NEWS YOU CAN EAT

A fruity farewell and a foodie fraud scandalize San Antonio dining news

La Fruteria will shutter to make way for a new concept.

As if independent restaurateurs didn't have enough to worry about in San Antonio's wobbly business climate, now they are being preyed on by crooks. This week, one iconic local restaurant grapples with unhappy customers and a fleet of bewildered DoorDash drivers. Plus, four restaurants are closing, but two are reopening in the near future.

Openings and closings

Johnny Hernandez has retired the original location of La Frutería, but a new concept will soon squeeze into its Southtown space. The celebrated chef announced the January 4 closure via social media, following up with a cryptic "coming soon" post the following day. Although the copy gave no clues about the incoming project, internet detectives no doubt noticed rows of what appeared to be infused spirits.

After a scant six months in business, Stone Oak's Thatta Boy Burgers has lost its fire. In a social media statement, the joint said "unforeseen circumstances" led to the decision but declined to give further details. The restaurant quietly opened in June 2024 with a simple menu of handcrafted burgers, shakes, and crinkle-cut fries. The last day of business was January 7.

South BBQ & Kitchen is recalibrating its sense of direction. The original location will shutter on January 12 as it prepares to head north to Monte Vista. Pitmaster Andrew Samia opened the popular barbecue joint at 2011 Mission Rd. six years ago. There's no exact word yet on when the 2100 N. Main Ave. location will open, but an Instagram post promises a summer debut.

Seafood spot Sherry's Texan is also feeling wanderlust. In June 2024, the nomadic restaurant packed up its Pleasanton Road restaurant to move to Goliad Road. Now, it is headed to 109 Crane Ave. Fans won't have to go very long without jumbo shrimp, however. After closing shop on January 18, the eatery will reopen on January 23.

Other news and notes

DoorDash users beware. On January 7, Annette Olivarez, the manager of M.K. Davis Restaurant & Bar, took to the San Antonio Restaurants Facebook group to warn locals of an elaborate scam. According to her, grifters have created a fake merchant account for the classic restaurant with fake prices, contact information, and business hours. The ruse created chaos at the business and swindled customers and delivery drivers. The business does not offer delivery through any app.

Social media users are also sounding the alarm about the Taco Museum, a tasting and interactive art event heading to an unknown San Antonio location on February 22. Ticket buyers at the December edition near Los Angeles report a Fyre-y set of disappointments, including meager food, store-bought art, long lines, and a lack of beverages. As always with upstart food festivals, do your homework before going.

closings barbecue bars burgers seafood southtown events tacos news you can eat

A toast to wine bars

2 new wine bars pour into San Antonio 10 days apart

Loblolly Cellars, Vino Grotta, San Antonio, wine bar, winery

Loblolly Cellars / Facebook

Loblolly Cellars, a Columbus, Texas-based winery, opened a tasting room in north San Antonio in late December.

Wine fans in San Antonio have two new urban wineries in town where they can enjoy a glass or two of vino and more.

First, the owners of Loblolly Cellars hosted a December 21 grand opening party to celebrate their new tasting room at 11115 Wurzbach Rd., Ste. 600, in the north central side of town.

Loblolly Cellars is based in the Columbus area, halfway between San Antonio and Houston. The owners have a vineyard on their family ranch filled with loblolly pine trees, which inspired the name of the winery.

The crew at Loblolly Cellars have spent the past year and a half promoting the fledgling winery, offering products at pop-up events in the Columbus area and around the Hill Country. The owners often use a mobile taproom to serve up a glass of Loblolly wine or sangria at such events.

Prior to opening the San Antonio tasting room, Loblolly has also been present for local events, such as pop-ups at the Vance Jackson Road tasting room parking lot. They also have appeared at the St. Matthew’s Catholic Church fall festival, which is held just down the street from the permanent tasting room site.

The family- and pet-friendly taproom offers indoor and outdoor seating where patrons can choose from a variety of Loblolly wines, such as Riesling, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Muscat Canelli, Tempranillo, Lenoir, Blanc du Bois, Camminare Noir, and an Italian-style red blend, a mix of Sangiovese and Aglianico grapes.

Loblolly Cellars also features house sangria and charcuterie. The tasting room is open from 5-10 pm on Thursdays, 1-10 pm on Fridays, 11 am to 10 pm Saturdays, and 11 am to 7 pm Sundays.

The second new winery soft opened December 30 at 19338 Babcock Rd., Ste. 209, in far northwest San Antonio. Owner Kim Stevens describes Vino Grotta, or “wine cave," as more than a wine bar, but rather an experience that features 100-plus wines from across the nation and world. The interior has a look and feel that reflect the rustic charm of underground cellars, Stevens says.

According to Stevens, guests can complement their wine with selections from a gourmet food menu that boasts small plates, such as zucchini fries, artichoke fritters, and red pepper gouda soup. The menu also contains sandwiches and flatbreads. Additionally, patrons may choose from a small assortment of craft beers and non-alcoholic wines.

Vino Grotta hosts occasional activities, such as live music performances, wine tastings and wine education programs. The space can also be reserved for various group events, such as private parties and corporate functions. A grand opening celebration is planned for February 1. The bar is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 3-10 pm, Saturdays from noon to 11 pm, and Sundays from noon to 8.

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