NEWS YOU CAN EAT
7 things to know about San Antonio food right now: Japanese bowling concept strikes into North Park Mall
Editor’s note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of San Antonio’s restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our weekly roundup of essential food news.
Openings and closings
A Japanese bowling and entertainment concept hopes to bowl San Antonio with a new North Star Mall location. Round1took to Facebook in late February to announce the opening of its latest outpost in early March. Founded as Sugino Kosan in Osaka, the chain rebranded in the ‘90s and rapidly expanded in the United States. The diversions should delight local Japanophiles. Though the food menu is an all-American assortment of pizza and wings, guests can belt karaoke classics, play exclusive Japanese video games, and win kawaii plushies.
A popular Kyle barbecue joint has moved the pits to Live Oak. In early February, Milt’s Pit BBQ announced its relocation to 8000 Pat Booker Road, the former home of pizza chain Urban Bricks. In addition to dishing out the requisite brisket, sausage, and ribs, the spot has some intriguing menu items like vegan jackfruit barbecue and pork belly Brussels sprouts.
The former City Veterinary Hospital at 818 Austin St. will soon trade barks for bites. Signage and an Instagram account have popped up for a concept called Maeve, opening in early 2023. CultureMap has reached out for more information, but the vibe on a recently posted sizzle reel is decidedly contemporary.
Alamo City’s robot overlords have arrived in the form of a pizza vending machine. According to a release, automated pizzeria PizzaForno has been installed at the Big Hops at 226 W Bitters Rd #108. In addition to classics like pepperoni, meat lovers, and barbecue chicken, the menu includes surprises like a chevré and honey pie. There’s also a Hawaiian pizza for sparking late-night arguments.
More news and notes
A San Antonio taco truck is asking for help after the trailer was stolen sometime in February. According to news reports, chef Adriana Renteria had been storing her Tacos B4 Vatos vehicle near her grandmother’s north-central San Antonio home before it was carted away. She asks anyone with information on its whereabouts to DM her through Instagram.
Just in time for Lenten season, Whataburger has brought back its coveted Whatacatch. The sandwich features a panko-crusted Alaskan pollock filet with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce. The filets are also available as a platter with fries and tartar sauce. Guests can reel in the specials for a limited time before it swims away on April 10.
Ferocious appetites rejoice! The San Antonio Zoo’s Zoo-La-La! fundraiser is back on May 11. The annual sip-and-stroll features dozens of local restaurants ranging from upscale eateries to burger stands. Devour the tickets now to get the best price; the $125-$250 passes go up by $25 on March 3.