The end of an era
Iconic Tex-Mex restaurant closing after 65 years in Central Austin
After 65 years in business, a Tex-Mex icon is closing. On July 23, the owners of El Patio announced that August 9 will be the restaurant's last day in business.
As noted in the release, El Patio got off to a rocky start when it first debuted at 2938 Guadalupe St. on January 5, 1954. While owner Paul Joseph was busy handling all the details of opening a new business, wife Mary Ann was previously occupied giving birth to the first of their six children.
Since then, the ride has been smoother. Over the more than six decades of business, the Joseph children all became a part of the business in various capacities. David, Renee, and Roseann are still fixtures at the eatery.
The family says that no external factors influenced the decision. Though proud of the legacy in Austin’s restaurant business, the family is simply ready to move on to other projects, adding the most difficult part of the decision is saying goodbye to the loyal customers, many of whom have been eating at El Patio for decades.
“We have shared generations of our family with yours,” said the family via release. “Our hearts are heavy because we will miss our beloved customers, who are truly extended family.”
It’s unclear what the next step will be for the building that has housed the long-running eatery. The release did not specify whether it would be up for sale.
