaurant

Tacopolis is shuttering after less than a year.

Tacopolis/Instagram

Less than a year after opening Tacopolis, one of San Antonio’s most celebrated chefs is shifting gears. Alejandro Paredes, who skyrocketed to national acclaim with Carnitas Lonja, is retiring the concept at 1604 Fredericksburg Rd. in favor of a new Gulf mariscos eatery, El Fish Demon.

“We’re going to be shutting down Tacopolis as a taqueria, and we’re going to be opening a seafood restaurant here at the same spot,” said Paredes in an Instagram Reel.

The chef says that the recently spotty hours at Tacopolis were due to health problems, but that the taqueria was not “really working.” The main culprit was the price of meat, which was unsustainable with the low prices at the Deco District restaurant.

The closing was not a complete surprise. In January, Tacopolis held a "Make Rent" event to help recoup profits lost by ICE patrols on the street and weather-related foot traffic drops.

Tacopolis opened in July 2025, serving tacos and quesadillas stuffed with pollo, chorizo, carne asada, birria, chuleta, or champiñón. Before the debut, Paredes had largely been out of the public eye since December 2023, when he made the shocking decision to close Carnitas Lonja and sibling restaurant Fish Lonja. Both were widely considered among San Antonio’s best restaurants, earning accolades from the James Beard Foundation, Esquire magazine, Eater, and the New York Times.

Although Tacopolis did not receive as much national press, Texas Monthly did call it “definably our new favorite.” CultureMap echoed that sentiment, naming it a contender for our annual Tastemaker Awards Best New Restaurant tournament.

Paredes promised that El Fish Demon would open sometime in the week of April 27 after it printed new menus and gave the interior a new coat of paint. The menu has not been released in full, but he said it would include ceviche, aguachile, tostadas, and fish tacos.

openings best new restaurant deco district tacos mariscos closings

crepe expectations

9 charming San Antonio restaurants to celebrate Mother's Day brunch

Sunny's/ Facebook

The French toast dippers at Sunny's are a guaranteed hit.

We don’t care how cute those heart-shaped pancakes are; surprising Mom with breakfast in bed is still stressful if she has to see the doughy aftermath. Instead, invite her to kick up her shoes with a Mother’s Day brunch at one of San Antonio’s most charming restaurants. But book quickly. Now that Fiesta is over, reservations on Sunday, May 10, are going fast.

Blush
This Southtown favorite will tickle Mom pink with its elegantly bohemian vibe. Start with a bread basket, then dive into an eclectic menu that includes ceviche, shrimp and octopus frittatas, and gravlax croissants. The cocktails are just as surprising, ranging from carajillos to a mimosa made with a strawberry-basil shrub.

Box Street All Day
The two locations of this all-day café are perfect for the mom who just discovered Instagram. After all, her new outfit should have an equally cute backdrop. Take the snaps before diving into hearty brunch offerings like stuffed breakfast sandwiches, extra-thick pancakes, and creamy espresso martinis.

Pain perdu at Brasserie Mon Chou ChouBrasserie Mon Chou Chou/ Fecabook

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou
Oh la la! This French stunner’s raclette sandwich, prepared tableside, is still one of San Antonio’s buzziest dishes. But that’s just the start of a menu that includes bavette steak and standbys like quiche Lorraine. The outstanding hospitality will make Mom truly feel regal.

Cullum’s Attaboy
Maybe don’t let Mom sleep in just this once. The lines at this now-classic tend to build during peak brunch hours. But after spudnuts, a caviar-topped French omelet, and a bottle of champagne, she’ll be ready for an afternoon nap. Use the time to plan another surprise.

Ladino
Although this Pearl hot spot’s Turkish brunch does have eggs, it’ll appeal to the mother who likes to nibble. The spread includes seared halloumi, flatbreads, fire-roasted peppers, and cheese — all of which can be augmented with kouign amanns or pistachio croissants should the table need a treat. Order the Bloody Mary, one of the most unexpected takes in town, made with tomatillo and harissa.

Maverick Texas Brasserie
This Southtown staple offers a hardier take on brunch with substantial dishes like steak frites, pork schnitzel, or a chicken paillard drizzled with lemon beurre blanc. But we keep coming back for the gougeres and the $25 mimosa bottle service.

Ladino brunch A brunch spread at LadinoLadino/ Facebook

NOLA Brunch & Beignets
This iconic restaurant’s newish River North location slightly decreased its legendary wait times, but it’s still one of San Antonio’s most bustling spots. New Orleans classics like shrimp and grits join elegant dishes like a blue crab omelet with Creole cream cheese and hollandaise. Don’t forget to order a basket of beignets with a café au lait.

Pharm Table
Brunch doesn’t have to be a mindless indulgence. This Southtown eatery specializes in healthful farm-to-table cuisine. During weekend mornings, that means kitchari with salmon, sweet potato waffles, and superlative beets with pecan dukkah and hemp seed salsa matcha. Pair all of the above with a natural wine, botanical cocktail, or a wellness tonic.

Sunny’s All-Day
The riverside locale of this Boerne newcomer will charm Mom even before she enters the restaurant, but it’s not all about the views. Inside, the spot combines diner favorites with more decadent dishes like Biscoff raspberry French toast. If the star of the day is on a specialty diet, Sunny’s will accommodate, too, with protein pancakes served with sugar-free syrup or a gluten-free sampler.

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