Best of San Antonio 2018 by Chava Communications

7 San Antonio Area Locations | 4 Houston Area Locations | Locally Owned Family Owned ALL LOCATIONS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 7-7:30 | SATURDAY+SUNDAY 9-7P | VISIT DOYOUEVENJUGO.COM TO FIND LOCATION NEAR YOU

Serving The Best BBQ in San Antonio ONLY THE BEST BLACK ANGUS, BEEF BRISKET & RIB TIPS!

DINE-IN | CATERING | CARRY-OUT | EVENTS

FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS, WE’VE BEEN KNOWN FOR OUR TRADITIONAL MEXICAN DISHES, SPECTACULAR PARRILLADAS, FAMOUS MARGARITAS AND LIVE LATIN MUSIC. FROM MORNING TO NIGHT, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND DRINKS — OUR EXTENSIVE MENU WILL TEMPT YOU WITH TEX-MEX FAVORITES, CLASSIC INTERIOR MEXICAN CUISINE AND THE “ESPECIALIDADES” THAT PUT US ON THE MAP. BIENVENIDOS A PICO DE GALLO!

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

get off the road & come on in! WWW.ARMADILLOBU

RGER.COM

in texas hot summer, pair it with a brew! texas style burgers at 2 locations

1423 MCCULLOUGH AVE | 210-226-7556 | HOURS: MON-THURS: 10:30AM-9PM | FRI: 10:30AM-10PM | SAT: 11AM-9PM

Breathe I Nourish I Connect

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

606 W Cypress St 210.227.2683 thecove.us

1017 N. Flores 210-267-2652 5pointslocal.com

THANK YOU SAN ANTONIO FOR THE 18 WONDERFUL YEARS OF BUSINESS!

R E S TA U R A N T COFFEE SHOP YO G A S T U D I O

Box mods, e-cigs & e-juice, hookahs, glass & water pipes, scales, detox, & more

5 Locations 5244 Fredericksburg Rd San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 541–0206

7071 San Pedro Ave San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 267–2920

8827 Texas 151 #104 San Antonio, TX 78251 (210) 447–7714

6307 Wurzbach Rd San Antonio, TX 78240 (210) 254–9875

7915 w loop 1604 North San Antonio TX 89254 (210) 231–0205 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

we buy games

San Antonio Current Publisher: Michael Wagner Editor-in-Chief: Greg Jefferson

we pay cash for your cds,dvds,

Editorial

Senior Editors: Bryan Rindfuss, Jessica Elizarraras Art Director: Carlos Aguilar Food & Nightlife Editor: Jessica Elizarraras Staff Writers: Chris Conde, Sanford Nowlin Digital Content Editor: Sarah Martinez Contributors: Alexis Alvarez , Ron Bechtol, Erik Casarez, James Courtney, Callie Enlow, Jose Garza, Dan R. Goddard, Alejandra Lopez Gonzalez, Lance Higdon, Steven G. Kellman, Hannah Lorence, Michelle C. Lorentzen, Abby Mangel, Kiko Martínez, Jeremy Martin, Kelly Merka Nelson, M. Solis, Gary Sweeney, J.D. Swerzenski, Kelsey Valadez, Erin Winch Editorial Interns: Tehua Cruz, Alex Czaja, Alisa Pierce, Megan Rodriguez, Lori Salazar, Camille Sauers, Victoria Wilson

blu-rays, games & game hardware

803 sw military | 928-3471 13486 us 281 | 545-3472 5442 evers | 680-3472

Advertising

6997 bandera rd | 509-3472 5253 walzem | 650-3472

Check out fresh daily content at

sacurrent.com

Sales Director: Mallory Jochen Senior Multimedia Account Executive: Sarah Estrada Account Executive: Krystal Little, April Miller Sales + Events Coordinator: Tarah Martinez

Marketing and Events

Marketing and Events Director: Cassandra Yardeni Events Manager: Chelsea Bourque Sales + Events Coordinator: Tarah Martinez Marketing and Events Interns: Julia Aguillon, Charo Nagafuchi, Frankie Parra, Sergio Ramirez

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9861 ih-10 west | 641-1600 6900 san pedro | 826-2662

Creative Services Manager: Tina Corbeil Graphic Designer: Samantha Serna Graphic Design Interns: Marla Mattila, Sara Jane Filippini, Noemi Solis

Circulation

Circulation Manager: Justin Giles

7 SAN ANTONIO LOCATIONS | CDEXCHANGE-SA.COM

Business

Operations Manager: Sarah Estrada Business Support Specialist: Samantha Lopez

Euclid Media Group

Chief Executive Officer: Andrew Zelman Chief Operating Officers: Chris Keating, Michael Wagner VP of Digital Services: Stacy Volhein Creative Director: Tom Carlson Digital Operations Coordinator: Jaime Monzon Senior Marketing and Events Director: Cassandra Yardeni www.euclidmediagroup.com National Advertising: Voice Media Group 1-888-278-9866, vmgadvertising.com San Antonio Current 915 Dallas San Antonio, Texas 78215 sacurrent.com Editorial - (210) 227-0044 / Fax - (210) 227-7755 Display Advertising - (210) 227-0044 Fax - (210) 227-7733 Classified - (210) 227-CLAS / Fax - (210) 227-7733 The San Antonio Current is published by Euclid Media Group Verified Audit Member San Antonio Distribution – The Current is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Get listed 1. Visit sacurrent.com 2. Click “Calendar” and then “Submit an Event” 3. Follow the steps to submit your event details Please allow 48 hours for review and approval. Event submissions are not accepted by phone.

MBSFITNESS.NET

A L A M O H E I G H T S | R I V E R N O R T H | S O U T H TOW N 8

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Copyright - The entire contents of the San Antonio Current are copyright 2018 by Euclid Media Group LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be mailed to the address listed above. Subscriptions - Additional copies or back issues may be purchased at the Current offices for $1. Six-month domestic subscriptions may be purchased for $75; one-year subscriptions for $125.

sacurrent.com | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | CURRENT

in this issue Issue 18_30 /// July 25-31, 2018

17 Best of SA Food & Drink

57 Best of SA Shopping

14 Best of SA

79 Best of SA People

Intro

95 Best of SA Nightlife

146 Calendar

Our top picks for the week

Music Top Picks

162 Etc

Savage Love, Crossword Puzzle, Astrology, This Modern World

119 Best of SA Around Town

This week’s Current is all about the “Best of San Antonio.” We asked readers to pick their favorites in more than 100 categories – everything from Best Michelada to Best Politician to Best Dog Park. The results are inside. Cover and Interior illustrations by Jeﬀ Drew Art Direction by Carlos Aguilar

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Through September 2 This exhibition is organized by René Paul Barilleaux, Head of Curatorial Affairs, for the McNay Art Museum. Funding to date is most generously provided by Frost Bank Charitable Foundation, Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation, Carolyn and Allan Paterson, and Dr. Victor Rodriguez. Additional support is provided by the Director’s Circle and the Exhibition Host Committee, chaired by Anna and Todd Wulfe.

mcnayart.org

Yayoi Kusama, Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity, 2009. Wood, metals, glass mirrors, plastic, acrylic paint, and LED lighting system. Edition 3/3. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by the Caroline Weiss Law Accessions Endowment Fund, 2016.34. © Yayoi Kusama. Photography by Carrithers Studio / Courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

EIN: 45-4141531

BE A LIFESAVER. ADOPT A PET. Support adoptions by visiting our next Tail Waggin’ Mobile Adoption event. Like our Facebook page or visit the Tail Waggin’ webpage to learn about upcoming adoption events.

facebook.com/sapetsalive | sanantoniopetsalive.org/tailwaggin info@sanantoniopetsalive.org | 210-370-7612 12

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

SPAIN-current#2-9.75x10.6875-white-Ad-PRINT.pdf

7/18/18

9:50 AM

M A S T E R PA I N T E R S LECTURE SERIES C

Free | Space is limited | Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

El Greco

Tuesday, July 31 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. by Jeongho Park, Phd, Blanton Museum of Art

CMY

Juan de Flandes

Tuesday, August 14 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. by Amanda Dotseth, PhD, Meadows Museum, Southern Methodist University

Goya

Tuesday, August 28 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. by Rebecca Long, PhD, Art Institute of Chicago

Velázquez and Zubarán

Tuesday, September 11 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. by Alexandra Letvin, PhD, Philadelphia Museum of Art

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM of ART 200 West Jones Ave. | samuseum.org Carlos & Malú Alvarez

El Greco (Doménikos Theotokópoulos) (Greek, 1541-1614) The Annunciation (La Anunciación), ca. 1596-1600, Oil on canvas, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid, 171 (1954.1)

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

welcome to

efore anything else, the Current’s annual “Best of San Antonio” issue is a celebration of what we love about our 300-year-old city. The list is long. It includes your favorite michelada, drag queen, museum, park, restaurant patio and thrift shop as well as the panaderia that sells the perfect concha, the most nice-guy-or-gal TV meteorologist and much more. Readers – hopefully you were among them – voted for their top picks in well over 100 categories. This week’s issue is the result of straight-up democracy. Current readers alone decided the best of the best. Our staﬀ writers and editors merely counted the votes, and we kept our critics out of the mix. San Antonio is a big city with a feel like no other. It’s scruﬀy, funny and self-deprecating, smart but

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

thoroughly unpretentious and optimistic. Also, its residents are often tempted to eat and drink everything they know they shouldn’t. Demographically, San Antonio’s population is younger than the people who fill up the average U.S. city, which is why there’s so much concern here about the future and this town’s place in it. While our “Best of San Antonio” list is an homage to what makes this city special, it also reflects both the traditions we want to preserve and the fact that, in some areas, our tastes are changing and we’re a little more open to outside influences. Yes, we’re being vague, but do you really want us to name any of the winners in the introduction? As you read this issue, keep in mind that the “Best of San Antonio” is a pretty good portrait of who we are at this moment.

own a Tricentennial Commemorative Print by Famed Spanish Artist Ana Juan

LIMITED EDITION PRINT

Born in Valencia, Spain, Ana Juan is a visual artist, illustrator, and children’s book author. With over 20 New Yorker covers to her name, she was awarded the Premio Nacional de Ilustración in 2010 by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. Juan came to San Antonio in April 2018 to gather inspiration for her print—San Antonio 300—which prominently features the river, flora, and fauna of the region. Printed locally by Hare & Hound Press, 300 limited-edition prints were made in honor of the Tricentennial. Available for $300 each, purchase your piece of San Antonio history today. Available at Pearl’s Galería Olé.

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

INCLUDES FRIES & DRINK

Ha n

ore

Mon.-Fri. 11a-3p

rgers • Cock tai ls

Under $10

Lunch Combos

Bu ed t f a Cr

Outdoor Patio LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT

All Day

Happy Hour: 8 COCKTAILS FOR $5 EA.

Catch sports & UFC here! 110” 4K SCREEN!

Voted Best Burger in San Antonio” - San Antonio Current & San Antonio Magazine

HawxBurgerBar.com | 2603 Vance Jackson, 78213 | 210.320.4299 | NEW LOCATION! JOIN US ON SONTERRA: 700 E. SONTERRA Blvd, STE. 318, 78258 | (210) 908-9354 16

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

THE ABSOLUTE

TASTIEST & AWESOMENEST

CRAWFISH IN SAN ANTONIO

Thank You San Antonio For Nominating Us For Best Seafood

10919 Culebra Rd, Ste 150 Sa, Tx 78253 | 22502 U.S. 281, Ste 110 Sa, Tx 78259 18

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink BAKERY LORRAINE

BAKERY + DESSERT Winner: Bakery Lorraine multiple locations, bakerylorraine.com

akery Lorraine opened in 2011 in a small cottage on Grayson (the place now houses Jason Dady’s Alamo BBQ Company), and it’s likely that not even Anne Ng and Jeremy Mandrell imagined they’d expand faster and farther than a batch of runaway sourdough. But with business partner Charlie Biedenharn on board, the trio has moved well beyond the prominent corner at the Pearl that the bakery next conquered. A small, similar outlet took the concept to the Medical Center area. The more tightly focused Maybelle’s Donuts became a part of the mix at the nearby Pearl Bottling Department. With the recent debut of BL at The Rim on I-10 West, beer and wine were added to the original menu — itself much expanded over the years to encompass much more than pretty-in-pastel macarons. Breakfast offerings include banana toast with indulgent whipped cream, a kind of morning dessert, and savory bread pudding with ham, spinach and cheese. Yes, there’s the obligatory quiche expected of a bakery. But, bakery also implying bread, there are ultra-stuffed sandwiches such as the irresistible Cuban with roasted pork loin and the offbeat but excellent roasted cauliflower with marinated shiitakes and Fontina. A grilled cheese sandwich incorporates comte, chevre, Fontina and apricot jam. Bacon can be had for an additional two bucks. Go ahead and have it — though not if it stops you from leaving with a peanut butter chocolate chip or Mexican hot chocolate cookie in hand.

BAKERY 2. La Panaderia multiple locations lapanaderia.com

3. Bird Bakery

5912 Broadway (210) 804-2473 birdbakery.com

DESSERTS 2. South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company 1420 S. Alamo St. (210) 788-8000 southalamode.com

3. Justin’s Ice Cream

Josh Hushkin

245 E. Commerce St. (210) 222-2707 facebook.com/justinsicecreamsanantonioriverwalk

when san antonio meets spain

20 6

Download the Olé at Pearl app TODAY!

atpearl.com

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

Best of SA | Food & Drink TELLEZ TAMALES & BARBACOA

6 19 BARBACOA + TAMALES

Winner: Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa multiple locations, (210) 433-1367

ith two locations in San Antonio (1802 Bandera Road and 1737 S. General McMullen Drive), Tellez is a perennial favorite for tamales and barbacoa alike. This year’s voters were likely wooed by the sprawling Willy Wonka factory vibes of the Bandera location that’s lined with 2-liter bottles of Big Red. Stop by early in the morning for a dozen tamales or a pound of barbacoa just like you like it, and don’t forget the fixin’s — fresh pico, salsa, jalapenos and chunky guac. Don’t sleep in, though. The holidays mean early morning campouts to score your orders of corn husk-wrapped tamalitos available in pork, chicken or jalapeño pork.

BARBACOA 2. Rios Barbacoa multiple locations, facebook.com/riosbarbacoa

3. Pico De Gallo Restaurant

111 S. Leona St., (210) 225-6060, picodegallo.com

TAMALES 2. Delicious Tamales multiple locations, delicioustamales.com 3. Ruben’s Homemade Tamales 1807 Rigsby Ave., (210) 337-0025 20

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

BARBECUE Winner: Smoke Shack BBQ 3714 Broadway, (210) 957-1430, smokeshacksa.com

he barbecue giant on Broadway got some competition earlier this year by way of chef Jason Dady’s Alamo BBQ Co., an extension of his Two Bros. BBQ Market. But San Antonio voters still turned out to the online polls for Smoke Shack. It could be the brisket grilled-cheese sandwich that pulls them back in, or perhaps the buttery sliders? Or maybe it’s Pigpen’s pulled-pork nachos, topped with meats from Smoke Shack? Or maybe it’s that the same quality meats smoked at the Shack are used for Pigpen’s

all-you-can-eat Sunday Gospel brunch that keep folks coming back? Whatever the case, Chris and Kate Conger have found a winning formula that will likely follow them to their upcoming specialty grocery store, Smoke Shack Meat Market, when it opens next door.

2. Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q multiple locations rudysbbq.com

3. Two Bros. BBQ Market 12656 West Ave. (210) 496-0222 twobrosbbqmarket.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink SMOKE SHACK BBQ

BREW’S LEE TEA STATION

Dan Payton

BUBBLE TEA Winner: Brew’s Lee Tea Station 4009 Broadway, (210) 598-0068, brewsleetea.com

t’s not just that Brew’s Lee Tea Station is an Instagrammer’s oasis. Sure, the café is adorable, the framed slogans are picture perfect, and any shot of their tea will definitely get you those double taps. But the tea is actually delicious. Brewed fresh every day by owners and college sweethearts Billy and Frances Lee, Brew’s Lee Tea packs in a delicious punch whether it’s in their rose milk teas, hot ginger turmeric teas or specialty teas such as the iridescent glowing tea or the cerulean honey galaxy tea, made

to order and customizable for all palates and appetites. The tastiness doesn’t stop there as Brew’s Lee is also dabbling in Taiyaki, fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean or ube coconut custard.

2. Bobalicious

4907 NW Loop 410, Suite 103 (210) 979-8040 facebook.com/bobaliciousinternetcafe

3. Suck It The Restaurant

7220 Louis Pasteur Drive, Suite 125 (210) 560-2113 facebook.com/suckittherestaurant

CHARCUTERIE BOARD Winner: Cured 306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 101, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com

n 2017, Cured was robbed of the title of Best Charcuterie by now closed Nectar Wine Bar & Ale House. But this is 2018! Everything is up for grabs and that means Cured fans joyfully voted for their fave. Since opening in 2013, Cured has stockpiled their humidity-controlled locker with perfect pickles, mighty mustards and carefully curated meats. Available in selections of three, six or nine, Cured’s charcuterie — a rotating cast of apple jalapeño pork rillettes, 24 6 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

Thank You San Antonio!

VOTED BEST BURGER 2018! -San Antonio Magazine

VOTED BEST BURGER IN TEXAS! - MONEY MAGAZINE

VOTED 4TH BEST BURGER IN AMERICA! -YELP/TIME MAGAZINE

papasburgersandmore.com

7 0 9 W E S T O L D, W U S H W Y 9 0 | ( 2 1 0 ) 3 3 6 -7 74 3

C LO S E D S U N - M O N / O P E N T U E S -T H U R S 1 0 : 3 0 - 3 : 3 0 / F R I 1 0 : 3 0 - 8 : 3 0 / S AT 1 2 - 9 : 3 0

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

THE MAGNOLIA PANCAKE HAUS E V E R Y B O DY E A S T S W H E N T H E Y C O M E T O M R . PA N C A K E ’ S H A U S ! 606 Embassy Oaks, SA, TX 78216 | 10333 Huebner Rd. SA, TX 78240

N • GAME I E

DIN

News 4 WOAI Blue Plate Award Winner!

J O I N U S T H U R S D AY F O R

¡Vamos a Tequila! SPEC IALS ON FINE TEQUILA AND TEQUILA C OC KTAILS

DJ Biig Miike 10 P.M. - 2 A.M.

Fresh-baked bread, homemade soups, &veggie options Funko POP! Swap August 4th PokéMon League, gaming groups, and D&D! Discounts available for military, first responders, & teachers!

Open Mic Night! E V E R Y T U E S D AY | 1 0 P M - 2 A M WITH BRIAN HECKLER

7460 CALLAGHAN RD. STE, 202 78229 | 210.237.0393 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

Best of SA | Food & Drink CURED

INDIA PALACE

6 21 whipped pork butter, chicken liver mousse, smoked duck ham, finocchiona, pepperoni, ham hock cotechino and a collection of 90-day-plus meats — is bright, thoughtful and imaginative, which serves to woo diners back in time and time again. The boards serve as a perfect starter for any lunch, happy hour or small dinner, and best of all, each time you indulge, Cured donates a dollar to a local charity.

2. Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden 312 Pearl Pkwy., Building 3 (210) 354-4644 boilerhousesa.com

3. Restaurant Gwendolyn 152 E. Pecan St., Suite 100 (210) 222-1849 restaurantgwendolyn.com 24

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

INDIAN Winner: India Palace 8474 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 6925262, indiapalacesatx.com

his busy Medical Center spot has long been a dependable choice for either a quick lunch that takes advantage of its bountiful buffet or a leisurely a la carte dinner that trades on the chefs’ skilled handling of the tandoori oven. (The buffet is available both for lunch and dinner, but Indian food’s so much better cooked to order, so why rush if there’s no need?) The Palace specializes in Punjabi cuisine, arguably the subcontinent’s most approachable, and its aromatic spices and velvety sauces strike a crowd-pleasing note. It’s also hard for vegetarians to go wrong with 27 6

3 3 0 e g r ay s o n s t STORYTIME WITH JAIME LIN WILSON AND JOSH GRIDER

WED., JULY 25 • DOORS 7:30PM | SHOW 8:30PM

D.T. BUFFKIN | LONELY HORSE | THE RICH HANDS

THUR., JULY 26 • DOORS 7PM | SHOW 8PM

TERRI HENDRIX BAND WITH LLOYD MAINES FRI., JULY 27 • DOORS 7PM | SHOW 8PM

DAVE BARNES SAT., JULY 28 • DOORS 7PM | SHOW 8PM

MARIA MULDAUR SUN., JULY 29 • DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7PM

samsburgerjoint.com sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

est B 5 p To

t s i L e Win

tonio n A n I n S a F R I 1 1 A M - 1 0 P M -3PM

1 0A M MON SUN | M P 0 0A M -1 SAT - 1 MCCU 4331

210.3

L LO U

E G H AV

20.06

HAND BUILT CHARCOAL OVEN DIRECTLY FROM PERU!

8523 Blanco Rd | 210.896.4719 | brasachicken.us

Celebrate Peruvian Independence Day at Brasa where you will taste the BEST authentic Peruvian food in San Antonio! Felices Fiestas Patrias

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink PASHA MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

Courtesy of Pasha

6 24 the abundant options. Service is efficient and unobtrusive, plus the kitchen does an admirable job of keeping the buffet stocked so food remains fresh — not always a guarantee at a restaurant steam table.

2. Bombay Hall Indian Cuisine 8783 Wurzbach Road (210) 691-5900 bombayhall.com

3. Simi’s India Cuisine

4535 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 109 (210) 737-3166 simisindiacuisine.com

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE Winner: Pasha Mediterranean Grill multiple locations, gopasha.com

ig things have small beginnings, especially for Pasha and the restaurant group behind it, which celebrated 10

years this June. Their Wurzbach location now goes through 70 50-pound bags of flour for naan a week. Back in 2008, when founders Daniel Deiri and Kamran Hajivandi teamed up to open the restaurant inside a former Sombrero Rosa (hence the distinctive façade), the only diners familiar with the fare were members of the military. The success of the restaurant is that it found its niche early on: serving big portions, priced well for its freshness. Introducing tasty versions of new-toSA dishes also helped. There was that unleavened bread that is a good replacement for chips and salsa. There’s the koobideh ground beef kebab that’s now one of the top-selling plates. There’s the chicken sheesh tawook marinated in garlic, olive oil and herb that’s also a favorite. And they’re diving into fast-casual territory with the new Pasha Express on Culebra Road, with enough seating for 40, plus more on the patio. There are

seven plates to choose from or customers can build their own salad/bowl/ wrap, which uses the signature naan bread. At the end of the cafeteria-style line? A display case ﬁlled with single servings of hummus, dolmas and desserts from Baklovah.

sassy salt factory has expanded through the years to include Beer Salt, Twangerz snack Topping, Twang-a-Rita rimming salt, Zas!, Café Zuca and Clamato with Twang. If Twang isn’t your go-to 29 6

TWANG

2. Mina & Dimi’s Greek House 7159 W. US Hwy 90 (210) 674-3464 agreekhouse.com

3. Jerusalem Grill multiple locations jerusalemgrill.net

LOCALLY MADE FOOD PRODUCT Winner: Twang available where beer is sold, twang.com

or more than 30 years, Twang has been keeping our beers nice and briny. Opened by Roger Treviño Sr. in 1986, the sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

making

people juicy

since 09

p i s

s n e p p a H

Thank You

San Antonio

VOT E D TO P 5

B E S T TA C O S & M E X I C A N R E S TA U R A N T I N SA N A N TO N I O

Sip, Suck, Slurp To A New You! BEST ACAI BOWLS IN SAN ANTONIO! MENU AT URBANSPOON.COM

5317 McCullough Ave. SA, Tx 78212 @ The Yard Mon-Fri 7A-7P | Sat 9A-5P | Sun 12P-5P 210.272.0467 28

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

M O N -T U E S 7 : 3 0 - 3 P | W E D -T H U R S 7 : 3 0 - 9 P F R I 7 : 3 0 -1 2 A | S AT 1 1 -1 2 A | S U N DAY C LO S E D C AT E R I N G | O P E N F O R D I N N E R & F U L L B A R

175 E. HOUSTON ON RIVERWALK ST. LEVEL ZOCALOMIO.COM | (210) 314-8468

Best of SA | Food & Drink LA PANADERIA

6 27 seasoning for your michelada, bloody mary or as dressing for your favorite bottleneck, level up your bartending by scoring a shaker ASAP.

2. Pinks Popcorn

multiple locations, pinkspopcorn.com

3. Justin’s Ice Cream

245 E. Commerce St., (210) 222-2707, facebook. com/justinsicecreamsanantonioriverwalk

PAN DULCE Winner: La Panaderia multiple locations lapanaderia.com

W Dan Payton

DOUGH PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA

hen La Panaderia hit town a few years back, at an upper Broadway location not normally a hotbed of Mexican pan dulce, the Cáceres brothers, David and José, made waves with their eye-catching (and admittedly French-influenced by way of Mexico City) oﬀerings. Many exhibited a size and perfection not normally found in traditional panaderias/pastelerias hereabouts. But better marketing (and, likely, financing) didn’t mean relaxed, traditional standards. The addition of a roster of sandwiches such as chicken Milanesa with cilantro mayo on a variety of traditional breads didn’t hurt. Nor did the availability of egg-centric breakfasts and big-bowl salads. The brothers later expanded to Houston Street downtown where lunchtime lines testify to the allure of black bean soup and La Hawaiana with sliced pork chop and grilled pineapple — a sandwich that, but for Swiss cheese, might actually recall a taco al pastor. Most breads, though, are thoroughly in the familiar camp with flavors such as sourdough, cranberry and rye. Get there early if you’re looking for a loaf, and even the pastries are looking a little slim by 1 or so.

2. Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia 218 Produce Row (210) 239-9215 mitierracafe.com

3. Panifico Bake Shop 602 NW 24th St. (210) 434-9290 panifico.com

PIZZA Winner: Dough Pizzeria Napoletana multiple locations, doughpizzeria.com

W Courtesy of Dough

hen Doug and Lori Horn first announced in 2007 that their rigorously Neapolitan pizzeria, Dough, would open at Blanco and 410, some of us feared that the boat bearing the sanctioned oven might just turn around mid-Atlantic. Who in pizza-pizza loopland was going to go for pies made 31 6 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

PAN DULCE, PASTRIES & CAKES MADE TO ORDER

Thank You San Antonio! PANIFICO VOTED TOP 5 BEST PAN DULCE IN SAN ANTONIO

602 NW 24th St. SATX 78207 | 210.434.9290 | www.panifico.com 30

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink

PHOTO CREDIT TO: @MLLASTRA

THE HISTORIC PEARL

6 29 to the strict standards of the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli, the Italian governing body that teaches the art of Neapolitan pizza making and certifies adherence to authentic procedures? What — no cheese-stuffed crusts? Were we ever wrong. House-pulled mozzarella proved irresistible. Pork Love pizza, that swine-centric siren song, emerged as a new normal alongside the classic margherita. And opulent antipasto platters became much more than Twitter fodder. The Horns next opened in Plano. And now there’s a new outlet at the edge of Hemisfair—in some ways an equally challenged location. But the power of a 900-degree oven (this one clad in copper pennies), coupled with the couple’s cooking and hosting expertise, will surely prove any nay-sayers wrong again. If there are any.

2. Luciano Restaurants multiple locations lucianorestaurants.com

THANK YOU SAN ANTONIO FOR NOMINATING US FOR BEST SANDWICHES, ICE CREAM, AND DESSERT! 1420 S. ALAMO ST, SA, TX 78210 | (210) 788-8000 | W-S 12-10P | SOUTHALAMODE.COM

3. Capos Pizza

8522 Broadway, Suite 105 (210) 362-1901 capospizzasa.com

PLACE FOR A DATE Winner: The Historic Pearl 303 Pearl Pkwy., (210) 212-7260, atpearl.com

he Pearl basically exists to make San Antonians fall in love. Here’s a quick list of date ideas we’re gifting you so you can go from Tinder match to engagement photo session by the splash pad in no time: Oysters at Southerleigh Picnic at Pearl Park during Soundcream Sessions Ice cream date at Lick Veggies can fall in love at Green Take a cooking class together at the Culinary Institute of America-San Antonio Enjoy a flight of beers at The Granary Share a charcuterie board while making googly eyes at each other at Cured Slurp noodles Lady & The Tramp-style at Tenko Split churros and soft-serve at Maybelle’s Get to know each other over coﬀee at Local Hit up happy hour at Boiler House Share ceviche at La Gloria or Botika People- and dog-watch during the Farmers Market Book lovers can share their favorite authors at Twig Grab a pint at the Bottling Department and stroll throughout the Pearl

2. The Rustic

17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 204 (210) 245-7500 therustic.com

3. Casa Azul de Andrea 1036 S. Alamo St. (210) 451-9393 casaazuldeandrea.com

A new coffee shop and roastery inside Warehouse 5. Open until 7pm daily.

33 6 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best BestofofSA SA| Food | Food&&Drink Drink

EARLABELSSA.COM

THE COVE

Michael Marks

W D DELI

6 31 PLACE TO TAKE THE FAMILY

Winner: The Cove

606 W. Cypress St., (210) 227-2683 thecove.us

usy parents know The Cove is the place to go. You can get a load of laundry done, while the kiddos clean the car and grab an organic and locally-sourced bite to eat after without leaving The Cove. Best of all, the menu is expansive and accessible to all diets, be it gluten-free, vegan or paleo so the whole gang can indulge. But wait, there’s more — did we mention pups can play all day with their buddies in the dog run? Or that the kiddos can play pretend on the covered playground? Or that there is plenty of Texas beer for mom, dad, tios, tias, grandmas and grandpas to choose from? ’Cause there is and that’s what makes The Cove the best place to take the fam in 2018.

Courtesy of W.D. Deli

2. Scooped Cookie Dough Bar 7400 San Pedro Ave. (512) 943-2883 scoopedcookiedoughbar.com

3. Casa Azul de Andrea 1036 S. Alamo St. (210) 451-9393 casaazuldeandrea.com

ALL DAY HAPPY

SANDWICHES Winner: W D Deli 3123 Broadway (210) 828-2322, wddeli.com

KARAOKE THURS & SAT + LIVE MUSIC OR DJ ON FRI

HOUR ON SUNDAY

here’s something to be said for places that don’t change. That something is substantial in the case of WD Deli. Wayne Beers and Mike Bobo’s shrine to the Caesar salad, their paean to pastrami and panini, their ode to Avocado Delight (with cream cheese, mushrooms and more)… and their décor of commemorative plates and collaged snapshots. 35 6

12952 Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX 78023 | (210) 267-2092 | Open Sun-Mon 3-12 AM / Tues-Sat 3-2 AM sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

Tejano artist Willie Cantu & Estela Cantu invite you to

SERVING SAN ANTONIO SINCE 1989

Daily Specials | 210.699.1189 | 9010 Huebner Rd texashamburgercompany.com 34

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best BestofofSA SA| Food | Food&&Drink Drink MR. & MRS. G’S HOME COOKING & PASTRIES

6 33 None of this ever need pay attention to Instragrammatic trends. A new cookie of the month, fine — though we may stick to the likes of butterscotch with just audacious enough black salt. The three-bean vegetarian chili is as robust as any meated-up version in town. Don’t change that one either. The world needs a place for a dependable egg salad, a classic pimento cheese, a tuna salad sandwich “just like Mom’s.” Even the camo-clad contingent from Fort Sam seems to agree. Word to the wise: the line gets long right before noon. The upstairs air conditioning may not be fully functioning. But outdoor seating is pleasant at most times and service is quick and eﬃcient — essential even for entrenched establishments.

2. The Station Café 108 King William St. (210) 444-2200 thestationsa.com

Jessica Elizarraras

3. South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company 1420 S. Alamo St. (210) 788-8000 southalamode.com

SOUL FOOD Winner: Mr. & Mrs. G’s Home Cooking & Pastries 2222 S. WW White Road, (210) 359-0002, facebook.com/ mrandmrsgshomecookingandpastries/

hough matriarch Addie Garner passed away this past September, Mr. & Mrs. G’s Home Cooking & Pastries still serves as a heart-warming reminder of the power of soul food. Recent visits were filled with fried chicken, chicken and dumplings and smothered pork chops, paired with buttery mashed potatoes, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, 37 6

BEST CHARCUTERIE NOMINEE! CHAMPAGNE! OYSTERS! SHERRY! CHARCUTERIE! COCKTAILS!

HOURS TUE — WED 5pm — 12am THU — SAT 5pm — 2am ESQUIRETAVERN-SA.COM/DOWNSTAIRS

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

¡Muchas Gracias San Antonio!

VOTED

SOUTH: NORTH: 910 South Alamo | 210.223.1806 9715 San Pedro | 210.481.4100 JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR Monday-Thursday 3-6pm Monday-Friday 4-7pm

Voted Best Cheesesteaks, Fries & Sandwiches in SA!

2301 SAN PEDRO AVE. | (210) 621-8908 36

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best BestofofSA SA| Food | Food&&Drink Drink REVOLUCION COFFEE + JUICE

6 35 those yams and cornbread that helps you sop up any juicy remnants. And then there’s dessert — cherry pies, hot apple cobbler, German chocolate cake, pecan pie and buttermilk pie all like mom used to make.

those looking to jump-start a healthier lifestyle, Revolución oﬀers a variety of juice-based detoxes ranging from a quick one-day reboot ($50) to a full-on five-day cleanse ($259).

2. Sweet Yams

5317 McCullough Ave., (210) 272-0467, facebook.com/urthjuices

218 N. Cherry St. (210) 229-9267 facebook.com/sweetyamsorganic

3. Ma Harper’s Creole Kitchen

1816 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 226-2200 facebook.com/maharperscreolekitchen

JUICE SHOP Winner: Revolucion Coffee + Juice multiple locations, revolucionsa.com

rom quaint beginnings in a compact shop to an impressive transformation of a shuttered ultralounge into bright, airy digs to expanding into downtown, Houston and soon Loopland, Revolución Coﬀee + Juice boasts the sort of success story most small businesses only dream about. Consistently buzzing (especially on weekends), the flagship in the Collection shopping center on Broadway is a go-to among the laptop-toting set, yoga enthusiasts, runners, garden-variety health nuts and others who can’t go too long without their fix of honey lavender lattes, Mayan mochas, coldpressed juices (Mean Green and the Cure are perennial favorites), vegan tamales or highly addictive açai bowls (the Peanut Butter & Jelly variety is an energizing meal unto itself). And for

2. Urth Juice Bar

3. Jugo Juicery

multiple locations, doyouevenjugo.com

TACOS Winner: Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant 842 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 735-4525

he Garcias DO NOT PLAY. Led by brothers Andrew and John Garcia, the restaurant has been serving up amazing barbecue and Mexican dishes since 1962 when they opened their first restaurant, which now sits across the street from their current location on Fredericksburg. What taco should you try first, you ask? Ummm, the brisket taco – duh, bruh. Juicy, tender and practically melting in your mouth, the brisket inside this taco has been treated with care, and every bite will remind you why this is seriously the best taco in SA. Fight us. Or don’t and just eat tacos.

2. Pico De Gallo Restaurant 111 S. Leona St. (210) 225-6060 picodegallo.com

3. La Maceta Tapatios

Very mobile (210) 419-3845 facebook.com/lamaceta.52

37 6 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

PA L E T E R I A SA N A N TO N I O

Summertime Sweetness F R O Z E N T R E AT S W I T H N AT U R E S F AV O R I T E S W E E T S 5 1 0 S A L A M O S T. S T E 1 0 4 , S A , T X 7 8 2 0 5 | 2 1 0 . 9 5 4 . 6 7 5 3 M-T 11-8P | TH-SU 11-9P

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best BestofofSA SA| Food | Food&&Drink Drink SUSHI ZUSHI

GREEN VEGETARIAN CUISINE

MON- FRI 5:30AM-4PM SAT 6:30AM-4PM • SUN 7:30AM-3PM 521 E Woodlawn Ave. • 210.737.8646

6 39 SUSHI Winner: Sushi Zushi multiple locations, sushizushi.com

2. Godai Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant 11203 West Ave., (210) 348-6781

3. Goro’s Sushi

2619 Mossrock, (210) 349-8117

RESTAURANT FOR SPECIAL DIETS Winner: Green Vegetarian Cuisine multiple locations, eatatgreen.com

2714 Hillcrest Dr. | T-S 6-8P | 210-361-2253

2. Sweet Yams

218 N. Cherry St., (210) 229-9267, facebook.com/sweetyamsorganic

3. 5 Points Local

1017 N. Flores St., (210) 267-2652, 5pointslocal.com

803 W. Hildebrand Ave. | M-S 6-8P | 210-736-2253 41 6

1318 Cupples Rd. | T-S 6-8P | 210-436-2253 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

Now n Ope

byob

100 N. SANTA ROSA ST #140 AT THE VISTANA BUILDING | (210)384-4152 DELIVERY/TO GO ORDERS @ HOPPINJOHNTX.COM “ 40

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best BestofofSA SA| Food | Food&&Drink Drink LOCAL COFFEE

GodaI Sushi SUSHI

HAPPY HOUR TUE & THUR: 5 - 6PM

LUNCH 11A-2:30P DINNER 5-10P

SAT 5-10P | CLOSED SUN

Michelle Lorentzen

VOTED 2013 BEST SUSHI

MARISCOS EL BUCANERO

BY SA CURRENT READERS

11203 WEST AVENUE 78213 | 210.348.6781 | GODAISUSHI.COM

THE #1 SMOOTHIE PLACE IN SAN ANTONIO

6 39 COFFEE SHOP

ON YELP & FOURSQUARE

Liz Warburton

Winner: Local Coffee

multiple locations, meritcoﬀee.com

100% natural 100% of the time!

2. Summer Moon Coffee Bar

3233 N. St. Mary’s St. Suite 102, (210) 320-1773, woodfiredcoﬀee.com

3. Rosella Coffee Co.

multiple locations, rosellacoﬀee.com

SEAFOOD Winner: Mariscos El Bucanero multiple locations, facebook.com/elbucanerosa

2 L O C AT I O N S !

2. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

(888)935-2412

multiple locations, pappadeaux.com

3. Sea Island Shrimp House

multiple locations, shrimphouse.com

315 E. COMMERCE ST. #102, SA, TX 78205 | MON-SAT 11-6P | CLOSED SUN

43 6

5238 DE ZAVALA RD. #122, SA, TX 78249 | MON-SAT 9-9P | SUN 11-8P sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

2738 BLANCO RD SA TX | 210.734.8672 | ALAMOCANDY.COM

VOTE FOR US IN BEST OF SAN ANTONIO

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink LICK HONEST ICE CREAMS

Cantina, Cocina y Música

6 2 8 Jac ks o n S t | 2 1 0 . 3 2 0 .1 8 4 0 | sa n c h o s m x . c o m

THE ORIGINAL BLANCO CAFÉ

Gracias,San Anto

OFF ! L O O C MER M U S THIS

6 41 ICE CREAM

Winner: Lick Honest Ice Creams

312 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 2101, (210) 314-8166, ilikelick.com

2. Justin’s Ice Cream

245 E. Commerce St., (210) 222-2707, facebook.com/ justinsicecreamsanantonioriverwalk

3. South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company, 1420 S. Alamo St., (210) 788-8000, southalamode.com ENCHILADAS Winner: The Original Blanco Café 419 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 271-3300, blancocafe.net

2. Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina multiple locations, rosariossa.com

3. Tito’s Mexican Restaurant

955 S. Alamo St., (210) 212-8226, titosrestaurant.com

1435 Frio City Rd | (210) 299-4744 | arcoirisicecream.com sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

BAKERYLORRAINE.COM

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Wine 101

Best of SA | Food & Drink

WINE AND TAPAS BAR

MI TIERRA CAFE Y PANADERIA

14743 Old Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX 78023 Open at 3pm Wed–Mon | Closed Tuesdays (210) 372–9002

COME WINE

OUT 101 WAS & SEE WHY

NOMINATED

TOP 5 WINE BARS IN SAN ANTONIO

AVOID THE LINE

ORDER ONLINE Dan Payton

6 43 BRUNCH

2. NOLA Brunch & Beignets

multiple locations, magnoliapancakehaus.com

3. Feast

Winner: The Magnolia Pancake Haus

THE MAGNOLIA PANCAKE HAUS

WISEGUYSCHICAGO.COM

111 Kings Ct., (210) 320-1572, eatatnola.com 1024 S. Alamo St., (210) 354-1024, feastsa.com

RESTAURANT TO TAKE TOURISTS Winner: Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia 218 Produce Row, (210) 239-9215, mitierracafe.com

2. La Gloria

multiple locations, chefjohnnyhernandez.com

3. Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina

ED VOT ST AK BEESESTE CHE

OUR LOCATIONS:

441 W. NAKOMA DR. 2895 THOUSAND OAKS BLVD.

210/248-9609 210/332-5708

multiple locations, rosariossa.com 47 6 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

Brewed with a Fiercely Independent Spirit Thanks for Voting ALAMO One of the Best Local Breweries in San Antonio

202 LAMAR ST. | SAN ANTONIO, TX 78202

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

Restaurant

SIMPLY THE BEST IN FRESH, AUTHENTIC THAI + CHINESE CUISINE

DINE IN | CARRY OUT | DELIVERY |

1146 AUSTIN HIGHWAY SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209 | 210.829.7345 | TONGSTHAI.COM

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink WHATABURGER

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE

Courtesy of Whataburger

6 45 HOT DOG

3. Battalion

Winner: The Dogfather

604 S. Alamo St., (210) 816-0088, battalionsa.com

6211 San Pedro Ave., (210) 481-4272, facebook.com/thedogfathersa

2. WiseGuys A Chicago Eatery

multiple locations, wiseguysonline.net

3. Wrigleyville Grill

602 NW Loop 410 Suite 146, (210) 3699833, wrigleyvillegrill.com

ITALIAN FOOD Winner: Little Italy Restaurant & Pizzeria 824 Afterglow St., (210) 349-2060, littleitalysatx.com

2. Luciano Restaurants

multiple locations, lucianorestaurants.com

NEW RESTAURANT Winner: The Rustic 17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 204, (210) 245-7500, therustic.com

2. Maverick Texas Brasserie

710 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 973-6050, mavericktexas.com

3. Clementine

2195 NW Military Hwy., (210) 503-5121, clementine-sa.com

LATE NIGHT PLACE TO EAT Winner: Whataburger multiple locations, whataburger.com 49 6 LITTLE ITALY RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA

10918 WURZBACH STE. 132 | 210.691.2245 Bryan Rindfuss

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

SAN ANTONIO, TX

AUGUST

2018 For all the details: CulinariaSA.org Facebook: /CulinariaSanAntonio Insta/Twitter: /CulinariaSA

Restaurants are on display showcasing their ﬁnest Cuisine August 1125. Restaurants will offer special three-course prixﬁxe menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the cities. Make your reservations and experience all of the amazing summer eats. Menu Offerings: $25 Breakfast/Brunch, $15 lunch, $35/$45 dinner Reservations are not required to participate – but, are strongly encouraged – and can be booked directly with restaurants.

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink CHRIS MADRID’S

210.433.9960

4602 Callaghan RD.

6 47

2. Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia

2. Las Nieves Fruit Cups & More

3. Jim’s Restaurants

3. Bahama Bucks

BURGER Winner: Chris Madrid’s 830 W. Hollywood Ave., (210) 735-3552, chrismadrids.com

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT Winner: Green Vegetarian Cuisine multiple locations, eatatgreen.com

2. Burger Boy

multiple locations, burgerboysa.com

2911 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 716-0702, vivalabotanica.com

3. Whataburger

3. Sweet Yams

218 Produce Row, (210) 239-9215, mitierracafe.com multiple locations, jimsrestaurants.com

multiple locations, whataburger.com

FOOD TRUCK Winner: Philly’s Phamous Cheesesteaks 2301 San Pedro Ave., (210) 621-8908, facebook.com/ phillysphamousitalianice

2. The Gypsy Diner

very mobile, (210) 885-3339, facebook. com/thegypsydiner

3. La Maceta Tapatios

very mobile, (210) 419-3845, facebook. com/lamaceta.52

RASPA Winner: Big Daddy’s Eats And Treats 228 E. Cevallos St., (210) 455-3044, facebook.com/bigdaddyseatstreats

multiple locations, lasnievesfruitcupssa.com

That Face you make when you see who

actually won.

multiple locations, bahamabucks.com

2. La Botanica

Smart Food for Good People ORDER ONLINE FOR PICK-UP!

CENTRAL 1901 Nacogdoches Rd. (at N. New Braunfels)

210-828-7775

NORTH 158 E Sonterra Blvd. (at Stone Oak)

210-483-8805

218 N. Cherry St., (210) 229-9267, facebook.com/sweetyamsorganic

NACHOS Winner: Chacho’s multiple locations, chachos.com

2. The Pigpen

106 Pershing Ave., (210) 267-9136, thepigpensa.com

3. Sanchos Cantina & Cocina 628 Jackson St., (210) 320-1840, sanchosmx.com

FRENCH FRIES Winner: Burger Boy multiple locations, burgerboysa.com

2. Bill Miller Bar-B-Q

multiple locations, billmillerbbq.com 51 6

BUY ONE GET ONE

FREE!

Buy one sub, get a second of equal or lesser value free. Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers. Redeemable only in San Antonio locations. Must present coupon.

Expires 8/1/18 Expires 3/10/18

WWW.THUNDERCLOUD.COM sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

serving texaNS since 1922

fish fry friday

custom Playground

Event Center

food + drink specials every night! 2989 E Loop 1604 S, Adkins, TX 78101 • 210–649–3730 • TEXASPRIDEBBQ.NET

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Food & Drink HENRY’S PUFFY TACOS

Charlie Brown’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill

Kitchen Open Til’ Midnight TUES - SAT | Specials Daily JOIN US FOR

HAPPY HOUR M ON - SAT 2 - 7 P M

6 49

3. The Luxury

2. Tong’s Thai Restaurant

PUFFY TACOS Winner: Henry’s Puffy Tacos multiple locations, henryspuﬀytacos. com 2. Ray’s Drive Inn 822 SW 19th St., (210) 432-7171, raysdriveinn.net

3. Thai Chili

3. Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant

2. Taste of Asia

103 E. Jones Ave., (210) 354-2274, facebook.com/theluxurysanantonio

4223 Blanco Road, (210) 732-6017, losbarriosrestaurant.com

THAI Winner: Thai Dee 5307 Blanco Road, (210) 342-3622, thaideesa.com

1146 Austin Hwy., (210) 829-7345, tongsthai.com multiple locations, thaichili.net

VIETNAMESE Winner: Pho Kim Long 4230 McCullough Ave. #2, (210) 8298021, facebook.com/phokimlongsa

KARAOKE + TRIVIA

july 28 aug 4 aug 11

GENTLEMAN JOE & CRISSY BLISS AFTER HOURS BAND RIGHT ON RED

1 1 8 8 8 S TA R C R E S T | 21 0 4 9 6 - 7 0 9 2 | C H A R L I E - B R OW N S . C O M

300 W. Bitters Road, Suite 120, (210) 496-6266

mavericktexas.com

3. Viet Nam Restaurant

3244 Broadway, (210) 822-7461, (210) 822-7461 53 6

THAI DEE

Working Hard To Give You Pleasure! Many Thanks For Your Encouragement!

710 S St. Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78205 210.973.6050

Jessica Elizarraras

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

LUNCH M - F: 11A - 2:30P | Sat - Sun: 12 - 3P DINNER M-TH: 5 - 10P | F: 5 - 11P Sat: 3 - 11P | Sun: 3- 9:30P

San Antonio’s Oldest Authentic Full Menu Japanese Restaurant Since 1970

$3 SUSHI (2PCS) SALMON Sake IMITATION CRAB Kanikama SHRIMP Ebi SMELT ROE Masago SURF CLAM Hokkigai RED SNAPPER Tai

$3 ROLLS (4PCS) SHRIMP TEMPURA ROLL PHILADELPHIA ROLL SPICY CRAB SALAD ROLL SPICY SALMON ROLL DREAM ROLL

$3 APPETIZERS SEAWEED SALAD VEGETABLE SPRING ROLL EDAMAME TAKOYAKI PORK GYOZA SHRIMP SHUMAI CHICKEN KARAAGE

$3 DRINKS

9 OPTIO NS TO CHOO SE FROM

! LY S L IA C E P S R U O H Y P P A $3 H- 5-7PM - SUSHI BAR AREA ONLY - DINE-IN ON

MON - THUR

ORION No. 1 Beer in Okinawa CUCUMBER SAKE-TINI NIGORI SAKE & MORE!

MINGSTHING.COM | 5253 MCCULLOUGH 52

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

9030 Wurzbach Rd. 78240 210.615.7553 co m Fu jiy aJ ap an es eG ar de n.

Best of SA | Food & Drink SUMMER MOON COFFEE BAR

WINGS Winner: Wingstop multiple locations, wingstop.com

2. Groove House

12333 West Ave., (210) 598-2083, facebook.com/groovehousesa

CAPOS PIZZA IS THE “CAPO DI TUTTI PIZZE”, THE BOSS OF ALL PIZZAS!

NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA, SUBS & WINGS!

