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welcome

in this

issue

12 LAY OF THE LAND How to Get There // A rundown of San Antonio’s transportation options

28 FOOD & DRINK The Rundown // Our guide to San Antonio’s restaurants and eateries

Re-remembering the Alamo //

Bakeries We Love // Where to get

The bright future of a historic landmark Honoring Dr. King // The largest

MLK march in the country takes place right here in SA

your fill of cakes and croissants Coffee Culture // Shops that give

Starbucks a run for their money Riverwalk Eats // Where to nosh

along the San Antonio River

Get Schooled //  Why Trinity

University’s lecture series is worth the visit Get Served // A basic guide to

54 PARKS & REC Park Out // Get outside without leaving the city limits Get Gone // Trails and swimming holes near SA

People Power // Get active, stay

Unleash the Hounds // A guide

24 THE YEAR AHEAD Mark Your Calendar // Can’t-

miss events for winter, spring, summer and fall in San Antonio

to SA’s off-leash dog parks Take a Hike! // Where to wander

in San Antonio Cycle City // A few leisurely

starter rides to enjoy this amazingly bikeable town Ohhhhhmmmm // Unwind with

yoga classes all around the Alamo City

112

129

70 ARTS & CULTURE

108 MUSIC

Arts & Culture Essentials //

Make Some Noise // 20 SA bands

Stately museums, grassroots galleries, indie film screenings and more

you should probably get to know

Take the Stage // Essential theater companies and performing arts venues Get Lit // Where to get your

literary kicks in San Antonio Cinephile//  Film festivals and

city services for newbies and first-timers involved and flex your rights

Dude, Who’s Playing Tonight? // A crash course in SA’s live

music scene “This Song’s About My Girlfriend”

// Take a crack at some of these San Antonio open-mic nights Change It Up // Check out these

pop-up screenings around town

theme nights to diversify your party routine

Roadside San Antonio // A few of our favorite oddities and attractions

Craft Cocktail Boom // Bars

Specialty Shopping // Eclectic

favorites for your gifting and collecting needs

120 LATE NIGHT for when you want a proper cocktail Breweries to Know // San

Antonio’s craft beer game is nothing to sneeze at Dives We Love // Classic bars

where everyone will know your name Bar Fun // Where to dance, bowl and geek out Late-Night Snacks // Or where to

sober up after a night out

sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 9

welcome

Change your career, Learn to code. FIND OUT MORE AT DEVBOOTCAMP.COM

SAN ANTONIO

CITY GUIDE 2017

OH HI THERE

So you’ve recently moved to San Antonio. Or maybe you’re a traveler, just visiting and looking and exploring. Or maybe, even though you’ve lived here for a while, you still felt it necessary to pick up something called a “City Guide.” This is what we here at the Current offer up as our crash course lesson on San Antonio. Because, in case you haven’t noticed, this place is changing — and fast. Which means, even if you’ve been here for a minute, there’s a lot to catch up on. So if you’re new: Welcome, we’re here to help. And if you’re a frequent visitor or longtime local, we’d urge you to find something new and reach outside your comfort zone — whether it be food, cocktails, parks and bike trails or one of the city’s best karaoke nights. And if, after flipping through the information here, you think, “Ugh, they missed something,” you know what? You’re probably right. That’s why we’re toiling away over at sacurrent. com every day to bring you the best, newest, weirdest, most interesting and important stuff we find every day/week/month. Or find a regular weekly issue of the Current, out on newsstands every Wednesday. So to the newbies, take this issue as a sign we’re confident you’ll love it here. If you’ve been around, nice to see you again — oh, and here’s what we’re really into right now. Michael Barajas Editor-in-Chief

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D A W N arts & culture

Roadside San Antonio A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE ODDITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

CHERYL SCIAFANI

NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH

“African Safari: Texas Style” is a prett y good description for this drive-thru ranch complete with big Texas trucks full of visitors spying on antelopes, zebras, rhinos and ostriches. Unlike Africa, where you might have to quietly sneak up for a long-range view of the wildlife, these Texas animals know the drill — and they’re hungry. You may not be prepared when a zebra sticks its head in your window or an ostrich stretches its neck through the car to nibble feed out of your hand, but you can shriek and laugh as loud as you want, they’re used to it. The 450-acre park offers an escape from the city and houses 500 animals representing 40 species ready to get up close and personal. You can also stretch your legs and watch the lemurs, kangaroos and giraffes at the walk-a-bout and take the kids (or adults) through the pett ing barnyard. 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, (830) 438-7400, wildliferanchtexas.com.

