A Historic Tex-Mex Restaurant on the River Walk
Where Tradition
Meets the River
Founded in 1946, Casa Rio was the first restaurant to open its doors along the Riverwalk — and we’ve been serving San Antonio’s favorite Tex-Mex ever since. Come for the food, stay for the legacy.
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Rooted in History
Casa Rio sits on land first granted in 1777 by the King of Spain. The building itself is a Spanish Colonial hacienda, with original thick rock walls, cedar lintels, and a working fireplace still intact today.
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The Oldest River Walk Restaurant
In 1946, Alfred F. Beyer opened Casa Rio—the very first restaurant on the San Antonio River Walk. Our original plate of tamales, enchiladas, chili, rice, and beans has been a city staple ever since.
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Shaping the River Walk Experience
Casa Rio helped transform the quiet river into a vibrant cultural hub. Paddle boats, river dining, and festive traditions began right here—sparking a San Antonio tradition that still thrives today.
The Oldest River
Walk Restaurant
Casa Rio, a family-owned San Antonio landmark since 1946, was the first restaurant to open on the Riverwalk. Built on land granted in 1777 by the King of Spain, our historic hacienda remains at the heart of our Tex-Mex tradition. From our colorful riverside umbrellas to the iconic river barges, Casa Rio helped shape the Riverwalk experience.
Meet The Team
Bill Lyons
Owner & President
Elizabeth Lyons Houston
Owner & Vice President
Bill and Elizabeth continue the Casa Rio legacy with the same dedication to flavor and tradition that’s defined the restaurant since the very beginning. Their leadership has kept Casa Rio a San Antonio staple — one plate, one guest, one memory at a time.
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Teresa Akkola
Chief Financial Officer
20 years -
Juan Sanchez
General Manager
22 years -
Roberto Maldanado
Kitchen Manager
3 years -
L’Lee Cameron
Director of Sales & Events
7 years -
Alex Gonzalez
Event Coordinator
14 years -
Virgie Elizondo
Head Wait
48 years -
Martin Trujillo
Busser
16 years -
J. Dolores Almanza
Kitchen prep
2 years -
Sergio Espino Lopez
Busser
17 years -
Maria "Betty" Garza De Pulido
Kitchen Prep
21 years
Generations of Hospitality
Los Leones is a fourth-generation, family-owned hospitality and real estate group based in San Antonio, Texas. With roots dating back to 1946 and the founding of Casa Rio—the oldest restaurant on the River Walk—Los Leones has played a vital role in shaping the city’s culinary and cultural landscape. Today, the group owns and operates a portfolio of beloved local institutions, including Schilo’s and Broadway News, continuing its commitment to preserving tradition while evolving for future generations.
Join The Team
Be a part of a team that values tradition, community, and culinary excellence. At Casa Rio, you’re not just making meals – you’re making history.