3. Brewingz

multiple locations, brewingz.com

6 51 MENUDO

Winner: Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia 218 Produce Row, (210) 239-9215, mitierracafe.com

2. Mary Lou’s Café

4405 McCullough Ave., (210) 396-7909

3. Pico De Gallo Restaurant

111 S. Leona St., (210) 225-6060, picodegallo.com

BREAKFAST TACOS Winner: Bill Miller Bar-B-Q multiple locations, billmillerbbq.com

2. El Milagrito Café,

521 E. Woodlawn Ave., (210) 737-8646, elmilagritocafe.com

3. Losoya’s Mexican Restaurant

13444 West Ave., Suite 100, (210) 4955999

WINE LIST Winner: MAX’s Wine Dive 340 E. Basse Road, Suite 101, (210) 4449547, maxswinedive.com

2. Zinc Bistro & Bar

207 N. Presa St., (210) 224-2900, zincwine.com

3. High Street Wine Company

302 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 104, (210) 9089144, highstreetwine.com

COFFEE ROASTER Winner: Summer Moon Coffee Bar 3233 N. St. Mary’s St. Suite 102, (210) 320-1773, woodfiredcoﬀee.com

2. Merit Roasting Co.

2001 S. Presa St., (210) 259-8201, meritcoﬀee.com

3. Brown Coffee

1702 W. Kings Hwy., browncoﬀeeco.com

PLACE TO DRINK IN THE MORNING Winner: Halcyon 1414 S. Alamo St., (210) 277-7045, halcyoncoﬀeebar.com

2. Paramour

102 9th St. Suite 400, (210) 340-9880, paramourbar.com

3. Highlander Bar & Grill

5562 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 3404577, highlanderbarandgrill.com

STEAK Winner: Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood 219 E. Houston St., (210) 472-2600, bohanans.com

2. Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse

8522 BROADWAY | 410 NEXT TO CHILIS | CAPOSPIZZASA.COM

210.362.1901 | DINE-IN, CARRY-OUT OR DELIVERY

18318 Sonterra Pl., (210) 564-9400, chamagaucha.com

3. Saltgrass Steak House

multiple locations, saltgrass.com

PLACE TO EAT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS PAYING Winner: Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse 18318 Sonterra Pl., (210) 564-9400, chamagaucha.com

2. Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood

219 E. Houston St., (210) 472-2600, bohanans.com

3. Cured

306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 101, (210) 3143929, curedatpearl.com

MEXICAN RESTAURANT Winner: Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina multiple locations, rosariossa.com

2. Soluna

7959 Broadway, Suite 204, (210) 9308070, solunasa.com

3. Pico De Gallo Restaurant

111 S. Leona St., (210) 225-6060, picodegallo.com sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

cookiedelivery.com

Warm cookies, delivered. cookiedelivery.com

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Strawberry Lemonade

1.5 oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka 4 oz lemonade 4 muddled strawberries Just add Tito’s Handmade Vodka, lemonade and strawberries over ice. Stir and garnish with a strawberry and lemon slice.

TEXAS’ ORIGINAL CRAFT VODKA® sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT TR-1479_Cocktail_Summer_SACurrent.indd 1

7/18/18 10:39 AM

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CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

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Restore Men’s Health Hair Restoration Program Restore Men’s Health offers many services, from aesthetic injections such as Bro-tox & fillers, hormone replacement therapy, sexual health and wellness, vasectomies, non-invasive body contouring, & an array of plastic surgery procedures for gynecomastia, exercise-resistant fat, & other antidotes for the “Dad Bod.” Our hair restoration program is state of the art and based on the latest evidence & technologies available. Regina Fearmonti, MD, our board-certified plastic surgeon, has formulated a non-surgical option for those lacking “turf on the field.”

We believe in follicle preservation and scalp health optimization. We have seen a tremendous response from our injectable formulation using live cells, frozen growth factors, & proteins derived from your own platelets. We create an optimal environment and matrix to boost tissue regeneration and follicle growth. Our program is offered as a series of treatments with ReLuma serum and shampoo. We are using the latest techniques available to bring our patients, both male and female, the results they seek.

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CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

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Best of SA | Shopping DRAGON’S LAIR

COMIC BOOK SHOP Winner: Dragon’s Lair Multiple locations, dlair.net

fter a second-place finish last year, San Antonio comic-book shop Dragon’s Lair has finally saved the princess. Founded in 1986 in Austin by CEO David Wheeler, the franchise has since branched out to three other locations in Texas, the most recent being the store in Alamo Ranch (the second San Antonio outpost) earlier this year. Along with an assortment of comics, Dragon’s Lair sells games (board, card, roleplaying and miniature), graphic novels, toys, collectibles and other pop culture merchandise. The store also holds a host of events throughout the month, includ-

ing Dungeons & Dragons and Pokémon open play, gaming tournaments, science shows, arts and crafts workshops (i.e. wand making), visits from special guests, cosplayers and more. Whether you consider yourself an all-out nerd who can recite full episodes of Battlestar Galactica or just someone who likes superhero movies, Dragon’s Lair will likely have something you’ll want to buy and keep in its box forever.

2. Heroes and Fantasies Multiple locations heroesandfantasies.com

3. Bazinga Comics

2941 Thousand Oaks Drive, Suite 101 (210) 404-9174 bazingacomics.com

FARMERS MARKET Winner: Pearl Farmers Market 312 Pearl Pkwy. (210) 212-7260 atpearl.com/farmers-market

t’s not that other farmers markets need not apply — the more the merrier. But none of the others in and around town have the advantage of Pearl’s setting of historic (and historic-adjacent) buildings, its water park where kiddos (and ageless elders) can get soaked and its carefully curated contingent of vendors. You’re tugged one way by the aromas of Indian cuisine, another by the prospect of banana leaf-swaddled tamales. It’s hard not to be seduced by specialty breads — and then by locally harvested honeys

to slather on thick slices. (There’s also the option of having a discussion about bee colony collapse should you be so inclined.) Kombucha and bone broth help represent the culinary cutting edge; pestos and San Antonio sauces compete for attention with craft chocolates and “award-winning” cheeses. About the only option missing is a rent-a-pup stand for those with Fido FOMO. (Yes, there are lots of dogs. And strollers.) Not everybody is set up by 9 a.m. on Saturday, and some are sold out before 1 p.m. The sweet spot seems to be right in the middle.

2. Boardwalk on Broadway Farmers Market (formerly The Rim Farmers Market) 4001 Broadway

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Mission City Indian Motorcycle | missioncityindian.com | 28611 IH 10 W, Boerne, TX 78006 | 830.981.2453 60

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Shopping PEARL FARMERS MARKET

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3. Alamo Heights Farmers Market 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 130 (210) 305-2805 alamo-heights-farmers-market.business.site

FURNITURE STORE Winner: Period Modern 4347 McCullough Ave. (210) 259-3234 periodmodern.com

PERIOD MODERN

lamo City vintage hounds made their voices heard this year in the category of Best Furniture Store, electing three contenders that specialize in furnishings from decades past. And we couldn’t agree more. (Life’s too short to assemble another obnoxiously named IKEA item ultimately destined for the donation pile.) Taking home top honors this year, Period Modern is arguably the gold standard in San Antonio when it comes to immaculately preserved midcentury pieces. Having recently expanded into an adjacent space previously occupied by “Best of San Antonio” alum No. 9 Florals, Period Modern feels more sprawling than ever, tempting shoppers with stylishly arranged living areas reminiscent of an Alfred Hitchcock classic, paintings spanning styles and eras, smartly priced art and design books, and unique pieces ready to spice up quarters in need of a remix. On a recent visit, more than a few gems popped out, including a stacking wooden cat figurine made by the Swedish toy company Brio ($40), Beaumont Mood hanging ceramic light fixtures ($300), an incredibly heavy-looking outdoor furniture set crafted by faux bois master Carlos Cortez ($20,000) and guitars of both the electric and acoustic varieties ... which brings us to what’s arguably Period Modern’s most unexpected feature — an offbeat music series that’s hosted everyone from politician/musician Kinky Friedman to local indie darlings Buttercup and their offshoot Demitasse.

2. Karolina’s Antiques

1709 Blanco Road (210) 731-9787 twitter.com/karolinasantiqs

3. San Antonio Furniture Finders

Bryan Rindfuss

1805 Blanco Road (210) 803-1900 facebook.com/safurniturefinders 62 6 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

Best of SA | Shopping ALI BABA INTERNATIONAL MARKET

6 61 INTERNATIONAL MARKET

Sarah Flood-Baumann

AMOLS’

Winner: Ali Baba International Market 9307 Wurzbach Road (210) 691-1111 alibabasanantonio.com

n desperate need of some ground goat? Ali Baba’s your go-to guy. Looking for some halloumi to throw on the grill, a two-foot diameter flatbread for whatever one uses that for, some fuzzy and fresh green almonds (early spring only) to sauté in a little olive oil with sea salt? Ali Baba, again. The packaged Indian snack mixes rock. The Bulgarian feta cries out to be thrown into a fattoush salad with a little of that flatbread — toasted. Some springy squares of Turkish delight will provide the perfect honeyed contrast to a cup of dark and brooding Turkish coﬀee. In short, this bright and utterly enthralling market of a thousand and one delights has gone well beyond its early roots as a source for Middle Eastern ingredients. Bulging bags of dal and rice now beckon to shoppers from the Indian subcontinent. Other Asian tastes are not neglected, and shoppers of any cultural bias and background will find something to investigate. Ali Baba is the kind of establishment that proves that food is indeed our common denominator. Xenophobic politicos beware.

2. Tim’s Oriental & Seafood Market 7015 Bandera Road, Suite 8 (210) 523-1688 facebook.com/timsorientalmkt 62

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

3. Las Americas Latin Market 6623 San Pedro Ave. (210) 340-2747 lasamericaslatinmarket.com

PLACE TO GET A PIÑATA Winner: Amols’ 227 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 227-1457, amols.com

or the third consecutive year, Amols’ has been crowned with a Jeweled Silver Queen’s Tiara (buy one in house for only $2.49) and

named the best place in San Antonio to purchase a traditional Mexican piñata for your Fiesta partying needs. From colorful donkeys to cacti to mini maracas, there’s plenty of room in Amols’ piñatas to stuﬀ with Skittles and Starburst and Vero Mango lollipops. Amols’ moved locations earlier this year from its shop on South Flores, where it had operated for 55 years, to its new, much larger venue on Fredericksburg Road. Next year, it will celebrate 70 years in the community and continues to be the go-to place for paper flowers, cascarones and everything in between. Sure, April will always be their busiest

month of the year because of San Antonio’s love aﬀair with Fiesta, but Amols’ is far from a seasonal store. It’s the Potala Palace of papel picado.

2. Piñata Time

3005 W. Commerce St. (210) 277-7406 facebook.com/pinatatimes.a.3005

3. Alamo Fiesta on Main 2025 N. Main Ave. (210) 591-8144 alamofiesta.com

Best of SA | Shopping RAINBOW GARDENS

Bryan Rindfuss

PLANT NURSERY Winner: Rainbow Gardens Multiple locations rainbowgardens.biz

ven if you’re not shopping for plants, Rainbow Gardens has something for everyone. Too bad there’s no kitchen, since it’s a great spot to spend a lunch hour strolling in the shade, posing for selfies, or just watching the antics of resident hummingbirds and Mexican eagles, as we did on a recent visit to the Bandera location. Rainbow is a veritable botanical garden, with some of the wittiest plant signage around (“Because of its vigorous growth,” one salvia warns, “cutting back is recommended or MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL.”) That said, most everybody visits the nursery to load a cart with potted plants and garden supplies, and here Rainbow consistently oﬀers not only the

usual bedding plants but some of the most varied perennial selections in town. They’ve got water-saver plants, seminars and classes from the pros, too. With locations on Bandera and Thousand Oaks, Rainbow draws visitors from horizon to horizon across the North Side and beyond. This year’s runners-up for “Best Plant Nursery” are nothing to scoﬀ at: Milberger’s is a powerhouse in local horticulture, with a formidable fleet of landscapers’ trucks testifying to its supply of seasonal color, sod and trees. And if you’re shopping inside the loop and looking for quiet enchantment, don’t miss Shades of Green, with its engaging staﬀ, organic supplies and unique gifts and decor.

2. Milberger’s Landscaping and Nursery 3920 N. Loop 1604 E. (210) 497-3760 milbergernursery.com

65 6 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

sa furniture finders

vintage + antique

furniture and decor! 1805 Blanco Rd. 78212 | (210) 803-1900 64

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Shopping PLANET K

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3. Shades of Green

334 W. Sunset Road (210) 824-3772 shadesofgreensa.com

SMOKE SHOP Winner: Planet K Multiple locations, planetktexas.com

ow much easier would marketing be for Planet K if they operated in one of the eight American states where recreational marijuana was legal? Water pipes could actually be called bongs; note holders could be roach clips; pollen could be kief; its “End Hemp Prohibition” campaign could change to a “Make Weed Fucking Legal Already” campaign; and not everything would need to be referred to as a “piece.” Still, despite the necessarily camouflaged terminology, employees at the six Planet K locations in San Antonio are total professionals and can help anyone who walks into their establishment — from veteran vapers to reefer rookies. The stores carry a wide variety of items like cigarettes, cigars, vaporizers, novelty merchandise, books, magazines, calendars, erotica and products made from CBD (cannabidiol, a cannabis compound). They also sell molds to create your own water pipes and even Ouija boards, although we’re not sure why anyone would want to mix ghosts and ganja, unless you’re pretty tight with Scooby-Doo.

2. Hazel Sky Smoke Shop ELEMENT TATTOO STUDIO

Multiple locations twitter.com/hazelskysmokesh

3. Mellow Monkey 2286 Bandera Road (210) 432-9333 mellowmonkey.net

TEXAS THRIFT

TATTOO SHOP Winner: Element Tattoo Studio 4741 Fredericksburg Road (210) 979-9877 elementtattoo.com

f you’ve been getting tattooed regularly in the Alamo City the last decade or so, then you’ve undoubtedly heard of Element Tattoo. Located off Fredericksburg near Loop 410, the shop has endured everything from a rotating cast of expert tattooers, industry changes, economic downfall and even a fire in 2009, which resulted in the loss of Hendrix, the shop clownfish (RIP). Owned and operated by Jedidiah Reed, Element Tattoo has risen through the ranks to become synonymous with high-quality tattoos. If you’re looking to add to your collection, or deflower your virgin skin, Element Tattoo is definitely your answer to good ink.

2. Iron Eagle Tattoos

6806 W. Military Drive (210) 314-4092 facebook.com/ironeagletattoos

3. Doomsday Tattoo

910 San Pedro Ave. (210) 957-1050 doomsdaytattoos.com

THRIFT STORE Winner: Texas Thrift Multiple locations buythrift.com

hrifting is an art. It takes patience, endurance, agility and even a personality to be able to haggle down a price. The secret is, you gotta be willing to dig. Go through every article, every aisle, every rack. Some might be repulsed by the idea “like, ew, going through old dusty junk.” However, we’ve spoken to more than a few folks who’ve shopped at Texas Thrift who have found articles of clothing, accessories and even shoes that have become their favorites and go-tos in their fashion collection. With several locations across the Alamo City, Texas Thrift is a haven and a first-stop for many a vintage collector.

2. Boysville Auxiliary Thrift Store

Josh Huskin

307 W. Olmos Drive (210) 826-2195 boysvilletexas.org/thrift-store

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CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

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Best of SA | Shopping GREY MOON VINTAGE

Pearl Brewing Company patches and crystal fringe ($128-$428). Beyond the oldies but goodies on the racks, Grey Moon stocks a curated assortment of giftable wares such as jewelry crafted by local designer Alexis Sachs ($38$78), crystals, candles, stickers and screen-printed tees Bass designs. Although you can get a decent sense of Grey Moon’s focus via Instagram (instagram.com/greymoonvintage), you might not get why it’s been voted San Antonio’s “Best Vintage Shop” until you step aboard their stylish ride.

2. The Come Up

607 W. Hildebrand Ave. (210) 556-0572 facebook.com/thecomeupsatx

3. Montage

423 W. Grayson St. (210) 324-0157 montagestyle.com

ANTIQUE STORE 1. Karolina’s Antiques 1709 Blanco Road (210) 731-9787 twitter.com/karolinasantiqs

KAROLINA’S ANTIQUES

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Bryan Rindfuss

3. Revolution Thrift

8513 Blanco Road (210) 376-8909 facebook.com/revolutionthrift

VINTAGE SHOP Winner: Grey Moon Vintage 2202 Broadway greymoonvintage.com

Bryan Rindfuss

contemporary take on retail with a distinctly retro sensibility, Grey Moon Vintage is not your run-of-the-mill shop. In fact, it’s on wheels. Launched as a pop-up by the wife-and-husband team of Natalie Medina and Colin Bass in 2016, the operation is now housed in a 28-foot 1969 Avion Travelcade trailer the duo carefully restored with salvaged wood and other repurposed materials. Sourced from estate sales and thrift stores in small Texas towns as well as points afar (from Nevada and Virginia to Alaska and even Iceland), the nostalgic wearables up for grabs include 1970s and ’80s garments and accessories for men and women, groovy shades, well-worn concert T-shirts ($15-$178) and denim jackets embellished with old-school

ith eight eclectic vendors under one roof, Karolina’s boasts a bit of an advantage over most in the category of “Best Antique Store.” But the antique-mall format feels fairly organic here, and the variety of vendors translates to a mix that’s frequently changing and all over the map. Run by out-andproud brothers Anthony and Uriel Diaz (who quite literally grew up in the resale biz and have fashioned the family store as a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community) and named in honor of their grandmother, Karolina’s occupies neighboring spaces on the Midtown Blanco corridor and recently reconfigured its space to make room for their stylish new neighbor No. 9 Florals. Last week, on a particularly hot weekday afternoon, the colorful, maze-like shop was abuzz with shoppers browsing through booths populated with new and pre-loved merchandise running the gamut from Frida Kahlo-inspired T-shirts and Mexican imports (including rainbow-striped Acapulco chairs for $200) to a taxidermied bobcat ($350) and a 1966 issue of the Saturday Evening Post with Sonny and Cher on the cover ($12). 69 6 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

SAN ANTONIO’S PREMIER RESOURCE FOR INTIMACY ITEMS. WE’VE BEEN HELPING COUPLES ENHANCE ROMANCE SINCE 1998!

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best BestofofSA SA| Shopping | Shopping TRADERS VILLAGE

4 CONVENIENT SAN ANTONIO LOCATIONS 8806 Bandera Rd #103 - 2 10. 6 8 4. 2 2 8 5 | 9 8 2 2 Po tran co Rd #115 - 2 10. 6 8 4. 2 2 8 5 19422 U.S. Highway 281 N. #105 - 210.251.4058 | 7325 N Loop 1604 W STE 101 - 210.988.3720

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2. The Junction Antiques

1704 Blanco Road (210) 273-3439 facebook.com/thejunctionsanantonio

3. Ironside Antiques Mall

10211 Ironside Drive (210) 694-0134 facebook.com/ironsidemall

FLEA MARKET Winner: Traders Village 9333 SW Loop 410 (210) 623-8383 tradersvillage.com

n a blog post titled “Evolution of the Flea Market Industry,” the online source Flea Market Zone addressed the “cloudy origin” of the term flea market (which many attribute to a 19th-century Parisian marché aux puces that oﬀered up furniture possibly inhabited by a few puces, or fleas), online shopping’s reverberating impact on the second-hand industry and the fact that “the flea markets of our parents and grandparents are not the same as the flea markets of today.” Easily the biggest overall shift is (sadly) away from used, vintage and antique items in favor of

run-of-the-mill imports, dollar-store fare, designer knockoﬀs and plastic crap destined for the landfill. With sprawling outposts in San Antonio, Houston and the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Traders Village isn’t immune to these modern-day pitfalls, but its sheer size makes for an engaging (and lengthy) browsing experience that comes complete with festival fare, real-deal carnival rides, games, excellent people watching and special events (from car shows to concerts). And that’s not to say Trader’s Village doesn’t have its hidden gems. Boasting “more than 1,000 dealers every weekend,” the 100-plus-acre marketplace delivers on the scavenger-hunt front thanks to a number of booths specializing in everything from rare comic books and action figures to military surplus and tchotchkes only a granny could love.

Lingerie Corsets Romantic Gifts Books Lotions PLUS MORE!

2. Bussey’s Flea Market 18738 I-35 N. (830) 609-0800 busseysfm.com

1580 Babcock Rd | 210.767.9411 | theloveshackboutique.com

3. Mission Open Air Market 707 Moursund Blvd. (210) 923-8131 missionopenairmarket.com

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WINNER sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best BestofofSA SA| Shopping | Shopping

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More than just antiques! 10211 Ironside Dr Follow us on Facebook!

(210) 694-0134 IRONSIDE ANTIQUES MALL

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6 69 LOCALLY MADE PRODUCT

Winner: Pawsitively Sweet Bakery 3363 E. Commerce St., Suite 104 (210) 446-7466 pawsitivelysweetbakery.com

ups love Alexis Quiroga, the entrepreneur behind Pawsitively Sweet Bakery. They seek her out at farmers markets where she first cut her teeth, hoping for a sample or two of her latest natural, dog-friendly pup pastries and a quick pet. Your good boy or girl knows quality, and loves variety, which Pawsitively Sweet has focused on since day one. With a growing collection of treats, chews and “pawty supplies,” Quiroga and her tiny staﬀ moved into a permanent home in the city’s East Side that allows them to bake more goodies, and show oﬀ a growing boutique line for the fashion-

able four-legged furball in your life. Because what doggo doesn’t deserve a Fiesta mariachi outfit, Spurs bandana or UT-Longhorn bowtie?

2. In the Weeds Natural Skin Care (210) 960-3376 shopintheweeds.com

3. Bexar Knuckles Apparel

facebook.com/bexarknucklesapparel

MUSIC INSTRUMENT STORE Winner: Alamo Music Center Multiple locations alamomusic.com

es, there are larger stores — loopland big boxes with guitars and amps stacked all the way to the rafters. And, yes, there are funkier, divier places to horse trade for that vintage ’73 Strat you 73 6

FOR EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS + NEW INVENTORY UPDATES sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best BestofofSA SA| Shopping | Shopping ALAMO MUSIC CENTER

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6 71 always wanted. But there’s a reason Alamo Music has stayed in business for nearly 100 years – and why it continues to be a favorite of Current readers. Founder Alfredo Flores Sr.’s grandson Zach Marr helms the business now and longtime CEO Alfred Flores Jr. remains active in local arts organizations and in providing scholarships. Thanks to those deep community ties, la Familia Flores knows how to keep gigging musicians while accommodating hobbyists, school bands and orchestras. From lessons and rentals to financing and repairs, the two-store chain has found a way to keep up with the megastores while staying true to its roots. It’s even stayed ahead of the curve by adding online buying tools to its website to help customers narrow down the confusing array of guitars and pianos on the market.

2. Robot Monster Guitars

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517 E. Woodlawn Ave. (210) 320-1710 robotmonsterguitars.com

Thank You San Antonio For Nominating Rainbow Gardens in The Best of San Antonio 2018

3. Spacetone Music

416 Austin Hwy. (210) 930-3662 spacetonemusic.com

RECORD STORE Winner: Hogwild Records 1824 N. Main Ave. (210) 733-5354 facebook.com/hogwildrecords

hether your taste runs to South Texas singer-songwriters or Nordic black metal, this venerable institution across the parking lot from San Antonio College has got you covered. And then some. Inside the store’s cluttered confines, you’ll find an uber-diverse mix of CDs, vinyl, DVDs and box sets, not to mention a surprisingly wide selection of used and rare obscurities. T-shirts dangle from nearly every available inch of rafter space. Ever since he got his start selling records at Northwest Center Flea Market, owner Dave Risher has had his ear to the ground for new underground sounds and knows his stock well enough to make solid recommendations. His staﬀ — friendly, knowledgeable and, as a rule, heavily tattooed — has kept up that tradition, especially when it comes to local music of pretty much any genre. And if they don’t have it in stock, rest assured they’ll plumb the depths to track it down.

