San Antonio bar and restaurant news has some extra sparkle in mid-November with the debut of a disco-inspired River Walk club serving Wagyu hot dogs and sick beats. Elsewhere, a Brazilian steakhouse teases more opening details, and a near Monte Vista McDonald's is causing a social media stir. Read on for more essential San Antonio dining news.

Openings

Bianca Jagger might not ride in on a white horse, but a new club is bringing Studio 54 vibes to the River Walk. Know Knew Friends, from Hills & Dales Ice House owner Justin Vitek, celebrated its grand opening on November 8 at 270 Losoya St., the former home of On The Rocks underneath the Commerce Street McDonald's. Although the space has plenty of sheen from dozens of mirror balls and velvet banquettes, it's not all Me Decade decadence. A Christmas Story-style leg lamp guards the bar serving frothy vodka drinks.

More details have emerged on the timeline for Bitelo Brazilian Steakhouse, one of six new restaurants coming to the Portico at Shaenfield Ranch development on the Far West Side. The Cedar Park-based churrascaria has filed Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation paperwork stating the buildout will be completed in April 2026. As always, project timelines are subject to change. The restaurant has not yet spilled the feijoada on its official opening.

Other news and notes

An Alamo City influencer is using her reach to help fight food insecurity. Cherise Moreno, AKA @satexasfoodies, will host a community cake social that hopes to raise funds for 75 Thanksgiving meal kits set aside for San Antonians who are raising their grandchildren. The event. Locals are invited to bring a cake for sharing while they enjoy light bites, bubbles, and a curated vendor market. Tickets start at $36.63, including taxes and fees. The event lasts from noon-3 pm at the Estancia del Norte ballroom, 37 NE Loop 410.

Bakery Lorraine is bringing the fall cozies, whether the climate agrees with it or not. The Pearl flagship is hosting Festin D'Automne on November 20, a family-style feast from Chefs J'xong Harris and Jenn Reisman that supports the San Antonio Food Bank. The menu includes treats like butternut squash and sage arancini and an apple tarte tatin with aged gouda and blackberry cassis jam. Tickets are $90-$125; the festivities kick off at 7 pm.

The Newstand Coffee and Sandwiches is amping up its wine program with the appointment of Advanced Sommelier Austin Tabbone as beverage director. The industry vet has been a fixture of San Antonio Hospitality, leading beverage programs at Silo, Nonna Osteria, and High Street Wine Company, where he was part of a James Beard Award-nominated team.

San Antonio's Chicken N Pickle is taking a swing at a new chef-driven menu. The latest offerings launched on November 1 and include fancified pub grub like a Wagyu Truffle Burger, shareable starters like taquitos with chicken tinga or pork carnitas, and Honey Lime Chili Crunch Chicken served with pickled veggies and dill lemon yogurt.

A San Antonio McDonald's has caused a social media scandal for its sign banning Edison High School students from dining in from 8:30 am-4:15 pm. A TikTok from local creator Justin Bobby is causing a stir for a tongue-in-cheek take on the policy. Bobby's caption says the restaurant got "fatigued with y'all McStudents," advising teens not to play hooky at the 2922 Blanco Rd spot. "That's not McCool at all," he writes, "McDonald's is going to McSnitch."