The doors to Casa Rio opened in 1946, and 80 years later, the Tex-Mex eatery remains the oldest continually operating restaurant on the San Antonio River Walk. After achieving the 80-year milestone, Casa Rio is looking up with its next big move.
Plans for an addition to Casa Rio were recently advanced by San Antonio’s Historic and Design Review Commission, which is responsible for approving major changes to local landmarks and historic properties. A certificate of appropriateness for the Casa Rio project was issued on August 5. MySA spoke with the restaurant’s co-owner and vice president, Elizabeth Lyons Houston, to learn more.
“The Night Heron is a new rooftop bar and gathering space we’re creating above Casa Rio, overlooking the River Walk and tucked into the cypress trees,” said Lyons Houston. “The idea is to create something that feels like a natural extension of Casa Rio, but with its own identity — a little younger, more intimate and more unexpected.”
Lyons Houston went on to say that the new addition will include both indoor and outdoor space and offer a menu of cocktails, natural wines and small plates. The Night Heron gets its name from the same-named birds that are part of the San Antonio River’s natural ecosystem. Though plans are moving ahead for the rooftop bar, the concept is still early in its development. Lyons Houston told MySA that the Casa Rio team is aiming to welcome customers by the end of 2027.
“It’s especially meaningful to be working on something new as Casa Rio celebrates its 80th anniversary — honoring what my family has built here while continuing to evolve what we can be for the next generation,” Lyons Houston said.
Dining and Cooking