The Barn Door Restaurant & Meat Market, the red-check tablecloth steakhouse in Alamo Heights, is set to close after 73 years in business. Owners say the restaurant will serve its final meal on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, bringing a multigenerational North Side dining tradition to an official end.
Co-owner Randy Stokes, who runs the restaurant with his wife Darcie, said in a statement that “It has truly been the privilege of a lifetime to serve this community,” according to San Antonio Current. The announcement focused on appreciation for the Barn Door’s role in local family celebrations and traditions, without offering a public explanation for the closure.
When The Barn Door Will Close
The Barn Door will move to a reservation-only system starting Friday, May 1, then close for good after its last service on Mother’s Day, May 10. Until then, the steakhouse will operate on limited hours: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, with reservations available online, per MySA.
Roots And Ownership
The Barn Door opened in 1953 under founder Bill Tassos and built its name on flame-grilled steaks, housemade dressings and fresh yeast rolls, according to San Antonio Current. Randy and Darcie Stokes took over the business in 2011 and have largely kept its old-school dining room and classic menu intact.
Community Reaction
News of the impending shutdown quickly stirred reaction from local chefs and regulars, many of whom are already uneasy about a wave of restaurant closures around the city. “It is hard to put into words how it feels to see so many restaurants in San Antonio closing their doors,” chef Andrew Weissman wrote on social media, as reported by the San Antonio Express-News.
How To Say Goodbye
Diners hoping for a final visit can reserve a table through The Barn Door or by calling (210) 824-0116. The restaurant’s listed address is 8400 N New Braunfels Ave in Alamo Heights. Management has cautioned that seating will be tight in the final weeks, so anyone eyeing a Mother’s Day farewell is encouraged to book early.
