‘09 Eats

RESTAURANT Guide

Most restaurants are running between 50% and 75% capacity whether it be dine-in, curbside or delivery. Those that are open for dining in my require reservations. Masks are required unless you are sitting at your table, unless you are advised otherwise by the restaurant. Regulations and guidelines can change at anytime due to COVID-19. You will want to call or check restaurant websites before making your dining plans.

KEY

$ Most Entrees under $10 $$ Most entrees $10 - $20 $$$ Most entrees over $20

Brunch (BR) Reservations Suggested (R) Patio (P) Live Venue (LV)

With the warmer weather and Fiesta this month, Ceviche Del Mar at La Paloma is a perfect choice for lunch or dinner. It is fresh cooked fish with cilantro, onion and tomato in a lime juice and olive oil based marinade and is served chilled with sliced Hass avocado and crackers. It’s both festive and refreshing.

AMERICAN

410 DINER A ‘50s-themed diner serving homemade soups, fresh catfish, shrimp, prime steaks, pork chops and chicken. 8315 Broadway | 210-822-6246 www.410diner.com $

BIRD BAKERY A delightful bakery and small bistro that serves sandwiches, quiche, croissants, pies, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and dessert bars. 5912 Broadway | 210-804-2473 www.birdbakery.com $ BROADWAY 50/50 Vintage-themed diner serving fun appetizers, like the Chuck Norris Kickers (chicken and jalapeños wrapped in bacon) and Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos), burgers, BLT’s, Cuban sandwiches and more. 5050 Broadway | 210-826-0069 www.broadway5050.com $

CAPPY’S Lunch, dinner and brunch - Cappy’s is fine dining in the heart of ‘09, serving prime steaks, prime rib, rack of lamb and seafood. 5011 Broadway | 210-828-9669 cappysrestaurant.com $$$ (BR)

EZ’s Burgers, oak-fired brick oven pizzas, rosemary roasted chicken and awardwinning salads, all served in a fun ‘50s-themed atmosphere. 6498 N. New Braunfels | 210-828-1111 ezrestaurants.com $

GOOD TIME CHARLIE’S Good Time Charlie’s has been around since 1979 and soon became a San Antonio landmark restaurant popular with the local college students and faculty. They serve Texas home-style favorites including catfish, steaks and a chicken-fried steak many claim is the “Best In Texas.” They are also known as a favorite happy hour spot with lots of drink specials that include generous pitchers of ice-cold beer. 2922 Broadway | 210-828-5392 gtcsatx.com $

HEARTHSTONE BAKERY CAFE Hearthstone blends the experience of a coffeehouse, bakery and full-service restaurant into one serving gourmet sandwiches, panini, wraps, soups, salad, coffee, espresso and dessert. 3920 Harry Wurzbach | 210-920-2600 www.hearthstonebakerycafe.com $ (P)

IDA CLAIRE A southern inspired destination for relaxing suppers, weekend brunches, business lunches and happy hours. They serve southern classics like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese dip, biscuits, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, steelhead trout and Ida’s seasonal pies. 7300 Jones Maltsberger Rd | 210-667-2145 ida-claire.com $$ (P) (BR) J. ALEXANDER’S A contemporary American restaurant, known for its wood-fired cuisine. The menu features a wide selection of classics including prime rib, steak, seafood and rotating specials like Seafood Czarina, Tuscan Steak, Grilled Fish with Mango Papaya Salsa and Chicken Milanese. 255 E. Basse, #1300 | 210-824-0275 jalexanders.com $$ -$$$

JIM’S RESTAURANT 24-hour diner serving all-day breakfast. They offer hearty choices like steak and eggs, omelets and Tex-Mex huevos rancheros. A comprehensive lunch and dinner menu, that includes all the standards — salads, sandwiches and burgers plus nostalgic favorites like patty melts and liver and onions. 4108 Broadway | 210-828-5120 8427 Broadway | 210-826-7001 jimsrestaurants.com $

