Editor's note: Lots of buzzy bar and restaurant tidbits lead San Antonio's top news stories of the week. A rodeo-themed bar has popped up on the River Walk, while a whiskey lounge has debuted in Stone Oak. Plus: Our guide to romantic Valentine's Day dining. Get the details on the five most popular San Antonio stories of the week below, and find some ideas for weekend fun here.

1. Western rooftop bar pop-up gets San Antonio in the mood for the rodeo. Before the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo gets here in February, a temporary rodeo-ready bar is settling in. Every Thursday through Sunday, from now until March 2, the Dusty Diamond is taking over High Praise Rooftop Bar.

2. 10 swoon-worthy San Antonio restaurants for romantic Valentine's Day dining. We've selected 10 romantic San Antonio restaurants for a lovey-dovey Valentine's Day meal.

3. Whiskey and cigars on the menu at new library-themed Stone Oak lounge. Local whiskey fans have a new hot spot where they can explore all sorts of whiskies in an upscale environment. Books: A Whiskey Society opened in Stone Oak in mid-December.

Books: A Whiskey Society opened before Christmas in San Antonio, offering dozens of whiskies and cigars. Books: A Whiskey Society / Facebook

4. 7 San Antonio restaurants score James Beard Award semifinalist nominations. San Antonio is well represented on the list of semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards, revealed earlier this week. Overall, San Antonio received one nomination in a national category and six nominations at the state level.

5. San Antonio's luxury real estate market generated $957 million in 2024. A new 2024 report from Texas Realtors has revealed the number of homes that sold in the state for $1 million or more increased 10 percent from last year to reach its second-highest peak ever recorded.