Lisa Wong is a leading restaurateur with more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry and the founder of a number of successful restaurant concepts in San Antonio. Her restaurant legacy includes: Lisa’s Mexican Restaurant, her first restaurant she opened at age 18 (1981-1997); Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina (1992-present); Rey Willy’s Hamburgers y Más (2000-2001); ChinaLatina, a partnership with the Hu Family of Taipei Chinese Restaurants (2002-present); Rosario’s Cantina at the San Antonio International Airport (2003-present), a partnership with Host Marriott Corporation; and her most recent restaurant venture, Ácenar (to eat) on the world-renowned River Walk (2005-present).

Born and raised in San Antonio of Mexican and Chinese descent to Isabel Sanchez and Samuel Wong, Lisa embraced the best of both cultures inheriting Grandpa Wong’s entrepreneurial spirit. As a restaurateur, he prepared the finest Chinese and American food in the kitchen of Sung Lee Café while her abuelita Mama Luisa prepared incredible Mexican food in her kitchen for the family every Sunday afternoon. The memories created in these two kitchens from two distinct cultures produced a young visionary whose character and drive have been the cornerstone in building a successful restaurant career that spans more than two decades.

Her commitment to the local community has also played a significant role in the revitalization of the King William neighborhood. These stepping-stones have paved the way to the banks of San Antonio’s River Walk. Lisa’s newest, most aggressive and exciting venture to date unfolded in 2005 into one of the largest and most innovative contemporary Mexican restaurants and bar on the River Walk.

“ÁCENAR is a dream come true. As a child I would come downtown with my family and loved the River Walk…never did I imagine I would one day own a part of what makes San Antonio so unique, attracting visitors from all over the world!”
The multi-level restaurant features floor, balcony and private party seating, as well as a stand alone bar “Átomar” (to drink). The interior and exterior reflect colors and designs with Mexican cues like molcajete walls and milagro ceilings.

ÁCENAR…where palates meet Pizzazz…where ambiance and aromas abound…where Lisa Wong has utilized her Asian drive and Latina heart to give San Antonio yet another wonderful dining experience that would have made abuelito Wong and mama Sanchez proud!

ÁCENAR…inspired by passion…driven by quality service and extraordinary modern Mexican food.