MAGIC TIME MACHINE San Antonio themed restaurant where staff dresses up as cartoon characters, super heroes, movie stars and pop heroes. 902 N.E. Loop 410 | 210-828-1470 magictimemachine.com $

MAX’S WINE DIVE Gourmet American fare paired with amazing wines. Fried chicken with Champagne...why not? 340 E. Basse | 210-444-9547 maxswinedive.com $

NOSH Nosh offers great wines, craft brews and small plates that are big on taste. A place to relax and indulge in some really great food. 1133 Austin Highway | 210-826-6674 noshsa.com $

SALATA A new concept in soups, salads and wraps. You create your own by choosing from dozens of fresh ingredients including several types of lettuces, chopped onions, radishes, cucumbers, peppers, cabbage, black and red beans, bean sprouts, peas, broccoli and more. There are over 50 different toppings. Then choose from one of their 10 house dressings made with all-natural ingredients. Add fresh lean protein, including baked chicken, salmon or shrimp. 250 E. Basse | 210-462-1466 salata.com $

Best Bet

SILO ELEVATED CUISINE Silo is listed as one of Open Table’s Top American Restaurants and rated as one of Zagat’s Top Local Picks. They offer New American fare in a casual, yet elegant atmosphere. They offer a small plate menu, and there is also a prix fixe dinner option available. Signature dishes include Chilean Sea Bass, Honey Soy Glazed Atlantic Salmon, Mussels and Linguine and Chicken-Fried Oysters. 1133 Austin Highway | 210-824-8686 siloelevatedcuisine.com $$

STONE WERKS Good food and a hip atmosphere. Over 40 beers on tap, a full bar and lots of bigscreen TVs. The outside patio is a popular happy hour spot. 999 E. Basse | 210-823-3508 stonewerks.com $-$$ (P)

TIGER WINGS A variety of chicken wings with lots of exotic flavors like tamarind, Sriracha, garlic pepper curry and Tom Yum. The wings are available for take-out or you can dine in - and they deliver. They also offer fried vegan tofu, edamame and sticky rice. A unique concept. 8210 Broadway | 210-829-5000 tigerwings.com $

TWIN SISTERS BAKERY AND CAFE Healthy food using local ingredients. Coffees and espressos, quiche, pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads. Live music on Friday nights. 6322 N. New Braunfels | 210-822-0761 tsbandc.com $ (LV)

ASIAN

BREWS LEES TEA An assortment of teas from Taiwan including Matcha, Oolong, Coconut, Milk and Glowing varieties. They also offer rice and noodle bowls, mini pork buns and Taiyaki. 4009 Broadway | 210-598-0068 brewsleetea.com $

FORMOSA GARDEN Tranquil atmosphere, serving sushi, Chinese and Japanese cuisine. A Japanese hibachistyle grill experience is available Wednesday through Sunday during dinner, offering certified Black Angus beef. Reservations are preferred for the hibachi, but walk- ins are still welcomed. 1011 NE Loop 410 | 210-828-9988 formosasa.com $$ (P)

HANZO An Asian gastropub serving innovative cocktails and appetizers. 7701 Broadway, Suite 124 | 210-826-1488 hanzobar.com $$

KOI KAWA A Japanese restaurant and sushi bar featuring lots of specialty rolls and dishes with complex and interesting flavors. 4051 Broadway | 210-805-8111 facebook.com/pages/koikawa $-$$ MON THAI BISTRO Thai food and sushi by chef Mmonrat “Mon” Shirley in a beautiful and tranquil atmosphere with tables that overlook a peaceful outdoor garden and fountain. 4901 Broadway | 210-822-3253 monsthai.com $-$$

OSAKA JAPANESE STEAK AND SUSHI Japanese steak and sushi with hibachi tables where chefs cook and perform for audiences. 4902 Broadway | 210-822-0300 osakasteaknsushi.com $-$$ (R)

PIRANHA IZAKAYA Sushi, Japanese and Pacific Rim cuisine in a lively environment located in the Quarry Market. Up-tempo music with a large bar and lots of creative appetizers and sushi rolls. 260 E. Basse, #101 | 210-822-1088 piranhakillersushi.com $$

