The 8 best bars in San Antonio have the right mix

MEET THE TASTEMAKERS

Photo by TX Troublemaker

Though it's easy to quaff a decent cocktail almost anywhere in Texas, San Antonio's watering holes offer a little something special. Maybe it's the friendliness of the patrons trading rounds with complete strangers. Maybe it's the prescience of the bartenders who know hundreds of regulars' orders. That generosity of spirit is found at almost every spot in town.

But the best of the best mix in something extra — inventive flavor profiles, enveloping atmosphere, and an "it" factor that is hard to define. But we know it when we drink it — we've seen it in all the nominees CultureMap Tastemaker Award for Bar of the Year perhaps too many times.

So, we salute the unassuming dive bars, the swanky lounges, and happy hour haunts. Alamo City wouldn't be half as fun without them. Join us in raising a glass to our finalists below, then pop a cork as we name the winner at the Jack Guenther Pavilion at the Briscoe Museum on May 18. Buy tickets now before they sell out.

Amor Eterno
It's there in the name. This Southtown lounge delivers everlasting romance courtesy of velvet curtains, fuchsia lighting, and orchids languishing on the edge of coupes. The atmosphere gets a little steamier after a couple Bella Noche shots. Suddenly, disco thumps through the speakers, inamoratos file in, and the back booth becomes the most inviting spot in Alamo City.

Bar Loretta
At many upscale restaurants, the cocktail menu is an afterthought. List a serviceable Old Fashioned, add a martini, and call it a day. Not so at this endearing Southtown spot. Though guests can certainly swan with a Gatsby-era Mint Julep, the originals really bring the fireworks. A Lucinda Williams homage, Junebug vs. Hurricane, balances strawberries with Peychaud's bitters. Mariachi Static burns the house down with a dash (or three) of hot sauce.

George's Keep
The three-martini lunch may be a thing of the past, but still, the Éilan Hotel's resident bar knows how to get down to business. Leather banquettes and hunter-green wainscoting set the scene for some hard bargaining of what patrons will order next. Heady tipples like George's signature mix of VSOP Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon keep the deals flowing, even if they are just on Ameritrade.

Hotel Havana - Havana Bar and Ocho
This artfully designed downtown property knows a thing or two about chiaroscuro. The darkness comes from the dimly lit basement at Havana Bar, where peccadillos slink into the shadows. Blazing light illuminates Ocho upstairs, refracted through the turquoise accented panes of a glass conservatory. All revelers have to do is follow their mood.

La Ruina
In a tequila-obsessed town, this East Side hideaway has made a name by focusing on rum. Former Modernist owners Gerry Shirley and Olaf Harmel stir up a vacation's worth of concoctions, from tiki classics like Mai Tais to Brazilian bombshells like Caipirinhas. Steal the tropically wallpapered booth if you can get it. Rum was meant for languor.

Pastiche
Don't be surprised if you see the occasional cat slumbering at this louche East Side bar. Felines know a thing or two about posh surrounds. Guests will purr just as loudly over co-owner Benjamin Krick's sly barcraft. The back bar is an apothecary stocked with hard-to-find European spirits, cordials, and fortified wines — all used in some of the most unexpected cocktails in the city.

The Moon's Daughters
Perched atop the glittering Thompson Hotel, this rooftop lounge is usually recommended for the breathtaking downtown view. The interior offers just as much scenery. San Antonio's see-and-be-seen set sprawl on the luxe furniture, sipping CBD-infused cocktails and nibbling Mediterranean bites. The hospitality program isn't all just for show, of course, but it never hurts to gild the lily.

Three Star Bar
As much fun as it is to clink Baccarat, most days, we'd rather crush cans. For a weekday drink, it's hard to beat the wood-paneled slump of a neighborhood bar. This Grayson Street dive lets guests loosen their belts over craft beers and shots. The new ownership — Los Angeles-based Pouring With Heart — tinkered a bit with the drink menu but kept the meat and potatoes.

