Legendary taco joint closing its doors after 63 years of serving authentic Mexican cuisine
The San Antonio, Texas restaurant is closing for good on June 28 to make way for a new bridge in the city.
'The city bought us. They've been saying it for five or 10 years now that they want to build a bridge,' restaurant owner Alex Pruneda told My San Antonio.
'They wanted us out by May 15, but I sent them a letter and I told them that was too soon.'
Pruneda, 71, also shared his deep gratitude for his 32 employees.
'We wouldn't be where we are today without them. They are the backbone of this business,' he revealed to KSAT.
Oscar's Taco House has been a fan-favorite San Antonio restaurant for decades that has hardly changed since its opening.
It offers a variety of foods, including famous puffy tacos, nachos, and chili and cheese fries.
Oscar's Taco House will be closing for good on June 28 after 63 years to make way for a new bridge in San Antonio. Fans on TikTok were heartbroken to learn the Texas restaurant is shuttering.
Fans have called for Texas to 'save Oscar's' ever since the business announced its upcoming closure.
They've also taken to TikTok to share various memories in a video posted by visionsforyou210 last week.
'My mother and grandma would take me here as a child, oh the food was so good. Sad it's nothing more than a memory now,' a commenter wrote.
'My first boyfriend /girlfriend date in High School was at Oscars - over 40 years ago. I don't know what happened to him, but I will miss Oscars,' a fan responded.
'Man I've been eating here since I was a kid and now I started to bring my son here. Gonna miss this place. Great food,' another person commented.
A few others recalled times they watched the restaurant being built.
Commenters also praised the restaurant's food and gave brief shout-outs for its puffy tacos and fried chicken.
'The crowd was crazy today they just find out that they are going to close and now everybody wants to go,' a fan claimed last week.
Loyal customers claimed the restaurant has hardly redecorated since opening its doors decades ago
Several customers have praised the restaurant for serving 'delicious' puffy tacos
The restaurant calls itself a 'hidden gem' in San Antonio combining Mexican cuisine with 'mouthwatering fish dishes.'
It accepts reservations, and offers delivery, takeout, and catering.
Oscar's is known for creating signature puffy tacos and revealed guests rave about Norma's Plate, an entrée that comes with a cheese enchilada, a puffy taco, rice, and beans.
'Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, the friendly staff and delicious dishes will leave you craving for more.'
The restaurant also shared reviews from both new and previous customers, many of whom praised the food and its staff.
Oscar's Taco House success has never diminished, but after four years of owning the restaurant, Pruneda is ready to settle down.
'I get people coming in from Boerne, Floresville, Devine, Helotes. Everybody tells me, "Why don't you open a restaurant over there?"' he told the San Antonio Express News.
'I might just take some time off. And right now, I'm just gonna accept it and move on.'
A couple of social media users claimed there were lines of guests looking to purchase food from Oscar's Taco House last week
Oscar's Taco House is one of many historic restaurants that have shuttered.
Taco Bell closed its historic Arizona restaurant after over 60 years to build a sleeker location.
The 45-year-old MacLeod's Restaurant in Bucksport, Maine, closed in April, but it is looking for a buyer to restore it and take advantage of its popularity.
Meanwhile, another storied taco restaurant closed recently. Taco Mac closed its flagship restaurant in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighborhood — marking the end of a 46-year chapter.
Major chains have also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. TGI Fridays closed hundreds of restaurants and currently has less than 100 US restaurants since filing for bankruptcy last year.
Hooters began shuttering restaurants last year and filed for bankruptcy protection in March.
Outside the restaurant industry, multiple retailers have shut their flagship store doors for financial and restructuring purposes.
Neiman Marcus shuttered its Texas flagship store in March, and Saks closed its iconic California store after nearly 45 years last week.
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