As anyone involved in a new hospitality project learns, even the best-laid plans are subject to delays. So, it’s with that caveat that CultureMap presents its most-anticipated restaurants list.
Vague timelines or not, San Antonio’s explosive dining scene is churning out new concepts faster than ever. This year is no exception with the return of old favorites, new locations of some of Alamo City mainstays, and the debut of brand-new eateries. Here’s a taste of what to expect in the coming months.
88 Social
Owner Ricardo Ortiz says his new food truck park and bar at 1009 Avenue B will be ready to go by late August or early September. The opening lineup of trailers, including Quick Fix Cuisine, Ay Papi’s, and Cilantro Mexican Fusion will ensure guests have plenty of variety to choose from.
Burger Boy
As part of the locally owned chain’s ambitious expansion plans, a new outpost is being developed at the intersection of Liberty Field and Leslie Road on the Far West Side. Look for Working Man specials to be selling like hotcakes sometime in the summer.
Deco Pizzeria
In March, owner Jacob Valenzuela told CultureMap that he was bringing his popular pizzeria to Brooks Development in June. Like the other two locations, the new Deco will feature innovative pies like the Cajun-inspired N’awlins and jumbo chicken wings, and some new appetizers like pork belly and fried mushrooms. An exact opening date has yet to be announced.
Delia’s
The Rio Grande Valley icon has been tight-lipped about its first San Antonio location at 13527 Hausman Pass, but project details filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation show that construction is slated to wrap up in November. With permitting and staffing still to be done, there’s probably only a slim chance that it will be serving its famous tamales in time for the holidays.
El Machito
Unfortunately, there is no news about the rebirth of Johnny Hernandez’s fiery concept, which shuttered its Alamo Quarry Market location in late 2017. When it does finally reopen in Brooks, the chef has promised the same menu of mesquite-grilled asadero.
Ida Claire
Speaking of El Machito, this punny Southern gastropub is taking over its former spot sometime in the summer. The menu will feature Nashville hot chicken, shrimp and grits, muffalettas, and pre-Prohibition style cocktails made with house grenadine, syrups, and bitters.
La Gloria
A fourth outpost of Hernandez’s most popular concept will complete his big investment into Brooks. An exact 2019 opening date is still up in the air.
Maverick Whiskey
One of San Antonio’s most ambitious projects has not made any opening announcements, but local ophthalmologist Kenneth Maverick’s labor of love appears to be days away from welcoming its first guests to 115 Broadway St. Those guests will have plenty to experience. The multi-level operation includes a gleaming new distillery, a casual eatery, and an upstairs event space.
Pastiche
When CultureMap last spoke to busy barman Benjamin Krick, he said this globally inspired cocktail bar would debut in the spring. We are still waiting, but in the meantime, Krick's stylish Jet-Setter debuted downtown this past April.
Pinkerton’s BBQ
Texas Monthly-approved pitmaster Grant Pinkerton is bringing the heat to San Antonio in 2020 with a second location of his acclaimed Houston barbecue joint. The new building at the corner of Houston and Flores streets will dish up prime brisket, pulled pork, beef ribs, and sides like duck jambalaya.
Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
This Pearl favorite will give the Brooks development a twofer in 2019. The first will be a standalone brewery and tasting room arriving in the summer. Later in the fall, chef and owner Jeff Balfour will introduce a second location of the restaurant alongside Brook’s beautiful Greenline.
Torchy’s Tacos
North Siders can expect this new school tacos and famous green chile queso to arrive at 18210 Sonterra Place in the summer. The new eatery will be the third Alamo City location for the Austin chain.
Ida Claire will serve up biscuits and Southern hospitality.
