Fifty-seven years ago, San Antonio couple Joe (known as “Little Joe”) and Laurine Van Hecke opened a cozy bar on the city’s southwest side. It became more than a place where folks simply clinked their glasses. It’s long been known as a spot where laughter echoes and milestones are celebrated.
On Saturday, August 1, folks will have one last chance to visit Little Joe’s Ice House at 7405 Old Pearsall Road. In late July, the Van Hecke family shared the news with what they described as heavy hearts, with souls full of gratitude.
“Together, we have celebrated birthdays, mourned losses, and built families within these walls,” the family wrote in a letter to customers on social media. “We have watched generations grow up, and you have made this place a true home.”
Opened in 1969, the ice house offers cold beers, hamburgers, and games. Neon signs, Texas-themed prints, and pool tables fill the space, creating a laid-back atmosphere…