The San Antonio-area bars and restaurants that closed so far in 2023
The pandemic brought a wave of closures to the national culinary landscape — and San Antonio didn't escape unscathed.
The prolonged business downturn, followed by labor shortages and record-high inflation, spelled the end for plenty of bars and restaurants here, from cozy neighborhood favorites to longtime institutions.
All these San Antonio spots closed since the beginning of 2023 — a reminder of the challenges still faced by the hospitality industry and its need for ongoing support.
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Sanford Nowlin
Pig Stand
1508 Broadway
After 101 years of service, the iconic downtown-area diner Pig Stand announced the sale of its Broadway building to a land developer in February and confirmed its permanent closure in March. San Antonio’s Pig Stand was the last in a nationwide chain, which flourished in the mid-20th century.
Photo via Google Maps
Martha’s Mexican Restaurant and Grill
5822 Babcock Road
Martha’s Mexican Restaurant and Grill, a longtime hidden gem for margaritas and Tex-Mex, announced its closure in April. According to the owners, this decision was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of the economy.
Photo via Instagram /
project_polloProject Pollo
Multiple Locations
Project Pollo, a San Antonio-based vegan chain based on a menu of faux-chicken options, closed its doors this April after it was purchased by a franchise group. Founder Lucas Bradbury stated that all San Antonio stores, including one rebranded as Side Chicks, would close, calling it a “bittersweet moment.”
Photo via Google Maps
Rosario’s – San Pedro
9715 San Pedro Ave.
Citing the successful opening of Rosario’s Southtown location, Rosario’s closed its San Pedro Ave. location this March to unite its management and staff. Owner Lisa Wong stated that this closure would allow the management team to focus on the Rosario’s brand and other business interests in the downtown district.
Brandon Rodriguez
Betty’s Battalion
1524 E. Grayson St.
Once located just across from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, the Government Hill institution Betty’s Battalion served civilians and service-members alike for 37 years. The laid-back military-themed tavern, whose walls were lined with photos capturing years and years of memories made by patrons, closed in April after its lease was terminated.
Photo via Google Maps
Van’s Restaurant
3214 Broadway
Than Hein Nguyen, owner of Van’s Chinese Seafood Restaurant, announced in April that the store would be permanently closing. In addition to COVID-related business struggles and a failed health inspection, he also cited his age as reason for the closure. It was also caught up in a criminal probe for possession and sale of shark fins in 2022.
Photo via Instagram /
betosaltmexBeto’s Alt-Mex
8142 Broadway
Due to a 40% rise in operating costs over the past year, longtime Broadway eatery Beto’s Alt-Mex closed in March after 25 years. The owners indicated they hope to maintain the brand by creating a cookbook and potentially collaborating with stores like H-E-B on pre-packaged meals.
Brandon Rodriguez
Pasta Factory
312 Pearl Parkway Building 6
After a short stint serving the Pearl’s Bottling Department Food Hall, Pasta Factory seems to be no more. They announced their last day at the Pearl on April 23 and have not announced any new locations. The pop-up restaurant, owned by the team behind fellow Pearl joint Chilaquil, was in operation for just over a month.
Photo via Google Maps
Grady’s Bar-B-Q
Multiple Locations
Grady’s Bar-B-Q, well-known for its smoked meats, fried catfish and homestyle sides, shockingly closed all three of its locations this May after more than 70 years operating in San Antonio. A reason was not provided for the closure, but company representatives said they were attempting to find work for as many of their employees as possible.
Nina Rangel
Olla Express Cafe
2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop
Olla Express Cafe announced that it will be closing its Los Patios location in late May. This is not a permanent closure, however, as a new location is slated to open later in the summer, according to Instagram posts.