2. Southtown Vinyl

1010 S. Flores St., Suite 120 (210) 231-0512 southtownvinyl.com

75 6 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best BestofofSA SA| Shopping | Shopping HOGWILD RECORDS

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3. Friends of Sound

BICYCLE SHOP Winner: Bike World Multiple locations bikeworld.com

ADULT STORE Winner: Love Shack Boutique 1580 Babcock Road (210) 767-9411 theloveshackboutique.com

2. Bottom Bracket Bicycle Shop

2. Adult Megaplex

1414 S. Alamo St. (210) 858-0331 bluestarbikeshop.com

700 Fredericksburg Road (210) 971-8044 friendsofsound.com

Multiple locations megaplexsa.com

3. Sexology Institute and Boutique 707 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 487-0371 sexologyinstitute.com

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(210) 462–1993

22806 US HWY 281 N SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

1802 S. Flores St. (210) 451-9015 facebook.com/bottombracketbicycleshop

3. Blue Star Bike Shop

ve w e ha

BOOK STORE Winner: Half Price Books Multiple locations hpb.com

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2. The Twig Book Shop 306 Pearl Pkwy., Ste. 106 (210) 826-6411 thetwig.com

ou y e k ma ! y p p ha

3. Nine Lives Books

4907 NW Loop 410, Suite 102 (210) 647-5656 ninelivesbooks.com

BOUTIQUE Winner: Camilla Crown 427 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 105 (210) 497-5406 shopcamillacrown.com

2. Red Cat & Co.

2202 Broadway, (210) 912-3955, facebook.com/redcatandco

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418 Villita St. Bldg 10, SA, TX 78205 | (210) 263-9969 | Thebirdandpear.com sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best BestofofSA SA| Shopping | Shopping SPEC’S WINES, SPIRITS & FINER FOODS

San Antonio’s #1

CORSET STORE! SPECIALIZING IN CORSETS, COLUMBIAN WAIST TRAINERS AND SHAPEWEAR

Sarah Flood-Baumann

6 75

3. Bird and Pear

418 Villita St., (210) 263-9969, thebirdandpear.com

CAR DEALERSHIP Winner: North Park Lexus of San Antonio 611 Lockhill Selma Road (210) 308-8900 northparklexus.com

2. Red McCombs Toyota 13526 I-10 W. (210) 812-4667 redmccombstoyota.com

3. Cavender Toyota 5730 NW Loop 410 (210) 681-6601 cavendertoyota.com

CHILDREN’S STORE Winner: Bambinos Boutique 999 E. Basse Road, Suite 196 (210) 824-7676 bambinosboutique.com

2. Roo & Me

rooandme.com

3. Go Baby Go

6104 Broadway (210) 320-1404 gobabygoshop.com

LIQUOR STORE Winner: Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods Multiple locations specsonline.com

2. Twin Liquors

Multiple locations twinliquors.com

3. Don’s & Ben’s/Gabriel’s Liquor Multiple locations donsandbens.com

MOTORCYCLE SHOP Winner: Caliente Harley-Davidson 7230 NW Loop 410 (210) 681-2254 calienteharley.com

Sip-N-Shop The Summer Away! EVERY SATURDAY FROM 2PM-6PM WE WILL BE OFFERING WINE WHILE YOU SHOP

LOCATED AT

UPTOWNGYPSY.COM • (210) 530-1859 • 4522 FREDERICKSBURG RD. #B64

2. Alamo Cycle Plex 11900 I-10 W. (210) 696-2000 alamocycleplex.com

3. The Motorcycle Shop

2423 Austin Hwy. (210) 654-0211 themotorcycleshopsa.com

RUNNING STORE Winner: iRun Texas Multiple locations iruntexas.net

2. San Antonio Running Company 7959 Broadway, Suite 502 (210) 246-2253 sarunningco.com

3. Soler’s Sports

11815 PERRIN BEITEL RD | 210-627-6008

We've Got You Covered From Head To Toe!

solerssports.com

VIDEO GAME SHOP Winner: GameStop Multiple locations gamestop.com

2. Game Over Videogames Multiple locations gameovervideogames.com

3. Propaganda Palace

2100 McCullough Ave. (210) 400-0240 twitter.com/propagandapalac sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

DWI + DIVORCE Soyars & Morgan Law, P.C. is a San Antonio award winning trial team committed to designing a personalized defense strategy that’s right for you. If you need an aggressive, litigation strategy right from the start, then let us fight for you. We have successfully represented clients facing various life changing situations throughout the San Antonio & surrounding Central Texas area. We are not afraid to fight for your freedom, your kids, your job or your reputation! We also understand that some clients have more specific goals in mind that do not necessarily include trial. At Soyars & Morgan Law, we recognize that your personal goals play a big part in how we approach a case & so we provide flexible pricing options so you can decide what approach is best for you.

LEGAL210.com | 310 S. St. Mary’s St. STE 1860

CALL NOW! 210-361-7060 80

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | People JASON DADY

CHEF Winner: Jason Dady Multiple locations Jasondady.com

f it came down to recent media exposure, there’s little question which local chef reigns supreme. Jason Dady has graced the pages of Fine Cooking Magazine, displayed his gift for gab on the Today Show and bared knives on Food Network’s Iron Chef Gauntlet. But camera appeal alone doesn’t account for Dady’s repeated BOSA wins. The James Beard Award nominee has done plenty to make fine food accessible to San Antonio. Part of it comes down to his prolific and diverse ventures, which span the gamut from Tre Trattoria’s Italian fine dining and Range to the decidedly casual Two Bros BBQ Market and Shuck Shack. And at one point or another, he’s planted a flag in nearly every part of the city, so whether you’re looking for a meal on the Museum Reach, Lower Broadway or the North Side, chances are there’s a Dady joint nearby.

2. Johnny Hernandez

multiple locations chefjohnnyhernandez.com

3. Gus Bard

Sweet Yams 218 N. Cherry St. facebook.com/sweetyamsorganic

RADIO TALK-SHOW HOST Winner: Billy Madison The Billy Madison Show, KISS-FM facebook.com/thebillymadisonshow

illing the shoes of KISS morning mainstays Lisle and Hahn after their 20-year run was a tall order. But since landing at the station in 2011, Billy Madison has had no problem waking up San Antonio rock fans with a chaotic barrage of boobie-and-doo-doo jokes, bizarro news clips and self-deprecating humor. When he and sidekicks Derek and Nard get on a roll, it’s like eavesdropping at a frat house after the keg’s almost floated. Or maybe closer to junior high detention hall the instant the teacher steps out of the room. Part of the appeal is also their willingness to let the audience in on the joke. The crew’s (hyper-) active on social media and a good portion of every show is spent fielding listener calls. And in true shock-jock fashion, Madison’s not afraid to court controversy oﬀ the airwaves either. Last year, he made headlines by arranging a “dudes-only” showing of Metallica Through the Never in response to Alamo Drafthouse’s women-only screening of Wonder Woman.

2. Tony Cortez

FM 94.1 twitter.com/tonycortez941

3. Sean Rima Art of Moore

KTSA twitter.com/seanrima

82 6

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

Best of SA | People STEVE BROWNE

6 81 METEOROLOGIST

Winner: Steve Browne

KSAT-12 facebook.com/meteorologiststevebrowne

MAGGIE WILMOTH

REALTOR Winner: Maggie Wilmoth Maggie & Company at Keller Williams linkedin.com/in/maggiewilmoth

2.Bill Taylor

2.Craig Browning

here are meteorologists, and then there are those who gain the vaunted title of “weather man” by bringing personality, rapport and a sprinkle of showbiz to their role. Steve Browne, who retired in June, was undoubtedly the latter. During a 25-year run on KSAT-12, Browne, with his easygoing charm and oﬀbeat humor, felt like a familiar guest in viewers’ homes. He introduced the Critter Cam, inviting viewers to share snapshots and videos of visits by local wildlife, and he nurtured the station’s on-site vegetable garden, making his hobby part of nightly broadcasts and showing oﬀ ripe red tomatoes at the anchor desk. From his “human tuba” interpretation of Christmas carols to his spot-on impressions of Spurs players, Browne understood how to make memorable TV seem natural and unforced. “Steve has been so much more than a meteorologist, he’s been a part of so many families and his retiring is almost like saying good-bye to a family member,” KSAT General Manager Phil Lane said on the station’s website when Browne announced his retirement. Apparently, a whole lot of Current readers agree.

KENS twitter.com/billtaylorkens5

3.Sarah Spivey

KSAT-12 twitter.com/sarah__spivey 82

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

n Air Force brat with 35 years in San Antonio, Maggie Wilmoth relied on word of mouth to build her residential real estate business. But her expertise and service are what kept clients coming back and recommending her to others. “I want people to call me because they know me, but I want them to hire me because I’m really, really good at my job,” Wilmoth said. That means as business grows, she’s made it a priority to deal directly with clients, from first meeting to close of sale. That goes for someone first-timer getting an $80,000 condo in the Medical Center or a family purchasing a $1.2 mansion in the Dominion (both examples of recent transactions she handled). Wilmoth jumped into the business just about six years ago, after being laid off as marketing director of a tequila company. She bartended her way through real estate school and, as a result, fattened her client list. “I don’t think real estate is that different from bartending,” she said. “They’re both service businesses.”

facebook.com/craigbrowning.realtor

3.Bobbie Nix

facebook.com/nixproperties

ANTHONY FLORES

LOCAL POET Winner: Anthony Flores facebook.com/Anthony.thepoet.3

elf-described “poet, educator, three-time [San Antonio] Grand Slam Poetry champion, daddy of two awesome humans and hardcore Spurs fan” Anthony Flores (AKA Anthony the Poet) is like a Shaolin master of the spoken word. Although he comes from a traditional poetry background, Flores, who studied at the University of Pennsylvania, discovered slam poetry and performance art by accident 18 years ago in the Alamo City. His material for his poetry runs the gamut – from Mexican food to Manu Ginobili to la migra. Flores can be found all around town performing on stage, emceeing poetry events and sporting his signature facial hair – a white beard reminiscent of something you’d see in a classic kung fu flick. Since he’s such a big Spurs fan, maybe Flores would like to recite one of his older Kawhi Leonard poems at his next gig before he and Uncle Dennis get shipped oﬀ kicking and screaming to Canada. “It is now your destiny to be the go-to guy, Kawhi. And when the game is on the line, the ball is in your hands because all of San Antonio knows that in you we can rely, Kawhi.” Great verse, but we’re gonna need a slight rewrite before the new season starts. Good thing Kawhi rhymes with “bad guy.”

2. Sean Rima

twitter.com/seanrima

3.Darrell Pittman

facebook.com/darrell.pittman.92

Best of SA | People JOAQUIN ABREGO

SCOTT LANGFORD

Facebook

she says, “allows [her] to jump into the fantasy world within [her] mind and bring that world into reality.” She hopes to do the same for her customers. If not, at least you can still own one of her snazzy Betty Boop tank tops.

2. Analy Diego

analydiego.com

3. Ray “Tattooedboy” Scarborough tattooedboy.com

LOCAL FILMMAKER Winner: Scott Langford facebook.com/juicehouseproductions

Joaquin Abrego

LOCAL DESIGNER

Winner: Joaquin Abrego, interior designer joaquinabrego.com

rom Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s campus to law firm Strassburger Price’s oﬃces, Joaquin Abrego’s pop art-inspired interior design projects are colorful, fun and make prominent use of patterns. The approach has made him a valuable asset to Muñoz and Co., the award-winning architecture firm where he’s spent the past ten years. But that’s not all he does. On the side, Abrego’s found time to build up a solid book of residential clients. In addition to a variety of local work, from full-home renovations to house flips, he’s also done projects as far flung as New York’s Museum Tower, State Street in New Orleans and Capitol Street in D.C. Working freelance allows the designer to unlock an even more eclectic side while still exploring the love of patterns and textures that marks his commercial side. Ultimately, recognition is as much about service as it is about his aesthetic, Abrego added. “It’s how you treat your client, how you treat people, that they remember about the experience.”

2. Felicia Amazon, makeup artist

linkedin.com/in/felicia-amazon-3b718465/

3. Angelina Mata, fashion designer angelinamata.com

VISUAL ARTIST Winner: Gio DiZurita dizurita.com

hether it’s a mixed-media portrait of Frida Kahlo on canvas, a commissioned painting of someone’s hairy Schnauzer or a colorful customized backpack or pair of capri leggings, local artist Giovanna DiZurita wants each one of her artworks to be a masterpiece. It’s all part of her masterplan to expand her personal brand – a series of pop-art creations that range from images you’d find on Lisa Frank Trapper Keepers in the ’90s to superhero prints selling at comic conventions. No one can deny DiZurita is prolific or that she’s a savvy businesswoman. And there doesn’t seem to be anything she won’t paint. Art has always been a part of her life since she was a child. Each artwork,

ovieMaker Magazine might’ve bumped San Antonio back into “on the cusp” status as a film-friendly big city earlier this year after it had broken the Top 10 in 2015, but local filmmakers aren’t hanging their heads. In fact, with San Antonio boasting the best incentives in the state, directors like Scott Langford are working hard to raise money for their projects. Langford’s new short film Damsel, a medieval comedy described as “a knight’s happily ever after gone horribly wrong,” premiered in San Antonio in June. The short stars Wesley Blake (Gang Money Run) as fairytale hero Sir Timothy, who sets oﬀ to save a princess (Kacie LaCombe) from a villain known as the Dark Wizard (Brant Bumpers). During a six-month internship while attending Texas State University, Langford was given the opportunity to work with Austin-based filmmaker Richard Linklater on Boyhood. Before Damsel, Langford made the 2014 comedy short Remake about a group of first-time filmmakers who try to remake Braveheart.

2. Justin Rodriguez bpmediahouse.com

3. Alex Ramirez

facebook.com/alexrmrzfilms

87 6

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | People SPURS JESUS

RON NIRENBERG

Bryan Rindfuss

POLITICIAN Winner: Ron Nirenberg https://www.facebook.com/nirenberg/

A 6 83 LOCAL CELEBRITY

Winner: Spurs Jesus

facebook.com/spurs.jesus/ or twitter.com/spursjesus

othing trumpets a celebrity’s arrival in the big time more than becoming a go-to Halloween costume. And who among us hasn’t had at least one Spurs Jesus ring the doorbell at trick-or-treat time? Part of Spurs Jesus’ enduring popularity comes down to his skill at walking a fine line with his schtick. It’s edgy, maybe even a little irreverent, but he’s never stooped to being crass. After all, this is the guy who’s posed for photos with smiling nuns and with famously straight-laced

former Spur David Robinson. It’s also easy to cheer for a local celebrity who’s (at least publicly) strived to live up to his spiritual inspiration. In recent years, Spurs Jesus has run in the San Antonio AIDS Foundation’s 5K wearing full biblical regalia, promoted local pet adoptions and marketed Robert Tatum-designed charity t-shirts. Perhaps most admirably, he even carried a sign urging us all to forgive L.A. Lakers fans.

2. The Batman of San Antonio

twitter.com/batmanofsananto or facebook.com/thebatmanofsanantonio/

3. Tencha La Jefa

facebook.com/tencha.lajefa or twitter.com/Tencha_lajefa?lang=en

little more than a year on the job, Mayor Ron Nirenberg shows he still has a way with Current readers. Maybe it’s his dedication to creating a more inclusive city, one that’s open to people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations and gender identities. Maybe it’s his focus on building more affordable housing, finding remedies for the ill effects of gentrification and developing a real transportation system for San Antonio. Maybe it’s all those public proclamations of love for his wife Erika Prosper. Whatever it is, he easily took the top spot in our poll. “I am grateful to the Current’s readers for the support,” Nirenberg said. “Let’s do this again next year. Viva San Antonio.” The former District 8 councilman electrified San Antonio progressives in the 2017 runoff election, clobbering then-Mayor Ivy Taylor, who’d said at a public forum that poverty stemmed from “broken people” who didn’t have a good relationship with God. Our next city election is in 2019, and we know there’s at least one councilman itching to take on the mayor. Time’ll tell if Nirenberg hangs on for a repeat “Best Of.”

2. Julián Castro

facebook.com/profile.php?id=221038

3. Nico LaHood

facebook.com/Lahood.Nico

89 6

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

TRUST THE LEGACY

LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME?

LEVI RODGERS GROUP

San Antonio’s Leading Military, VA & Texas Vet Real Estate Experts 3522 Paesanos Parkway Suite 302 | SA, TX 78231 | 210-331-7000 | Levirodgersgroup.com

CRAIG BROWNING REALTOR®

6061 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209 C (210) 316-7842 cbrowning@phyllisbrowning.com

www.phyllisbrowning.com 88

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | People ADA VOX

6 87 COMMUNITY ACTIVIST

Winner: Damon Billeck

twitter.com/happy2badad “Strength isn’t how much one can lift. Strength is how much one can lift others!” Damon Billeck left these words behind when he died April 3, 2018, after a heroic battle against osteosarcoma. The disease forced the amputation of his arm, but Damon was undaunted. In fact, he became an advocate for other kids with cancer. His mother, Lisa, said Damon was always smiling and acted like “a normal kid. He just happened to have this thing that happened to him.” He captured the attention of his superstar hero, Captain America actor Chris Evans, who hoped to fly Damon to L.A. for the premier of Marvel’s Infinity Wars. A superhero to his core, Damon’s casket was illustrated with Captain America images and colors. Damon was a Boy Scout, and he loved the San Antonio Fire Department. When Damon was 11, he got Fire Chief Charles Hood to help him repurpose an old fire truck bell to donate to University Hospital. Every time that bell rings now, it means a child has just finished their chemotherapy. Evans told People Magazine, Damon “was a true warrior. Brave, selfless, compassionate, and proud. I feel so grateful for his friendship.” Brian Billeck said on the last day he spoke with his dying son, Damon told his dad he was ready to go. But he left a message for his twin sister, Dara, that he would “always be with her on her birthday.”

2. Erick LaRue Macias, founder of Men in Transition pridecentersa.org

3. Christopher Herring, chairman of Texas Association of AfricanAmerican Chambers of Commerce twitter.com/blackamerica

DRAG QUEEN Winner: Ada Vox twitter.com/adavox

t’s not every day we have an artist from San Antonio make regular appearances on an international recognized television show, let alone make it as far as Ada Vox did with her time on this past season of American Idol. The SA-born queen, who could be seen performing at places like Luther’s oﬀ the North Main

210-455-0181| CONSTITUENTSCREATIVE.COM

strip, was rocketed into stardom with her breathtaking performances on the show as a singing drag queen, which won praise from the likes of RuPaul herself. And it’s not like this was an overnight sensation for the South San High School graduate. Ada Vox auditioned a total of thirteen times before making it as far as she did on the show, a true testament to the idea that no matter how weird or diﬀerent your dream is, if you pursue it long enough, it could happen for you. It did for Ada Vox at least.

2. Tencha La Jefa

facebook.com/tencha.lajefa

3. Lyn-z Lang Andrews

facebook.com/lynzlangandrews

LOCAL ACTOR (FILM-STAGE) Winner: Lilly Grace Wilmoth

2. Gloria Bueno 3. Valerie Salazar ATHLETE (NON-SPUR) Winner: Marcus Davenport, defensive end for New Orleans Saints (SA native, former UTSA student/athlete) twitter.com/marcusjd84

AMZI

DENO

CREATIVE CONSULTATION INDUSTRY STANDARD MUSIC PRODUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY AUDIO RECORDING MIXING AND MASTERING PODCAST RECORDING VOICE OVER AUDIO RECORDING AUDIO COMMERCIALS SONGWRITING MUSIC PUBLISHING AUDIO RESTORATION MUSIC LICENSING INSPIRATION Since conception Constituents Creative has yearned to become a premier project-based music studio in the San Antonio area. Fused with innovation and inspiration, Amzi and Deno have game planned & orchestrated countless nights creating a formula that marinates quality and customer ser vice. Their passion for music and the arts are impeccable and unstained.

2. Meagan Bignall, CrossFit Games competitor games.crossfit.com/athlete/675169

3. Rafael Castillo, midfielder for San Antonio FC sanantoniofc.com

Promo Code: #Bestof CC

For Professional Services and Discounted Rates contact us Now on: Kik: ConstituentsCreative | sales@constituentscreative.com

91 6 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

MAGGIE WILMOTH FOLLOW ME @ MAGGIEISMYAGENT

www.MaggieIsMyAgent.com

Thank you, San Antonio! 10999 IH–10 West, Suite 175 San Antonio, TX 78230 | 210.573.6979 | Maggie@MaggieIsMyAgent.com

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | People SPURS COYOTE

SEAN ELLIOTT

Thank you so much For nominating me for

San Antonio’s Top 5 Realtor! Much appreciation for all of those who voted, and congratulations to my fellow nominees! I am truly humbled and blessed to have your support and look forward to continuing to prove why I was nominated as San Antonio’s Top 5 Realtors.

6 91 MASCOT

San Antonio is a growing city full of diversity. As your locally born and raised Realtor, I hold you to the highest standard and provide you with a step by step direction throughout the home buying and selling process. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, I am the Realtor for YOU.

Winner: Spurs Coyote, San Antonio Spurs twitter.com/spurscoyote

SPORTS PERSONALITY Winner: Sean Elliott FOX Sports Southwest twitter.com/seanelliott_32

2. Boozie Barbie

2. Greg Simmons

3. Timmy Duckin, Paseo Del Rio Association

3. Chris Duel

instagram.com/mwdsanantonio

thesanantonioriverwalk.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Winner: Bea Simmons beasimmonsphotography.zenfolio.com

2. Angela Michelle

ravenredphoto.com

3. Vanity Boudoir Photography

DIRECTOR (THEATER) Winner: Christopher Rodriguez, Woodlawn Theatre 1920 Fredericksburg Road (210) 267-8388 woodlawntheatre.org

ATTORNEY Winner: Thomas J. Henry thomasjhenrylaw.com

3. Scott McDowell, The Overtime Theater

3. Ashley Morgan

soyarsmorganlaw.com

BURLESQUE TROUPE Winner: Stars and Garters Burlesque starsandgartersburlesque.com

2. Pastie Pops

facebook.com/pastiepops

3. Smitten Kittens Burlesque

gigsalad.com/the_smitten_kittens_ burlesque_san_antoni

Bobby Nix

Ticket 760 twitter.com/chrisduel

2. Andrew Thornton

herreralaw.com

With much love,

KSAT twitter.com/gregsimmonsksat

vanityboudoir.com

2. Javier Herrera

Let me help you fulfill your dreams.

twitter.com/andrewgarrett23

5409 Bandera Road, Suite 205 (210) 557-7562 theovertimetheater.org

MASSAGE THERAPIST Winner: Jeni Spring, Heeling Sole Barefoot Massage 1864 Nacogdoches Road (210) 560-1992 heelingsole.com

2. Robert Baldwin, Baldwin Massage Therapy 8842 Broadway (210) 336-8868 baldwinmassagetherapy.com

P: 210-542-3006 | M: nixproperties@kw.com 93 6

facebook.com/nixproperties | @nixproperties

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | People

PERMANENT COSMETICS

BY JEANETTE MCCRIGHT DAAM-SPCP

MANU GINOBILI

CHECK OUT FRESH DAILY at CONTENT AT Check out fresh daily content sacurrent.com

• SACURRENT.COM •

SUMMER SPECIAL EYELINER SPECIAL $100

MUST MENTION THIS AD

SPECIALIZING IN: EYEBROWS • EYELINER BLUSH • HIGHLIGHTER LIPS • LIP LINER TINT/PERM LASHES

210-826-8836

8503 BROADWAY, SUITE 114 @ LOOP 410

PERMANENTCOSMETICSBYJEANETTEMCCRIGHT.COM RECOMMENDED BY PHYSICIANS FOR 25 YEARS!

Getty Images

6 91 3. Laura Valdez facebook.com/lauravaldezlmt

PET GROOMER Winner: Lucy’s Doggie Daycare & Spa multiple locations (210) 816-9511 lucysdoggydaycare.com

STAND-UP COMIC Winner: Cleto Rodriguez cletorodriguez.com

2. Gabriela Tijerina

facebook.com/gabyitijerina

3. Kim Kerley

facebook.com/kim.dayoc

2. K9 Café Boutique & Spa

5440 Babcock Road, Suite 144 (210) 592-6180 k9cafesa.com

JEWELER Winner: James Avery multiple locations jamesavery.com

3. Pretty Paws Pet Salon

2. Americus Diamond

SPURS PLAYER Winner: Manu Ginobili twitter.com/manuginobili

3. Moses Jeweler

3656 Culebra Road (210) 294-1200 facebook.com/prettypawssalon

2. Kawhi Leonard

nba.com/players/kawhi/ leonard/202695

12362 I-10 W. (210) 561-1000 americusdiamond.com 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 103 (210) 490-2476 mosesjewelers.net

CLETO RODRIGUEZ

3. LaMarcus Aldridge

Celebrate

Relax dine

twitter.com/aldridge_12

LOCAL AUTHOR Winner: Luis E. Cavazos, The Five Virtues That Awaken Your Life twitter.com/luisecavazos

at South San Antonio’s only full-service hotel and spa

2. Bowie V. Ibarra, Alamo Rising

zombiebloodfights.com

3. Sean Rima, Wild West Show: Complete Poems 2001-2016

7610 South New Braunfels

twitter.com/seanrima

livebrooks.com/visit-embassy Cleto Rodriguez

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

koreanbbqsa Hon Machi Japanese & Korean BBQ

Sunday - Thursday 11am-10pm

Happy Hour 3pm-6pm Lunch 1am-3pm

$2.75 mexican beer $3 you call it’s (some exclusions)

THURSDAY

Friday - Saturday 11am-10:30pm

$4 Luna Sol Tequila $4 Sauza Silver Karaoke

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

19186 Blanco Road SA TX 78258 #103

A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE IS WELCOME MONDAY

$4 MVP $4 Western Son Dance Lessons 7-9 pm

$3 you call its 4-9pm (some exclusions)

WEDNESDAY

SA Dance Party

$4 jim Beam $4 Fireball $4 R & R reserve Karaoke

SATURDAY SUNDAY

$4 fireball, $4 western son $4 New Amsterdam Karaoke, Free Pool

OPEN 4PM-2AM EVERYDAY 10127 Coachlight St. | (210) 525-0915 facebook.com/SACountrySaloon

210-670-7128

MENTION THE CURRENT FOR 10% OFF www.koreanbbqsa.com

/Vh YEfS OF 4 AS AND !MhICAN -USIC ,EGENDS

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

Best of SA | Nightlife THE FRIENDLY SPOT

PURO ICE HOUSE Winner: The Friendly Spot 943 S. Alamo St., (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com.

he Friendly Spot, voted by our readers as the Best Puro Ice House in SA, is a Southtown institution at this point. The godfather of hip outdoor Ice Houses the city over, The Friendly Spot’s charm and staying power is as much about the setting – a veritable oasis in the heart of the King William Neighborhood, replete with colorful tables and chairs, a playground to entertain the kids so you don’t have to, and a projector screen on big game nights – as it is about the selection (though the selection, with 300 bottle/can choices and 76 options on tap, is on point, too). The Friendly Spot is far more than just a place to get your drink on. They oﬀer scrumptious eats too. And, most importantly, the place

has become a beloved meeting place for friends (and friends to be), families, and community groups of all stripes. The Friendly Spot is also dog-friendly (as long as your dog is friendly) and is a fine place for First Friday people watching. It’s no surprise that this is far from Friendly Spot’s first time being voted among the best places to drink/hang out in our annual Best of San Antonio polling.

