It’s the end of an era for San Antonio’s The Barn Door Restaurant & Meat Market, a steakhouse with yeehaw vibes that announced its upcoming closure after a 73-year run. Since the news went live on Monday, April 27, longtime customers of the San Antonio eatery have been reacting with a range of emotions.
A post on the San Antonio Restaurant Facebook group amassed more than 100 comments from members of the group. Facebook user Eva Jvich, the originator of the post, included four nostalgic images of The Barn Door with a caption that read, “Somebody save it – please!!!”
The majority of the comments under the Facebook post were from those expressing their sadness about the closure announcement, sharing memories of The Barn Door and its lasting impact on San Antonio.
The Barn Door. (Mike Sutter/San Antonio Express-News)
“I am absolutely devastated. The Barn Door has been a staple for my family, my entire life,” said a Facebook comment from Kristin Henson. “Totally understand but absolutely devastated.”
“We will truly miss it. So many great family memories. We loved the food, the atmosphere and the service. So sad,” Vic Sylvia commented on the post.
Several of the individuals who commented on the Facebook post went beyond reminiscing and provided suggestions on how to preserve The Barn Door for its historical importance. Others were more critical of the restaurant, remarking that the closure was no major loss.
“We’ve been twice in the last 6 months. It’s gone downhill. Nostalgia can’t carry food that isn’t very good,” wrote Chris Schrader in a Facebook comment.
A number of the comments expressed confusion about The Barn Door’s announcement, with some people asserting that the restaurant is merely changing its hours and not gearing up to shutter. Others were quick to correct these claims as a misunderstanding. The Barn Door will continue to run service by reservation only through Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, when the steakhouse will host its final service.
Find it: 8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio, TX 78209
This article originally published at ‘Devastated’: Locals speak up amid closure of iconic San Antonio eatery.