BAR CHATTER

Laid-back neighborhood bar and gallery quietly open in Dignowity Hill

Small Talk brings chill vibes to Dignowity Hill.

Photo courtesy of Small Talk

San Antonio may not be lacking in watering holes, but enjoying them can be a production. After waiting 15 minutes for an Uber, patrons must jostle through rowdy crowds, only to go hoarse yelling out a drink order. In the world of local nightlife, there literally is no chill.

But at least one Dignowity Hill newcomer is bucking the trend. On October 13, Small Talk quietly debuted at 910 Nolan St., promising a more low-key experience for Eastsiders. Now getting its bearings, the concept has become a spot to check out local art, jam to a vinyl deejay set, or just down an end-of-week beer.

The bar occupies a corner of a vintage shopping center, lately invigorated by Coffin Dagger Tattoo and chic gift shop Son of a Sailor. Joshua Castleman, Bubba Tx, Alan Codd, and Manual Gomez spruced up former bar Diggie’s — adding whimsical artwork, a spacious patio, and a micro gallery next door.

According to Tx, Small Talk is still a work in progress, a “blank canvas for anyone who shows up.”

“We’re trying to have a spot that isn’t intimidating to anyone and is comfortable for most people” Tx continues. “Even though we can’t make everyone happy, we are doing our best.”

Part of that relies on the expertise of Codd and Gomez, partners in similarly low-key bars Faust Tavern and Lighthouse Lounge, respectively. Part of it is offering a little something for everyone.

Though Tx says the team is still finalizing year-round and seasonal menus, the drinks are diverse. One can order a balanced margarita with top-shelf tequila or chug a Miller High Life.

“Our current bartender has been in the business for around 10 years,” he adds, “so we are stoked to see what she puts together.”

The adjacent gallery, however, is in full swing. Tx, a tattoo artist at the popular San Pedro Avenue shop Doomsday Tattoo, curates all the programming. Local artist Ashley Flowers will be showcased from November 10-12.

Though the bar will develop over time, there’s no rush for now.

“We’re here for a good time. And to support the growth of our community and local artists,” sums up Tx.

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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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