UPDATE: Carriqui has announced its opening date. The highly anticipated Pearl restaurant will open to the public on Friday, September 2, in the building that formerly housed Boehler’s Liberty Saloon and Liberty Bar.
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When Potluck Hospitality said big things were in the works, it wasn’t kidding. Days after the recently established company revealed itself to the San Antonio community, it announced its first new project — a massive 11,000-square-foot restaurant at 239 E. Grayson St.
Named after the South Texas native green jay, Carriqui is set to debut at Pearl in September 2022. According to a press release, the sociable bird lent more than a catchy name to the concept. Its flight path was the inspiration for the menu.
Led by executive chef Jaime Gonzalez and chef de cuisine Nash Zink, the kitchen will traverse South Texas foodways from the Rio Grande Valley to the Gulf to Alamo City. Although it was mum on details, Potluck teased that it would include coastal seafood, botana platters, barbacoa, and brisket.
“The food and experience will be warm and familiar — like you are spending time in the home of a close friend who also happens to be a great cook,” promised Gonzalez via the release.
For longtime San Antonians, the structure will be just as familiar, having housed the original Liberty Bar before it moved to King William. It was also the home of Boehler’s Liberty Saloon, a favorite among Pearl Brewery workers and the company’s first beer delivery spot once Prohibition ended in 1933.
As well-traveled as the restaurant’s namesake, the historic building was moved twice before settling in its current lot. The restoration required a near-army of artisan and tradespeople. Tasked with honoring the heritage of the structure were local firms Don B. McDonald Architects and Troy Jessee Construction.
Architect Don McDonald and designer Kristen Weber revitalized the new spaces with an eye toward the past. Three main dining spaces — the Carriqui House, The Rock House and Courtyard, and Back Porch — will be able to accommodate a whopping 380 seats.
“As stewards of the storied structure, we are excited for the building’s next chapter,” shared Potluck Hospitality CEO Elizabeth Fauerso in a statement. “We have assembled a great team to showcase the foodways of South Texas and welcome all of San Antonio to gather, relax and celebrate here.”
Upon its debut, Carriqui will be open daily for lunch and dinner service. Private dining options will be available for large parties. Potluck Hospitality assures that an exact opening date will be disclosed in the upcoming weeks.
Carriqui's historic building provides a graceful entry.
