NEWS YOU CAN EAT
A barbecue boon and price groaning inflate San Antonio restaurant news
Smoked meat is on San Antonians' minds as the city burns off the last few days of September. On the St. Mary’s Strip, a pair of women pitmasters are breaking the brisket ceiling, while one of the first families of barbecue continues their dynasty.
Openings and closings
An icehouse has saddled up for a ride on the St. Mary’s Strip. High Horse, not to be confused with the departed High Horse Lounge in Dignowity Hill, quietly opened in the former home of Wurst Behavior on September 14. In addition to serving cold drinks, the spot fires up classic Central Texas barbecue courtesy of the all-women pit team of Laura Loomis and Mara Serna.
On September 25, Terry Black’s Barbecue cleared a hurdle in opening its first San Antonio location. The San Antonio Express-Newsreports that the city’s Historic and Design Review Commission approved plans for the Lockhart-based mini-chain to build a restaurant and parking lot at 2101 Broadway. The Black family bought the plot in 2021, planning to build two restaurants and a hotel on the acreage.
Stone Oak Tex-Mex hub and sometimes drag venue Tomatillos is opening a second location at Brooks. The restaurant previewed the upcoming outpost via an Instagram Reel but kept mum on the details. The website shares the address — 2611 SE Military Dr. #108 — but no opening date.
The Bandera Road location of Halftime Pizza threw in the towel on September 23. In a statement posted in the San Antonio Restaurants Facebook group, the business hoped for a turnaround during football season but could no longer weather its economic challenges. The original location at 7126 Tezel Road remains open.
Other news and notes
Popular Denver Heights burger joint Mark’s Outing is adding drive-through service. The spot, known for its Texas Monthly-approved Fatty’s Burger and its mammoth two-pound burger challenge, says the addition will be finished by November 2.
Apparently, in San Antonio, six bucks can cause a conniption. According to a social media statement from Thai Cafe, many customers were delighted when the restaurant brought back its buffet this summer. However, the business has also had to endure constant harassment. The owners explained the change was necessary to account for rising food costs. Whatever the reasoning, all the badgering is unwarranted. The all-you-can-eat spread, priced under $16, is still staggeringly affordable.