News you can eat
7 things to know in San Antonio food right now: Buzzy River Walk bar plots new location
Editor’s note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of San Antonio’s restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our regular roundup of essential food news.
Openings and closings
Popular River Walk hangout Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen is setting its sights, well, elsewhere. In a lengthy social media post, owner Terrin Fuhrmann revealed that the team has purchased a six-acre plot on the North Side to develop as a second outpost. Fuhrmann was mum on the exact details, but he did promise that the new location would have the “same feeling and message” as the original spot. However, the large footprint would offer “a much deeper and immersive experience.”
An Austin nightlife concept now has a San Antonio concept under its wing. According to an Instagram post, The Lucky Duck has quietly opened at 810 N. Alamo St. ahead of its grand opening on May 28. The indoor/outdoor space features a full bar and a looming mural by local artist Scotch! The launch weekend will be celebrated with specials, a DJ, and live music.
The North Side’s tony Estancia del Norte hotel now has an equally fancy restaurant. According to a release, San Antonio caterer Don Strange opened Lazo with Don Strange on May 23. Helmed by former Boiler House sous chef Sarah Myles, the eatery focuses on South Texas-inspired cocktails and dishes.
Popular Northwest Side trailer Early Bird Coffee will soon roost in a permanent home. Via Facebook, the brand announced that it was moving into a permanent home at 11745 I-10, #527 in the Huebner Oaks Shopping Center. Final touches are expected to be completed in time for a midsummer opening. The original Airstream outpost will remain open in the meantime.
Six months after closing to fix a water leak, Southtown’s La Frite Belgian Bistro returned on May 24. Mother-and-son owners Icy and Miles Donnelly used the downtime to spiff up the place. Still, chef Federico Villega’s menu remains essentially the same. However, fans of the restaurant’s mussels will have to do a little planning if they want to wish the team a happy return. The restaurant warned on Instagram that the first two weeks are reservation only.
Other news and notes
Downtown bar Bentley’s on Broadway caused an online stir on May 19 by declaring that it was changing its age requirements to 25-plus. The concept did not offer any reason for the change, which was met with mixed reactions on social media.
Downtown’s Omni La Mansión del Rio hotel has a new executive chef. The property named Andres Farias as the leader of its culinary programs via release, citing his wealth of experience at luxury chains like Starwood Hotels, Marriott International, and Intercontinental Hotels. A Venezuela native, he plans to meld Latin influences with contemporary Texan cuisine.
