AUSTIN, Texas — For more than 65 years, El Patio in Central Austin has been serving up food and drinks, but the good times at the iconic restaurant are coming to an end.
- El Patio is closing
- Last day is August 9
- Owner said the decision to close was tough
The restaurant will be closing its doors for good Friday, August 9.
“It’s so sad because all the good old restaurants are closing down, and this is just a landmark,” said Jane Estrada.
It’s the kind of place that can bring a smile on the face of even the most hungry individual.
“Forty years in the business, working days and nights. I’m ready to enjoy the second half of my life. It’s important to see my family, my boys,” said El Patio Owner David Joseph.
El Patio has a rich history in Austin. Paul Joseph, founded the eatery back in 1954. The legacy continued forward for almost six generations. Joseph said his earliest memories was at the restaurant, and he will now have to say goodbye to regulars who have become his family.
“This is family, everybody in here is family, anybody that walks into this place is family,” he said.
The establishment holds decades of memories, but Joseph said the support he received from fans since the announcement of the closure will be his fondest.
“I just want to go off when we are on top of the world, and we are on top of the world. We are so loved. I appreciate the city of Austin and all these wonderful people, ”he said.