P. F. CHANG’S Located in the Quarry Market, offering sushi, dim sum, wok classics, noodle dishes and cocktails. 255 E. Basse, #1200 | 210-507-1000 pfchangs.com $$

SUSHI ZUSHI Traditional Japanese and Latin American influences fused into modern, healthy rolls, rice and noodle dishes. 999 E. Basse | 210-826-8500 sushizushi.com $$

TONG’S THAI Beautiful Thai restaurant with tranquil outdoor patio with koi pond. Traditional Thai food, along with Chinese dishes and sushi. 1146 Austin Highway | 210-829-7345 tongsthai.com $$ (P)

BARBECUE

BUN ‘N’ BARREL 1960s-era landmark serving BBQ, burgers, brisket and milkshakes in casual digs with iconic neon signage. 1150 Austin Highway | 210-828-2829 bunnbarrel.com $

L&L HAWAIIAN BBQ Delicious, authentic Pacific Island BBQ with Asian influence. They offer Hawaiian Ramen, Sushi (Musubi) and their take on Pulled Pork (Kalua). They are the home of the Ramen Burger and monthly AlohaFriday entertainment events. 1302 Austin Hwy | 210-474-6699 http://www.llhawaiianbbqsa.com $

THE BARBECUE STATION Authentic wood-smoked barbecue brisket, ribs, sausage and chicken. 1610 N.E. Loop 410 | 210-824-9191 barbecuestation.com $ - $$

Find a New Favorite!

THE PIGPEN A family-friendly neighborhood joint serving authentic Texas-style Barbecue. Try the Brisket nachos, brisket grilled cheese or the famous Bloody Mary. A great place to relax and listen to live music on the patio while the kids play on their playground. Also, don’t miss their SOUL FULL Sunday brunch which runs from 10am - 2pm. 106 Pershing | 210-267-9136 thepigpensa.com $

THE SMOKE SHACK Brisket, pulled pork, sausage, turkey, ribs and chicken, plus delicious sides like Smoke Shack Mac and spicy creamed corn. 3714 Broadway | 210-957-1430 smokeshacksa.com $

EUROPEAN

BISTR09 Classic French Brasserie by Chef Damien Watel and Chef Lisa Astorga Watel. Extensive wine list and beautifully executed classic French dishes including Duck Breast Al’Orange, grilled quail, duck confit, dover sole, lobster risotto, foie gras, escargot and more. 6106 Broadway | 210-245-8156 bistr09.com $$$ (BR)

COMMONWEALTH COFFEEHOUSE AND BAKERY Coffee, latte, cappuccino, espresso plus artisanal French pastries, savory croissants, sandwiches, soups, salads, crepes and more. 118 Davis Court | 210-560-2955 commonwealthcoffeehouse.com $ (P)

FREDERICK’S French fusion curine prepared by chef Frederick Costa. A wonderful culinary experience with dishes that feature flounder, roasted duck, escargot and more. 7701 Broadway | 210-828-9050 www.frederickssa.com $$ - $$$

HOFBRAU & BEER GARDEN A beer garden and popular happy hour destination with hearty food. Offerings include German schnitzel, a chicken-fried rib-eye and brisket nachos. 7310 Jones Maltsberger | 210-290-8066 quarryhofbrau.com $

LA MADELEINE A quaint French country cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with rustic interior stone fireplaces and quiet nooks where you can relax. Sip on a delicious cup of tea, enjoy buttery croissants, housemade pastries, French onion soup, beef bourguignon or chicken cordon bleu pasta. 4820 Broadway | 210-829-7291 lamadeleine.com $-$$

THE WINCHESTER PUB An English-style pub with a Texas twist offering a large selection of craft cocktails, 18 beers on tap, wine and Champagne, and a full menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner featuring fish & chips, cheese curds, French toast, brisket grilled cheese sandwiches, Scotch eggs, and a hearty burger. The atmosphere is cozy with a large wooden bar, dart boards, and lots of large screen TVs’ showcasing your favorite sports teams. They also specialize in Soccer Saturdays showing games from European leagues. 5148 Broadway | 210-721-7762 thewinchesterpub.com $-$$ HAMBURGERS

