OPENING ALERT

Bold new Mexican bowl concept opens on San Antonio's Far West Side

El Mercado will open in May.

Photo courtesy of El Mercado.

It may seem a bit like Chipotle. But the founders of El Mercado — a new restaurant opening in May in the multi-million-dollar Portico at Shaenfield Ranch development at 7807 W. Loop 1604 N. — are not looking to build a mere fast-casual clone.

Although the concept will offer a variety of customizable bowls and burritos, El Mercado says its menu is rooted in time-honored Mexican flavors and inspired by the local palate.

“El Mercado was born from our love for our country and its flavors, but it’s San Antonio that truly shaped the concept,” explains Rodrigo Orraca, cofounder of El Mercado, in a release. “By listening to what locals crave and adapting our menu, service, and experience, we created something that feels authentic, approachable, and made for this city.”

Guests can create their own bowl or choose from menu items like the carnitas combo (Mexican rice, charro beans, pickled onions) or birria (refried beans, roasted potatoes). Each is served with a choice of tortilla or chips and can be spiced up with either fresh salsa or house-made salsa macha. El Mercado also offers a few unconventional bowls like a loaded veggie bowl with rotini pasta, which can be further individualized at the crunch bar.

The appetizer menu features bites such as loaded queso and potato-filled doraditos. The desserts cover familiar favorites like pastel de elote, Mexican chocolate cake, and piloncillo chocolate chip cookies.

El Mercado’s drink menu leans into Mexican traditions as well, shaking up cantaritos, aguas frescas, and a must for San Antonio — frozen margaritas.

The founders of the concept say they eventually want to grow the brand into a chain that stays true to its Mexican and San Antonian roots. For now, the debut proof-of-concept will be open daily from 11 am-9 pm, soon to be joined in the booming shopping center by D’ Fish House, Makirrito, Bitelo Brazilian Steakhouse, and new locations of local favorites Box St. All Day and Crepeccino.

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COMING ATTRACTIONS

Splashy new Latin seafood restaurant to open in San Antonio's Pearl

Photo coutesy of (a)mar

(A)mar is bringing coastal flavors to Pearl.

Seafood at San Antonio’s Pearl will soon have a new accent. Latin-inspired restaurant Amar, stylized as (a)mar, is opening in the former home of coastal Italian eatery Allora in the Credit Human building at 403 Pearl Pkwy. in May.

The upcoming concept was founded by locals Carlos and Clarece Clavijo, who have worked in real estate investments, construction, and liquor importing. According to a release, the couple was inspired by their travels through Tulum, Oaxaca, and Latin America.

“(A)mar. is about bringing the energy of coastal Mexico and Latin America to San Antonio,” explained the Clavijos in a release. “As a group of local owners, we are especially proud to contribute to the city’s dynamic culinary culture — sharing the flavors, traditions, and spirit of Mexico and Latin America in a way that feels both authentic and deeply rooted in our community.”

The name is a sort of reverse portmanteau of the Spanish words for “to love” and “sea.” The latter informs the menu, which is filled with coastal ingredients and a beverage program focusing on Mexican wine and mezcal. The release didn’t mention any specific dishes, but we’re betting at least one ceviche will be on hand.

Whatever the initial offerings, (a)mar was built for change. Instead of hiring one person to run the kitchen, the Clavijos will draft a rotating cast from Latin America, Japan, and other coastal regions as part of a chef-in-residence program.

Much of the details about the place are still being kept under wraps, but the restaurant’s Instagram page has been teasing a few of the details (sometimes soundtracked by the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris”), including an octopus dish, lighting shades from Tulum, and what appears to be Oaxacan fiber art. We have reached out to (a)mar’s reps for more information and will update this article accordingly.

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