Gilbert’s Iconic Mexican Restaurant to Close After 40 Years of Serving San Antonio’s Best Tex-Mex-Tejano Nation

San Antonio, Texas – Gilbert’s Mexican Restauranta cornerstone of San Antonio’s west side for more than 40 years, will close its doors after this weekend, leaving a bittersweet legacy behind. Known for its authentic Tex-Mex dishes—including fan favorite Javi Special—operating Carne Guisada Enchiladas—the family-run breakfast joint has served generations of locals, tourists, and Tejano music lovers alike.

The announcement came late Friday on the restaurant’s official Instagram page from Ashley Rodriguez Herrerasecond generation owner and granddaughter of Gilbert Rodriguezwho founded the restaurant in 1982. In her emotional post, Ashley shared, “After more than 40 amazing years, it is with a heavy heart that I share this news: Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant will be closing its doors after this weekend.”

A family heirloom

Gilbert Rodriguez, a Hall of Fame Tejano singer and frontman of the Blue Notes, opened the restaurant in 1982, with a vision to create a place where family and community could come together over great food. The restaurant has become a local favorite known for its authentic Tex-Mex fare and its deep connection to the Tejano music scene. Over the years, the walls were lined with photos and memorabilia of Tejano legends, earning the place the nickname “Tejano Hard Rock Cafe.”

“We’ve always thought of this place as more than just a restaurant,” Ashley wrote in her post. “It was home. It was there that families gathered, celebrations were held and generations shared meals together. “

Tejano roots and community

Gilbert Rodriguez was not just a restaurateur, but a respected figure in the Tejano music community. As the lead singer of the Blue Notes, Gilbert and his band enjoyed widespread success in the 1960s and 1970s, helping to shape the Tejano sound. His presence at the restaurant was often felt as he could be seen singing and interacting with customers, adding to the unique atmosphere of Gilbert’s Mexican restaurant.

In 2019 Gilbert received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tejano Music Awards, cementing his legacy in the community. His charismatic spirit filled the restaurant, which became a gathering place not only for great food, but also for fans of Tejano Music, creating a cultural center on San Antonio’s west side.

A heartfelt farewell

In her heartfelt message, Ashley expressed her deep gratitude for the loyal customers and dedicated staff who have helped make Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant a beloved local institution. “To our amazing team, past and present, thank you. Your hard work and passion have been the heart of this restaurant,” she wrote. “To our loyal customers, there are no words to express how much your love and support has meant to us over the years.”

This weekend will be the last chance for fans of Gilbert’s Mexican restaurant to visit, share one last meal and celebrate the history and memories created over four decades. The restaurant, located at 8161 Latigo Plaza near Marbach Road and Loop 410, will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As Ashley concluded in her post, “although Gilbert’s doors will be closing, the memories we’ve made will live on forever.”

For many, Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant was more than a place to eat—it was a community, a tradition, and a living testament to the heart and soul of San Antonio’s west side. While the restaurant closes its doors, its legacy will surely live on in the hearts of all who have experienced its warmth, delicious food and Tejano spirit.

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