Photo by TX Troublemaker

It's all about love at Amor Eterno

Beto's Alt-Mex/ Facebook

7 things to know about San Antonio food right now: Mexican street food joint wraps up after 25 years

NEWS YOU CAN EAT

Editor's note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of San Antonio's restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our weekly roundup of essential food news.

Openings and closings

After serving locals for more than 25 years, a Broadway corridor mainstay has wrapped up business. In an Instagram statement, the owners of Beto's Alt-Mex announced that March 19 was the last day of service. Since 1997, the restaurant has offered an eclectic take on Pan-American street food, serving a variety of tacos and empanadas alongside sides like charro beans and Peruvian rice. In the post, the team struck a hopeful note by promising, "this is not a goodbye, but a see ya later."

A Northwest Side eatery only offered finality in its own closing note. Via Facebook, mom-and-pop joint Sarah's Barbacoa said its goodbyes on March 16. Though owner Sarah Hernandez explained the shutter was a tough decision, each member of the family management team decided to focus on emerging career opportunities.

In more playful news, schoolhouse-themed watering hole Home Roomwelcomed its first visitors on March 16. Owned by Marika Olmstead-Wright of Pacific Moon and Marc "Frenchy" Groleau of Charlie Brown's Neighborhood Bar, the watering hole has filled the former home of St. Peter Claver Academy with lawn games and primary colored furnishings. Still to come will be food trucks and a school bus patio bar.

A new project is brewing at 11015 Shaenfield Rd. A concept called Refuge Coffee and Beer has applied for a wine and malt beverage on-premise permit with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. According to corporate filings, the project is the work of Austinites. Although similarly named businesses exist in other states, this appears to be an original concept. An online presence seems to be still pending.

Other news and notes

Newish Pearl hot spot Ladino is putting a Mediterranean twist on the wine dinner. On March 27, the eatery will welcome Greek vintner Christos Zafeirakis of Domaine Zafeirakis Winery for a four-course feast paired with a whopping six wines. Tickets are $120 online and are limited to 24 guests.

River Walk restaurant Dorrego's is giving guests a little zazzle with made-to-order paella Monday through Friday, 11 am-2 pm. For $16.95, diners can customize a heaping helping of saffron rice with chicken, shrimp, scallops, sausage, mussels, and vegetables. Reservations can be booked online.

Speaking of paella, chef Johnny Hernandez's annual Paella Challenge will return to Mission County Park on March 26. As always, the shindig will feature more than 40 paellas prepared by some of San Antonio's culinary luminaries. Tickets start at $85 and benefit Hernandez's youth charity Kitchen Campus.

Durty Nelly's Irish Pub/ Facebook

7 San Antonio pubs going green for St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's

Plenty of River Walk bars will don shamrock drag for the holiday, but green beer alone does not St. Patrick’s Day make. With a rich Irish history and an ever-growing nightlife scene, San Antonio is now full of proper pubs. Sure, a few aren’t exactly authentic, but that Party City leprechaun hat isn’t either.

The Cottage Irish Pub
Away from the downtown throb on Broadway, this newcomer is ideal for a quieter St. Pat’s. Day drinkers can fortify with a full Irish breakfast with brown soda bread and rashers, then get a respectable buzz with a frozen Irish coffee or two. Start with hand-cut chips with a tangy curry sauce.

Durty Nelly’s
This long-standing pub is a faithful recreation of its namesake in Limerick, complete with stone walls and a hearth. Trade clover suspenders for classic Donegal tweed and sidle up to a barstool for a whiskey flight or a Black and Tan.

The Irish Pub
A Medical Center go-to, this no-frills watering hole offers simple sandwiches, cocktails, and plenty of shots, shots, shots. More dive bar than a classic pub, it gives just what a neighborhood bar should — a comfortable place for carousing with friends.

Kennedy’s Public House
One might be more likely to see Dubliner nosh on black pudding than Irish nachos, but let’s face it. This American ode to Gaelic(ish) ingredients is bar food done right. This strip-mall pub’s version is jam-packed with all the fixings, which is reason enough to celebrate.