BURGER FI Gourmet burgers and hot dogs made from all natural, never-frozen meat. Vegetarian burgers are available too, plus sides like hand-cut fresh fries, crispy onion rings and frozen custard. 1907 Nacogdoches Road | 210-858-4052 burgerfi.com $

CHEESY JANE’S Burgers, sliders, sandwiches, salads and sides plus shakes in many flavors. 4200 Broadway | 210-826-0800 cheesyjanes.com $

CHESTER’S HAMBURGERS Rustic casual environment with lots of beers on tap and a genuinely great hamburger. 1006 N.E. Loop 410 | 210-805-8600 chestershamburgers.com $

FRONTIER BURGER A San Antonio staple famous for charcoal grilled hamburgers with a special blend of spices and seasonings and bakeryfresh buns. They are also known for their ever- popular thin, crispy onion rings, hand-dipped ice cream milkshakes and handmade fruit pies. 838 N.E. Loop 410 | 210-932-8040 frontierburger.com $

ORDER UP A healthy take on your standard burger, fries and shakes with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. 999 E. Basse | 210-824-9600 orderup-sa.com $

ITALIAN

CERRONI’S PURPLE GARLIC Homemade soups, fresh salads, handtossed pizzas and Stromboli’s along with favorites like eggplant parmigiana and spaghetti with homemade meatballs. 1017 Austin Highway | 210-822-2300 ceronispurplegarlic.com $$

PAESANOS An upscale landmark Italian restaurant with a large menu of classic and contemporary Italian dishes and an extensive wine list. 555 E. Basse | 210-828-5191 paesanositalianrestaurant.com $$ - $$$

PESTO RISTORANTE Soul satisfying traditional Italian cuisine with a twist. Build your own pasta. 5221 McCullough | 210-314-1072 pesto-ristorante.com $$

SORRENTO’S Specializing in traditional Italian cuisine with antipasti, seafood and pasta dishes. 5146 Broadway | 210-824-0055 sorrentopizzeria.com $$

MEXICAN

ADELANTE Serving what they refer to as health-Mex. All natural light and fresh dishes with plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices. 21 Brees Blvd. | 210-822-7681 adelanterestaurant.com $

BETO’S A unique combination of Mexican street food and Latin American soul food. The fish tacos were voted best fish taco in San Antonio. 8142 Broadway | 210-930-9393 betosaltmex.com $

CAZADORES MEXICAN RESTAURANT Enjoy a wide variety of Tex-Mex food served in a friendly, comfortable seting. A favorite for locals. 927 Rittiman Road | 210-824-0175 taqueriacazadoressa.com $

CHELA’S TACOS Very authentic regional Mexican tacos. Offerings include cilantro chicken, carnitas Michoacan style, carne guisada, picadillo and shrimp tacos and many more. 5231 Broadway, #117 | 210-753-1040 chelas-tacos.com $

LA FONDA Casual dining in a relaxed setting, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine, thoughtfully executed. Open for lunch and dinner with a brunch on Sunday. 8633 Crownhill Blvd. | 210-824-4231 lafondaah.com $$ (P)

MEXICO LINDO Delicious Mexican cuisine including a full assortment of appetizers, salads, soups, tacos, combination plates, hamburgers, tortas, and family orders of fajitas. 555 E. Basse Rd., Ste. 113 210-310-3767 $$

PALOMA BLANCA Dishes from the coastal regions of Mexico. Signature dishes include grilled snapper, ceviche, pozole, handmade flautas and tacos al pastor. 5800 Broadway, #300 | 210-822-6151 palomablanca.net $$ (P)

SOLUNA COCINA MEXICANA Trendy upscale Mexican restaurant with a lively happy hour, impressive margaritas, Tex -Mex favorites and a colorful patio. 7959 Broadway, #204 | 210-930-8070 Solunasa.com $$-$$$ (P)

