To paraphrase Chumbawumba, San Antonio’s restaurant scene gets knocked down, but it gets up again. This week, the city shows its trademark resilience with three intriguing openings and a double dose of new brunch options. Before next week's frosty weather hits, will it be a whiskey drink or a vodka drink?
Openings
After clearing a series of hurdles, a tenacious pizza joint is nearing the finish line. Less than a year after its debut, Lover’s Pizzeria suffered a setback when it was booted out of its Roosevelt Avenue home, the former site of Carnitas Lonja. In May 2024, the restaurant reported that a second location didn’t pan out. The owners have finally found shelter at 105 E. Ashby Rd. in Monte Vista. Although the social media announcement did not give a definite date, it promised to fire up the ovens by the end of January.
The eagle-eyed commentariat at the San Antonio Restaurants Facebook group has spotted a new snack shop on the Northwest Side. According to an Instagram post, Ofuku quietly opened at 6526 Babcock Rd. #103 on December 26, 2024. The concept is a stripped-down version of Japanese convenience stores — or konbini — offering grab-and-go onigiri, musubi, build-your-own boba tea, and imported chips. During its soft opening period, the shop is open from 2-9 pm, Monday through Saturday.
East Side cafe Folklores Coffee House is writing a new story in Beacon Hill. The popular shop has opened a second location at 106 Michigan Ave. Guests can sip the business’ signature goth-inspired drinks in a cozy Art Nouveau-inspired dining room.
Other news and notes
A DoorDash scam continues to wreak havoc on classic San Antonio eateries. Last week, CultureMap reported that M.K. Davis was dealing with confused customers who ordered food through a fraudulent account. On January 10, Ding Howposted that it was the victim of the same con. Unlike M.K. Davis, the Chinese restaurant does offer delivery through the app. It advises customers to only order through the version with verified reviews.
Weekend jaunts to the Pearl will have a new luster with the introduction of two new brunch options. Mezquite in Pullman Marketis offering a Sonoran-inspired weekend service with migas, huevos rancheros, pozole, and two chilaquiles varieties. The menu also introduces new cocktails, including the Cafe Sonambulo with charanda and cold brew and the Champurrado Alejandro, a take on the Brandy Alexander. Brunch hours are 11 am to 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday.
A few steps over — and a continent away — Ladino is headed to Turkey for its new brunch. In addition to pastries, dips, and mains like shawarma steak and eggs, the restaurant is introducing a $35 prix fixe with nibbles and a choice of entrees. The feast is offered on Friday from 11:30 am to 2 pm and 11:30 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
