After the closure of a longtime San Antonio coffee shop last month, it seems something new is officially ready to move into the charming space right off the St. Mary’s Strip. Details about the upcoming restaurant are just crumbs, but here’s what we know right now.
A regulatory filing made with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration on August 11 points to a new tenant in the former home of Candlelight Coffeehouse. According to the filing, Vecino is moving in, with renovations set to begin on August 17 and wrap up by the end of September. Not many details are known about the mysterious new restaurant, but there are some hints about what it’ll be like.
Vecino is the Spanish word for neighbor, and an Instagram page for the restaurant says the spot will be “where neighbors become friends.” The bio of that page teases the project “coming soon” and also tags it to the 107 Kings Ct. location where Candlelight Coffeehouse used to be, the same address given in the filing. Founded in 1995, Candlelight Coffeehouse shuttered in July on the heels of Candlelight PourHouse’s hiatus and financial troubles spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and nearby construction. It had shifted in name and location a couple of times, previously operating in the spot that’s now home to Vibras nightclub.
MySA did some snooping and found an active Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission license for Vecino issued just a few days ago. One detail revealed by the TABC license hints at who’s behind the new restaurant: the owner of the license is listed as Vecino by Bilia LLC — which also operates as Bilia Eatery, the popular Latin fusion spot in Castle Hills.
That’s corroborated by comments on Vecino’s Instagram’s only post. One commenter said, “We can’t wait to dine with y’all on St. Mary’s, Chef Brian!” likely referring to chef Bryan Rojas, who opened Bilia Eatery with wife Mariana Wong in 2020. Bilia Eatery replied from its own Instagram account with a couple of heart-eyed emojis, seemingly confirming the two restaurants’ connection.
It’s still unclear just what cuisine will be cooking up at Kings Ct. when Vecino opens — and when diners will be welcomed in. MySA reached out to Vecino on Instagram, but did not immediately receive a response.
Find it: 107 Kings Ct., San Antonio, TX 78212