TOMATILLO’S CANTINA Brightly colored decor, lively music and great food. They feature an extensive list of flavored margaritas, tableside flaming queso flameado, enchiladas, fish and shrimp tacos, sizzling fajitas and more. 3210 Broadway | 210-824-3005 tomatillos.com $$

TORCHY’S TACOS Elevated Mexican street food with lots of innovative tacos filled with unexpected ingredients like salmon, Jamaican jerk chicken and ahi tuna. 999 E. Basse, #183 | 210-824-1603 torchystacos.com $

PIZZA

BRAZA BRAVA Pizzas made in Neapolitan style in a woodfired brick oven. 7959 Broadway | 210-320-2100 brazabravapizzeria.com $$

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Fresh and light California-inspired salads, soups, flatbreads and pizzas. 255 E. Basse | 210-424-2014 cpk.com $$

FLORIO’S PIZZA Delicious authentic New York-style pizza. 7701 Broadway | 210-805-8646 floriospizza.com $ - $$

GRIMALDI’S PIZZA Casual, Brooklyn-based pizzeria chain serving brick-oven pizzas and calzones. 330 E. Basse, #101 | 210-832-8288 grimaldispizzeria.com $$ JULIAN’S PIZZERIA A warm, family-friendly environment serving pizza and Italian staples like spaghetti and meatballs, baked rigatoni and lasagna. 6462 N. New Braunfels | 210-595-3405 julianspizzeria.com $$

VOLARE GOURMET PIZZA An intimate, family-friendly restaurant serving New York-style thin-crust pizza and other Italian standards. 5054 Broadway | 210-828-3354 volarepizza.com $ - $$

STEAKS

THE BARN DOOR Family-owned steakhouse with Westernstyle decor, serving perfectly grilled steaks, delicious seafood and desserts. Ribeye’s, porterhouse and New York strip steaks, plus Chateaubriand, rack of lamb, Gulf Coast oysters and fresh salmon. They have a full bar and frequently offer fine live entertainment. 8400 N. New Braunfels | 210-824-0116 thebarndoorrestaurant.com $$ - $$$ (LV)

FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE High-end steakhouse serving prime aged beef, pork chops, North Atlantic lobster tails, Alaskan king crab legs, Chilean sea bass and other seafood specialties. 255 E. Basse, #200 | 210-824-9463 flemingssteakhouse.com $$$

RUTH’S CHRIS Upscale steakhouse that serves prime ribeye,New York strip and filet mignon steaks on sizzling plates. They also feature delicious lamb chops, shrimp, lobster, crab cakes and chicken entrees plus generous desserts. 7720 Jones Maltsberger | 210-821-5051 ruthschris.com $$$

COFFEE & DESSERTS

COOKIE CAB Fresh baked warm cookies delivered to your door. Choose from favorites like chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, sugar, and snickerdoodle. 1832 Nacogdoches Road | 210-848.9920 cookiecab.com $

LA PANADERíA Artisan bakery that bakes several varieties of fresh bread and pastries daily. They have a large, airy dining area and serve gourmet coffee, soup and sandwiches. 8305 Broadway | 210-375-6746 lapanaderia.com $

MENCHIE’S Non-fat/low-fat yogurts with fun toppings you add yourself. 999 E. Basse, Suite 177 | 210-824-1104 menchies.com $

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES Delicious Bundt cakes in flavors like lemon, carrot and white chocolate raspberry adorned with thick cream cheese frosting and decorated for any occasion. 5164 Broadway | 210-233-8430 nothingbundtcakes.com $$ CUSTOM ORDERS TO-GO . DELIVERY 210.832.0886

2716 McCULLOUGH AVE. SAN ANTONIO, TX 78212

LILYSCOOKIES.COM

Homestyle and hand- decorated cookies baked fresh daily.