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM

Ah, the good old days, when you could buy a pinch of whiskey with an antler or ratt lesnake ratt le. The Buckhorn Saloon’s proprietor Albert Friedrich and his wife Emilie knew their would-be customers didn’t have two coins to rub together and began accepting frontier goods as payment. Prett y soon, these curios covered every wall to the ceiling and the famous hall of horns was born. After a 30-year stint at the Lone Star Brewery, Friedrich’s ancestors moved the collection back downtown near its original location. You can still see Emilie’s ratt lesnake art at the expanded saloon and museum, which includes everything from wildlife artifacts and exotic taxidermy to shrunken

heads and worldly oddities that recall old-school circuses and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. Saddle up to the bar for a beer (horns, sadly, no longer accepted) and devour some chicken-fried steak before checking out the official Texas Ranger “Ranger Town” exhibit, complete with a jail cell, shotguns and a replica of Bonnie and Clyde’s famed getaway car. 318 E. Houston St., (210) 247-4000, buckhornmuseum.com.

BARNEY SMITH’S TOILET SEAT ART MUSEUM San Antonio’s A-list att ractions are easy enough to identify and tick off on a familiar to-do list, and there are good reasons each of them has found its way on there, but if you’re truly interested in local color and homespun charm, starting at the top of the B-list with Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum is the best decision you didn’t know you needed to make. Behind a pair of corrugated steel

ASK AN EXPERT

Toilet Seat Art Museum

Where do you like to buy supplies for your legendary late-night artistry? I work day and night on these things — I turned the lights out last night at 2 a.m. Most of my supplies come from Michaels craft shop in the Quarry. I buy my Mod Podge, and my E6000 glue, and epoxy there.

garage doors in the heart of Alamo Heights hangs the heart and handiwork of 95 yearold master plumber and disarming raconteur Barney Smith. For decades, Smith has lovingly carved, shellacked, and otherwise tricked out an unrivaled collection of 1,272 toilet lids/seats and memorabilia, with subject matter ranging from Michael Jackson to local dog shows to the fall of the Berlin Wall. There’s a piece of the space shuttle Challenger and a flushing mechanism from one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces because … of course there is. And there are achingly sweet annual tributes to Smith’s wife, Louise, right up until she passed away in 2013. It’s almost too much to take. But the real attraction here is Barney Smith himself, hunched over, supported by a cane, as he walks visitors through the rituals of signing and cataloging their state’s seat and watching his brushes with fame on The View, The Montel Williams Show, and CBS This Morning on his trusty old VCR. 239 Abiso Ave., (210) 824-7791, facebook.com/satxtsam.

What about your toilet seats? Where do those come from? I like to go to the plumbing supply companies — Morrison Supply and Ferguson Enterprise. They’ve given me a lot of seats that were damaged in shipment. They can get credit on the computer by stating that the seat is being given to the Toilet Seat Art Museum.

And when you get hungry, where does a retired master plumber like to eat around here? Earl Abel’s is where I have gone several times — it’s more of a higher class fast food. And I would get Bill Miller’s for my barbecue.

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BRYAN RINDFUSS

D A W N arts & culture

BarbacoApparel

ASK AN EXPERT

Where do you go for artistic inspiration in San Antonio? One of my biggest sources of inspiration is the city’s architecture and use of color. Honestly, whenever I want to get inspired, we go driving around town at night, checking out all the neon signs. Recently, I’ve been spending a lot of my time mesmerized by the signage on North St. Mary’s —Burger Boy, Chisme, Paper Tiger, Rumble, the Mix! The colors and styles work so well together, creating this really electric and eclectic atmosphere.

Specialty Shopping ECLECTIC FAVORITES FOR YOUR GIFTING & COLLECTING NEEDS Although it’s still somewhat new on the scene, Brick has quickly become a hotspot in the Blue Star Arts Complex. The Sunday Arts Market is the longest-running event at Brick and brings in a wide array of artisans, from tarot readers to tea vendors, depending on the week. Though the vendors change periodically in order to promote variety for return customers, visitors are guaranteed to find a selection of handmade artisanal goods, unique art, and great food. Regular vendors include Charlie Rehfeld, who makes guitars and amps from vintage cigar boxes ($35-$170) and Denise Smith, a jeweler that stocks imported, vintage and handmade pieces ($20-$300). On some evenings, the party continues once the market winds down — the space is sometimes converted to a dance floor for swing dance nights, and when The Walking Dead airs Brick hosts watch parties for zombie fans. 108 Blue Star, (210) 262-8653, brickatbluestar.com.

odd sensory rush of entering an expertly designed environment. Wall arrangements are Instagram-worthy to say the least, midcentury furniture groupings appear ready to host a retro cocktail party, and everything else looks “curated,” yet in the least stuff y sense of the word. Opened in the summer of 2015, the shop exemplifies the eclectic taste of Cole along with a few collaborators who “infuse goods” sourced throughout Texas and on travels to Europe and India. A pleasant surprise for such a special space, much of what Good Goods sells is priced within the realm of the reasonable. Perhaps the shop’s biggest wow factor, however, is the way Cole repurposes and reconfigures objects and collections in ways that spark the imagination — dozens of wicker baskets form a conglomerate tableau on one wall and framed vintage bingo cards ($18 each) are hung on another with art gallery precision. 904 Nolan St., (210) 229-0663, goodgoodstx.com.