2. The Dakota Eastside Icehouse 433 S. Hackberry (210) 375-6009

3. Sanchez Ice House 819 S. San Saba (210) 223-0588

LOCAL BREWERY Winner: Alamo Brewery 202 Lamar, (210) 872-5589, alamobeer.com.

pened in 2015, near the Hays Street Bridge, Alamo Beer has created some great draft beers from ambers, IPA, pilsners, whites, german style beers and more. The brewery is now the host to many diﬀerent events in San Antonio. Over the past year, they have been the go-to spot for food truck showdowns, burger throwdowns, biker socials, running club meet-ups and much more. The brewery also hosts events of its own like Burger Bacon and Bingo, live entertainment and yoga classes. The brewery goes so much beyond brewing beer and has become a beacon of community involvement and a space to go to meet new individuals and network.

2. Freetail Brewing Company (210) 395-4974 2000 S. Presa St. Freetailbrewing.com

ALAMO BREWERY

3. Ranger Creek

4834 Whirlwind Dr. (210) 339-2282 drinkrangercreek.com,

100 6

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

HAP P Y

HOUR

A L L D AY SUN-MON

C O L D D R A F T & H A N D C R A F T E D C O C K TA I L S .

LOCATED IN THE PEARL.

312 PEARL PARKWAY | BLUEBOXBAR.COM | HOURS: MONDAY - SUNDAY, 4PM - 2AM

HAPPY HOURS: MONDAY - SUNDAY, 4PM - 8PM 98

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

sacurrent.com | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | CURRENT

Best of SA | Nightlife LA GLORIA

6 97 MARGARITAS Winner: La Gloria 100 E Grayson St., (210) 267-9040, chefjohnnyhernandez.com

magine walking through the farmers market on a hot summer day, overheated, annoyed and craving a refreshing cockail, desperately in need of an ice cold margarita. That’s when La Gloria saves the day! La Gloria was opened by Chef Johnny Hernandez, a popular San Antonio chef who also runs Burgerteca, Fruteria, and previously, El Machito in the Quarry, which is about to reopen at City Base. La Gloria is the only Mexican spot in the Pearl Brewery. They create delicious dishes and they make some of the best margaritas in town! Whether you are in the mood for frozen, prickly pear, spicy, on the rocks, strong, skinny, mango – whatever you crave – La Gloria is sure to have it. Not wanting to drive downtown? La Gloria has a Dominion and an airport location both with drinks just as delicious and just as strong! It’s the perfect place to order a small

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plate, a margarita and enjoy a drink with friends.

2. Sanchos Cantina 628 Jackson St. (210) 320-1840 Sanchosmx.com

3. Pico De Gallo Restaurant 111 S Leona St. (210) 225-6060 picodegallo.com

NEW BAR Winner: Still Golden Social House 1900 Broadway St.,(210) 616-2212

celebratory funeral week was held when Stay Golden Social House, Still Golden’s predecessor, closed its doors in June of 2017. And less than a year later, the quasi-new Still Golden has filled that glove-shaped hole left by the beloved bar, and then some. A few more dollars were tossed into design, and the area’s premier patio bar now serves as a beacon (no, really, they have more bar neon than we care

STILL GOLDEN SOCIAL HOUSE

to count) that draws in young and old for a night of hedonism down Grayson. They’ve upgraded rasquache charm that belied the original location for a sleek patio, a bustling game room with all the favorites, lots more screens and plenty of indoor space filled with chilly HVAC air. Still Golden, still neci@, and that was enough to earn them this year’s Best New Bar award.

2. Groove House 12333 West Ave. (210) 598-2083

3. Slackers

multiple locations slackersbars.com

BAR FOOD Winner: Sanchos Cantina 628 Jackson St., (210) 320-1840, sanchosmx.com

hef Sean Villarreal has managed to do the near-impossible by creating a menu of affordable bar food that works as something more — much

more — than stomach filler. Sancho’s has won fans as a late-night eating option because the food rocks harder than the bands playing in the main bar. Its deceptively simple menu offers a variety of tortas, tacos and empanadas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Vegans and vegetarians will also be happy to know they’re not left out when it comes to choices. Unexpected twists, from sweet-and-tangy pickled onions to an addictive avocado salsa, take the choices up to the next level. Villarreal’s hamburguesa blends organic beef and zesty chorizo and serves it up on a house-made bolillo topped with Monterey Jack, chiles and the aforementioned avocado salsa. Clientele also keeps streaming back for the crisp, fried shrimp balls and the vegan frijoles a la charra, which sacrifice all the pork and none of the flavor.

2. Mad Pecker

6025 Tezel Rd #122 (210) 562-3059 Madpeckerbrewing.com

Best of SA | Nightlife BLUE BOX

3. Francis Bogside

2. Artisan on Alamo Distillery

COCKTAILS Winner: Blue Box 312 Pearl Pkwy #2107, (210) 227-2583, blueboxbar.com

3. SA Country Saloon

803 S. St. Mary’s St. (210) 369-9192 francisbogside.com

he first bar established in the Historic Pearl area, Blue Box opened in 2012. The bar was the first to introduce craft cocktails to the popular destination and has been slinging amazing drinks ever since. With a menu that changes seasonally and a vast collection of liquor and spirits, it’s no wonder it’s one of the best cocktail bars in San Antonio. They infuse their own shots as well and host a happy hour Monday through Friday with discounted prices on house cocktails and a couple of classics. Check out their social media for the special events such as DJ nights, Spurs games, crawfish boils (when the season is right) and more. Pro-tip: Those happy hour cocktails can be ordered outside of happy hour for a slightly higher price.

315 8th St. (210) 896-5070 Artisanonalamo.com 10127 Coachlight St. (210) 525-0915

CRAFT BEER Winner: Flying Saucer 11255 Huebner Rd #212, (210) 696-5080

his Northwest Side happy hour hangout has built a thirsty following thanks to its massive selection of tap and bottled beer. The lineup is constantly rotating to bring in seasonal styles, hard-to-find imports and the latest local microbrews. And if sipping a complex Belgian ale to detect its hop varieties isn’t entertainment enough, the Saucer’s also got a hump day social hour, Texas pint nights and cash-prize trivia games to keep things interesting for the casual brew hound. The kitchen turns out formidable burgers, pizzas, salads and even a float made with Russian Imperial stout

and vanilla ice cream. And there’s one more attraction for truly dedicated hop heads: Those with enough stamina to tip back 200 unique brews at the Saucer are immortalized by having their own personalized plate hung on the wall. (Although, no matter how tempting, we don’t recommend going for that in one sitting.)

2. The Cove

606 W Cypress St. (210) 227-2683, thecove.us

3. Big Hops

306 Austin St (210) 320-1470 bighops.com

COUNTRY BAR Winner: Thirsty Horse Saloon 2335 NW Military Hwy, (210) 348-1513, thirstyhorse.net

country bar done right is all about the things left undone, really. The unfussed-over details, the distinct things deemed unimportant

FLYING SAUCER

are, after all, what really separate one bar from another, in general. A good country bar doesn’t care about class – it cares about comfort. It doesn’t care about luxury or lifestyle – it cares about livability. It doesn’t care about finesse – it cares about fun. This year, our readers have selected Thirsty Horse Saloon, a spot in North Central SA that perfectly fits the ideal of a country bar in the suburbs, as their favorite Country Bar. While great drink specials and laid-back vibes make Thirsty Horse the kind of watering hole you want to return to time after time, it’s the place’s consistently-solid country music concerts (especially of the Texas country, red dirt, and party country variety) that provide the initial incentive for many to visit. If you haven’t checked out this fan favorite yet, upcoming shows featuring Stoney LaRue and Josh Ward might prove the perfect time.

2. Cowboys Dancehall

3030 NE Interstate 410 Loop Cowboysdancehall.com

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Best of SA | Nightlife OAK HILLS TAVERN

6 101

3. SA Country Saloon 10127 Coachlight St. (210) 525-0915,

DIVE BAR Winner: Oak Hills Tavern 7920 Fredericksburg Rd, (210) 614-8855

W WHATABURGER

ith its casual vibe and friendly atmosphere, this watering hole near the Medical Center gets a back-to-back win in this category and does it with the same IDGAF attitude most dive bars try to embrace. Or, at least, it’s pretending not to give any fucks (it’s kind of hard to believe it doesn’t with its growing fan base). Either way, Oak Hills Tavern is doing something right with its diverse clientele hitting up the venue for its daily happy hour, large selection of Texas-crafted beers and chef-inspired menu, which includes handmade pizza, burgers, tacos, quesadillas and other house specials. You can even order a basket of fries and top it with beer cheese sauce, spicy crema, pico de gallo and carne guisada. Uh, sold! The tavern has karaoke on Sundays and Tuesdays, open mic for stand-up comedians on Wednesdays and features DJ Mighty Iris on Friday and local bands or DJs on Saturdays. It also teams up with Video Dungeon Theatre, a local cult cinema group that curates double feature screenings like Death Wish and Ms. 45.

we left our car and who the fuck we’re hanging out with, ’cause do you know this person buying me french fries? I don’t. Anyway, Whataburger, thanks for being you. We love you. Sincerely, San Antonio.

2. Luther’s Cafe 1503 N Main Ave. (210) 223-7727 Lutherscafe.com

3. Home

you know – your home

BLOODY MARY Winner: Pico De Gallo 111 S Leona St., (210) 225-6060, picodegallo.com

2. Artisan on Alamo Distillery 315 8th St., (210) 896-5070, artisanonalamo.com

3. The Hangar Bar

8203 Broadway, (210) 824-2700, thehangarsa.com

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PICO DE GALLO RESTAURANT

2. Joey’s

2417 N St Mary’s St. (210) 733-9573 Joeyrestaurants.com

3. 2015 Place

2015 San Pedro Ave (210) 733-3365

PLACE TO SOBER UP Winner: Whataburger multiple locations, whataburger.com

h, Whataburger. How us Texans love you so. From being a space where folks rip MAGA hats oﬀ folks’ heads to a place where drag queens have photo shoots, you always have been and forever will be that late night eatery that satiates our post-bar, post-concert or post-party food cravings. Yeah, you’ve been there for us. Dare we call you our best friend, Whataburger? We Über to you when we’re too drunk to drive, so that we can sober up and figure out where sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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Open 3p-2a Everyday • Happy Hour 3-7pm Daily

MONDAYS: $5 COSMOS ALL DAY TUESDAYS: SHOT SPECIALS ALL DAY: $2.75 WELLS • $2 ZIEGENBOCK DRAFT “RIVER RAT SPECIAL” ALWAYS!

PSYCHIC HAPPY HOUR EVERY TUESDAY • FROM 6:30 - 8:30PM DJ and No Cover Saturday Nights

N. Presa St.

E. Houston St.

College St.

RIVERTINI AWARD WINNER 600 N. Presa St. Inside the Maverick Building 210.267.9885 THELOCALBARSA.COM LIKE US ON FB: THELOCALBARSA

SERVING SAN ANTONIO SINCE 1972 POOL, DARTS, JUKEBOX, AND PATIO

6310 CALLAGHAN RD (210) 342-7321

E FRCE R O N

POP DAY EVERY

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Best of SA | Nightlife KNOCKOUT

6 103 SPORTS BAR

Winner: Knockout

1420 N Main Ave, (210) 227-7678, knockoutsa.com

Julian Ledezma

HAVANA BAR

ocated in the heart of S.A.’s gay nightlife district and within eyesight of the city’s rainbow crosswalk, the Knockout has built a hopping happy hour and buzzing late-night biz with its inclusive spin on the classic sports bar trope. Rainbow banners drape the exposed rafters and multiple TVs, including a few wall-sized projection screens, air the latest games and sports talk programs while a DJ or the digital jukebox keep the tunes flowing. A backroom bar opens after the sun sets, oﬀering a whole other realm to explore, including additional pool tables, dart boards and a punching bag. And when things really get booming, the action spills out onto a covered patio where it’s easy to mingle with revelers taking in the strip. The kitchen serves up classic sports bar fare with an emphasis on wings. Those craving something heartier slip into Pup’s Pizza next door for handmade pies and calzones while Sunday’s Big Gay Brunch oﬀers a chance to combine a hangover cure with catching the game with friends.

2. Slackers

multiple locations Slackersbars.com

3. Cover 3

1806 TX-1604 Loop (210) 479-9700 cover-3.com/san-antonio-page

HOTEL BAR Winner: Havana Bar 1015 Navarro St., (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com/restaurantand-bar/havana-bar

long the San Antonio River, in the basement of an old historic hotel is the Havana Bar, which bares the same name as the hotel it’s hosted in, the Hotel Havana. The bar is a speakeasy of sorts, dark, and dimly lit. It’s filled with couches, and sports a menu packed with classics and a couple of house specialties, not to mention cigars. The bar takes on the vibe that one would imagine to in Havana, staying true to its name. The best part of the bar is that it’s a bit of a hidden secret, and 107 6 sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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Best of SA | Nightlife THE BONHAM EXCHANGE

SAn ANtOn Io’s FAvOrItE ADuLt DRiNk DRiVe THrU

“

NoMiNaTeD FoR BeSt Of SaN AnToNiO

BE sT M A rGa R iTa

6 105 most don’t realize it is there. It makes for a nice, intimate space to take a date or to just sit at the bar and have a cocktail or two while taking a cigar break in between. Be sure to visit the Havana Bar the next time you are in the downtown area.

2. Menger Hotel 204 Alamo Plaza

(210) 223-4361 Mengerhotel.com

3. Sternewirth (Hotel Emma) 136 E. Grayson St. (210) 223 7375 thehotelemma.com/culinary/ sternewirth

DANCE CLUB + GAY BAR Winner: The Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham (210) 224-9219 bonhamexchange.com

rected 127 years ago and inaugurated as a German social and athletic club, the beloved Bonham Exchange boasts something most other nightspots in town can’t compete with: history. Transformed into a gay bar in 1980 by developer/restaurateur/nightlife entrepreneur Arthur P. “Happy” Veltman Jr., the venue played host to an array of iconic acts in its golden years (the Ramones, Iggy Pop and Debbie Harry to name but a few) but

BEsT MIcHeLaDa

”

BEsT DRi Nk S P eCi AlS

is now chiefly a pleasure palace that keeps its wildly mixed crowd pumped with bargain cocktails (including $1 well drinks all night on Thursday), high-energy dance music and retro jams, drag shows and karaoke. Although much has been said about the club’s specific orientation (if you’re looking for trade, you’ll find it more easily on the Main Strip), the truth of the matter is that the Bonham is welcoming of anyone looking for a party. That open-door policy is perhaps best exemplified during Fiesta, when the Bonham hosts a truly eclectic (and often steamy) after-party following the Battle of Flowers Parade.

GAY BAR 2. Heat 1500 N. Main Ave (210) 227-2600 heatsa.com

3. Sparky’s

1416 N. Main Ave (210) 320-5111 sparkyspub.com

DANCE CLUB 2. Brass Monkey 2702 N St Mary’s St. (210) 480-4722

TAkE tHe pArTy wItH yOu! VIsIt oNe oF oUr lOcAtIoNs. 823 san pedro ave san antonio, tx (210) 222-2700

3. Burnhouse

4553 N Loop 1604 E #1229 (210) 957-1670 burnhousesatx.com

5132 west ave san antonio, tx (210) 342-5600

1331 se military dr san antonio, tx (210) 932-3300

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1 night. 25 stages. 75+ Local Bands + DJs. Saturday, September 29

All-Access Wristbands on Sale now sanantoniomusicshowcase.com 108

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Y A D R ATU

S S D EN

—

2 or More 750ml Bottles of

SPANISH WINE

July 9th–28th • Mix & Match

*Spanish Wine Sale runs 7/9/2018 - 7/28/2018. Discount off regular priced 750ml bottles of wine from Spain. Excludes Twin Deals, Bargain Barrels, EDLP, Ends in "2" pricing and sale items. Some exclusions apply. Please drink responsibly.

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Best of SA | Nightlife THE AZTEC THEATRE

6322 SAN PEDRO AVE | (210) 847-9488

BEST FROZEN MANGO, CHAMOY, AND CLASSIC MARGARITAS!

FRIDAY @ 9PM $2 CAPE CODS & $3 STRANGELOVE SHOTS ALL NIGHT NO COVER

6 107 MUSIC VENUE Winner: The Aztec Theatre 104 N. St. Mary’s St. theaztectheatre.com

2. Floore’s Country Store

DRINK SPECIAL/ CHEAP DRINKS Winner: Beer n’ all 823 San Pedro Ave (210) 222-2700 mybeernall.com

14492 Old Bandera Rd, Helotes (210) 695-8827 liveatfloores.com

2. Slackers

3. Paper Tiger

3. SA Country Saloon

BARTENDER Winner: Crissy Costello - Amp Room 2407 N St Mary’s St.

HAPPY HOUR Winner: Slackers multiple locations slackersbars.com

2410 N. St. Mary’s St. papertigersatx.com

2.Vikki Buchanan - The Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham (210) 224-9219 bonhamexchange.com

3.Jorge Paez - Pico De Gallo Restaurant 111 S Leona St. (210) 225-6060 picodegallo.com

ADULT CLUB Winner: Sugars 2731 Northwest Loop 410 (210) 340-1289

2. Essence

1010 N. Main Ave (210) 223-5418

3. The Palace

2482 NE Interstate 410 Loop (210) 599-6011

multiple locations slackersbars.com

SATURDAY $3 DOS XX & $3 MARGARITAS ALL NIGHT NO COVER

10127 Coachlight St. (210) 525-0915

THURSDAY • JULY 26 9PM-2AM TOOL TRIBUTE BAND SCHISM FROM NYC FREE OUTDOOR SHOW

2. Groove House 12333 West Ave. (210) 598-2083

3. SA Country saloon 10127 Coachlight St. (210) 525-0915

HOOKAH BAR Winner: Shisha Cafe 5500 Babcock Rd #101 (210) 694-4800 shishacafesa.com

FRIDAY • AUG 24 9PM-2AM

2. Naara Cafe and Hookah

MICHAEL JACKSON ROCK WITH YOU DANCE

9329 Wurzbach Rd #101 (210) 558-9800 naaracafe.com

3. Sultan Cafe and Grill 5625 Babcock Rd (210) 641-5544

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JAPANESE STYLE GASTROPUB D A I LY H A P P Y H O U R + LATE NIGHT KITCHEN m o n d ay- s u n d ay: 4 p m - 2 a m 7 7 0 1 B r o a d w ay S t. # 1 2 4 hanzoBar.com

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Best of SA | Nightlife LITTLE WOODROW’S

6 111 BEST BAR GAMES

Mark Stenberg

multiple locations littlewoodrows.com

KARAOKE BAR Winner: Dad’s Karaoke 2615 Mossrock (210) 267-5703

2. Slackers

2. Pegasus

Winner: Little Woodrow’s

multiple locations slackersbars.com

3. Hills and Dales Ice House 15403 White Fawn Dr. (210) 695-2307 hillsanddalesicehouse.ne

madpeckerbrewing.com

1402 N Main Ave (210) 299-4222 pegasussanantonio.com

3. Who’s Who Cocktail 1711 Babcock Rd. (210) 973-5055

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TEMPTING THE TASTE OF THOSE WILLING TO TRY food | beer | events

6025 tezel rd #12 san antonio, tx 78250 | 210.562.3059 | happy hour m-f 4-7p visit mad pecker brewing company, located on the far west side of san antonio, tx. full menu & craft beer. sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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4553 NORTH LOOP 1604 W #1229 SA N A N TON IO, T X 78 249 (2 10) 957-1670

BU R N H O U S E SAT X

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Best of SA | Nightlife SPARKY’S PUB

PEGASUS

6 113 LESBIAN BAR

Winner: Sparky’s Pub 1416 N Main Ave (210) 320-5111 sparkyspub.com

2. La Botanica

2911 N St Mary’s St. (210) 716-0702 vivalabotanica.com

3. Pegasus

1402 N Main Ave (210) 299-4222 pegasussanantonio.com

MEAT-MARKET BAR Winner: Pegasus 1402 N Main Ave (210) 299-4222 pegasussanantonio.com

2. Paramour Bar

1524, 102 9th St #400 (210) 340-9880 paramourbar.com

3. Blue Box

312 Pearl Pkwy #2107 (210) 227-2583 blueboxbar.com

PLACE TO NURSE A HANGOVER Winner: Magnolia Pancake Haus 10333 Huebner Rd (210) 496-0828

411 BONHAM SATX 78205 | 210-224-9219 2. El Milagrito

elmilagritocafe.com

3. SA Country Saloon

HEALTHY KIDS NEEDED FOR A STUDY ON BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

10127 Coachlight St. (210) 525-0915

MICHELADA Winner: Pico De Gallo Restaurant 111 S. Leona St. (210) 225-6060 picodegallo.com

2. Beer ’N All

multiple locations Mybeernall.com

3. SA Country Saloon 10127 Coachlight St. (210) 525-0915

SUNDAY FUNDAY Winner: Hills and Dales Ice House 15403 White Fawn Dr. (210) 695-2307 hillsanddalesicehouse.net

2. The Rustic

17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 204 (210) 245-7500 therustic.com

3. Slackers

multiple locations lackersbars.com

We are conducting a study on brain development, using MRI to study the structure and function of the brain. There is NO radiation in MRI. To be in the study, the child should: Be between the ages of 8-17 years old, have not received a psychiatric diagnosis & have a parent without a psychiatric diagnosis.

Children will be: - Given pictures of their brain - Given a certificate from the University acknowledging their successful time volunteering in research - Given the gratification of knowing their participation may help other kids who are seriously ill - Paid for their participation

If you are interested in participating in this research,

Please Call (210) 450-8362 OR BDstudySA@uthscsa.edu sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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Why Many Are Calling This The “Best Contact Lens Ever!” Permanent Contact Lenses provide clear, crisp vision without the typical contact lens annoyances. BY TROY COLE Most contact lens users will tell you: YES, contacts are so much more convenient than prescription glasses. BUT they come with their own set of frustrations that make standard contacts far from perfect. Some of the most common and obvious contact lens complaints: • You have to take them out every night • Constantly keeping them clean • Contacts dry out your eyes • You must go in each year for an updated prescription • Keeping up with all the supplies while you travel • Spending money and time on contacts and solutions, day after day, month after month, seemingly… forever. That’s why a few years ago, a group of scientists set out to create a new kind of contact lens. They developed a technology that would revolutionize contacts as we know them - a permanent contact called the Visian.

The Advantage of Permanent Contacts Unlike your normal, run-of-the-mill contact lenses, Visian is not a daily, weekly or extended wear device. It is actually a permanent contact lens. You may be thinking, “Wait, I thought that kind of thing only existed in sci-fi movies!” The Visian is indeed a futuristic technology, albeit one that has been around for more than a decade and has helped thousands of people across the world untether from the daily hassles of old-school contact lenses. Rather than having to place contacts in your eyes each morning, remove them each night, clean them, store them, and so forth, the Visian simplifies your journey to crisp, clear and convenient vision. This is the only lens FDA-approved to leave in permanently. A doctor places the Visian just below the surface of the eye (the cornea). This takes a matter of minutes, and wearers report getting back to their normal activities the following day.

Once in place, the Visian is maintenance-free. No supplies. No monthly reorders. No losing them at the most inopportune times. In fact, you won’t see or feel the Visian once it’s on your eye. You’ll just see, without having to think about finding your contact lens case every morning. Another important aspect of Visian - it is a one-time placement, which means a one-time investment. Wearing the Visian replaces old school contacts in your life and in your budget, with one important difference: an actual *end* to the spending. No more dumping money into basic contacts.

“I didn’t even know this kind of permanent contact lens was an option. But now, it’s completely changed my life.” - Heather P, Visian wearer

Is There a Visian Doctor Near You? While Visian grows in popularity (over a million users worldwide), some out-of-date eye surgeons have yet to adopt this breakthrough technology. Thank God we aren’t living in the 1950s anymore, and fortunately for south central Texas residents, the nation’s leading expert in the Visian procedure is located right here in San Antonio. Dr. Greg Parkhurst has helped thousands (including his own wife) make the switch from typical contacts to the Visian Permanent Contact Lens. He even led the effort to get the Visian approved for use in the U.S. military. Visit SanAntonio-LASIK.com or call 844-834-2020 for more information.

The Best of San Antonio Can Get Even Better After Modern LASIK. From Museums and Movie Theaters to Playgrounds and Patios, enjoy the Best of San Antonio with clear, crisp vision from Parkhurst NuVision.

