NEWS YOU CAN EAT

New taco joints and coffee shops perk up San Antonio dining news

Tia's Taco Hut has opened its 16th San Antonio location.

If there are two things San Antonio loves, it’s tacos and coffee — and the North Side is getting more of both. Elsewhere in this week’s restaurant news, the spring calendar is filling up quickly with artsy dinners at the McNay, Spurs watch parties at Pearl, and a wild wine weekend in Johnson City.

Openings

Beloved Alamo City chain Tia's Taco Hut has opened a 16th location at 4519 Fredericksburg Rd, the former site of Wendy's. Starting March 16, the taco joint will be open Mondays through Saturdays, 5:30 am-9 pm and Sundays, 6 am-3 pm. This week, it is closing at 3 pm all days to help staff squeeze in a little more training.

San Antonio’s newest PJ’s Coffee is now open at 25219 U.S. 281 N. at the Overlook at Bulverde Road. The 1,600-square-foot coffeehouse, owned by local franchisee Deborah and Martin Bomba, has a drive-thru and features the chain’s popular mix of New Orleans-inspired coffee and fresh pastries.

Otto's Ice House is hosting a Spurs watch party on March 19.Otto's Ice House/ Facebook

Other news and notes

Otto’s Ice House is hosting a watch party on March 19 for the Spurs vs. Suns game hosted by mega-fan Spurs Jesus. The first 50 guests to attend will receive a complimentary order of chips and salsa and the happy hour menu will be extended until 11 pm.

The McNay is reimagining its annual gala into a series of curated events. Artfully Served: A McNay Supper Series features fine dining set against the backdrop of the museums’ artworks and iconic artworks, blending the culinary and visual arts. The series launches with Pullman Market chef Danny Parada on April 7, followed by dinners on June 2 and October 27. Prices start at $500 for an individual ticket.

Fredericksburg's Grape Creek Vineyards is stomping on grapes — and the competition. Food website Mashed recently named it the best winery in Texas in its breakdown of top picks across every state. The publication praised the estate’s award-winning wines, Tuscan-inspired tasting room, and tours, noting it is “single-handedly putting Texas on the map for great wine.”

Speaking of wine, the Texas Wine Auction Weekend is returning May 1–2 at the Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa in Johnson City. The two-day event brings together Texas wine, culinary experiences, and live music from Bri Bagwell and Dale Watson. Weekender passes have sold out, but single-day passes are now available, starting at $50. Funds raised support mental health initiatives across the Texas Hill Country.

Pearl is bringing back its popular Wednesday Night Markets with local vendors, artisan makers, and plenty of bites. The activation will happen on the second and third Wednesday of each month through May with the next one occurring March 18.

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Dining with the stars

American Airlines elevates inflight dining with Glen Powell condiments

Smash Kitchen LA Launch Event - Arrivals

Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Smash Kitchen

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American Airlines is elevating the in-flight dining experience with the help of one of the hottest actors on the planet right now. The Fort Worth-based airline is now serving Smash Kitchen condiments, co-founded by Glen Powell.

The Texas native, Austin resident, and star of hit films like Top Gun: Maverick, Twisters, and Hit Man, launched Smash Kitchen with partners Sameer Mehta and Sean Kane in 2025 as a better-for-you brand.

According to Food & Wine, the condiments are made with organic and non-GMO ingredients, without unnecessary and artificial additives. The brand launched with eight products, including yellow and Dijon mustards; classic and hot-honey ketchups; American-style and hot-honey barbecue sauces; and regular and spicy mayonnaise.

Hot and spicy is a theme.

"Powell’s energetic, down-to-earth Texas spirit has helped the brand gain a devoted following, making its debut in the skies a natural fit for American and its Texas roots," says a release from American Airlines.

American Airlines, Glen Powell Smash Kitchen The condiments include ketchup, mayo, and mustard. Photo courtesy of American Airlines

Passengers who order Classic American Sliders and Fries - which AA calls a "fan favorite," - will now be able to slather on or dip into Smash Kitchen condiments. They're available for domestic First Class customers when preordered through aa.com or American’s mobile app, and with the seasonal sandwich available for purchase in Main Cabin, the airline says.

Not mentioned: Whether Glen Powell movies are part of the in-flight entertainment lineup. One hopes American doesn't miss that opportunity for brand tie-in.

"Smash Kitchen brings an energy and flavor profile that aligns perfectly with American’s commitment to offering customers a more premium, more memorable inflight experience,” says American’s SVP of customer experience and design strategy Rhonda Crawford in the release. “We’re excited to introduce these sauces on board and continue growing partnerships that reflect our dedication to great food at every stop of the traveler’s journey.”

The Smash Kitchen partnership is the latest in American's commitment to improving its customer experience. Other recent new menu additions include Dallas' acclaimed Pecan Lodge BBQ, Champagne Bollinger and Lavazza coffee, both in lounges and in flight.

For those staying grounded, Powell's Smash Kitchen products - which also include potato chips and cooking oils - can be purchased through the website and at Wal-Mart stores.

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