GOOD GOODS

HIGH FIVE SHOP

BRICK SUNDAY ARTS MARKET

Walking into D’Ette Cole’s Dignowity Hill emporium Good Goods offers an

Although his original business plan involved buying a trailer, packing it with artist-made

What is your favorite place to shop in San Antonio and what kind of treasures do you find there? I have a couple passions when it comes to buying stuff for myself: mid-century-modern knickknacks (I live in a ranch-style house and am always on the lookout for cool, period pieces) and music. Urban Goods (@ shopurbangoods) — retro tchotchkes are a few of my favorite things! Back when Urban Goods was Retro Haus, I scored this really great atomic wall sconce and a bright-red ceramic catchall that I use almost every day. Hogwild Records (@ hogwildrecords), Southtown Vinyl (@ southtownvinyl), Friends of Sound (@ friendsofsoundsa) — I can’t live without music. Whenever I have some cash to burn, I’m stocking up at one of these places. Finds include (but are not limited to): John’s Cale’s Helen of Troy, Cat Stevens’s Tea for the Tillerman and the Magnetic Fields’ Holiday. Who are some of your favorite crafters, makers and artisans on the local scene? No list would be complete with our vending family (VeryThat, Sweet Craft Jewelry, Karma Candle Makers and The Soap Addicts), but I’m also a huge fan of these folks who are putting out really cool stuff in town: Yogurt Lump (@yogurtlump), Alamo Basement (@alamobasement) and Power-Up Pottery (@poweruppottery).

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arts & culture FILE

Best Salon & Barber Shop in Texas

CUT a COLOR a MANI/PEDI HOT SHAVES a SHOE SHINE REUZEL RETAILER

FREE BEER/WINE

WHILE YOU RELAX! 6504 Bandera Rd Ste. 6 | (210) 267-8005

SKIN CARE MASSAGE — Mockingbird Handprints

goods and staging pop-ups across the country, Joseph Silvas accepted a friend’s offer to take over a small but primely located shop on the St. Mary’s Strip. Opened in 2015, his quaint High Five Shop has quickly become a gift ing go-to thanks to its curated mix of cards, stickers, T-shirts, zines, pins and prints created by well-known mainstays (including Cruz Ortiz and Tattooed Boy) and emerging artists alike. Himself a working artist who scored an award for Best Streetwear Designer at the second annual San Antonio Fashion Awards in 2016, Silvas sees the shop as a way to help “local artists and brands grow by introducing their designs to a wider audience.” On a recent visit to the street-smart shop, a number of items made by Mexico City transplant Inés Estrada caught our eye, including her comics collection Impatience, a hard-to-pass-up 2017 “Catlendar” ($10), an embroidered “magic eyes” cap, and a T-shirt starring a beer-guzzling bear. Somewhat unsurprisingly, Estrada is High Five’s biggest seller. 806 E. Mistletoe Ave., (210) 380-1637, facebook.com/highfiveshopsa.

WAXING LASH EXTENSIONS TANNING

BODY WRAPS ORGANIC SCRUBS IONIC FOOT DETOX

6504 BANDERA RD STE 7 | (210) 702-0462

531 Navarro St, SA, Texas 78205

MOCKINGBIRD HANDPRINTS

Upon entering Mockingbird Handprints, visitors are immediately immersed in swaths of color and texture. One of the fi rst things that catches the eye is a rack of fabric samples designed by owner Jane Bishop, which can be made to order on a variety of fabrics that range from lightweight cotton to faux suede ($36-$64/yd.). In addition to her own work, Bishop has collected pieces from almost 30 artists and artisans in the space, most of whom are local makers, and still stocks works made by her former Mockingbird partner Paula Cox, who moved to Colorado in 2016. Customers who want to bring home a unique memento of San Antonio’s charm need look no further than Diana Kersey’s nature-inspired ceramics ($15-$400), which are featured in local public works such as the Mulberry Avenue Bridge near Broadway. This year, Bishop plans to introduce a bi-monthly art show with opening receptions on fi rst Thursdays, bringing new work into the space on a rotating basis. 1420 S. Alamo St., Suite 108, (210) 878-5711, mockingbirdhandprints.com.

