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Upcoming luxury hotel in San Antonio unveils plans for classic American restaurant and garden bar

It’s no secret that San Antonio is becoming an increasingly desirable travel destination, buoyed by the city’s indelible culture and one of the country’s most electric food scenes. But for far too long, San Antonio’s lodging hasn’t kept up with the modern tourist expecting luxury amenities like upscale dining.

Still, post-pandemic, it is not taking developers long to close the gap. On October 11, White Lodging unveiled details on a pair of hospitality concepts soon to be welcoming guests at the eagerly awaited Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa.

The complex at 555 S. Alamo St., previously announced as The Otis, will arrive with a bar and restaurant inspired by San Antonio’s diverse culinary heritage. Located steps away from Hemisfair and Southtown, the twin concepts will bridge the gap between the two burgeoning entertainment districts.

Helmed by executive chef Joseph Krauss, Corinne combines classic American fare with South Texas and Gulf Coast influences. Patrons can expect unfussy dishes like green posole roasted chicken, a kampachi filet, long bone pork ribeye, and Rosewood Ranch Wagyu. The eatery will be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

The hotel’s other concept, Anaqua Garden Bar, will take full advantage of the hotel’s historic surroundings. Overlooking the Plaza’s outdoor pool, the watering hole will feature a lantern-lit patio surrounded by lush greenery.

The menu will take a similarly easygoing approach. Melding Japanese and Latin traditions, the offerings will include East Asian ingredients like gochujang and yuzu, paired with classics like tostadas and esquites. The drink program plays with botanicals, fitting the verdant atmosphere. The playful drinks include the signature House of Don Ramon, a twist on the piña colada.

“The menu, the atmosphere, the location — it’s going to be like nothing else in San Antonio,” said Krauss via a press statement. “We’re having a blast developing the scratch-made food and robust cocktail menus, and we can’t wait to introduce Corinne and Anaqua Garden Bar to our guests.”

However, guests will have to wait a little longer to get that introduction. White Lodging originally projected a 2022 debut but has not nailed down official opening plans. More details are promised in the upcoming weeks.

Photo courtesy of the Plaza San Antonio

Corinne's drinks come with unexpected touches like a watermelon radish garnish.

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Better Days, Same Burgers

Shuttered San Antonio burger joint stages surprising comeback

Teddy B's/Facebook

Teddy B's has made a surprise comeback.

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of Teddy B's life. In October, the popular burger joint shuttered its decade-old location on Babcock Road, grieving a loss of foot traffic and rising costs. On November 20, the spot revealed a plot twist. The owners are now slinging patties at 9903 Fredericksburg Rd.

"Dear Teddy B's customers, we have good news," the restaurant posted on social media. "We are back in business...We are waiting for our new sign, but we are up and running."

The unexpected comeback is the culmination of a tumultuous year for the business. As the restaurant marked its 10-year milestone this summer, the outlook was much darker. On August 4, the restaurant took to social media to warn that closure could be imminent. A traffic decline affected Teddy B's ability to maintain its affordable price point.

The messaging worked, at least in the short term. Days later, the restaurant reported an increase in business. The marketing language was hopeful until October 13, when the restaurant abruptly announced it was closing for good.

The news of Teddy B's rebirth came just as suddenly. After a month-long social media silence, the restaurant announced it had taken over the former home of Burger Haven. The latter restaurant was little known, appearing to operate mainly as a ghost kitchen.

Assumably, burgers will be back on the menu, but it is unclear whether other favorites will be eliminated to streamline the operation. The business has not posted any revisions, and its website is down at press time.

The burger joint's comeback manifests as other shuttered legacy restaurants like The Lion and Rose and Fratello's have staged their own returns. While Teddy B's has offered no reasoning for getting back into the game, it is a testament to the resiliency of San Antonio's culinary community.

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