Jaime’s Spanish Village To Close After 80 Years

By alcalde in Blog on July 7, 2010 at 11:04 am | No Comments

Lower the flags and cue up TAPS. An Austin-slash-University of Texas institution is dying.

The venerable Jaime’s Spanish Village on Red River across from Stubb’s will be closing July 30 after 80 years in business. The restaurant’s owner, Charlie Tames, lost the lease.

The cozy stone structure that for generations of UT students looked and felt like a home — and that literally trademarked the margarita with a sangria floater, Margarita Jaime — will be donating all its profits from July 8 until the 30th to a fund benefiting employees.

“This benefit is a way for us to support our loyal staff, some who have been with us for over 25 years,” Tames said in a statement Wednesday. “The next few weeks serve as an opportunity for customers and friends to stop by for a last farewell.”

Originally called Spanish Village, Charlie Tame’s uncle Jaime Tames added his name when the former Spanish bullfighter bought the restaurant 40 years ago. Jaime died three years ago, but pictures of Tames in action adorn the restaurant walls, alongside hundreds of customer photos.

At least some elements of Jaime’s will live on. Its salsas and queso will continue to be sold at all Whole Foods; at Central Markets in Austin, Houston, and Dallas; and at Royal Blue Grocery in Austin.

The restaurant has set up a Facebook page and is inviting patrons to share memories, hazy as they may be, of their times at Jaime’s.

Adios, amigo. I’ll miss your green chicken enchiladas.