H e y E y e C a n d y. c o m

@ H e y E y e C a n d y

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arts & culture FILE

— Yeya’s Antiques and Oddities

SAN ÁNGEL FOLK ART

Tucked in the Blue Star Arts Complex, San Ángel Folk Art has been a mainstay for folk and outsider artists for 29 years now. Owner Hank Lee is a veritable fount of information both about local and international art as well as San Antonio history. Friendly and welcoming, Hank guides visitors through the gallery, explaining the history behind the displayed pieces, like the sequined Haitian drapos that adorn the walls, joking about a work by the late Seymour Perkins, a disembodied ceramic head of none other than Donald Trump ($150), and all the while littering in references to local spots and restaurants also worth visiting. Amidst the multitudinous pieces of original art — which include works by Issac Smith, Margarito Melchor, and many others — San Ángel also stocks small items like vintage postcards ($0.95), milagro charms ($0.95), and market bags ($3.95), and has a table dedicated to secondhand books and magazines ($3.95), the proceeds from which benefit local stray cats. 110 Blue Star, (210) 226-6688, sanangelfolkart.com.

YEYA’S ANTIQUES AND ODDITIES

Once described by a customer as “Ozzy Osbourne meets Martha Stewart,” Yeya’s Antiques and Oddities is a DIYer’s paradise, full of objects that range from the rusty to the uncommon to the just plain weird. The store is situated on East Commerce Street within spitt ing distance of downtown’s high rises, but the atmosphere is more like your weird aunt’s old house — 1950s family portraits in gilded frames sit on shelves next to antique ceramics, surrounded by miscellaneous hardware that ranges from old door hinges to vacuum tubes. Collectors of all kinds can fi nd something to love: owner Mario Cooremans has gotten his hands on everything from vintage license plates ($10-$30) to small animals preserved in formaldehyde ($30-$200), and also has an impressive collection of large letters from old signs ($15-$40). Refurbishers and fans of industrial chic have a veritable playground to choose from, but just about anyone can fi nd a unique treasure here. 1423 E. Commerce St., (210) 827-5555, yeyasantiques.net. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 107

music

Sound City 20 SA BANDS YOU SHOULD PROBABLY GET TO KNOW

f you’re looking for a way to get acquainted with local music (or invigorate your zest for the SA scene), we offer a list of 20 acts that you’ll want to start paying close attention to – immediately. Choices were made based on recent, notable activity (especially the release of new music) and/or plans these artists have for the coming year. To be sure, this list could easily have been at least twice as long in a city so packed with diverse talent, but, as it stands, we’re pretty proud to submit this list of worthy artists, as a fine (at least initial) representation of the best of what San Antonio music has to offer.

TOPO CHICA

topochica210.bandcamp.com Formed just last year, with an all-girl lineup (most of whom play in other rad local bands too), Topo Chica has a sound that is, on the surface at least, just as bubbly as its namesake. The five-piece’s lo-fi, dream-punk vibe, as revealed on the single “Leonardo,” the group’s first and (so far) only release, is bright and confident in a refreshing and endearing way.

BABY BANGS

babybangs.bandcamp.com SA bubble-punk duo Baby Bangs may be a side-project times two—singer-songwriter Elena Lopez’s main band is the indie rock band Octahedron and drummer Dane Rousey holds it down in experimental rock act The

Freebiez—but there’s nothing about the new band that feels extraneous. If anything, Baby Bangs’ quickly-developed chemistry gains in whimsy and insight where it cedes pressure to more established other projects. The two-piece dropped its first EP, huh?, in 2016 and is already at work on more music. Meanwhile, the flippant immediacy and wistful emotiveness of huh? made it one of our favorite releases of last year.

FREEBIEZ

thefreebiez.bandcamp.com The Freebiez are all over the place, which is a good thing. When we tell you that the young two-piece (sometimes three) has a sound that ranges from doom-folk meanderings to goof rock noodling, from straight up noise worship to garage rock, from wild experimental rock to pretty (if depressive) lo-fi pop—we are not kidding, and we’re also just talking about one LP, December’s rad Nervous McGervous. Following up the excellent Two EP, released in February 2016, The Freebiez dropped the awesomely-titled Nervous McGervous and promptly hit the road to spread its strange, dark gospel. Watch for more unholy badassery from these guys in 2017, and get yourself to one of The Freebiez’s punishing live shows.