Mad Dogs
This River Walk stop has about as much to do with the United Kingdom as Hooter’s has to do with owls, but it is on the route of the annual parade. Nonetheless, the bar stocks various whiskies and domestic and imported craft beer. And its cottage pie has all the necessary carbs to soak the booze up.

Maddy McMurphy’s
This downtown haunt has long been a fave with footie fans thanks to its near-blinding array of flat screens. Guests can also cheer on its well-stocked bar, which includes some unexpected Irish whiskies and less-common beer imports like Smithwick’s Red Ale. The food runs the sports bar gamut from nachos to pizza, but Irish classics like beef Guinness stew and pasties scream, “Erin go bragh.”

Waxy O’Connor’s
With its dark wood cabinetry and bric-a-brac on the walls, this St. patty’s day destination offers a more enveloping atmosphere than some of the bars on this list. The specialty cocktail list keeps the theme going with Irish versions of popular drinks.

Photo courtesy of San Antonio Botanical Garden

Here are the top 5 things to do in San Antonio this weekend

Weekend Event Guide

Experience the sounds of the city with the help of these must-attend musical happenings. See The Zombies live in concert or groove to music under the stars at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Check out the top five things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, March 16

The San Antonio Botanical Garden presents "Lush: Twilight in the Garden"
A new after-hours entertainment series is in full bloom at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. This month’s activities are inspired by the theme "Luck in Lush" and will include extended garden hours, live music, entertainment, a signature beverage, and an array of floral displays for ambiance. For more information and to snag your tickets, visit sabot.org.

Ben Rector in concert
Singer-songwriter Ben Rector performs live at the Majestic Theatre in support of his album, The Joy of Music. Rector has released seven studio albums and has topped the charts with songs like “Brand New” and “Love Like This.” For seating availability, visit Ticketmaster.

Friday, March 17

Druski: Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Tour
Comedian and Internet personality Druski takes his brand of comedy on the road as part of his first-ever, headlining comedy tour, Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda. Fans can experience his blend of skits, storytelling, and social media-infused content at Majestic Theatre live and in person. Visit the Ticketmaster for more information.

Saturday, March 18

The Zombies in concert
Legendary British psych rock band The Zombies comes to San Antonio for one night only. The group behind hits like “She’s Not There” and “Indication” performs at the Aztec Theatre in support of their new album, Different Game. They will be joined by special guest AJ Smith. Get ticket information via Live Nation.

Sunday, March 19

Photo courtesy of San Antonio Botanical Garden

San Antonio Botanical Garden invites revelers for "Lush: Twilight in the Garden" on March 16.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts presents "Yamato: The Drummers of Japan"
See the spotlight shine on Japanese Taiko drumming during this special performance by Yamato. This storied drumming group hails from Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture, also known as the “hometown of Japan,” and has traveled to 54 countries in the almost three decades since its formation. A select number of tickets are still available at tobincenter.org.

riversunsa.com

5 things to know in San Antonio food right now: Trippy new bar swirls into River North

NEWS YOU CAN EAT

Editor’s note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of San Antonio’s restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our weekly roundup of essential food news.

Openings

A new River North watering hole made its official debut on March 3. River Sun has been sporadically open for service since November but is now regularly operating Tuesday through Sunday. The psychedelic interior provides a suitable trippy setting for cocktails like Pact of the Forest (using pecan-washed Bourbon), and The River Speaks (a tequila concoction with clarified lime and jalapeño pearls).

Psst! A new brunch spot is bubbling up in Stone Oak. In a social media post, Mimosa Gossip said it was “do days or less” from opening. The concept hasn’t posted any details about the food offerings. Still, it will feature several flavors of its namesake drink and assumably a safe place to shade your second cousin.

Weeks after Palestinian conceptSaha announced a series of pop-ups at Little Death, another concept has begun a residency at the St. Mary’s strip wine bar. Akhany Coffee Roasters will be slinging Thai-inspired coffee drinks Thursday and Friday, 7:30 am-1 pm, and Saturday, 8 am-1:30 am for the “next few weeks,” according to an Instagram post. The business’ original trailer isn’t going anywhere, however, and will still sling caffeine Wednesday to Sunday, 8 am-2 pm.

