Latest news with #German-Texan
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Beer Hall 'Permanently' Closing After Nearly 50 Years
A beloved restaurant in the Houston area announced it permanently closed its doors over the weekend. Rudi Lechner opened his German-inspired beer hall in 1976 before he retired and the restaurant was purchased by Jay Luchun. "I made sure not to change anything about Rudi's, from the menu to the staff and especially the name," Luchun told Westchase Today, a quarterly community publication, in 2018. "Many of the restaurant's loyal workers have been there for 20 years or more. I feel a responsibility to keep them employed." Now, nearly 50 years after its opening, Rudi Lechner's is shuttering its doors. "After many wonderful years of serving the community, Rudi Lechner's has permanently closed its doors," read a statement from the restaurant Sunday, via the Houston Chronicle. "We want to express our deepest gratitude to all of you who have supported us over the years. It has been an incredible journey filled with memorable moments, delicious meals, and the joy of sharing our culture and hospitality with you." The restaurant reportedly apologized to those impacted by the sudden closing. In a post on Reddit, the Consulate of Austria emailed members that its monthly Stammtisch—an Austrian-themed dinner—at the restaurant was canceled following Rudi Lechner's sudden closing. In the email, the consulate revealed that the owner of the Rudi Lechner property was "looking for a new restaurant operator who may also invest in renovating the place." Rudi Lechner's described itself as a casual, and 'gemuetliches' German-Texan restaurant, that is all about Sausages, Wiener Schnitzel and great German Beer and Wine."Beer Hall 'Permanently' Closing After Nearly 50 Years first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 2, 2025
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These 10 historic Texas restaurants that have stood the test of time
If you're new to Texas or a native to the state, there are restaurants that have been serving Texans for a long time that you might want to consider visiting. This list, compiled with suggestions from various restaurant reviews, details some of the oldest restaurants in Texas. Some of them date back as late as 1911. Check out these 10 classic restaurants throughout Texas. The Driskill Grill, located within the historic Driskill Hotel in Austin, is a renowned fine-dining establishment known for its refined American cuisine and exceptional service. The Driskill Hotel itself opened in 1886, making it one of the oldest operating hotels in Texas. Over the years, the Grill has hosted many notable events, including the first date of President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson. With its elegant atmosphere and rich history, The Driskill Grill continues to offer a distinctive Austin dining experience. Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse is famous for its authentic Texas barbecue, featuring slow-smoked meats prepared with the lean side down — a technique passed down since Elias Bryan began the tradition in 1910. The restaurant is also distinguished by its commitment to quality, using post oak wood and a closely guarded barbecue sauce recipe to enhance its signature flavors. Gaido's Seafood, a Galveston institution since 1911, is renowned for its fresh Gulf seafood and rich culinary traditions. Founded by San Giacinto Gaido, the restaurant has upheld its commitment to quality for over a century, offering hand-prepared shrimp, oysters, and fish alongside house-made sauces and seasonings. Schilo's Delicatessen has been a beloved San Antonio institution since its founding in 1917. First operating as a saloon in Beeville, Texas, it moved to San Antonio in the early 1900s. Famous for its German-Texan cuisine, Schilo's has preserved its unique blend of flavors for generations. Christie's Seafood & Steaks, a Houston establishment since 1917, is celebrated for its fresh Gulf seafood and classic steak offerings. Initially founded by Greek immigrant Theodore Christie as a small stand in Galveston, the restaurant quickly gained popularity and expanded to Houston in 1934. According to WFAA, El Fenix was established in Dallas in 1918 by Miguel Martinez and carried on by his family. It has grown into a North Texas staple with multiple locations, including its second opening in the 1940s. Prior to founding El Fenix, Miguel launched Martinez Cafe in 1916 at the corner of Griffin Street and McKinney Avenue. Paris Coffee Shop, a beloved Fort Worth institution since 1926, serves up classic breakfast and lunch favorites with a contemporary flair. Joe T. Garcia's is a legendary Mexican restaurant in Fort Worth, known for its vibrant atmosphere, iconic patio, and strong margaritas. Established in 1935 by Joe T. Garcia and his wife, Mamasuez, the restaurant started as a small, family-run operation and has since grown to cover an entire block on Commerce Street. Today, it remains under the stewardship of their grandchildren, continuing the tradition of serving authentic Mexican cuisine in a lively, welcoming setting. Over the decades, Joe T. Garcia's has become a must-visit destination, attracting both locals and celebrities alike. Matt's El Rancho has been a cherished part of Austin's dining scene since 1952. Initially opening with just ten tables on East First Street, this iconic Tex-Mex restaurant now thrives on South Lamar Boulevard. Founded by Matt Martinez, Sr. and his wife Janie, it has built a lasting reputation for scratch-made Tex-Mex dishes that have delighted generations of locals and visitors alike. The Big Texan Steak Ranch opened in 1960 in Amarillo and draws visitors with its famous 72-oz steak challenge. Located in a dedicated restaurant area for public viewing, participants who can consume the entire steak and sides within one hour receive a complimentary meal. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 10 of the oldest restaurants in Texas that are still open
