OPENING ALERT

New noodle shop takes over former Nama Ramen space in San Antonio

Tenten specializes in Sanuki-style udon.

Photo by Jinomono Media/ Unsplash

A new San Antonio Japanese restaurant is swapping one noodle for another. Tenten Udon & Tempura has quietly opened at 6526 Babcock Rd., taking over the former Northwest Side home of Nama Ramen & Sushi.

Tenten comes from the owners of Onigiri Fuku, the viral shop that brought a stripped-down version of Japanese convenience stores — or konbini — to San Antonio with a grab-and-go selection of onigiri, musubi, and build-your-own boba teas. When neighboring Nama closed in September, the team quickly took over the building.

"Following the closure of Nama Ramen & Sushiya, a restaurant that held significant meaning for both our team and the community, we set out to create a concept that both honors that legacy and introduces something new to San Antonio," says a restaurant rep. "Tenten is built on that intention — a return to craft, comfort, and tradition, presented through a contemporary lens."

Tenten specializes in Sanuki-style udon. The thick, chewy Japanese wheat noodle originates from Japan's Kagawa Prefecture and has a flat, square-edged shape. The restaurant serves the pasta freshly made with "clean, balanced broths," according to the rep.

Once diners order the noodles, they can customize their bowl with selections from the self-service tempura bar stocked with assorted vegetables and proteins. Tenten will also regularly roll out seasonal specials and serve select donburi, steamed rice topped with various ingredients and a savory-sweet sauce.

Tenten is currently in its soft opening phase, with hours of noon-8 pm, Monday through Saturday. Regular hours of noon-9 pm will kick off after a grand opening celebration on December 6, featuring a performance by San Antonio Lion Dance at noon.

closings northwest side japanese cuisine udon openings

OPENING ALERT

La Panadería whips up new café in San Antonio's Stone Oak

La Panadería is opening a new location on Broadway in San Antonio on October 13.

Photo courtesy of La Panadería

If you have never waited in line for pan dulce at La Panadería, have you really been to San Antonio?

Celebrated San Antonio bakery La Panadería is firing up the ovens in Stone Oak. The long-anticipated new cafe at 1011 N. Loop 1604 E., the beloved chain’s fifth outpost, is making its official debut on December 17.

The new La Panadería takes over the former home of Brick House Tavern and Tap, which shuttered in 2022. According to a release, it’s the brand’s largest location yet with 6,600 square feet, 100 dedicated parking spaces, and a spacious covered patio.

"We've always believed in growing thoughtfully and with our guests in mind," said co-owner Jose Cáceres in an earlier release. "Stone Oak is a vibrant and growing area, and we're excited to bring La Panadería to a new part of the city."

Since debuting in 2014, La Panadería has become one of San Antonio's biggest culinary forces, nabbing national attention and a James Beard Award nomination. Tourists and locals line up daily for pan dulce and fusion treats like the croncha — a hybrid between a croissant and a Mexican concha. Those seeking something more substantial can enjoy a variety of sandwiches on house-made bread, fresh salads, and all-day breakfast.

Like the La Cantera Heights and Midtown outposts, the new cafe will lift spirits with a full bar stocked with beer, wine, and mimosa kits. Higher octane offerings include margaritas, palomas, spritzes, and coffee cocktails like carajillos. Freshly squeezed juices and espresso drinks are available for teetotalers.

The new restaurant will celebrate its grand opening from 11 am-2 pm on December 17. During the festivities, guests will have the chance to meet Don Lino, the chain’s first-ever mascot. The character’s backstory was written by cofounder José Cáceres’ son, Emiliano Cáceres Manzano.

Following the debut, La Panadería will be open Monday through Friday, 7 am-8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 7 am-6 pm.

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