The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion

San Antonio's mahjong boom has a new home at The Polished Tile in Monte Vista.

Why it matters: The centuries-old Chinese game is having a moment, and the new parlor gives San Antonio players a permanent place to gather around the table.

Zoom out: Yelp named mahjong a top home trend for 2026, citing surging searches for clubs and lessons.

The latest: Owner Erika Gonzales — who calls herself the "chief mahjong officer" — opened the parlor this month.

How it works: Memberships range from $100 to $225 a month, with options that include unlimited mahjong, coworking space and social events.

• A limited founding membership costs $3,000 a year.
• Nonmembers can pay $40 for a visit, buy multi-visit passes starting at $150 or take lessons starting at $115.
• Gonzales recommends beginners take the four-class, $200 "Confidence Series" to learn the game and get comfortable playing at any table.

The vibe: The parlor fills a historic 1909 mansion designed by architect Alfred Giles, who renovated the Menger Hotel.

• The restored home retains original woodwork, stained glass and soaring ceilings.
• Gonzales describes the look as "Shanghai meets Palm Springs."

Zoom in: The Polished Tile primarily teaches American mahjong, the version Gonzales says is driving much of the game's popularity.

• Lessons begin with a brief history of the game, and Gonzales hopes to bring in instructors to teach Asian styles.

• Wood carvings, lotus motifs and a pagoda lantern nod to the game's Chinese roots.

What they're saying: "One of the hardest things about mahjong is actually getting a crew together," Gonzales tells Axios. "The Polished Tile should be really popular, because you don't ever have to put a table together. People are always going to be here to play."

The big picture: Gonzales sees mahjong as a vehicle for something bigger.

• "What I hope The Polished Tile becomes for the San Antonio community is a place to connect," she says. "Mahjong is just a medium."