According to the San Antonio Current, the owners of the River Walk restaurant Casa Rio are preparing to debut a new rooftop bar concept above the restaurant named The Night Heron.
Elizabeth Lyons Houston, the restaurant’s vice president, tells What Now San Antonio, “Casa Rio is the oldest restaurant on the River Walk. It was founded by my grandfather in 1946, and we have been serving staple Tex-Mex fare since our start.”
“We also own and operate the neighboring restaurant called Schilo’s,” she mentions — referring to the German deli founded in 1917 (known for its sandwiches, soups, and homemade root beer) at 424 E Commerce Street. “We really want all three [concepts] to work together and complement each other,” says Houston.
She continues, “This is going to be a new concept that pulls from our menus at both restaurants while also integrating new culinary inspiration coming from my recent trip to Mexico City.” This means that patrons can expect to find the homemade salsa they’ve come to know and love at Casa Rio at The Night Heron, as well as the chili con carne and deviled eggs. Beverage options will include cocktails and wine.
The Lyons family has hired the architecture firm Overland Partners to develop the space. One of the firm’s architects, Jena Hammonds Nichols, shares in a recent press release, “We are honored to help act as stewards of Casa Rio’s iconic legacy, while creating a new space that is vibrant and fresh.”
Nichols continues, “The new rooftop bar will blend timeless design with modern elegance, ultimately creating a space that invigorates and celebrates the history of this San Antonio landmark.”
The Night Heron is slated to open at the end of 2026. Follow What Now San Antonio on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest restaurant happenings in the San Antonio metropolitan area.
