Landrace Temporarily Shutters on San Antonio’s River Walk — But Don’t Count It Out Yet
SAN ANTONIO, TX — If you’ve walked the River Walk lately looking for Landrace, you’ve probably noticed the doors are shut and the reservation books are quiet. But don’t panic — the award-winning restaurant isn’t gone for good.
Landrace, located inside the Thompson San Antonio Hotel, has hit pause for the summer as the space undergoes renovations. According to a quick call I placed — which unexpectedly got routed to the lounge upstairs — staff confirmed that Landrace will remain closed through August, with reservations reopening in early September.
I’ve eaten at Landrace in the past — not here in San Antonio, but at their Austin sibling property, and let me just say, their grilled striploin with local greens is one of those dishes you remember not just for the flavor, but for how confidently it lands on the table.
A Restaurant Rooted in Texas Ingredients and Bold Ambitions
Landrace first opened in 2021, driven by a vision to celebrate Texas foodways — a term you don’t hear often unless you’re deep into regional culinary culture. From its opening days, the restaurant put the spotlight on locally sourced ingredients, classic preparation, and strong Southern roots.
Chef Steve McHugh, known for his work at Cured, originally led the kitchen. Today, that honor goes to Chef David Arciniega, who’s kept the spirit intact while making his own thoughtful tweaks.
And let’s not forget the wine list. Wine Spectator recognized Landrace with an Award of Excellence, something that doesn’t just happen unless you’re curating bottles with care and intention. When I visited, the sommelier recommended a Texas viognier that I’d never heard of — and I’m still thinking about it.
A Space That Felt Sophisticated, Not Stuffy
If you’ve ever dined here, you know Landrace doesn’t try to be flashy. It plays the long game — leather banquettes, warm wood finishes, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in just enough of the San Antonio skyline to remind you where you are.
The service? Quietly confident. I remember the waitstaff being as precise with wine pairings as they were relaxed in conversation. You didn’t feel hovered over, but you never needed to flag anyone down, either.
And the River Walk location? Ideal. Whether you were staying at the Thompson or just wandering the area looking for dinner with a little ceremony, Landrace delivered that “treat-yourself” energy without the snobbery.
What Happens Now?
For now, Landrace fans will have to wait. The team hasn’t detailed what exactly is changing in the renovation — whether it’s the interior, the menu, or both — but their OpenTable page is already taking reservations for September 4 and beyond, suggesting the relaunch isn’t far off.
I’ve seen a few great restaurants lose their edge during remodels, but something tells me Landrace won’t be one of them. Maybe it’s the way they’ve handled this closure: quiet, focused, no overhyping. Just the simple promise of “We’ll be back soon.”
And I’ll be back, too — hopefully at that same front-table seat, ordering whatever the chef recommends that day.
Got a favorite memory at Landrace or another River Walk gem that deserves a revisit? Let’s talk. Drop your thoughts in the comments — I’m always open to discovering what you miss most.