Other news and notes

Alamo Beer Co. is putting some va-va-voom into its programming with an April 29 party devoted to pinup legend Bettie Page. The event will feature live music from Pavel Demon & the Revenant and Solitary Runaway, a lookalike contest hosted by Taffy Cardenas and Samantha Deathray, and a mini car and bicycle show. Admission is free for the shindig, which runs from 3-10 pm.

Move over Choco Tacos. Taco Cabana has introduced another unlikely dessert treat. Chocolate Chimis will delight local sugar monsters by filling two chocolate chimichangas (natch) with chocolate cream cheese. The treats are available for $2.99 at all locations.

Photo courtesy of Picadas

First Mexican hard aguas frescas brand splashes into 200 H-E-B stores across Texas

JOY JUICE

San Antonians take their aguas frescas seriously. Look at the controversy when TikToker Gracie Norton called the beloved drink “spa water.” Still, locals are not likely to argue should one want to throw in a little booze.

Now entrepreneur Hugo Martinez has taken beloved Mexican flavors out of vitroleros and into cans with Picadas, a line of hard aguas frescas. Each can combines real fruit juice with cane sugar alcohol for a product that’s sure to take Fiesta by storm.

Martinez conceived the brand while completing an MBA at Stanford University. A fan of seltzers, he realized the category was missing a taste of home. After returning to Monterey, Mexico in 2021, Picadas was born.

“I became a seltzer enthusiast when I took my first sip, but I was searching everywhere for one with Mexican flavors. Tamarindo, Limonada... the stuff I grew up drinking,” Martinez explains via a release. “Coming from Mexico, we never sacrifice flavor.”

The name comes from the phrase “con piquete,” Mexican slang for “spiked.” Each 12-ounce can rings in at 130 calories with 4.5 percent alcohol by volume. The drinks can be enjoyed alone or amped up with tequila or mezcal.

Currently, the line is available in three flavors — mango, limonada, and guava. Every six-pack, retailing at $10.99, comes with a packet of spicy chile-lime salt to dress the rim. Texans can stock their fridges at 200 H-E-B stores statewide.

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Property Showcase

San Antonio home sales continue to decline in February, latest report shows

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Home prices went up and sales went down in February, an inauspicious prediction for both homebuyers and sellers in San Antonio’s real estate market. That’s according to the latest market report from the San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR).

The latest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data shows steady price increases in the San Antonio area. The average home price is now at $365,679, an $8,700-plus increase from 2022. Median home prices have hit $310,000, which is a smaller increase from last year, but $50,000 more than 2021.

Despite new home construction skyrocketing at the same rate, existing home sales have dropped by 28 percent. Homes are also staying on the market much longer than they did in February 2022, at around 70 days.

SABOR’s 2023 board chair Sara Briseño Gerrish shared her insights on the current market.

“The months of inventory is being reported at 3.3 and 93.5% of homes closed of their original listing price,” she said. “To close February, there were 3,531 new listings, 2,407 pending listings and 9,712 active listings.”

To add to February’s home sale woes, Bexar County saw a 16.4 percent decline with only 1,612 closed listings, while average prices increased 4.4 percent to $341,204.

Statewide, only 21,838 homes were sold in February, a 14 percent decrease year-over-year.

The full report can be found on sabor.com.

11 reasons to escape the San Antonio bustle with a day trip to Dripping Springs

JUST WEST OF WEIRD

As a Dripping Springs native, I like to think I know it pretty well. The town has come a long way from being known as the place “just west of weird," exploding in recent years into a suburb of Austin (though many would frown upon that designation). If you’re driving on Highway 290, viewing the Dripping Springs water tower with its “Gateway to the Hill Country” motto in bold letters serves as a personal welcome for residents and newcomers alike.

Despite the rapid recent growth in the Austin area, Dripping Springs still has many of the small-town features that its local residents — and transplants — all love. Many of the culinary staples I enjoyed as a teenager are still thriving, years after the COVID-19 pandemic threatened local businesses statewide. The annual April Founders Day Festival has been a must-see for families for decades.

