For almost three decades the Lopez family has been a staple of East Austin’s culinary scene. Taqueria Chapala, known for its Jalisco‑style barbacoa, breakfast tacos and a menu that spans fajitas, enchiladas, tortas, whole fried tilapia and traditional soups, closed its East Cesar Chavez storefront on Sept. 27 when the property owners declined to renew the lease.
Why the move?
Manuel Lopez explained on Facebook that the landlords presented a written notice on May 1 indicating they would not renew the lease and that they were also collecting overdue taxes from the prior year. “I never actually read that document—that was my mistake,” he wrote. The final decision came on June 15 when the landlords told him in person they would be renting the space to another tenant. Despite attempts to negotiate, the family was given no alternative options.
New home on South First
The restaurant will reopen on Oct. 29 at 2448 S. First St., a location that remains within Austin’s vibrant south‑central corridor. The new address was confirmed by the owners and will allow the business to continue serving longtime patrons while attracting new customers from the surrounding neighborhoods.
Family legacy
Manuel and his brother Mauricio opened Taqueria Chapala on July 1, 1997, at 2101 E. Cesar Chavez St. In an Instagram video, Mauricio reflected, “It’s still really hard to process because even though we never really owned this building, our family grew up here. We’ve worked here for practically our entire lives.” The closure marks the end of an era for the East Austin community, but the brothers remain optimistic about the future.
What stays the same
Customers can expect the same beloved dishes that have made Chapala a local favorite. The menu will continue to feature the signature Chapala Especial – a hearty plate of barbacoa served with traditional sides – as well as all‑day breakfast options, caldo de res, menudo, and a variety of seafood dishes. The family’s commitment to quality, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere will carry over to the new South First location.
Community response
Local residents expressed mixed emotions on social media. Some lamented the loss of a neighborhood landmark on East Cesar Chavez, while others celebrated the opportunity for the restaurant to thrive in a new setting. The sign outside the former space now lists the property for lease as a second‑generation restaurant through Austin real‑estate brokerage Asterra, indicating that another dining concept may soon take its place.
Looking ahead
The reopening on South First is slated for the weekend of Oct. 29, giving the Lopez family time to set up the new kitchen, train staff and fine‑tune the dining area. The move underscores the resilience of family‑owned businesses in Austin and highlights the importance of supportive landlords and flexible real‑estate options for local entrepreneurs.
Taqueria Chapala’s story is a reminder that even when faced with unexpected challenges, a strong family foundation and dedication to community can keep a beloved institution alive and well.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
