Ale yeah!

New brewery and tasting room bubbles up in bustling Southeast San Antonio

Southerleigh Brewing Co. Brooks San Antonio

Southerleigh's new Brooks brewery combines new and old construction.

Rendering by AR3D

Before Southerleigh opens its anticipated second location at Brooks in fall 2019, they are brewing up an entirely new concept. On December 19, the popular Pearl eatery announced it is working on an all-new project in the bustling development to debut in Summer 2019.

According to a release, chef and owner Jeff Balfour is splitting the two prongs of his operation — “fine food” and brewing — to open a standalone brewery in the shopping center. The new facility will operate independently from the restaurant, located on Sidney Brooks just east of South New Braunfels Avenue. (The exact address is still unidentified due to ongoing construction.)

With a roomy 6,000 square feet, Southerleigh Brewing Co. will be fully equipped to bring head brewer Les Locke’s innovative beers to a wider audience, joining the flagship restaurant in production. It will also give guests a more intimate peek at the process. The tanks and brewing equipment will be on full display and daily tours will be conducted to go behind the scenes.

The main attraction, however, will undoubtedly be the tasting room adjacent to the brewery, featuring 10 taps pouring out seasonal brews. Local architectural firm Gomez Vazquez International is giving a 1941 chapel a contemporary revamp, which will add a 40-seat interior and an outdoor area with additional seating.

Both Southerleigh concepts will continue the winning streak for Brooks, which has made Southeast San Antonio a red-hot dining destination. Celebrity chef Johnny Hernandez also plans to open a La Gloria and El Machito in the development in 2019.

And in October, Czech republic-based company OKIN BPS announced the former Air Force base would be the location for its U.S. headquarters. The more than 1,400 employees will surely appreciate the brewery after a long day at work.

craft-beer openings breweries

Happy holidays, coffee fans

San Antonio Coffee Festival warms up holiday season downtown

San Antonio Coffee Festivalhttps://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/418538503_698771012366670_1230759819756365847_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=Uoc77673aIEQ7kNvgEb4TZX&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&_nc_gid=Am_nBDMhlle5uFGfYZ8w4HU&oh=00_AYA1j-biDLg7GJEpCUarKSgsj__NXTJFwkeeobli2btPEg&oe=673AEFA8

A holiday-themed edition of the annual San Antonio Coffee Festival will be held the night of Dec. 7 in the Houston Street entertainment district.

There's lots of holiday revelry going on in San Antonio this December, but one event in particular will capture the attention of coffee-lovers. A holiday version of the San Antonio Coffee Festival will take place December 7 on Houston Street, amid the holiday lights and other seasonal festivities happening downtown.

Guests can walk along Houston Street, between the Alameda Theater and the Frost Bank Tower, and sample a curated collection of seasonal drinks from vendors such as Hernán, Dos Perros Coffee, and Pulp Coffee Roasters.

Aside from varieties of coffee, festival participants will offer beverages such as Mexican hot chocolate, holiday-inspired cocktails, and teas. Attendees can also enjoy treats from local ventures such as La Panadería, The Beignet Stand, Renee’s Fine Chocolates, and Amor Bandido.

Additionally, visitors at the festival can check out live music at the Etta Mobile Music Venue, and browse gifts made by local artisans at a market hosted by SA Local Market. Event tickets include a commemorative holiday mug and beverage sample tickets.

John Jacks, director of the city’s Center City Development and Operations department, said the San Antonio Coffee Festival is a welcome addition to the city’s planned Holidays on Houston Street slate of themed activities.

The coffee festival has previously been held at other downtown destinations such as Hemisfair, Travis Park, and La Villita.

“The event welcomes San Antonians to enjoy their favorite holiday beverages on one of our most historic and charming streets. I want to thank our partners at the San Antonio Coffee Festival for their continued partnership in hosting this event,” Jacks said in a news release.

Trish DeBerry, president and CEO of Centro San Antonio, an advocacy organization for downtown commerce and engagement, said adding the San Antonio Coffee Festival to a series of other area holiday programs allows event organizers to expand their offerings, such as seasonal coffee drinks, tea, cider, hot chocolate, and holiday treats.

DeBerry also said the coffee festival is one more way for local residents to get to know downtown businesses, especially those owned by fellow San Antonians. She wants to reclaim the area as "San Antonio's main street."

“Hot Holidays on Houston Street, presented by the San Antonio Coffee Festival, plays a key role in these efforts, activating and highlighting diverse spaces in downtown San Antonio,” she added.

Lisa Torres, manager and roaster of Dos Perros Coffee, said she views drinking coffee as an experience that a variety of people can enjoy.

“It’s really the one time you can sit down, enjoy your coffee and relax. It’s a moment of self-absorption,” Torres said.

The setup for Dos Perros at the coffee festival will consist of two people serving attendees, and two brewers constantly producing coffee. Dos Perros’ booth will have a side section where visitors can chat with Torres about coffee.

“I want people to talk with us about roasting beans, flavor profiles, things like that,” she said. “It’s all about coffee culture.”

Can’t make it to Houston Street on December 7? Don’t despair, the San Antonio Coffee Festival will return to downtown on February 8, 2025.

holidays san antonio coffee festival