Those in search of a new day trip spot should consider these 11 places to visit in Dripping Springs.

Where to Eat

Homespun Kitchen & Bar
Homespun is a farm-to-table American restaurant with European influences that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner with live music and kid-friendly spaces. Chef Michael St. Germain is behind all menu choices, applying his experience from San Francisco restaurants and bringing critical acclaim for his burgers, according to the restaurant's website. With weekday specials, fresh-made desserts and over 300 whiskeys to choose from, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. Reserve at homespunkitchenandbar.com.

Oak Creek Cafe
Who can say no to some good Southern comfort food? Oak Creek Cafe has been operating at the corner of Sportplex Drive and Highway 290 for several years. Must-try menu items include the chicken fried steaks, biscuits and gravy, and mushroom Swiss burger. The cafe regularly posts photos of its large plates of comfort food on Facebook, and Google reviewers love it as a breakfast spot above all.

Rolling in Thyme & Dough
A personal favorite: Rolling in Thyme & Dough’s original Highway 290 location is in the center of Dripping Springs, offering delicious pastries, breakfast, and lunch options. Fan favorites include the smoky chipotle breakfast sandwich, the TX two-step sandwich for lunch, and any of the freshly-baked pastries. They also have weekly BYOB bistro nights on Wednesdays in the spring, utilizing fresh ingredients from the Dripping Springs Farmers Market.

Mazama Coffee Co
Since its founding in 2012, Dripping Springs’ first independent coffee shop has been caffeinating the town for over a decade. They micro-roast their own beans from Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Indonesia, and Brazil. They also have a bakery to provide customers with well-loved baked goods and lunch. Mazama’s was named the Best Coffee Shop of Dripping Springs from 2018-2021, according to their site.

The Great British Baking Company
This cozy food spot is a newer addition to Mercer Street. The Great British Baking Company adds to the growing food culture in town with their homemade sticky toffee pudding, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, and rotating soups. All of their menu items are made right behind the checkout counter in their open kitchen. Don’t forget to browse their selection of imported British goods, and make sure to take home a parfait or chocolate mousse in a jar.

What to Do

Dripping Springs Chocolate Company
The Wilson family created their chocolate business as a way to support local economies in Nicaragua after a family mission trip. In their mission statement, they aim to create the best chocolate while “improv[ing] the lives of the farmers and communities that grow the cacao.” They’ve since expanded their initial chocolate offerings to spice rubs, dessert and hot cocoa mixes, and chocolate-covered snacks.

The Sated Sheep
As a self-described “psychologist-turned-fiber-junkie,” this yarn shop owner has created her own community surrounding fiber crafts and a love of knitting. Allison’s shop has been a must-see for any visitors looking to pick up a new hobby, or wanting to grab a glass of wine and watch other knitters or crocheters create works of art. The shop offers affordable classes for any skill level, private lessons, and workshops for special events.

Vintage Soul
If you’ve never met Julie Crawford, you’re missing out on one of the most bubbly and welcoming personalities in Dripping Springs. Whether you’re in her Mercer Street shop or watching her weekly “Try-on Tuesday” Instagram stories, Julie makes everyone feel confident in her clothes and accessories. And let’s be honest, everyone loves information about true garment sizing before you try it on or buy online.

Starrs on Mercer
Two sisters with zero retail experience collaborated in 2015 to build a bustling “modern day department store” on Mercer Street. Born out of a love for shopping and convenience, Starrs on Mercer is a one-stop shop for women’s, men’s, and baby clothing, plus accessories, and gifts. The Starr sisters have since opened a travel agency, Starrs On The Go, to expand their endeavors.

Treaty Oak Distilling
You can’t write about Dripping Springs without including some popular distilleries. When it was founded in 2006, Treaty Oak says it was only the fourth distillery operating in the state. The distillery sits on a 28-acre property on Fitzhugh Road with plenty of space for children to explore while you sit back and enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail. Tours of the distillery are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and classes are available on select Saturdays every month.

