With the impending closure of Carriqui, San Antonio's food scene is a little rattled, and it doesn't help that a classic Italian restaurant was the victim of a senseless crime. But first, three new concepts are introducing themselves to Alamo City foodies: a punk rock pizza pop-up, an affordable barbecue joint, and a new North Side bar promising to never be "a boar." Read on for more essential restaurant news from the first half of October.
Openings
Pop-ups are once again all the rage in San Antonio, with another new player entering the scene. Mala Suerte Food Lab, which describes itself on Instagram as a "punch-drunk punk rock food romance," serving "New York grandma-style square pan pizzas." The concept will be popping up at Palomino one Wednesday each month and posting new dates through its social media feeds.
A new barbecue joint is firing up affordable fare on the Lower Southeast Side. Smoakwood BBQ officially opened on October 7 at 2204 S. WW White Rd, specializing in traditional Central Texas smoked meats like brisket, sausage, and turkey breast, and Southern sides like cheesy potatoes and creamed corn. Prices are always budget-friendly, but if guests want more bang for their buck, they can order daily specials ranging from rib plates to Frito pie.
New North Side bar The Skinny Pig is now hamming it up on the North Side. The casual hangout at 3030 Thousand Oaks Dr. has a sports bar atmosphere with several flat screens and a solid whiskey selection. It also has generous happy hour deals like $4 wells and $3.50 domestic on weekdays between 2-7 pm.
Copa Wine Bar is trading vino for beer during a special barbecue dinner.Copa Wine Bar/ Facebook
Other news and notes
Copa Wine Bar is taking a break from vino to team up with Star Republic Brewery. The two local businesses will host their inaugural Brew & BBQ event on October 25 from 4-8 pm. Executive chef Jeff Bridges (no, not the Big Lebowski) is firing up the smoker to offer $20 barbecue plates loaded with choices like baked beans, mac 'n' cheese, brisket, and chicken, paired with $3 craft beers from the Spring Branch brewery.
Jumex, the first Mexican brand to sponsor an NCAA Division I athletic program, is celebrating its partnership with the University of Texas Roadrunners with a kicking tailgate party. During the UTSA game on October 11, the beverage company will offer free samples of its new hydration drink and offer guests a chance to win jerseys. The action kicks off at 4:30 pm.
On October 6, Midtown's Capparelli's on Main became the latest victim of San Antonio restaurant crime. According to a social media post from owner Gay Capparelli, the bearded intruder used a rock to break one of the restaurant's front windows, leaving with only two bottles of wine. Capparelli is asking that anyone with intel on the break-in contact her or the San Antonio Police Department.
