Fresh Start

Here are the 6 best food and drink events in San Antonio this week

Champagne and Fried Chicken Night Esquire Tavern

Downstairs at the Esquire Tavern pairs two classics — fried chicken and Champagne — every Tuesday.

This week, it's time to step out of your foodie comfort zone. Along with being exceptionally palate-pleasing, our picks for San Antonio's best food and drink events offer unexpected takes on the typical dining experience. Dive in and give your tastebuds a treat.

Tuesday, July 10

Fried Chicken & Champagne Night! at Downstairs at the Esquire Tavern
Pairing comfort with class, Downstairs at the Esquire Tavern invites guests to savor this familiar Southern classic with an elegant twist. Every glass or bottle of Champagne will be complimented by chef Brooke Smith’s hand-dipped, organic fried chicken – two pieces with the purchase of a glass and four pieces with a bottle. Downstairs offers this unique dining experience every Tuesday beginning at 5 pm, so don’t worry if you miss out this week.

Wednesday, July 11

The Brewery Comedy Tour at Freetail Brewing Co.
The hottest comedians from across the country are coming to San Antonio to serve up the laughs while Freetail provides the brews. Now on its 98th stop, Herron Entertainment’s cross-country comedy tour hits Alamo City with a star-studded lineup of comedic talents including TV personalities, social media stars, and comedy festival favorites. Tickets are just $15, and can be found here.

Friday, July 13

Avery Cigar Pairing with Plank'd Uncle Jacobs Stout at The Growler Exchange
Visit the Growler Exchange for an inspired evening of first-rate stout paired with premium local cigars. San Antonio's own well-known humidor, Cigar Pointe, has hand selected two exceptional cigars, which will be paired with Growler’s Plank’d and Uncle Jacobs Stout brews. Additional Avery Beers will be available on tap. The event begins at 6:30 pm, and is open to the public.

Southern Grit + Swine House Urban Dining at Essex Modern City
Stop by Essex Modern City, a tech-influenced art house and creative space, to celebrate great food and amazing art during this elevated five-course dinner. San Antonio foodie favorites Southern Grit and Swine House will provide the savory dishes, paired with a special selection of brews from Real Ale Brewing. The dinner begins at 7 pm, and admission is $80. RSVP here.

Sunday, July 15

T.C Fitness Presents: Sip & Sweat at The Trophy Room
Work up a sweat before cooling down with a refreshing cocktail at this fun, guilt-free event. Kicking off at noon, T.C Fitness will lead a 45-minute high energy workout followed by skinny margaritas. Limited tickets are $25 and include two complimentary margaritas.

Lone Star Bash at Sunset Station
The Texas Restaurant Education Association presents a Texas-sized kickoff party bringing together celebrated chefs across the Lone Star State. Guests can sample bites from chefs of popular restaurants while enjoying craft beers and cocktails. The event also features a silent auction and live music. General admission is $60, and tickets can be found here.

galleries dinner breweries burgers dance fitness

Here Comes the Sol

Rebranded San Antonio hotel debuts with new Cajun restaurant and cafe

Sol Cypress/marriott.com

Sol Cypress is celebrating its grand opening on March 19.

A San Antonio hotel has undergone an $11 million renovation over the past two years, and it's now ready to make it s debut. Sol Cypress, the first Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott in the city, will celebrate its grand opening with a public event on March 19.

Locals might have known the property at 103 9th St. as the Wyndham Garden Inn. Another Wyndham hotel was recently reopened as the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk.

The new hotel is named for the Texas bald cypress trees that grow along the San Antonio River, including one new tree planted on the hotel's back patio "as a symbol of renewal" according to a news release. The hotel's design was a collaboration between DTM Architects and Los Angeles-based KNA Design.

After renovations, the hotel now features 131 rooms, a park for "furry companions," 4,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, and a private event space called The Tree House that overlooks the river and the skyline.

Most notable for locals, a new restaurant and a cafe are moving in. The restaurant is called Roam & Range, and it will deliver a menu based on local restaurateur Mori Bagheri's "deep San Antonio roots and global culinary experiences," says the release. Bagheri is best-known as the owner of Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen, which occupied the space before Roam & Range — so this is a new concept with some of the same leadership.

Roam & Range Sol Cypress Roam & Range combines classic New Orleans dishes with other world influences.Sol Cypress/marriott.com

Roam & Range is currently sharing lunch and dinner menus online, featuring a mix of American and Mediterranean classics. Prior guests of Bourbon Street will still get to enjoy Cajun dishes like gumbo, étouffée, and seafood pastas with Cajun seasoning.

RiverRun Café will serve lattes, cappuccinos, and macarons made in-house.

Although it is now under the Marriott umbrella, the property is locally owned by Paradigm Management, which is led by John Feik, Jr., and Tim Sanford.

“As part of the Tribute Portfolio, Sol Cypress maintains its own distinct identity while benefiting from Marriott’s exceptional standards and worldwide reach,” said hotel general manager Ashley Cerney-Ciomperlik. “This allows us to craft truly unique guest experiences infused with the local culture and spirit of San Antonio.”

The release does not give times for the grand opening event, but does share that the public is welcome to explore the property.

hotels openings