Desert Door Distillery
What was once a barren plot of land on Darden Hill Road has now developed into the only sotol distillery in the United States. Desert Door hosts a range of live music weekly, offers tours on weekends, and also has a rental space for private events. With a variety of cocktails and tacos made by James Beard award winner Jesse Griffiths and Spoke Hollow Steward, it’s definitely a go-to for any day trip itinerary.

San Antonio meat palace Fogo de Chao expands its menu with new plant-based options

Vegan News

Well, here's a twist: Fogo de Chão, the churrascuria-style restaurant concept from Brazil known for its dedication to meat, is expanding its menu in an unprecedented new direction: They're adding tofu.

Effective immediately, the restaurant will offer new plant-based and nutrient-dense dishes, alongside an enhanced Bar Fogo beverage list that has new non-alcoholic craft cocktails made with low-proof spirits (less than 0.5 percent alcohol).

Fogo CEO Barry McGowan says in a release that they're responding to demand from their younger, more health-conscious customers.

"Our young and dynamic guests consider themselves food explorers who seek new culinary discoveries with each visit,” McGowan says. “For nearly 45 years we’ve had nutrient-dense and plant-forward dining options for every occasion and dietary tribe throughour Market Table. With the rollout of our new dining choices and clean cocktails, we continue to offer our guests the variety and discoveries they crave while doing it in a wholesome and flavorful way.”

The Market Table is their famed salad bar, which has sated many a vegetarian diner or else those just not up for the whole skewered meat thing that is a trademark of Fogo and other churrascuria-style places.

Entrees
Two new plant-based innovations will join Fogo's existing Vegetarian and Pescatarian dishes such as the Cauliflower Steak, and will be available on the main dining menu available for lunch, brunch, and dinner as an alternative to the Full Churrasco Experience, as follows:

Seared Tofu with Miso Black Bean Pasta - Chimichurri-marinated tofu served atop black bean pasta sautéed with green onion, Napa cabbage, pickled onions and carrot ginger-miso dressing. Vegan and gluten-free.
Roasted Power Vegetable Bowl - Roasted eggplant, marinated mushrooms, roasted zucchini, asparagus, and baby peppers served with chimichurri spinach rice. Vegan and gluten-free.

togo power bowl Roasted Power Vegetable Bowl at Fogo de Chao.Photo courtesy of Fogo de Chao

They're also rolling out new dishes on the Market Table which for the past 45 years has showcased nutrient-dense and flavorful choices including seasonal salads, micro greens, natural and plant-based proteins, imported charcuterie, and more.

New items on the Market Table are as follows:

Spring Hummus - Fresh hummus blended with herbs, roasted garlic and citrus, topped with radish, fresh mint, edamame, and olive oil.
Baby Kale & Mango Salad - Fresh baby kale, Napa cabbage, red radish and mango, tossed in a lime honey dressing.
Miso Black Bean Pasta - Gluten-free black bean pasta tossed with green onion, Napa cabbage, pickled onions and carrot ginger-miso dressing.
Apple Manchego Salad - Granny Smith apples and Manchego cheese tossed with honey, cracked pepper and black mission figs.
Power Greens - A seasonal mix of vitamin-rich greens, fresh herbs and micro-shoots

The Bar
The Bar Fogo menu now features five new cocktails, including three made with Clean Co’s non-alcoholic spirits with less than 0.5% alcohol, as follows:

Yellowbird - Desolas Mezcal, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Cointreau, La Marca Prosecco
Espresso Martini - Diplomatico Reserva Rum, Caffe Borghetti and Licor 43
Clean Cosmo - CleanCo V (Vodka) Apple, Cranberry, Fresh Lemon
CleanR Sour - CleanCo R (Rum), Passionfruit, Pineapple, Aquafaba, Bitters
Clean Cucumber Martini - CleanCo V (Vodka) Apple, Cucumber, Basil, Lemon Twist

Founded in southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo has seven other locations across Texas: Addison, Uptown Dallas, Plano, Friendswood, Houston, Austin, and The Woodlands.

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