Casa Rio Spreads Its Wings with The Night Heron Rooftop Bar

Two of San Antonio’s most iconic restaurants, Casa Rio and Schilo’s, are stepping into a new era with a fresh concept high above the River Walk. The Lyons family, owners of the storied eateries, has unveiled plans for The Night Heron, a chic rooftop bar set to open above Casa Rio by spring 2027.

A Name with Meaning

Elizabeth Lyons Houston, Owner and Vice President of Los Leones restaurant group, says the name carries both a personal and cultural connection.

“When I was a little girl, I used to watch the night herons’ nest in the cypress canopies,” Houston explained in an email. “The name is rooted in the place (the trees above Casa Rio), but it also allows us to move in a more contemporary, versatile direction…. This name hopefully helps our future literally take flight.”

The night heron symbolizes grace and movement, making it the perfect emblem for a restaurant group evolving beyond its historic roots.

Cocktails, Cuisine, and Culture

The bar program at The Night Heron will highlight San Antonio’s Mexican heritage, with a focus on tequila, mezcal, and gin cocktails infused with indigenous ingredients. Guests can also expect a curated wine list spotlighting organic and sustainable Mexican wines, an emerging player in the global wine scene.

The food menu will blend the familiar with the fresh. Casa Rio’s beloved salsa and Schilo’s signature deviled eggs will make an appearance, but Houston’s world travels have inspired new additions like escabeche and tuna tostadas. The emphasis will lean toward healthier, locally sourced dishes designed for sharing.

A Bold New Design

Fans of Casa Rio’s traditional River Walk aesthetic will find a very different look at The Night Heron. The group has partnered with Juliana Huff de Leon and Kat Zuniga Garza of Day Atelier, a local interior design firm, to bring a dramatic and moody atmosphere to life.

The planned design includes:

• Deep green and midnight blue tones contrasted with terracotta accents.

• Textural elements like stained Saltillo and zellige tile.

• Ceilings crafted from matchstick bamboo and warm brass fixtures.

• Hacienda-style woodwork for rustic charm.

• Whimsical details such as branch-style lighting and avian wallpaper, tying into the heron-inspired theme.

Renderings suggest a richly layered space that balances modern sophistication with playful nods to nature.

Rooftop Views of San Antonio

The Night Heron will be constructed above Casa Rio at 430 E Commerce St., but the entrance will be located on Market Street. This clever design offers rooftop visitors sweeping views of La Antorcha de la Amistad and the Tower of the Americas, making it a destination as much for its sights as its sips.

The opening is projected for winter 2026 or spring 2027, depending on construction progress. Either way, it promises to bring a striking new addition to San Antonio’s skyline — and its nightlife.

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