One of the most iconic Tex-Mex restaurants in Texas celebrated its final day this weekend with an appropriate "last dance." Little Mexico, an Austin restaurant that announced back in early February that it would close its doors after decades of operation, shuttered after service Saturday with an emotional flourish.

"Our last dance. Not just a restaurant ... a lifetime of memories," read a post by Little Mexico in South Austin early Sunday morning. "Thank you for 40+ years, Austin. We love you all."

Austin

The post included a video shot during the final evening of service Saturday. In the video, a Tejano band played while customers danced and patrons watched from their tables.

Rosa Elia Martinez opened Little Mexico in 1986 in North Austin. She ultimately took the business in 1994 to 2304 S. First St. in South Austin. Martinez' daughter Monica Flores had been serving as general manager.

South Austin Martinez

A day before the restaurant closed, head chef Jose Tomas Esquivel wrote an emotional note on Facebook thanking Little Mexico owner Martinez for bringing him on board 32 years ago.

"For many she was the restaurant owner, but for me she was much more than that -- she was like a mother," Esquivel wrote. "She gave me an opportunity when I was just starting my path, she trusted me, and she taught me not only recipes, but values, discipline, respect, and love for work. She has always been there for me and my family, in good times and in difficult times. That is something we will never forget."

Jose Tomas Esquivel

Little Mexico was long lauded for its family atmosphere and friendly service, and for being a classic spot that felt like a home away from home. It served enchiladas and tacos, plus specialty plates of carnitas and bowls of fideo, caldo and menudo. Drinks included margaritas and classic cocktails, plus beer and wine.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, Martinez' retirement fueled the closure. She owns the land that includes Little Mexico, and instead of selling it, Martinez told the American-Statesman she rented it to an operator who has franchises of Dairy Queen and Schlotzky's.

Our last dance. Not just a restaurant ... a lifetime of memories.

Where this fits

For diners, the question that matters is rarely whether somewhere is new, but whether it will still be worth the trip a year from now.

Key takeaways

  • The post included a video shot during the final evening of service Saturday
  • "For many she was the restaurant owner, but for me she was much more than that -- she was like a mother," Esquivel wrote
  • Little Mexico was long lauded for its family atmosphere and friendly service, and for being a classic spot that felt like a home away from home

The numbers worth knowing

  • Rosa Elia Martinez opened Little Mexico in 1986 in North Austin
  • She ultimately took the business in 1994 to 2304 S
  • A day before the restaurant closed, head chef Jose Tomas Esquivel wrote an emotional note on Facebook thanking Little Mexico owner Martinez for bringing him on board 32 years ago

In short

As always in the dining room, the gap between what gets announced and what actually reaches people is where the real story will be decided.