HAPPY RETURNS

Popular Valley-style taco joint returns to San Antonio

Taco Blvd is back in business in Stone Oak

Some of San Antonio’s favorite Valley-style tacos have returned to Stone Oak. Taco Blvd says renovations are finished at its 18360 Blanco Rd. location, and it is now back in business.

“We’ve been working hard to give our place a fresh new look while keeping the same tacos and flavors you’ve known and loved for years,” wrote the taquería in an Instagram post.

Specializing in tacos like bistek and al pastor, Taco Blvd became an instant obsession with local influencers when it first opened in 2018. It followed up with an Alamo Ranch location in 2021 that garnered just as much acclaim.

But this summer, local food fanatics were left wondering if the mini-chain was gone for good. In June, Taco Blvd said it was temporarily closing the Stone Oak outpost for renovations, but did not give a timeline. Adding to the confusion: The phone number for the outpost was disconnected, and the brand mysteriously limited comments on the original Instagram post.

Around the same time, the Alamo Ranch location permanently closed. Both the Google Business and Yelp profiles list the restaurant as shuttered, and a photo posted on the San Antonio Restaurants Facebook group in July showed that signage was removed.

Meanwhile, the group created an Instagram page for a third location, dubbed Taco Blvd Cantina. That account, which launched with the Empire State Building engagement meme, has not posted in 11 weeks, but the 100 N Santa Rosa St. restaurant is still listed on the website.

And throughout the summer, Taco Blvd operated a food truck at newish cocktail lounge Casa de Tapas (8123 Broadway) next door to the old Bentley’s Bar in Alamo Heights. According to social media, that truck is still serving piratas. CultureMap has contacted the restaurant to clarify the situation, but has not yet received an answer.

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COMING ATTRACTION

Dallas group to debut fancy martini and oyster bar in Alamo Heights

Photo by Samantha Marie Photography

Hudson House flies in East Coast oysters daily.

A site that once hosted a sleep clinic will soon be waking up Alamo Heights. Dallas-based oyster and martini bar Hudson House will open its first San Antonio location in the revamped Nix Health building at 5307 Broadway.

The East Coast-inspired concept hails from Vandelay Hospitality Group, a prolific restaurant company known for several concepts including Jack & Harry’s and Drake’s Hollywood. Since its 2017 debut in Dallas’ tony Highland Park neighborhood, it has expanded to 11 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston.

Commercial real estate firm SHOP Companies teased Hudson House in their original property flyer, saying it has attracted an unnamed “East Coast-inspired oyster and martini bar with American cuisine.” The renderings showed a placeholder concept called “Martini House Oysters and Raw Bar,” which surely winked at the new tenant.

Hudson House says its serves the "World's Coldest Martini."Photo by Samantha Marie Photography

The menu combines global seafood favorites with classic American cuisine. Each location’s offerings are a little different, but the concept is known for flying in East Coast oysters daily, fish tacos, lobster rolls, and maki such as a rice-free Signature Roll with salmon, tuna, crab, tempura flakes, and spicy ponzu.

Landlubbers can also expect dishes like cheeseburgers, a salad with popcorn chicken, chicken parm, and steak frites. And the San Antonio menu will undoubtedly feature Hudson’s famous whipped avocado dip served with ranch chips.

Hudson’s beverage program is led by the “World’s Coldest Martini,” a Grey Goose cocktail served on tap and chilled to a frosty 10 degrees. Additional martinis include blue cheese, lemon, and espresso variations.

A newly opened Hudson House in Southlake gives a taste of the interior's vibe.Photo by Samantha Marie Photography

Design-wise, the brand takes its cues from West Village neighborhood spots, decorating with warm wood, brass and opal glass fixtures, greenery, and navy leather in booths and barstools. The décor doesn’t scream nautical, although globe lights are wrapped in a little net.

A Vandelay rep did not immediately return a request for more information. But new project details filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation give some clues. According to state records, the $1.6 million buildout is set to finish in April 2027.

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