News you can eat
New boba tea shop bubbles up in Alamo Heights, plus more San Antonio food news

Editor's note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the what’s what and who’s who of San Antonio food. But we have you covered with our regular roundup of the freshest local restaurant news.
The second San Antonio location of cult boba chain Kung Fu Tea celebrated its grand opening on October 20. Located at 5231 Broadway St., the outpost brings a variety of teas, slushes, flavored milks, and coffee drinks to Alamo Heights.
As of October 19, Merkaba, a new bar from the owners of Howl at the Moon, is also now in business. The watering hole redid the spaces formerly occupied by Swig Martini Bar and Pizza to Go Go at 111 W. Crockett St. #205 with a poppy Mayan theme including a bar inspired by ancient temples. Drinks run the gamut from mojitos to the Rainbow Road, a monster 60-ounce cocktail with watermelon vodka, rum, and tequila served in a psychedelic glass festooned with candy — and the promise of a murderous hangover.
Tiny Cantina, the first of San Antonio restaurateur Raul Carrera’s planned chain of boozy kiosks, opened on October 9 in the Shops at La Cantera. The diminutive bars feature wine, beer, and wine-based cocktails that can be taken with customers while they shop — something that is sure to make even the harshest dressing room lights more bearable.
Hot off being named one of the 10 best burger joints in America by Money magazine, Papa’s Burgersrevealed the address for their long-awaited second location. Drum roll please ... the new, larger shop will be taking over the Sazon Mexican Cafe space at 9822 Potranco Rd. Fans of Sazon, however, should not worry. Papa’s owner Robert Walker told the San Antonio Express-News that the Sea World-area favorite is also moving to a new location.
Nonprofit Christian Assistance Ministry has announced that San Antonio’s cheesiest food festival, Queso Meltdown, is returning November 10. This year, the event has partnered with Austin’s Quesoff to pit that event’s winners against amateur and professional chefs from all over the area. General admission is only $5, which includes all the queso you stomach and plenty of chips.
San Antonio-owned pizzeria Pizza Italia has landed on Pizza Today's Hot 100 list. The industry magazine yearly ranks the nation’s top grossing independent pizza shops. With sales exceeding $2 million, the North San Antonio restaurant came in at No. 93.