Casa Rio and Schilo’s may be two of the San Antonio dining scene’s most storied names, but the owners of the historic restaurants are looking toward the future. The Lyons family has announced The Night Heron, an upcoming bar perched above Casa Rio, opening by spring 2027.
Elizabeth Lyons Houston, Owner and Vice President of the Los Leones restaurant group, says the name is symbolic. Not only does it nod to the graceful birds who flock around the River Walk, it represents a new direction for the company.
“When I was a little girl, I used to watch the night herons’ nest in the cypress canopies,” shares Houston via 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.”
Midnight blue tones are accented by pops of terracotta.Rendering by Juliana Huff de Leon and Kat Zuniga Garza/ Day Atelier
The bar program will pay homage to San Antonio’s Mexican heritage, primarily focusing on tequila, mezcal, and gin cocktails made with indigenous ingredients. The Night Heron will also shine the spotlight on Mexico’s blossoming wine industry with a selection of organic and sustainable pours.
The bites borrow from Los Leones’ two flagship restaurants, incorporating salsa from Casa Rio and deviled eggs from Schilo’s. But Houston says her travels inspired some fresh menu items like escabeche and tuna tostadas. The emphasis will be on healthier options and locally sourced ingredients.
Fans of the restaurant group’s previous restaurants, however, may be surprised by the design. Los Leones drafted Juliana Huff de Leon and Kat Zuniga Garza of local interior firm Day Atelier to create a moody space filled with marbled greens and midnight blues, accented with rich terracotta.
A fireplace perch will be welcome on chilly nights.Rendering by Juliana Huff de Leon and Kat Zuniga Garza/ Day Atelier
The renderings are rich in textural details like stained saltillo and zellige tile, matchstick bamboo ceilings, unlacquered brass fixtures, and hacienda-style woodwork. Whimsical details, like branch-style lighting and avian wallpaper, bring the theme home.
Houston says the space is being built above Casa Rio at 430 E Commerce St., but the entrance will be at Market Street, allowing views of the La Antorcha de la Amistad sculpture and the Tower of the Americas from the rooftop bar. The opening could come as early as winter 2026, but she expects it to hatch no later than spring 2027.