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

SAN ANTONIO, TX — Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant, a 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 the fan-favorite Javi Special—featuring carne guisada enchiladas—the family-owned eatery has served generations of locals, tourists, and Tejano music enthusiasts alike.

The announcement came late Friday on the restaurant’s official Instagram page from Ashley Rodriguez Herrera, the second-generation owner and granddaughter of Gilbert Rodriguez, who founded the restaurant in 1982. In her emotional post, Ashley shared, “After more than 40 incredible 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 Legacy

Gilbert Rodriguez, a Tejano Hall of Fame singer and frontman of the Blue Notes, opened the restaurant in 1982, with a vision to create a place where family and community could gather over great food. The restaurant became 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 spot 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’s been a home. It’s where families have gathered, celebrations have been held, and generations have 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 ‘60s and ‘70s, 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, solidifying 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 hub on the west side of San Antonio.

A Heartfelt Farewell

In her heartfelt message, Ashley expressed deep gratitude for the loyal customers and the dedicated staff who helped make Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant a beloved local institution. “To our incredible team, both 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 have meant to us over the years.”

This weekend will be the final opportunity 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, “Though the doors of Gilbert’s will close, the memories we have made will live on forever.”

For many, Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant was more than just 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. As the restaurant closes its doors, its legacy will surely live on in the hearts of all who experienced its warmth, delicious food, and Tejano spirit.

Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with everything Tejano. Listen to new Tejano music first with our Spotify playlists and iHeartRadio podcast.

---

---