At Parkhurst NuVision, You’ll Find the Advanced Vision Solution You Need: • • •

Modern LASIK Visian™ Permanent Contact Lenses Corneal Inlay Procedure to Fix Reading Vision Over 40

PARKHURST NUVISION ON

A D V Aof N C E D Antonio” V I S I O N Award C O R R E Winner C T I O N “Best San

PARKHURST NUVISION A DVA N C E D

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Schedule Your Appointment Now: 844-834-2020 | SanAntonio-LASIK.com 0% Interest Payment Plans Available

“People Love Us on Yelp!” Award Winner

The Real San Antonio Tour

World Heritage Missions Tour

Taste San Antonio Food Tour

WWW.SANANTONIODETOURS.COM

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Ultimate Scavenger Hunt

Hill Country Wine Tours and Outings

#1 on Trip

210-632-7839

Advisor

Best of SA | Around Town BRACKENRIDGE PARK

Justin Moore

CITY PARK Winner: Brackenridge Park 3700 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 207-7275, brackenridgepark.org

ocated just below the headwaters of the San Antonio River, the historic Brackenridge Park is a sprawling 343 acres and encompasses multiple attractions. The land was donated to the city in 1899 by George Washington Brackenridge, a leading citizen at the time and founder of what is now the San Antonio Express-News. A bronze statue of Brackenridge, who also donated land for the nearby Mahncke Park, stands at the Broadway entrance of the park. Loved by locals and tourists alike, the park is home to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Japanese Tea Gardens, the Witte Museum, Sunken Garden Theatre, San Antonio Zoo, the Eagle miniature train and the Brackenridge Park Golf Course. Visitors also enjoy jogging trails, public art, baseball fields, picnic tables and more. Attractions and amenities aside, the park is plenty special all on its own,

with evidence of human occupation dating back 11,000 years ago as well as Native American artifacts as old as 9200 B.C. being found within the premises.

MISSION CROSSFIT SA

2. Hemisfair Park / Yanaguana Garden 434 S. Alamo St. (210) 709-4750 hemisfair.org

3. Phil Hardberger Park 13203 Blanco Road (210) 492-7472 philhardbergerpark.org

CROSSFIT Winner: Mission CrossFit SA 8842 Broadway, (210) 865-9348, missioncrossfitsa.com

ission CrossFit is a premiere fitness facility dedicated to providing quality training and personalized workout routines for those looking to enhance their lives through strength and aerobics exercises. With a dedicated staﬀ of professionals, Mission CrossFit provides members the chance to become stronger and healthier as they exercise in group or private environments tailored to their needs. Specialized sessions for women,

children and athletes are offered as well, giving unsure guests a place to start. Although Mission CrossFit offers a variety of exercise plans and classes, the facility is not like most gyms. The trained staff at Mission CrossFit take the time to educate its members on nutrition and wellness through information sessions, while offering tenser guests a chance to relax through massage therapy appointments. The facility hosts 45 CrossFit classes a week, which can be attended by anyone who wishes to get acquainted with the program. Both beginners and seasoned trainers are welcome to join one of these classes or to find out more information about the competitive world of CrossFit tournaments.

2. Jones N4 Crossfit & Personal Training 3131 Thousand Oaks (210) 997-1600 jonesn4crossfit.com

3. Elite CrossFit

Multiple locations elite-crossfit.com

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Best of SA | Around Town PHIL HARDBERGER PARK

6 121 DOG PARK

Winner: Phil Hardberger Park

13203 Blanco Road, (210) 492-7472, philhardbergerpark.org

hile San Antonio has plenty of dog-friendly bars and restaurants (patios for days!), sometimes your pup just needs to get out and stretch their legs. Even then, your furry friends aren’t always satisfied with accompanying you to the park if it means being on a leash. That’s where dog parks come in – and where Phil Hardberger Park absolutely shines with two parks dedicated to man’s best friend. One is for fun-sized furry friends, and the other is for more

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fabulously-sized breeds. Both are equipped with everything you need to make your dog’s social time fun and safe. The fun side comes in with platforms and outcroppings for dogs to play on as well as dog-friendly water fountains to stay cool. The flip-side is that there’s plenty of shade for those hot summer evenings and water so you and your pet can stay hydrated. Another safety perk is that the fenced parks also have features to keep those door-dashers safe from escaping into the rest of the park.

2. McAllister Park

13102 Jones Maltsberger Road (210) 207-7275 sanantonio.gov

3. Tom Slick Park

7400 Texas 151 Access Road (210) 207-7275 sanantonio.gov

FIESTA EVENT Winner: A Night Out In Old San Antonio 227 S. Presa St., (210) 226-5188, niosa.org

hough Fiesta has plenty of diverse events throughout its 10-day run, A Night Out In Old San Antonio, better known as NIOSA (pronunciation is up to you), has remained a fan favorite through the years. Founded in 1924 as a one-night offering, the modern-day four-night festival takes over La Vil-

lita and brings more than 240 food, drink and atmosphere booths as well as live music and games. A can’t-miss is the chicken-on-a-stick topped with a jalapeño, a NIOSA staple that is synonymous with Fiesta. Although (in) famous for booze-infused nights and running into everyone you know and their abuelita, the nighttime street fair celebrates San Antonio’s diverse heritage throughout 15 cultural areas, from Sauerkraut Bend and Mission Trail to the French Quarter and Froggy Bottom. Billed as a “celebration for preservation,” proceeds from NIOSA go toward protecting structures and landmarks throughout the city that bring tourists from all over the world to San Antonio. 1246

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Best of SA | Around Town HAIR BY EILEEN

I LOVE TACOS SO MUCH

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2. King William Fair 122 Madison Street (210) 271-3247 kwfair.org

3. Fiesta Flambeau Parade Downtown San Antonio (210) 202-7900 fiestaflambeauparade.org

HAIR SALON Winner: Hair By Eileen 14615 Interstate 35 Frontage Road, Selma, (210) 710-4239, hairbyeileen.com

ocated in Selma, Hair By Eileen caters to those looking for quality hair-styling and all of their beauty needs. Hair artist and licensed cosmetology instructor Eileen Perez specializes in dimensional color and artistic design of all hair types for women, men and children. With high standards of styling and cutting, its no wonder that the salon has nothing but 5-star reviews on Yelp. Perhaps most important is she creates a healthy hair plan for every customer that considers your lifestyle, guaranteeing a look mindfully customized just for you. For those truly dedicated to self-care and who want to treat themselves, Perez is experienced with Brazilian blowouts and split-end correction. Hair By Eileen is a well-rounded beauty stop with additional services like eyebrow tinting and waxing. Trust the voters and take advantage of a free 15-minute consultation and book an appointment soon. Hair By Eileen is worth the wait and drive out to Selma.

2. Studio 27 Hair Salon

15737 San Pedro Ave. (210) 952-7877 facebook.com/Studio27hairsalonsatx

3. Hair Candy SA 742 NW Loop 410 (210) 860-4704 124

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MURAL Winner: I Love Tacos So Much 109 W. Grayson St.

play on Austin’s “I Love You So Much” mural on South Congress, San Antonio’s playful replica proves that the 2-1-0 is truly the taco capital of Texas. When the mural was first unveiled in 2015, local producer/director Luiz Muñoz said he was inspired by the friendly taco rivalry between San Antonio and Austin, but wanted to be clear that the Alamo City will always be the clear winner here. Rivalry aside, the mural has become a must-visit site for selfies or that puro San Anto ‘gram that proves you’ve seen the Alamo City. Due to its visibility, the mural has also been subject to not-so-friendly visitors who have vandalized it plenty of times. Still, it’s allowed San Antonio to show love to another Texas city. Last year, the mural was temporarily revamped to read “I Love Houston So Much” following the devastating Hurricane Harvey. San Antonians and visiting taco-lovers alike can find Muñoz’s ode to tacos at Viva Tacoland near The Pearl Brewery.

2. Selena Mural 4913 S. Flores St.

3. Viva Fiesta

2611 Broadway St.

MUSEUM Winner: The Witte Museum 3801 Broadway St., (210) 357-1900, wittemuseum.org

llen Schultz, a botanist and teacher, had a goal to start a museum as San Antonio was growing back in 1923. She held a fundraiser to acquire a natural history collection, selling bluebonnets

and cakes. That same year, the collection was unveiled at Main Avenue High School, and began what is now known as the Witte Museum. Nestled in Brackenridge Park, the museum opened in 1926 and grew rapidly as paintings, historical artifacts and additional historic structures were added. During this time the museum became a gathering place for artists, researchers and scholars, but was welcoming to all in the community. The beloved museum celebrates the Lone Star State with visiting exhibitions, signature programs and permanent collections. Last year, the “New Witte” was unveiled, including a Dinosaur Hall, a People of the Pecos Gallery, an Acequia Garden and more where visitors can experience Texas through time. From the time of dinosaurs to Texas’ rich cultural history of cattle kings and vaqueros, the Witte Museum is the perfect spot to learn more about what makes Texas great.

2. McNay Art Museum

6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. (210) 824-5368 mcnayart.org

3. The DoSeum

2800 Broadway St. (210) 212-4453 thedoseum.org

NON-FIESTA FESTIVAL Winner: Síclovía siclovia.org

hile San Antonians consistently get a bad rap for being inactive, the undulating popularity of Síclovía proves this notion wrong. The free festival is a bi-annual event (though it has inspired spinoffs and special edition events) thrown by the YMCA of Greater San Antonio that converts main roads in Southtown into moveable car-free spaces that encourage people (some of whom choose to dress up in whacky costumes) and even their furry friends to take exercise classes, ride their bikes, rollerblade, run, play and even Zumba in the streets. It’s great for entire families because everyone can decide what they want to participate in. There are usually treats for your pets, food trucks, live music and activities for kids. The family-friendly event also spotlights local businesses and connects residents with 125 6

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E AT U R E O U R F S Y A LW A E W F OR BR UNC H

Bloody Maria

1.5 OZ 03 OZ 0.5 OZ 1 DASH

ENO SPIRITS TEXAS JALAP ODY MARY MIX ZING ZANG BLO LIME JUICE ICE DILL PICKLE JU ASTE TABASCO TO T

IC E . P O U R E D IE N T S W IT H R G IN LL A E K U LI K E . SHA A R N IS H A S Y O G , S S LA G LL IN A T A

AT BROOKS The Greenline is the Southsideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest outdoor oasis located at Brooks.

Come visit the award-winning 43-acre linear park for family fun, catch and release fishing, playscapes, regular events, outdoor games and more.

2532 Sidney Brooks Open 6am to 11pm daily 126

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@TheGreenlineSA

Best of SA | Around Town SICLOVIA

Andrew Lopez

6 125 community organizations. Whether you’re a Siclovia veteran or still meaning to take part, be sure to pencil in the next Síclovía, scheduled for September 30.

2. Out In The Park 17000 IH-10 West (210) 697-5050 sixflags.com

3. Alamo Aloha Fiestaval 9333 SW Loop 410 (210) 623-8383 tradersvillage.com

PATIO Winner: La Gloria Multiple locations, chefjohnnyhernandez.com

a Gloria is a shining gem of the San Antonio culinary experience. The upscale, yet homey, restaurant showcases the genius of Chef Johnny Hernandez as he’s brought traditional Mexican street food to the city and made it hip. La Gloria maintains the authenticity of its influences while expanding on the formula to provide delicious food at affordable prices served in an atmosphere that mixes the best of Mexican and American culture. Guests who visit one of La Gloria’s three Alamo City locations can enjoy food straight from Oaxaca, Mexico City and Veracruz while watching a Spurs game or taking a break from shopping at the local farmers market. La Gloria offers a hometown 129 6

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8 0 3

S T .

HOURS

S T R E E T , MONDAY-SUNDAY 4PM-2AM

C A L L : 210.369.9192 | 128

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S A N

A N T O N I O,

T E X A S

SERVING FOOD TILL 1:30AM SUNDAY-THURSDAY

FRANCISBOGSIDE.COM

7 8 2 0 5

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT 11AM

Best of SA | Around Town SAN ANTONIO PETS ALIVE

6 127 experience while serving Hernandez’s tasty twists on tacos al pastor and cocteles de mariscos, tastes that originated from the chef ’s memories of Mexican vendors mixed with his own personal tastes. Bar enthusiasts will also be happy to find that although the restaurant is family-friendly, the bar is always stocked with a variety of wines, cocktails and margaritas, perfect for an after-work treat or a night out with friends. So grab a drink and set up on the patio that we just can’t get enough of.

2. The Rustic

17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 204

(210) 245-7500 therustic.com

3. Burleson Yard Beer Garden 430 Austin St. (210) 354-3001 facebook.com/BurlesonYard

PET ADOPTION Winner: San Antonio Pets Alive Multiple locations, sanantoniopetsalive.org “Our vision is to end the practice of euthanizing dogs and cats in need of homes.” SA Pets Alive’s commitment to finding homes for animals is just

one of the reasons why they’re San Antonio’s favorite pet adoption spot. Each adoption includes getting the pet fully vetted. This includes being spayed/neutered, obtaining all of its necessary vaccines, microchipping (which is required by the city), heartworm testing as well as flea and heartworm preventatives. Taking your new pet to a vet and asking for all of this could cost hundreds of dollars, but it’s all included in the low adoption fee at SA Pets Alive. Another perk of adopting through SAPA! is that staff and foster families can often tell you what an animal’s personality is like – if they’re good with other dogs

or cats, if they prefer playing or cuddling (for many animals, it’s both), if they have any quirks and even their health history. Basically, when you adopt through SAPA!, all of your bases are covered – no surprise trips to the vet and you won’t be caught offguard when it comes to their temperament. Imagine being able to pick the perfect pet. At Pets Alive, you can.

2. God’s Dogs Rescue godsdogsrescue.org

3. Animal Defense League 11300 Nacogdoches Road (210) 655-1481

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· Birth Control · Emergency Contraception · STD Testing & Treatment · Pregnancy Testing · Well-Woman Exams · Men’s Health Services · PrEP & HIV Testing · Transgender Hormone Therapy · Fertility Assistance Treatments

CARE.

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE IS. 130

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PLANNED PARENTHOOD SOUTH TEXAS

accepts most health insurance plans and offers self-pay options at five convenient locations across San Antonio.

PPSOUTHTEXAS.ORG | 1-800-230-PLAN @ppsouthtexas

Best of SA | Around Town 6 129

adltexas.org

PLACE TO GET PAMPERED Winner: FLOAT 4535 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 201, (210) 562-3310, floatsa.com

LOAT gives San Antonians the opportunity to experience the relaxing and rejuvenating properties of the next big self-care trend: sensory deprivation tanks. Although the name sounds like it came right out of a science fiction show (Stranger Things, anyone?), the pampering experience found within the facility’s soundproof tanks is the real deal. Guests of the spa can float their busy, day-to-day lives away on a buoyant mixture of water and Epsom salt as

they listen to the sound of relaxing music and relieve stress on their circulatory systems. As the water maintains a constant temperature of 93.5 degrees, the same temperature as our bodies, floaters will experience the tranquility of a no-distractions environment free of stimulation and touch. The treatment is said to lower the body’s production of adrenaline while heightening dopamine and endorphin levels, increasing a person’s overall positivity and brain function. FLOAT has given the gift of relaxation to numerous stressed individuals, most notably veterans and active duty military members living with PTSD.

2. Skin Bliss Health and Wellness Spa 8600 Wurzbach Road (210) 461-0477

skinblisshealthspa.com

3. Stripped Skincare

999 East Basse Road (210) 716-0444 facebook.com/StrippedSkinSA

PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH Winner: Historic Pearl 303 Pearl Pkwy., (210) 212-7260, atpearl.com

n many ways, the Historic Pearl serves as the city’s collective watering hole: a centrally located, gorgeous mixed-use space that oﬀers low-brow and high-brow eats, shopping and events, ranging from concerts, movies, yoga and the prized farmers markets. All of this, including the natural beauty of the River Walk,

attracts an eclectic cast of characters who use it as their go-to stomping ground. Here are some of the flora and fauna that you’ll peep on your next visit: the wannabe Instagram influencer snapping all their angles; 8-10 people in a Spurs jersey (three people specifically repping Tim Duncan); chic foodies sampling some of the trendiest cuisine the Alamo City has to oﬀer; people meeting for the first time, either for a job interview or a date, you’re not sure; kids frolicking through the splash pad near the food court; adult gymnasts doing a balancing act by practicing acro-yoga; curious travelers that are so obviously tourists but are actively trying to experience San Antonio like locals; vegetarians indulging in Green’s delicious cauliflower hot wings; locals 133 6

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Alamo Eye Care

Meet Some of San Antonio’s Best Optometrists

Dr. Stephanie Aguilar

Board Certified Medical Optometrist VA Residency trained in Ocular Disease

Trust our new Optometrist, Dr. Aguilar, with your eye care today!

Dr. Melanie Frogozo • San Antonio Business Journal 2017 40 Under 40 Winner • Fellow of the American Academy of Optomtry • Residency trained in Cornea & Contact lenses

1742 N. LOOP 1604 E., SUITE 117 | SAN ANTONIO, TX 78232 | (210) 403-9050 | AlamoEyeCare.com 132

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Best of SA | Around Town SAN PEDRO SPRINGS PARK

UPCOMING EVENTS

6 131 enjoying a beer after a long day of work; and, inevitably, somebody you know.

2. San Antonio River Walk

849 E. Commerce St. (210) 227-4262 thesanantonioriverwalk.com

3. Market Square

514 W. Commerce St. (210) 207-8600

PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL Winner: San Pedro Springs Park 2200 N. Flores, (210) 732-5992, sanantonio.gov

hether it’s the history or beauty, the truly phenomenal tadpole-free public pool has earned its spot as a San Antonio favorite. The pool itself is lined with the biggest shady cypress trees you’ll find in the Alamo City and is fed by natural spring water. The park, the oldest in Texas, was originally home to some of the first inhabitants of our city, the Payaya people. They bathed and swam in the water, so even your casual afternoon splash is touched by history. The pool is also centrally located. If you get hungry, you can towel off and post up at one of the many shady BBQ cookout spots around the park. And while the legacy, atmosphere and convenience is great, it is also true that the water is always

cool and clean, the most essential elements to any well-respected public pool. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, swimming at this sweet spot is completely free – all you have to do is sign in.

AUGUST 20

SEPTEMBER 11

OCTOBER 29

NOVEMBER 25

2. Woodlawn Lake

1103 Cincinnati Ave. (210) 207-7275 sanantonio.gov

3. Alamo Heights Pool 250 Viesca St. (210) 824-2595 heightspool.com

TOURIST ATTRACTION Winner: River Walk 849 E. Commerce St., (210) 227-4262, thesanantonioriverwalk.com

hough best known today as a trendy spot for dining and drinking with a view, the River Walk is packed with plenty of history. The river was first used as a gathering place for Native Americans, but civilian Spanish settlers built their homes here in the 1700s. Development continued over the next two centuries with the building of the Alamo, La Villita and Arneson Theater. It wasn’t until 1929 that local architect Robert H.H. Hugman developed plans for the area surrounding the river to be more accessible. With a vision of retail development, Hugman helped create stone walkways, bridges and staircases 135 6

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We appreciate the SA Current and its readers for naming Havana Bar at Hotel Havana the Best Hotel Bar in San Antonio. Join us for all day Happy Hour every Thursday or for cocktails after your next visit to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

havanasanantonio.com

PrEP is a PILL that PREVENTS HIV. Learn about this once a day treatment at AARCSA.com

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303 N. FRIO ST. M-F: 8A-4:30P (210)688-5792

Best of SA | Around Town 6 133 that make the River Walk what it is today. Hotels, restaurants and shops have popped up in the decades since then. Though considered to be in the heart of downtown, the River Walk stretches from the Pearl down to Mission Reach, and can be explored by foot and bike, or even kayak or river barge in certain areas. When you consider that the River Walk oﬀers the chance for patrons to stay active, relax and enjoy cultural events, it’s no wonder San Antonians love it.

RIVER WALK

W I T H U S AT A E R I A L YOG A B O E R N E !

2. Historic Pearl 303 Pearl Pkwy. (210) 212-7260 atpearl.com

3. The Alamo

300 Alamo Plaza (210) 225-1391 thealamo.org

URBAN LEGEND Winner: Ghost Tracks 2902 Shane Road

e all know the story. A school bus full of children stalled on a railroad track. They met their fate when a train crashed into the bus in the early 1900s. The popularity of the legend has made the supposed tracks, said to be on San Antonio’s South Side, a must-visit for paranormal lovers. Visitors park on the tracks, put baby powder on the trunk of the car, get back inside and put the car in neutral. Then the spirits of the kids killed in the crash push the car over the tracks, and everyone goes wild after

seeing tiny handprints in the powder. Except this urban legend has been debunked as not having taken place in the Alamo City, but rather, Salt Lake City, Utah. The real mystery here is how the legend ended up circulating in San Antonio, but that won’t stop us from claiming it as our own.

2. La Llorona

South Side San Antonio

3. Donkey Lady Bridge

Applewhite Road over the Medina River 137 6

GHOST TRACKS

37131 IH10 WEST FRONTAGE RD STE 300-2

@Rulypondio4life

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Private Parties i Corporate Events i Bridal Showers i Birthdays i Date Night i Neighborhood Gatherings i Baby Showers i We celebrate it ALL!

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Recruiting for promo team! PHOTOGRAPHERS |STREET TEAM | BRAND AMBASSADORS

3230 Hillcrest Dr. Ste. 300 SA, TX 78201 i Crafthousestudios.com

SEND RESUME TO SAMARKETING@SACURRENT.COM

2018 -2019 Season Tickets onsale Now! Celebrating 25 years of San Antonio’s Family Theatre The new season features classic favorites, like Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat, Schoolhouse Rock Live! and Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Season tickets as low as $9 per person Haven’t you heard? We have the best popcorn in town. Bring this ad in for one free popcorn when you see a show.*

*Coupon expires November 2, 2018. No exchanges.

For tickets Visit MagikTheatre.org to order online, Call us at 210.227.2751, or visit the box office at 420 S. Alamo in Hemisfair 136

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LUCY’S DOGGY DAYCARE AND SPA

6 135 PET BOARDING

Winner: Lucy’s Doggy Daycare and Spa

2. Santikos Palladium IMAX-San Antonio

Multiple locations lucysdoggydaycare.com

17703 West Interstate 10 Frontage Road (210) 798-9949 santikos.com

2. Pup Pup & Away

3. Santikos Embassy 14

(210) 416-2592 puppupandawaysa.com

3. Tails Are Wagging

18965 Redland Road, Suite 105 (210) 403-3647 tailsarewaggingtx.com

MOVIE THEATER Winner: Alamo Drafthouse Park North 618 Northwest Loop 410 (210) 677-8500 drafthouse.com ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE

UR ROUTE

ARRIVING SOON M—

F 6 AM — 6 P

Best of SA | Around Town

Shorter wait. Faster connections.

MORE TIME FOR YOU.

Your time is important. We’ve adjusted our schedules to improve yours. VIAinfo.net

13707 Embassy Road (210) 496-4957 santikos.com

BED & BREAKFAST Winner: King William Manor 1037 S. Alamo St. (210) 222-0144 thekingwilliamhotel.com

2. Inn on the Riverwalk

Celebrate

129 Woodward Pl. (210) 225-6333 innontheriverwalk.com

Relax

3. Lambermont Events 950 E. Grayson St. (210) 271-9145 lambermontevents.com

dine

NAIL SALON Winner: Quarry Nails Multiple locations quarrynails.com

at South San Antonio’s only full-service hotel and spa

2. Asiana Nails

726 NW Loop 410, Suite 104 (210) 384-8884 asiananailslounge.com

3. Glaze Nail Lounge

742 NW Loop 410, Suite 113 (530) 312-6072 facebook.com/glazenaillounge

7610 South New Braunfels

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Best of SA | Around Town H-E-B

“10,000 Years of Love and´Resistance”

An exhibition and multi-disciplinary rebuttal to the Tricentennial of love, identity, family and mental and physical health in recognition of the 50-year spiritual union of Dr. Tomas Ybarra Frausto and his lifetime partner Mr. Dudley Brooks: Organized by curator David Zamora Casas.

6 137 PLACE TO WORK

Winner: H-E-B

Multiple locations heb.com

2. USAA

9800 Fredericksburg Road (210) 531-8722 usaa.com

3. Parkhurst NuVision

9725 Datapoint Drive, Suite #200 (210) 615-9358 sanantonio-lasik.com

BARBER SHOP Winner: Victory Salon and Barber Shop 4745 Fredericksburg Road (210) 281-5808 victorysalontx.com

2. Traveler Barbershop 2202 Broadway St. (210) 920-4134 travelerbarbershop.com

3. All American Barbershop 529 San Pedro Ave. (210) 334-0158 allamericanbarbershops.com

YOGA STUDIO Winner: MBS Fitness Multiple locations mbsfitness.net

2. Southtown Yoga Loft 724 S. Alamo St., Suite #3 (210) 881-9087 southtownyogaloft.com

Sat., Aug. 4, 6-9 pm: “Geographies of Love” LGBTQ+ panel discussion with Julian Pablo Ledezma, Luz Lopez and Tiffany Perez, moderated by Dr. Tomás Ybarra-Frausto and Mr. Dudley Brooks.