All Meals are MSG free 1011 NE Interstate 410 (210) 828-9988

A True American Grill for Everyone

BY MEREDITH KAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY AL RENDON

It’s that moment we all dread, and we’ve all been there. We have family and friends assembled, trying to decide where to go to dinner, but nobody can agree, and everyone starts to get frustrated. Then somebody says, “I wish there was a place that has something for everyone.” Well, there is, right around the corner.

Stonewerks Big Rock Grille has four San Antonio locations, but the original concept began right here in Alamo Heights. Originally housed in the building now occupied by Ida Claire, across from The Quarry, Stonewerks opened their doors in 1995 with the goal of bringing fresh, upscale casual American fare to the city. The idea was to take that rustic, old building and turn it into something special. Stonewerks became THE place to go, and it was an instant success. It continued to thrive and grow for 17 years in that location, but eventually, the company decided that they needed more space and a bigger kitchen so that the concept and the menu could expand.

The restaurant relocated to the corner of Broadway and Basse, in the Lincoln Heights shopping center, in November 2011. After an extensive décor upgrade and remodel, they reopened, attracting new diners from across the city. The move paid off, allowing the Stonewerks brand to grow into their other locations, and creating the space needed to enhance the menu and bar program.

Currently, the kitchen is led by Executive Chef Dirk Troop. Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Chef Dirk has been at the helm of kitchens across the U.S. and in Costa Rica. He has called San Antonio home for nine years now, and fell in love with the city when he moved here to take over the culinary duties at the Westin La Cantera Resort. Married with two children, he states, “I wanted to put down roots with my family, and San Antonio just felt like home. I love the people and the diversity of the food culture in this city.”

The menu at Stonewerks is very chef-driven, and Chef Dirk is excited to bring new dishes to the menu as the restaurant transitions into summer and more people begin to venture out socially following the pandemic. On a recent visit, he was excited to highlight some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.

Stonewerks has always been known for its outstanding raw bar, and it is still a destination for many of the restaurant’s guests. You can get fresh Gulf oysters every day of the week, with several preparation options available. For the purists, slurp them down raw with just a touch of Tabasco, or try their always popular Oysters Rockefeller, baked with diced bacon, Monterrey jack cheese, and smothered with Rockefeller sauce. They are also now featuring their Louisiana Grilled Oysters for the summer, finished with a lemon garlic butter sauce, and topped with parmesan and Romano cheese.

For the carnivores in the group, you must stop by for dinner on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday for their Rotisserie Prime Rib. Served with the smoothest mashed potatoes, you’ll ever eat and seasonal sautéed vegetables, this dish will make any night a special occasion. Another delicious favorite is the Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich, served with fries. The chicken breast is hearty and tender and is served with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and chipotle mayo. There is even a Nashville Hot Fried Chicken version for the ambitious foodies.

The restaurant is also known for its outstanding pizzas and flatbreads. They make the dough and the pizza sauce inhouse, using only the freshest ingredients, slow-cooked for hours. Order the Supreme “That’s A Pizza,” featuring pepperoni, Black Forest ham, Italian sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, black and green olives, and three different kinds of cheese as a starter for the entire table, Or, pick one up to take home for dinner as a treat after a busy day.

Stonewerks has one of the most beautiful bars in town, and their craft cocktail menu is stellar. The bar hosts Happy Hour from 3:00 to 6:00 on weekdays, and you can indulge with half-priced appetizers and drink specials to kick off your evenings. Just in time for summer, Stonewerks will be featuring their deliciously refreshing frosé. This frozen rosé wine cocktail is just sweet enough to entice you to order a second one as you sit and enjoy the San Antonio summer on their spacious patio. They are hoping to bring back its live music series later this summer also.

The restaurant considers itself a “Rustic American Grille” and draws a diverse crowd of local diners, from business lunches to family dinners. When asked why diners return to Stonewerks, General Manager Priscilla Ledger states, “A person could come in every day for two months straight, and try something new on the menu every day.” The food is consistently outstanding, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and in an industry that has been turned upside down this past year, Stonewerks is a hometown favorite that will continue to succeed and prosper for many generations to come.