Where to eat now

Where to eat in San Antonio right now: 5 unexpected new restaurants to try this December

SoHill Cafe specializes in innovative wood-fired pizzas.

Between holiday shopping and an unending stream of events, its easy to get your twinkle lights in a knot. This month, we have a trick to bring back glad tidings. When seasonal stress starts to get you down, take an evening to linger over a meal at one of of San Antonio’s best new restaurants.

These five freshmen eateries are making their mark with a diverse array of global dishes, from Japanese small plates to Middle Eastern meza. We’re willing to bet they are already on Santa’s good list.

Babil Cafe
This Middle Eastern restaurant near Medical Center may not be big on ambiance, but diners definitely don’t get short-shifted on taste. The menu if full of Mediterranean staples like falafel, chicken shawarma, and a meza plate, but dig deeper to find fried pickles served with hummus, a succulent lamb shank, and a bright fattoush salad. The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is a can’t miss bargain at only $10.99.

Kuriya
Yes, this new incarnation of the Ramen Bar at Cherrity Bar has only been open a few days, but we already know it will become one of the city’s hottest spots. The ramen menu, carried over from the previous incarnation, is perfect for the nippy days ahead. And we can’t wait to see chef and owner Ernie Bradley’s takes on dumplings like gyoza, shumai, and mandu. Plus, the cocktails are boozy, balanced, and — most importantly — affordable. Score a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned during happy hour for only $7.

La Gloria/Burgerteca at the AT&T Center
What’s better than one Johnny Hernandez restaurant? A hybrid concept that rolls two of the acclaimed chef’s most popular eateries into one. Located on the east end of the AT&T Center’s balcony level, these colorful twin kiosks offer greatest hits from both concept’s menus and has a full view of the court. Best of all, guests can sip on an infused margarita while cheering on Los Spurs.

Pokéworks
This New York-based franchise isn’t the first poke joint in San Antonio and almost certainly won’t be the last, but its take on the trendy Hawaiian staple dish but its array of fresh toppings and seafood sets it apart from the rest. And the eight sauces ensure that customers always have something new to try. Go classic with one of two aiolis or experiment with a sweet and spicy blend made from gochujang, a Korean condiment.

SoHill Cafe
Owned by well-known Alamo City chef Jean-Francois Poujol, this cheery cafe brings comfort Italian to Beacon Hill. The pastas, made in-house daily, are uncomplicated with meaty Bolognese covering lasagna rolls and fettuccine dressed in a spicy clam sauce specked with pancetta. As classically European as the menu is, the chef does let a little Texas come out in dishes like a wood-fired pizza topped with mozzarella, bacon, and buttermilk fried chicken.

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A PLACE IN THE SUN

Cool off with these 7 San Antonio cocktails to sip all summer long

La Ruina/ Facebook

La Ruina's Daiquiris con Sabor are a break from the margarita rut

Summer has officially arrived in San Antonio — and with it, gallons of margaritas. While we would never cast shade on the city's undisputed cocktail champion, it's not the only drink in the ring. Alamo City is full of total knockouts that are just as refreshing. Whether looking for a patio pounder or something to start the brunch party, these seven sippers will take you through the steamiest of seasons.

Blush — I Know Bubbles
Day drinking is one of the greatest pleasures of vacation season, but one can't just jump into it with an Old Fashioned. Instead, ease into the day with the sparkling I Know Bubbles from this new Southtown hot spot. A fizzy rosé and vodka form the base, enlivened with grapefruit and a cucumber and strawberry shrub. It's easy like a Sunday morning, even if you're brunching on a Saturday.

George's Keep — Summer Fling
Though booking a room at the Éilan Hotel is not required to drink at this old-school bar, there is an undeniable appeal in plopping down after a couple of George's high-octane cocktails. Start your staycation with a Summer Fling, one of the spot's most unexpected libations. Scotch may seem more suited for winter, but when combined with pineapple syrup, lime, and cooling Chareau aloe liqueur, it's ready for shorts and flip-flops.

La Ruina — Daiquiri con Sabor
Ernest Hemingway drank them while leching around Cuba. The British Navy got soused on them while sailing the seas. F. Scott Fitzgerald enshrined them in literature. Of the classic cocktail constellation, the daiquiri's star shines brightest. This East Side bar gives them the respect they deserve, whether plain or mixed with intriguing flavors like soursop.

Leche de Tigre — Mi Verano, Tu Invierno
With its tropical murals and shaded backyard porch, this newcomer feels like a year-long holiday. The Mi Verano, Tu Invierno works regardless of the season, grounding a light mix of pisco, passion fruit, and ginger ale with a few dashes of bitters. And it works both as a pre-dinner cocktail and a pairing. Try it against the vibrant tamarind flavors of the Nikkei cebiche.

1Watson — Watermelon Fiesta
This rooftop bar perched above the downtown AC Hotel offers jaw-dropping views of the city. Still, those afraid of heights can reserve a table a little less close to the edge. Either way, the Watermelon Fiesta is the drink to sip all season. An easy sipper of Tito's vodka, watermelon juice, cayenne, and jalapeño, all it's missing is the pool.

Sojourn Trading Co. — Sojourn Raspa
Nothing feels like a San Antonio summer as much as a raspa, especially if you add a little booze. Still, this sunny downtown bar has made a good idea even better. Its signature Sojourn Raspa starts with a one-two punch of blanco tequila and Demerara rum, zinged with lime and mango shrub. Finally, coconut milk is floated on top. Tiger's Blood wishes.

Tokyo Cowboy — Mogwai's Night Out
Though this new River Walk concept specializes in Japanese whisky, it has equal finesse with other spirits. Mogwai's Night Out is far from a basic vodka drink, adding sake and smoked jalapeño for depth. A cucumber slice dusted with togarashi salt evokes San Antonio's many fruterías while honoring the bar's pan-Asian cuisine.

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