3. The Union Yoga + Strength

11255 Huebner Road, Suite #202 (210) 690-9642 theunionsa.com

Sat., Sept. 1, 6-8 pm: Closing Reception & LGBTQ+ Reading by Jo Reyes-Boitel, Anel Flores, Joyous Windrider Jiménez and Autumn Summers.

PUBLIC PLACE TO GET HIGH Winner: Japanese Tea Garden 3853 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 559-3148 saparksfoundation.org/japanese-teagarden

M Salon

2. Hays Street Bridge 803 N. Cherry St. (210) 207-0970

MICHELLE MOORE

3. Historic Pearl 303 Pearl Pkwy. (210) 212-7260 atpearl.com

2803 Fredericksburg Road San Antonio, TX 78201 bihlhausarts.org 210-383-9723

TEXTURIZING SPECIALIST | 17 YRS. EXPERIENCE

141 6

PERMANENT

JAPANESE STRAIGHTENING

JAPANESE TEA GARDEN

Enjoy Smooth Straight Hair without the Fuss!

BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT Control Frizz & Minimize Curl Pattern for about 3 Months

FREE CONSULTATIONS

210.777.2864 sacurrent.com | July 25-31, 2018, 2018 | CURRENT

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Now Enrolling for Fall 2018! alamo.edu/sac 140

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Best of SA | Around Town BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY

GOT PAIN? WE CAN HEEL THAT! 6 139 ART GALLERY

Winner: Blue Star Contemporary 116 Blue Star (210) 227-6960 bluestarcontemporary.org

6700 Huebner Road, Leon Valley (210) 523-1716 banderabowlingcenter.com

555 W. Bitters Road, Suite 123 (210) 863-4445 dizurita.com

VIEW Winner: Tower of the Americas 739 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. (210) 223-3101 toweroftheamericas.com

3. Presa House Gallery

2. Hays Street Bridge

2. DiZurita Gallery

725 S. Presa St. (210) 913-5842 presahouse.com

GYM Winner: Mission CrossFit SA 8842 Broadway (210) 865-9348 missioncrossfitsa.com

2. MBS Fitness

Multiple locations mbsfitness.net

3. Elite CrossFit

Multiple locations elite-crossfit.com

BOWLING ALLEY Winner: Bowl & Barrel 17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 102 (210) 920-1102 bowlandbarrel.com

Hee lin has g Sole bee Sa n vote

3. Bandera Bowling Center

803 N. Cherry St. (210) 207-0970

nA d as n t oni FA o Mas VOR ITE 's sag eT th

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TOWER OF THE AMERICAS

ep he row ast 6 y rapist rs -a eve nd we in a n us e ou don't r ha nds !

Try a deeper than deep tissue myofascial session from the nations FIRST "Barefoot Only" massage clinic with Jeni Spring or any of her big-footed Sasquatch Staff!

Pricing:

Jeni = $125/hr Sasquatch Staff = $80/hr Interns = $64/hr

2. University Bowl 12332 I-10, Suite 10 (210) 699-6235 ubbowl.com

HeelingSole.com | 210.560.1992 sacurrent.com | July 25-31, 2018, 2018 | CURRENT

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Best of SA | Around Town SLACKERS

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3. Paramour Bar

102 9th St., Suite 400 (210) 340-9880 paramourbar.com

PLACE/BAR TO TAKE YOUR SIDE PIECE (OR TINDER DATE) Winner: Slackers Multiple locations slackersbars.com

2. The Rustic

17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 204 (210) 245-7500 therustic.com

3. Bexar Stage

1203 Camden St. (210) 281-4259 bexarstage.com

MED SPA Winner: FLOAT 4535 Fredericksburg Road Suite 201 (210) 562-3310 floatsa.com

2. Spa Aesthetica

16535 Huebner Road, Suite 108 (210) 267-8882 spaaesthetica.com

3. Nova Aesthetics 6465 Blanco Road (210) 348-9164 novaaesthetics.com

COMMUNITY THEATER Winner: Woodlawn Theatre

1920 Fredericksburg Road (210) 267-8388 woodlawntheatre.org

2. The Magik Theatre 420 S. Alamo St. (210) 227-2751 magiktheatre.org

3. Bexar Stage

1203 Camden St. (210) 281-4259 bexarstage.com

COMEDY CLUB Winner: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club 618 NW Loop 410 (210) 541-8805 lolsanantonio.com

2. Bexar Stage

1203 Camden St. (210) 281-4259 bexarstage.com

3. Jokesters 22 Pub N Grub 713 S. Alamo St. (210) 616-2504 jokesters22.com

TANNING SALON Winner: Palm Beach Tan Multiple locations palmbeachtan.com

2. The Texas Tan 8403 TX-151 (210) 521-4848 thetexastan.com

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BEYOND THE CANVAS PRESENTS THE ELEVENTH ANNUAL Come visit us!

TEXAS BODY PAINT COMPETITION

19239 Stone Oak Pkwy #204, San Antonio, TX 78258

Schedule an appointment (210) 496-7877

Polishedpupsstoneoak.com

Saturday November 10th 2018 Guadalupe Cultural Arts Theater TICKETS & VIP TABLES ON SALE NOW Pre-party meet & greet November 9th Brick at Blue Star Art Complex

CHECK OUT FRESH DAILY CONTENT AT

registration | tickets | info beyondthecanvas.org

Check out fresh daily content at sacurrent.com

Know Your Status Embrace Your Options 818 E. GRAYSON, SAN ANTONIO TX, 78208 (210) 225-4715 144

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SACURRENT.COM

Best of SA | Around Town

FLOAT

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3. Glow On The Go Tan SA

(830) 377-8074 facebook.com/glowonthegotansa

WEDDING VENUE Winner: Japanese Tea Garden 3853 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 559-3148 saparksfoundation.org/japanese-teagarden

2. Marriage Island

River Walk between the Navarro Street Bridge and Presa Street Bridge (210) 667-6503 marriageisland.com

3. Lambermont Events 950 E. Grayson St. (210) 271-9145 lambermontevents.com

PLACE TO WATCH THE SPURS Winner: AT&T Center 1 AT&T Center Pkwy. (210) 444-5140 attcenter.com

3. Hemisfair Park 434 S. Alamo St. (210) 709-4750 hemisfair.org

RECORDING STUDIO Winner: Matador Recording Studios (210) 689-6505 facebook.com/matadorsatx

2. RTD Studio 104

9207 Marbach Road (210) 792-9350 facebook.com/RTDStudio104

3. Constituents Creative

2. The Friendly Spot

2379 NE Interstate 410 Loop (210) 294-9530 constituentscreative.com

3. Slackers

APARTMENT COMMUNITY Winner: 1221 Broadway Lofts 1221 Broadway St. (210) 899-4574 1221broadway.com

943 S. Alamo St. (210) 224-2337 thefriendlyspot.com Multiple locations slackersbars.com

SHOOTING RANGE Winner: A Place to Shoot 13250 Pleasanton Road (210) 628-1888 aplacetoshoot.com

2. 1800 Broadway

2. The Bullet Hole

1550 Jackson Keller Road (888) 874-6336 missionrockresidential.com

2715 Grosenbacher Road (210) 679-6781 bullethole.com

3. Nardis Gun Club Multiple locations nardisgunclub.com

PLACE TO WATCH A MOVIE OUTSIDE Winner: Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre New Braunfels 1178 Kroesche Lane, New Braunfels (830) 620-7469 driveinusa.com/nb

2. The Friendly Spot 943 S. Alamo St. (210) 224-2337 thefriendlyspot.com

Floatation Therapy is a mental and physical reset button!

1800 Broadway St. (210) 299-1800 1800broadwayapts.com

3. The Enclave at 1550 Apartments

PLAYGROUND Winner: Hemisfair Park / Yanaguana Garden 434 S. Alamo St. (210) 709-4750 hemisfair.org

2. Brackenridge Park 3700 N. St. Mary’s St. (210) 207-7275 brackenridgepark.org

3. Phil Hardberger Park 13203 Blanco Road (210) 492-7472 philhardbergerpark.org

4535 Fredericksburg RD #201 78201 | Open 7 Days a Week 10am–10pm

(210) 562–3310 | Learn More @ Floatsa.com sacurrent.com | July 25-31, 2018, 2018 | CURRENT

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a THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS

Buena Vista Pictures

THU | 07/26 SAT | 07/28

— James Courtney SPECIAL EVEN T Jump-Start Performance Co.

TH EATER

BASEMENT COMPLEX SUITE 102

It’s hard to formulate an objective argument, as it always is with these things, that The Royal Tenenbaums is Wes Anderson’s best movie — but, to many of his devotees, there’s no contest. And perhaps more than any of the acclaimed Austin auteur’s work save for Rushmore, it’s a movie beloved by many who may not know any of his other films or even who he is. Said movie, about a family dysfunctional enough to make the rest of us feel fortunate about our own, will be screened on the lawn at the San Antonio Museum of Art this weekend as a part of Slab Cinema’s ongoing Wes Fest, a celebration of Anderson’s entire catalog. A word to the wise: the news is fully out about these rad outdoor Wes Fest screenings, so if you’re hoping for prime seating you’ll probably want to arrive early. Free, 8pm, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave., (210) 978-8100, wesandersonfilmfestival.com.

the event combines a drag show hosted by Felicia Andrews and performances by local drag king troupe Los MENtirosos with a group exhibition featuring works by seven out-and-proud artists (Julián P. Ledezma, Anel Flores, Andrew Salinas, Jose Villalobos, Jimmy Moon, Lacey Ederle and Anthony Diaz), plus HIV testing courtesy of the San Antonio AIDS Foundation and adult beverages provided by Big Bend Brewing and Fort Davis-based winery Chateau Wright. $10, 7pm-midnight, South Texas Museum of Popular Culture, 1017 E. Mulberry Ave., (210) 858-8935, facebook.com/texpopsa. — BR

There are often more questions than answers to be found in the teasers leading up to shows presented by Jump-Start Performance Co., San Antonio’s premier experimental troupe for three decades and counting. Directed by lead artist Daniel Jackson, the original new endeavor Basement Complex Suite 102 follows that mysterious trend, inviting potential viewers to “experience theater in the dark” and then asking them to ponder such quandaries as “What do you do when you’re confronted with something you can’t understand, and also it wants to destroy you? Maybe you were wrong the whole time.” Billed as “an ensemble-devised experience that will weird you the heck out,” the limited engagement promises to explore deep and ominous concepts that skew both sci-fi (ghosts and monsters) and philosophical (“edges and their absence … human beings’ place in the universe”). $10-$12, 8pm Thu, 8pm & 10pm Fri-Sat, Jump-Start Theater, 710 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 227-5867, jump-start.org. — Bryan Rindfuss

6 HORRIBLE THRIFT STORE FASHION FUNDRAISER

As the excellent title suggests, “horrible thrift-store fashion attire is required” at South Texas Museum of Popular Culture’s (aka Texpop) latest — a multifaceted oﬀering benefiting Thrive Youth Center, one of only four shelters in the country specifically geared toward housing and assisting LGBTQ youth who would otherwise be on the streets. Aiming to stretch the spirit of Pride month into July while giving Thrive a financial boost in its mission to “help LGBTQ youth become empowered, self-suﬃcient and successful young adults,”

OCTOBER 29 | JUST ANNOUNCED 146

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Julián P. Ledezma

a REY LOPEZ BIRTHDAY BASH

calendar

DRAG

The Rey Lopez Birthday Bash is gathering 10 fan favorites from previous seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race. An annual extravaganza known for its night-long drag performances and shenanigans, this year’s show will see the likes of season seven winner Violet Chachki, season eight winner Bob the Drag Queen and season 10 winner Aquaria (pictured), among others. Not just a birthday party for the local nightlife promoter, the event celebrates the entire LGBTQ community. In June, Lopez told us, “I feel like I’ve made a lot of people happy bringing the [RuPaul’s Drag Race] girls down.” As always, prepare to arrive early for the over-the-top red-carpet arrival as the queens make their way into the theater. Local talent Toni Andrews hosts the opening ceremonies while Tencha La Jefa emcees and the Rey Lopez Entertainment Showgirls warm up the stage. $42-$57, red carpet at 8pm, show at 9:30pm, Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — Marco Aquino

SAT | 07/28 MUSIC

SAN ANTONIO REGGAE FESTIVAL

World of Wonder

This year marks the third annual San Antonio Reggae Festival (not to be confused with BobFest, which was previously known as Marley Fest). The family-friendly festival, which celebrates the music and the culture surrounding it, takes place in beautiful Rosedale Park, an important hub to a vibrant and proud community. This year’s fest, perhaps partially as a result of a stated desire to make the tickets more aﬀordable for fest-goers, doesn’t feature any big-name acts from Jamaica (last year’s lineup boasted Yellowman, among others). But the lineup, heavy with local and regional reggae acts, still oﬀers much to anticipate, including the first show in a hot

WITH A SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

@EMPIRE

AUGUST 10

AUGUST 20

SEPTEMBER 22

OCTOBER 19

NOVEMBER 25

DECEMBER 29

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your

city through our lens VISIT SACURRENT.COM/SLIDESHOWS

A celebration of the cowboy, cowgirl, and vaquero

Briscoe Western Art Museum | 210 W. Market St. - On the River Walk | BriscoeMuseum.org 148

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

calendar minute from longtime San Antonio reggae act One Destiny, whose founder Obra Dread passed away earlier this year. Other acts on the bill include Roland & The Roots Riddim, Island Rose & The Vibrashens, Saltwater Slide, Arma Musical and more. Besides the live music, the fest also features drinks, food trucks, assorted cultural vendors and a children’s area. $12, 2-11pm, Rosedale Park, 340 Dartmouth St., (210) 772 9891, facebook.com/sanantonioreggaefest. — JC

SUN | 07/29

ART

q ‘BEAUTIFULLY APART’

This weekend, Mantle Art Space, one of our favorite local galleries north of downtown, will open a new exhibition of work by San Antonio artist Cassie Gnehm. The exhibit, comprised entirely of new oil paintings, finds Gnehm confronting the male gaze in ways that are at once striking and playful. “For centuries men have controlled the way women’s bodies have been represented in art and culture,” the artist’s statement explains. These paintings, all featuring women (many of them riﬀs on historical subjects), “comment on the male gaze of artists throughout art history while overlaying features of contemporary women.” In oﬀer-

Cassie Gnehm

Arma Musical

ing her own vision, often opposed in key ways to the tired tropes traced by male artists, Gnehm performs an act of reclaiming, liberating and cleansing. Free, 6-9pm, Mantle Art Space, 714 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 971-4740, mantleartspace.com. — JC

TUE | 07/31 FILM

y THE THIN BLUE LINE

A dark night in Dallas, 1986. A patrol car stops a stolen vehicle with the headlights out. Shots, as they say, ring out. An oﬃcer dies. Hitchhiker Randall Dale Adams is convicted of the crime and receives a death sentence, later commuted, despite the evidence against teenage driver David Ray Harris. If you’ve ever sat through a TV documentary reenactment of “true crime” — and you have, for that defines a whole subgenre of reality TV — you can place the credit or blame on Errol Morris and this 1988 film, a landmark both as a documentary and in Texas legal history. Through interviews and highly stylized, brazenly “unrealistic” reenactments, as scored by the minimalist intensity of Philip Glass’ rhythms, the film methodically dissects the evidence against Adams and examines that against Harris. So persuasive and popular was this film that it proved decisive in Adams’ release and in the commercial flourishing of documentaries. As Morris’ films would continue to explore, documentary isn’t only about facts but about the emotional fog of interpretation surrounding them, and about the poetic power of cinema to illuminate that fog. $10-$15 suggested donation, 7:30pm, Santikos Bijou, 4522 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 614-8977, tprcinema.org. — Michael Barrett

Maria Muldaur MUSIC

MARIA MULDAUR

For a critically appreciated, lifetime practitioner of folk music, Maria Muldaur is criminally under-recognized by the general music-listening public. But, then, what the hell does the general music-listening public know about good folk music anyhow? Muldaur, who came up in the folk music boom of the 1960s, when folk was a big deal with all the hip kids, had a big hit in the early 1970s with the folk-pop jangle “Midnight at the Oasis,” but she is so much more than that. She has played in a number of bands, most notably the Jerry Garcia Band, recorded and performed as a part of a few duos, and released more than 30 solo albums, all in the folk, folk-pop, folk-rock, blues and retro-country wheelhouse. She’s basically never stopped being a master of her craft, recording and touring relentlessly. And you have a chance this weekend to experience the fruits of this long labor of love. $20-$60, 7pm, Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — JC

Miramax Films

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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104 N. St. Mary’s • San Antonio, TX

Offer valid through 8/1/18, limited quantities available.

SMILE NOW. THANK US LATER.

For Premium Seating and VIP Amenities Contact Alisha Isner: alishaisner@livenation.com

As one of the Alamo City's most cherished architectural and historical landmarks, Aztec is the perfect location to host your corporate event, private concert, wedding, reception or business meeting. Located just blocks from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Aztec Theatre accommodates 25 to 1,500 guests, and our talented staff handles every detail, so you don’t have to! For private event planning and rental rates contact Sylvia Gallego at aztecevents@livenation.com

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Serving San Antonio for14 years strong! Photo credit: casey chacon

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FRI | 07/27 SUN | 07/29 COMEDY

TOMMY DAVIDSON

Best known for his performances on the sketch-comedy show In Living Color in the early ’90s (he did impersonations of Sammy Davis Jr. and Michael Jackson and got whacked over the head a lot by Homey D. Clown), stand-up Tommy Davidson has been a consistent presence on the comedy circuit since making his debut at a D.C. strip club in 1986. The following year, he won an amateur stand-up contest at the Apollo Theater and decided to move to Hollywood to see if he could build a career out of making people laugh. Since then, Davidson has been featured in a number of movies, including Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Booty Call, Bamboozled, Juwanna Mann and on the adult animated Blaxploitation TV series Black Dynamite as Cream Corn, a member of the title character’s slick, polyester-wearing crew. Davidson’s more recent projects include a role in Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens and a gig as host of the CW Saturday morning TV series Vacation Creation where he and on-air personality Andrea Feczko surprise families with extravagant vacations. $20, 8pm & 10:15pm Fri-Sat, 8pm Sun, Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618 NW Loop 410, (210) 541-8805, lolsanantonio.com. — Kiko Martinez

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CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

s a n a n t o n i o b e e r f e s t i va l . c o m

calendar FILM

Coco Pixar’s Oscar-winning Coco tells the story of Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), a young, aspiring musician who journeys to the Land of the Dead to find the truth behind his family’s musical history. Free, 8:30pm Tuesday; Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St., (210) 212-9373. Under the Tuscan Sun As part of its Foodie Cinema series, the San Antonio Botanical Garden hosts an outdoor screening of director Audrey Wells’ 2003 dramedy starring Diane Lane as a recently divorced writer who buys a Tuscan villa on a whim, hoping it will lead to a change in her life. The “multi-sensory experience” features dishes from (or inspired by) the movie along with wine pairings. $35, 6-9pm Friday; San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl., (210) 536-1400.

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$10-$20, 7pm Thursday, 8pm Friday-Saturday; Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., (210) 271-3151. Unfaithful Shirley Murdock, Denzel Wells, Teairra Mari and Gary “Lil G” Jenkins star in this emotional, twist-turning stage play exploring the life of Kenny and Rochelle Jones, the seemingly perfect couple who has it all. $39.50-$80, 7:30pm Thursday; Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624. Zig Zag Woman & Patter for a Floating Lady Part magic show, part love story, these two comedies penned by iconic comedian and musician Steve Martin intertwine a balance of humor and sentimentality. Free, 8pm Thursday-Saturday; Northwest Visat College, Palmetto Center for the Arts, 3535 N. Ellison Drive, (210) 486-4527.

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SPECIAL EVENTS THEATER

Mamma Mia! Cleverly weaving together 20-plus earworms by Swedish pop quartet Abba, Mamma Mia! follows a young brideto-be who invites three of her mother’s ex-lovers to her wedding (on the Greek island where her mother lives) in hopes of determining which one is her father. Ken Urso directs the Public Theater’s production. $10-$40, 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday; The Public Theater of San Antonio, 800 W. Ashby Pl., (210) 733-7258. Quills The Overtime Theater and Aria Creative Productions stage an adults-only production of Texas-born playwright Doug Wright’s Obie Award-winning drama inspired by the life and work of the Marquis de Sade — who spent the better part of his adult life in prisons and asylums throughout France due to his passion for writing macabre stories fraught with pornography, violence and some of the most extreme aspects of human behavior. $20, 8pm Friday-Saturday; The Overtime Theater, 5409 Bandera Road, Suite 205, (210) 557-7562. Teatro Salon Curated by Tex-Mex writer and teatrista Marisela Barrera, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Teatro Salon returns for a three-night showcase. Kicking off the series on Thursday, the youth theater program Grupo Animo stages “work that resonates with their lives, their peers’ lives and their families and neighbors.” Demonstrating the depth of solo performance in San Antonio, Friday’s “Puro Solos” includes pieces by Holly Nañes (Sofia the Clown), Alison Vasquez (Buckle for Your Dust Hermanito) and Jade Esteban Estrada (A Sign from the Taco Gods). Saturday evening brings “Teatro del Pueblo,” featuring Mellissa Marlowe’s River City Stories, Clint Taylor’s Better Butter and FIRE Collaborative’s Always & Forever.

Asia Ohara “Well guys, Texas is back in the house,” announced Dallas-based queen Asia O’Hara upon entering the RuPaul’s Drag Race workroom on season 10. Born Antwan Mason Lee, the drag performer ultimately finished in fourth place and makes her way to San Antonio this week for two performances courtesy of Rey Lopez Entertainment. $15-$25, 10:30pm & midnight Wednesday; Heat Nightclub, 1500 N. Main Ave., (210) 386-4537. Cocktail: The Event Cocktail spotlighting 15 of the city’s top bars as they serve up samples of an inventive cocktail inspired by this year’s sci-fi/futuristic theme. Attendees also enjoy light bites by a dozen of San Antonio’s best restaurants, totally awesome artwork and a silent auction, live music and a dance party electrified by local DJs. $50, 8-11pm Friday; The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, (210) 227-0044. Jazzed on Tap Since its formation, the Third Coast Rhythm Project has evolved from a single performance to a four-day celebration of tap dance and percussive arts. The highlight of the company’s eponymous festival takes shape in Jazzed on Tap — an “extraordinary evening of showstopping rhythm” featuring a distinguished cast of dancers and live music by the Mark Rubinstein Jazz Trio. $26-$31, 8-10pm Saturday; Carver Community Cultural Center, Jo Long Theatre, 226 N. Hackberry St., (210) 207-7211. National Day of the Cowboy The Briscoe celebrates National Day of the Cowboy with a free, all-ages community event featuring live Texas swing music by Big Cedar Fever, art-making activities, cowpoke games, museum tours, a cowboy artist in action, food trucks and more. Free, noon4pm Saturday; Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St., (210) 299-4499. sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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calendar / music qTHE CHAMANAS Friday, July 27

MD.T. BUFFKIN + LONELY HORSE + THE RICH HANDS Thursday, July 26

Jau Blakesberg

STEVE MILLER BAND Wednesday, July 25

If you haven’t listened to Steve Miller Band’s Fly Like an Eagle record in its entirety, we don’t know what you’re doing with your life. Seriously, on top of the title track being one of the perfect space rock/psychedelic experiences in all of rock ‘n’ roll history, the album rips from start to finish. And what better time to get yourself acquainted with the band’s catalog since the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Famer announced his summer 2018 tour dates, which includes a stop at the Majestic Theatre. “2017 was an amazingly beautiful, creative and rewarding music experience for our band and our audience,” Miller says. “The band and production crew are working on creating an even better concert experience for 2018 and plan on wading even deeper into the musical waters. There is so much to explore and we are really look forward.” $67.50$100, 8pm, The Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., majesticempire.com. – Chris Conde

This week at Sam’s, we’ve got a real summer sizzler of a show, featuring three of the best local acts. Lonely Horse, for starters, should be no stranger to our readers. The core Lonely duo of Nick Long (guitar/vocals) and Travis Hild (drums) has been seemingly on the verge of a big breakthrough for damn near a decade, charming local audiences and audiences around the country with its emotionally and sonically intense, blues-infused, desert rock. The Rich Hands, meanwhile, has released music through darling indie labels Fountain and Resurrection Records and generally staked its claim by consistently releasing solid retro garage rock. Rounding out the bill, D.T. Buﬀkin, who dropped one of our favorite local albums of the year back in May, will oﬀer up his sophisticated yet soulful sound, which, chameleon-like, varies from crooning soul numbers to twangy Americana, from sweaty rock ’n’ roll to arresting cabaret-influenced piano jams. Free, 7pm, Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. – James Courtney

sberard

It feels like the indie-rock scene is full of bands trying real hard to project a certain edginess, which is what makes Texas’ own Chamanas a breath of fresh air. The band doesn’t sound like they’re trying to sound like anyone but themselves – an eclectic blend of indie rock, trip-hop and Mexican folk music. Nestled on the border of El Paso and Juarez, the Chamanas take their name from a person who can cure and heal through the use of natural medicine. And one listen to the breathy, chilled-out tone of their 2015 album Once Once, you can easily drift into a peaceful meditative place. $8-$12, 9pm, Limelight, 2718 N. St. Mary’s St., thelimelightsa.com. – CC

David Rice

iGIVERS

Friday, July 27

Givers, hailing from Louisiana, is a powerhouse of an indie pop band that melds high-drama urgency with indie quirk and a variety of influences from its musically rich/diverse place of origin. It’s been a while since fans of the band were treated to new music, with its last release being 2015’s sophomore LP New Kingdom. While that album was solid, it didn’t quite reach the heights set by the group’s first two eﬀorts. August will see a new EP from the band, however, and Givers sounds, based on the EP’s lead single, like it’s ready to shrug oﬀ a minor sophomore slump. Fans can expect to hear all of the band’s new material at this week’s show, plus a smattering of favorites for those who have loved the band since its start back in 2008. $12, 8pm, 502 Bar, 502 Embassy Oaks, (210) 257-8125, 502bar.com. – JC

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210-225-5437 8307 Gault Lane â&#x20AC;˘ San Antonio, TX 78209 156

CURRENT | July 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

calendar / music ROYCE DA 5’9

qSUN JAMMER

If you listen to hip-hop, you most likely spun Eminem’s Slim Shady LP at least once in your lifetime. “Bad Meets Evil,” a track towards the end of the record features Royce Da 5’9 and is arguably the majority of folks’ introduction to the Detroit rapper. Eventually forming a group called Bad Meets Evil with Eminem, Royce holds his own next to Eminem, which is sort of a challenge considering the technicality of Mr. Mathers’ flow. Anyway, Royce Da 5’9 doesn’t really need Eminem to shine either – his own catalog speaks for itself. $22-$75, 8pm, The Rock Box, 1223 E Houston St., (210) 677-9453, therockboxsa.com. – CC

Psychedelic, lo-fi and really soothing my anxiety right now, Sunjammer appeared on the scene a few years ago and has received some incredible praise from the community. And, I mean, it’s clear to see why. Listening to their debut record Primitive Mind, which came out in ’16, these dudes know how to stretch a vibration out before it spirals and disappears into the weed smoke. We’re not saying you might want to get high before this show, but, yeah, nevermind, you def should get high before this show. Or there – just don’t get caught – and don’t tell Paper Tiger we said anything. Be cool, bro, be cool. With Billy King and the Bad Bad Bad, Rickshaw Billie & the Burger Patrol and Mockingbird Express. $8, 8pm, Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. – CC

Friday, July 27

Saturday, July 28

Sun Jammer

MLA SANTA CECILIA Friday, July 27

In 2014, La Santa Cecilia’s debut album Treinta Dias (30 Days) won the Grammy for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album. At the awards ceremony, the band dedicated the award to “the more than 11 million undocumented people that live and work really hard in this country, and that still need to lead a more dignified life.” It was hardly a one-oﬀ declaration from the safety of an award ceremony pulpit. Shortly after the win, La Santa Cecilia debuted the single “Campos de Fresa” at the LULAC Unity Luncheon in New York. Better known as The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever,” the band repurposed the classic to bring awareness to the struggle of migrant workers. With that, and tunes like “ICE - El Hielo,” La Santa Cecilia have social justice, and a flawless rhythmic sense, on their minds. If you’ve never seen them live, you need to be at this show. $20-$22, 8pm, Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. – CC

SOUL FOOD SUNDAY IV W/ THE FOREIGN ARM + CADILLAC MUZIK Sunday, July 29

This shit is for the lovers, I swear to god. And we’re all lovers—you feel me? If you aren’t hip to the Foreign Arm’s Luna residency Soul Food Sundays, then it’s high time you recognize. The monthly event, of which this Sunday is the fourth installment, brings the energetic and spiritually edifying neo-soul/indie pop-rock seven-piece together with another act, a DJ, artists and food vendors for a mighty righteous sabbath kick-back. This month, the Foreign Arm, who are gearing up to drop their debut LP soon, will welcome soul/funk/hip-hop crew Cadillac Muzik as its guest. The event will feature special, onetime-only collaborations between members of each band, door prizes and food by Flavor of Favor. $10, 5:30-9pm, Luna, 6740 San Pedro Ave., lunalive.com. – JC Cadillac Muzik

sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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Volunteers Needed for Diabetes Study UT Health Science Center at San Antonio IRB Approved September 28, 2015

If you: · · · ·

Are 18 – 75 years old Have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, or Are a healthy individual with or without a family history of Type 2 Diabetes Are diet controlled or on diabetes medication

Depending on study eligibility, you may receive: · · · ·

Physical exams Blood Work Diabetes medications Diabetes and Pre-diabetes Education · Diet and Exercise counseling · Compensation for your time and travel

Principal Investigator: Ralph A. DeFronzo, M.D. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Department of Medicine, Diabetes Division Studies conducted at the Texas Diabetes Institute and the Audie L. Murphy

Purpose of our research program: To discover pathophysiologic processes and pharmacologic interventions that can be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

For more information, contact: (210)358-7200 158

CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

CULTURE

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CURRENT | July 25–31, 2018 | sacurrent.com

calendar / music listings WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 Allan Hendrickson Local country singer Allan Hendrickson is performing at The Rustic for their Shiner Session’s live-music event. The debut of his first single “Turn Back Time” earned him acclaim in the Texas country scene. Free. The Rustic, 8:30-10pm. Chris Cuevas Project Adriel Cuevas, Zeke Galvan and Chris Villanuev of the Chris Cuevas Project will perform blues, soul and jazz. Free. Sancho’s Cantina, 6:308:30pm. Ruben V Enjoy Ruben V at Sancho’s Cantina for an intimate rock and blues performance. Free. Sancho’s Cantina, 9-11pm. Salsa Night Jose Amador (band leader and congas), Richie Vega (musical director and trombone), Curtis Calderon on trumpet, Rogelio Escobar on Sax, Raul Questel on bass, Frank Cano on piano, Gabriel Garcia on bongos/percussion, Mike Baez on drums, Anthony Ibañez on lead vocals and Juan Padin on percussion and background vocals featuring Jacqueline Sotelo. $10. Jazz, TX, 8:30-11:30pm. Storytime with Jamie Lin Wilson and Josh Grider Jamie Lin Wilson has broken into the Texas country/folk scene as one of the co-lead vocalists of the Gougers before Wilson’s solo work. On the upcoming new record Good People, New Mexico native Josh Grider turns the lessons he’s learnedinto an collection of catchy, substantive country tunes. $12-$45. Sam’s Burger Joint, 8:30pm. Zig Zags Since their debut in 2000, this alternative band has recorded a song with Iggy Pop and an album with Ty Segall. Free. Paper Tiger, 9pm-midnight

THURSDAY, JULY 26 Alfred ‘Toro’ Flores and Hot Sauce Toro Flores is a multi-instrumentalist and music educator from San Antonio. Flores has been performing for 35 years, making his mark on marimba performance. Free. Jazz, TX, 5:30-7:30pm. The Blues Lawyer Performing covers from Clapton, BB King, Muddy Waters and others. Free. Hidden Tavern, 8-10pm. Boy Pablo Norwegian indie-poprock act led by Nicolas Pablo Muñoz, a singer-songwriter from Bergen, Norway. $12-$14. Paper Tiger, 8pm. Curtis Lee Lee has performed at some of the most popular clubs and venues in Austin with a ’60s and ’70s funk-soul cover band called The Bumps. Free. The Rustic, 12:30pm-2pm. Johnny P and The Wiseguys Trumpeter and crooner Johnny Panzarella leads the popular San Antonio jazz band that features old standards and hip original tunes. $10. Jazz, TX, 8:30-11:30pm.

Junkyard Fort Blending the creativity of Olivia Catterton, Sam Fuller and Will Parker into an energetic, blood-pumping musical experience with special guests indie band Optic Arrest and punk band Lloronas. Imagine Books and Records, 8pm. Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen Authentic country with thick acoustic sound and smooth as whiskey lyrics, the duo continues to lull fans with their nostalgic yet modern tunes. $18. John T Floore’s Country Store, 9pm. Schism: A Tool Tribute Schism is performing fan favorite tunes from alternative rock band Tool. After the show, a DJ will be spinning alternative and indie rock tunes. Free-$10. Jack Rabbit, 9pm-2am. Waterloo Revival This Texan country duo, The Waterloo Revival, is performing live at The Rustic. Free. The Rustic, 8:30-10pm.

FRIDAY, JULY 27 American Aquarium American Aquarium’s seventh studio album Things Change offers the band’s finest collection of folk-infused Southern rock-and-roll to date. $20. Gruene Hall, 8pm. Balcones Heights Jazz Festival Diverse headliners from across the country take the stage at the 25th annual Balcones Heights Jazz Festival. This free festival celebrates jazz in and around Texas and brings together jazz lovers for a month of live and entertaining concerts. Free. Wonderland of the Americas, 7-10pm. Johnny P and The Wiseguys Trumpeter and crooner Johnny Panzarella leads the popular San Antonio jazz band that features old standards and hip original tunes. $10. Luna, 8pm. Mountain Natives Indie folk duo from Dallas. Following Philip Pappas’ victory over cancer, he and his wife Loren started Mountain Natives to sing about the essentials of overcoming mountains and living a life with hope, laughter and fulfilled dreams. Free. The Rustic, 9:30-11pm. Tejas Brothers The Fort Worth group’s debut country CD was recognized as the

7th most played album for 2009 by the Americana Music Association. $12. John T Floore’s Country Store, 9pm. Terri Hendrix Band with Lloyd Maines Terri Hendrix is a Texas songwriter, classically trained vocalist, and accomplished multi-instrumentalist who was recently recognized by Acoustic Guitar Magazine as one of Texas’ 20 essential contemporary singer-songwriters. $15-$70. Sam’s Burger Joint, 8pm.

SATURDAY, JULY 28 Black Pussy Psychedelic rock group Black Pussy from Portland performs over four albums of original hits. The Mix, 9pm-midnight Chris Knight For 15 years, Chris Knight has released seven acclaimed folk/Americana rock albums. His latest album, Little Victories, show’s the endurance he has had to create a worthwhile sound. $15. Gruene Hall, 9pm. Dave Barnes Dave Barnes is a respected Nashville artist and songwriter who received Grammy and CMA nominations for Blake Shelton’s recording of his hit song “God Gave Me You.” Barnes has also penned songs for Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett & Maren Morris, Reba McEntire, Marc Broussard, Billy Currington, Hunter Hayes, Matt Wertz, Ben Rector, among many others. $25-$100. Sam’s Burger Joint, 8pm. The Doc Watkins Orchestra South Texas jazz musician Doc Watkins wil perform classical, jazz, blues and Texas swing. Jazz, TX, 8:30-11:30pm. Kleaver Blackened death destroyers Heliocide, hailing from Central Texas, southern metal monsters Numb To Blow ]from Corpus, Austin metal band Immerse and local metal solo artist Hitter Kim Ew bring you the ultimate Texas black metal invasion combined with southern brutality. $7-$10. Limelight, 8pm. Planet Patrol Electro R&B group from Boston originating in the 1980s and including members Arthur Baker, John Robie, and a quintet of vocalists led by Herbert J. Jackson, lead singer Joseph Lites, Rodney Butler, Michael Anthony Jones and Melvin B. Franklin. $29-$39. Aztec Theatre, 7pm. Rich Homie Quan Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan possesses an undeniable talent for storytelling that has influenced his captivating lyrics and beats. His first hit single was 2008’s “Stay Down” with Stack Money Boys. $15-$52. Paper Tiger, 9pm-2am. Sam Riggs Country mixed with a rock ‘n’ roll, heavily influenced by Garth Brooks, Foo Fighters, George Jones and Blink-182. $12. John T Floore’s Country Store, 9pm. San Antonio Reggae Festival Rosedale Park is hosting the 2018 Reggae Festival. The event will feature local and regional bands

and, of course, many food and beverage vendors. This is an all-ages family event complete with a playground for the children. Rosedale Park, 2-11pm. Scott Strickland Band Hailing from Austin this 5-piece band mixes acoustic, jazz, rock and blues for a soulful performance. $10. Luna, 8pm. The Skipping Beats The Skipping Beats will perform with special guests alternative indie band Space Wlvs, experimental group Eye Before Ego and Matt Canning. $5. Imagine Books and Records, 8pm. Turnpike Troubadours Americana country band Turnpike Troubadours will perform with special guests country folk musicians Shooter Jennings and Corb Lund. $25.40$942.26. Whitewater Amphitheater, 8pm-midnight Two Tons of Steel For over 22 years, the group has continued to create singles that top Americana Billboard charts. Free. The Rustic, 9:30-11pm.

SUNDAY, JULY 29 The Foreign Arm Seven San Antonio musicians came together to form the Foreign Arm, which brings together poetic ballads, intricate harmonies, and symphonic fanfare. Luna, 5pm. Girl Fry Female-fronted punk band Girl Fry is joined by punk group Lloronas, alternative rock band Dream Place and more. $5. Imagine Books and Records, 8pm. Maria Muldaur Maria Muldaur is best known for her 1974 mega-hit “Midnight at the Oasis,” which received several Grammy nominations, and enshrined her forever in the hearts of Baby Boomers everywhere. Despite her considerable pop music success, her 52-year career could best be described a long and adventurous odyssey through the various forms of American roots Music. $20-$60. Sam’s Burger Joint, 7pm.

TUESDAY, JULY 31 The Hot Texas Swing Band With one boot in cowboy music and the other in swing, the Hot Texas Swing Band is riding the trail previously blazed by artists such as Bob Wills and Asleep at the Wheel. Backed by a passion for traditional western swing, the Hot Texas Swing Band pushes the genre forward with Rockabilly, Latin beats and original material for high-energy shows. Jazz, TX, 5:30-7:30pm. Knox Hamilton Hamilton released a 4-song EP called How’s Your Mind that featured the runaway single “Work It Out,” which raced to the top of SiriusXM’s Alt18 charts and garnering the hard-earned respect of the indie rock community and over 7.9 million streams on Spotify. $12-$50. Sam’s Burger Joint, 7-11:45pm. sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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I’ve been faithfully reading your column in the Chicago Reader for years, and now I’m reaching out to you about my own problem. I’ve been dating this guy for almost a year. Everything is great, except one thing: He wants me to kick him in the nuts. It really bothers me, and I’m not sure what to do. He’s very serious about it, and he brings it up every single day. It makes me really uncomfortable that this is some sort of fetish of his and I need help taking steps forward. To Kick Or Not To Kick P.S. I play soccer and I kick hard. It’s a kink called “ball busting,” TKONTK, and as long as you don’t kick him full force – or even half force – you’re unlikely to do permanent damage. That said, childless guys who are into ball busting are often advised to freeze their sperm just in case. And while it’s not a hugely popular kink, it’s common enough that ball busting porn exists, and ball busting Tumblrs, ball busting blogs, etc. Take it slow at first, particularly if your guy has only fantasized about this and not experienced it. P.S. A guy who brings up his kink every single day deserves to be kicked in the nuts – unless he’s into ball busting, in which case he doesn’t deserve to be kicked in the nuts.

marriage. No need to get married again here.” Hi Dan, I am getting in touch because I thought you might be interested in the following article: “Getting to the Bottom of Pegging.” For open-minded people who are open to butt play, pegging is a great way to spice things up in the bedroom. But what exactly is pegging and why is it a thing now? Sex and relationships expert, Tami Rose, knows how important it is to try new things in the bedroom. She would be able to provide an article explaining what pegging is and tips for your more adventurous readers who want to give it a go. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. [Redacted] PR Agency Pegging? Never heard of it. Wait – what’s that, Wikipedia? “Pegging is a sexual practice in which a woman performs anal sex on a man by penetrating the man’s anus with a strapon dildo… The neologism ‘pegging’ was popularized when it became the winning entry in a contest in Dan Savage’s Savage Love sex advice column [in 2001].” What’s the fairest way to determine who should get tied up? Bondage Bottom Boyfriends

My husband and I were married in Toronto, Canada, in 2005, before marriage equality came to the United States. Does the US government recognize our Canadian marriage or do we need to remarry in the US? Can you find out from one of your legal friends? Does Our Marriage Apply?

Whoever was tied up last time does the tying up this time and vice versa.

“The US government does recognize your marriage,” said Robbie Kaplan, one of my legal friends – and the attorney who represented Edith Windsor before the US Supreme Court and won. In United States v. Windsor, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government was required to recognize legal same-sex marriages, thereby gutting the Defense of Marriage Act. “We did the same thing,” Kaplan added. “We were married in Toronto in 2006, and the US recognizes our

While I have no particular aversion to wearing panties, PANTY, and while I will not deny the allure of the models at xdress.com, I’ve never worn panties and have no plans to start. As a consequence, I won’t be able to post a picture of myself in panties online to delight you and horrify everyone else.

Do you ever wear panties, Dan? Would you post a picture of yourself in panties online? I think you would look good in panties. Panties Are Nice To You

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“Urban Sprawl” – this town needs more room! ACROSS 1 Childhood illness with swollen glands 6 Goes on and on 11 Some NFL All-Pros 14 Actor Ulrich 15 Tibet’s neighbor 16 Questionable Twitter poster, perhaps 17 They read a lot of stories out loud 19 Historical division 20 French vineyard classification 21 Feeling not-so-great 22 Be blustery 23 Ruler who lost her head in 1793 28 St. crosser 29 Cone or Cat preceder 30 Ripken of the Orioles 31 Stamp for an incoming pkg. 33 Football broadcaster Collinsworth 36 Purplish flower 40 Food and wine publication that went completely online in 2009 43 Cosmetician Lauder 44 Orange-roofed chain, familiarly 45 Nefarious 46 Genesis craft 48 “You’ve Got Mail” company 50 Addams Family cousin 51 Phrase often seen after a married or professional name

57 Passable 58 Battery option 59 Nest egg, initially 60 Cleveland player, for short 61 Got out, or followed the same path as the theme answers? 66 Gibbon, for one 67 Tooth type 68 Spine-tingling 69 Pot top 70 Goes after flies 71 Bottom-of-the-bottle stuff DOWN 1 Web portal with a butterfly logo 2 Plucked instrument 3 “Give me some kitten food” 4 Joe of Home Alone 5 Long looks 6 Party org. gathering last held in 2016 in Philadelphia 7 Take another swing at 8 Speed skater ___ Anton Ohno 9 Flavor for some knots? 10 Mercedes roadsters 11 Orange character from the ‘80s who appears in Wreck-It Ralph 12 Sacha Baron Cohen character 13 Music festival area 18 Subtle meaning

22 English-speaking country of Central America 23 Selma’s sister 24 Some Chevy hatchbacks 25 Director’s option 26 Part of WNW 27 The Lion King heroine 32 Fanciful 34 “As I see it,” in a text 35 He cohosts America’s Game 37 Bon Jovi’s “___ on a Prayer” 38 Novelist Loos 39 Boston team, briefly 41 Paltry 42 Any of the kids searching for One-Eyed Willy in a 1985 flick 47 Onetime capital of Poland 49 Domineered, with “over” 51 Like the main point 52 Giraffe relative with striped legs 53 Was delirious 54 Undefeated boxer Ali 55 Pester with barks 56 Word after smart or mineral 61 Text type 62 7, on a rotary phone 63 Cinnabar, e.g. 64 Costume shop purchase 65 Castlevania platform ANSWER ON PAGE 149

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BENEFITING

etc FREE WILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZNY ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be extra polite and deferential. Cultivate an exaggerated respect for the status quo. Spend an inordinate amount of time watching dumb TV shows while eating junk food. Make sure you’re exposed to as little natural light and fresh air as possible. JUST KIDDING! I lied! Ignore everything I just said! Here’s my real advice: Dare yourself to feel strong positive emotions. Tell secrets to animals and trees. Swim and dance and meditate naked. Remember in detail the three best experiences you’ve ever had. Experiment with the way you kiss. Create a blessing that surprises you and everyone else. Sing new love songs. Change something about yourself you don’t like. Ask yourself unexpected questions, then answer them with unruly truths that have medicinal effects. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your past is not quite what it seems. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to find out why – and make the necessary adjustments. A good way to begin would be to burrow back into your old stories and unearth the half-truths buried there. It’s possible that your younger self wasn’t sufficiently wise to understand what was really happening all those months and years ago, and as a result distorted the meaning of the events. I suspect, too, that some of your memories aren’t actually your own, but rather other people’s versions of your history. You may not have time to write a new memoir right now, but it might be healing to spend a couple of hours drawing up a revised outline of your important turning points. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): One of the most famously obtuse book-length poems in the English language is Robert Browning’s Sordello, published in 1840. After studying it at length, Alfred Tennyson, who was Great Britain’s Poet Laureate from 1850 to 1892, confessed, “There were only two lines in it that I understood.” Personally, I did better than Tennyson, managing to decipher 18 lines. But I bet that if you read this dense, multi-layered text in the coming weeks, you would do better than me and Tennyson. That’s because you’ll be at the height of your cognitive acumen. Please note: I suggest you use your extra intelligence for more practical purposes than decoding obtuse texts. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Ready for your financial therapy session? For your first assignment, make a list of the valuable qualities you have to offer the world, and write a short essay about why the world should abundantly reward you for them. Assignment #2: Visualize what it feels like when your valuable qualities are appreciated by people who matter to you. #3: Say this: “I am a rich resource that ethical, reliable allies

want to enjoy.” #4: Say this: “My scruples can’t be bought for any amount of money. I may rent my soul, but I’ll never sell it outright.” LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): As you wobble and stumble into the New World, you shouldn’t pretend you understand more than you actually do. In fact, I advise you to play up your innocence and freshness. Gleefully acknowledge you’ve got a lot to learn. Enjoy the liberating sensation of having nothing to prove. That’s not just the most humble way to proceed; it’ll be your smartest and most eﬀective strategy. Even people who have been a bit skeptical of you before will be softened by your vulnerability. Opportunities will arise because of your willingness to be empty and open and raw. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Since 1358, the city of Paris has used the Latin motto Fluctuat nec mergitur, which can be translated as “She is tossed by the waves but does not sink.” I propose that we install those stirring words as your rallying cry for the next few weeks. My analysis of the astrological omens gives me confidence that even though you may encounter unruly weather, you will sail on unscathed. What might be the metaphorical equivalent of taking seasick pills? LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The Spanish word delicadeza can have several meanings in English, including “delicacy” and “finesse.” The Portuguese word delicadeza has those meanings, as well as others, including “tenderness,” “fineness,” “suavity,” “respect,” and “urbanity.” In accordance with current astrological omens, I’m making it your word of power for the next three weeks. You’re in a phase when you will thrive by expressing an abundance of these qualities. It might be fun to temporarily give yourself the nickname Delicadeza.

nature. My attachments are always excessively strong.” So said Sagittarian novelist Jane Austen. I don’t have any judgment about whether her attitude was right or wrong, wise or ill-advised. How about you? Whatever your philosophical position might be, I suggest that for the next four weeks you activate your inner Jane Austen and let that part of you shine – not just in relation to whom and what you love but also with everything that rouses your passionate interest. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you’re due for some big, beautiful, radiant zeal. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “There are truths I haven’t even told God,” confessed Brazilian writer Clarice Lispector. “And not even myself. I am a secret under the lock of seven keys.” Are you harboring any riddles or codes or revelations that fit that description, Capricorn? Are there any sparks or seeds or gems that are so deeply concealed they’re almost lost? If so, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to bring them up out their dark hiding places. If you’re not quite ready to show them to God, you should at least unveil them to yourself. Their emergence could spawn a near-miracle or two. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): What are your goals for your top two alliances or friendships?

By that I mean, what would you like to accomplish together? How do you want to influence and inspire each other? What eﬀects do you want your relationships to have on the world? Now maybe you’ve never even considered the possibility of thinking this way. Maybe you simply want to enjoy your bonds and see how they evolve rather than harnessing them for greater goals. That’s fine. No pressure. But if you are interested in shaping your connections with a more focused sense of purpose, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to do so. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In Janet Fitch’s novel White Oleander, a character makes a list of “twenty-seven names for tears,” including “Heartdew. Griefhoney. Sadwater. Die tränen. Eau de douleur. Los rios del corazón.” (The last three can be translated as “The Tears,” “Water of Pain,” and “The Rivers of the Heart.”) I invite you to emulate this playfully extravagant approach to the art of crying. The coming weeks will be en excellent time to celebrate and honor your sadness, as well as all the other rich emotions that provoke tears. You’ll be wise to feel profound gratitude for your capacity to feel so deeply. For best results, go in search of experiences and insights that will unleash the full cathartic power of weeping. Act as if empathy is a superpower.

THIS MODERN WORLD BY TOM TOMORROW

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Uninformed scientists scorn my oracles. Reductionist journalists say I’m just another delusional fortuneteller. Materialist cynics accuse me of pandering to people’s superstition. But I reject those naive perspectives. I define myself as a psychologically astute poet who works playfully to liberate my readers’ imaginations with inventive language, frisky stories, and unpredictable ideas. Take a cue from me, Scorpio, especially in the next four weeks. Don’t allow others to circumscribe what you do or who you are. Claim the power to characterize yourself. Refuse to be squeezed into any categories, niches, or images – except those that squeeze you the way you like to be squeezed. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “I have no notion of loving people by halves; it is not my sacurrent.com | July 25–31, 2018 | CURRENT

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