WE LEAVE AT MIDNIGHT

weleaveatmidnight.bandcamp.com Seven years into its existence as a band,

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We Leave at Midnight (WLAM) has been one of the most inventive bands in San Antonio for a minute now. While the group, led by mad pop genius and tempo change enthusiast John Dailey, hasn’t gigged with much frequency of late, WLAM celebrated the triumphant release of its second LP in December. The LP, The Holy Rolling Flower Band, demonstrates marked growth for the group’s gently psychedelic, endlessly inventive, and complex sound. You’ll want to be on the lookout for a chance to hear WLAM play this thing live in the new year.

ISLANDS & TIGERS

islandsandtigers.bandcamp.com One of the most fun bands in town to catch live, Islands & Tigers serves up some seriously catchy and gnarly grunge pop, with a punk attitude and an occasionally melodramatic flair. 2016’s superb, self-titled release collected the best songs from a number of EPs that the young band has already put out (since forming in 2012). While the album perfectly highlights the band’s great potential, high energy, and lead man Bobby Rivas’ knack for writing engaging and memorable songs, it also acts as a sort of summation of Islands & Tigers’ work to date, clearing the way for new stuff in the new year .

MORE EAZE

moreeaze.bandcamp.com Alright, alright... We know damn well that

JOSH HUSKIN

Dmusic A W N

CHRIS MADDIN

chrismaddin.bandcamp.com If you were paying attention to San Antonio music from the mid-aughts onward, chances are you took note of Chris Maddin. The lead singer and principal songwriter in the nowdefunct cinematic indie-rock band Blowing Trees, who has also released one excellent solo album (The Tiago Splitters) and two albums of solid electro-singer-songwriter stuff (as FILMSTRIPS), Maddin’s knack for writing memorable, inventive, and deceptively-simple songs, his electric stage charisma, and his huge honey-hued voice set him apart from many of his peers. After a few years of relative inactivity, Maddin will return with a solo album (called Sterequiem) in 2017.

— Third Root

San Antonio singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Marcus Rubio— who is currently recording and performing (sometimes accompanied) as More Eaze— lives in Austin now. He moved there a couple years back, after finishing up a Master’s Degree in Music Composition at the California Institute of the Arts. But Rubio still performs here frequently and works with a variety of local organizations and artists, so we think it’s fair for us to go on claiming the insanely prolific artist, who works in styles as seemingly disparate as long form drone, folk-pop, orchestral indie rock, deconstructed r&b, experimental electronic, and sound collage, just to name a few. He released no less than three odd, lingering, and excellent albums in 2016, and 2017 is already looking even busier for Rubio, who told the Current that as many as nine new releases could see daylight this year.

THE GRASSHOPPER LIES HEAVY

WHITE ELEFANT

LONELY HORSE

withanf.bandcamp.com While White Elefant—the local indie rock four-piece led by singer-songwriter Josh Mathis—had a quiet 2016, due to an unplanned hiatus after essentially losing bassist Cass Grady, we can expect that to change in 2017. The sharp and consistently interesting indie post-grunge group has found a new bassist in The Rosedale Highs’ Dustin Olinick, and Mathis told the Current that the band will be playing more shows soon and is even (slowly) back at work on new material to follow up 2014’s understated gem of an LP, Nights & Weekends.

thegrasshopperliesheavy.bandcamp.com The Grasshopper Lies Heavy (TGLH) is an experimental metal band for people who don’t like metal. But, TGLH, perhaps the loudest band in town, is also for metal lovers, so don’t get it twisted. The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter/ composer James Woodard, the band makes droning, ambient, and artful sludge that simultaneously brandishes raw power and surprising subtlety. TGLH’s last release was in 2014, the group’s masterful sophomore album All Sadness, Grinning into Flow, but, in addition to touring nationally, the band plays local shows regularly. Woodard told the Current that 2017 will see a few split releases, plus some other goodies, from the group.

lonely-horse.bandcamp.com High octane spirit-rock duo Lonely Horse has had a bumpy yet charmed ride over the last few years, during which time they’ve released two staggeringly good LPs (and one EP) of bluesy, fiery, and propulsive garage rock. They’ve also recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios in Marfa, been courted by major labels, been fucked over by a glad-handing industry would-be or two, and generally held it together in the face of disappointment and unplanned restarts. Now we’ve got a band free of previous obligations that can focus on continuing to perfect its singular sound.

ALYSON ALONZO

alysonalonzo.bandcamp.com Alyson Alonzo, who helms the elusive, big soul band Sugar Skulls and works solo on some next level R&B shit, is one of the biggest talents in town. Her voice alone, with its range, power, warmth, and tremendous gift for movement, would be argument enough to prove this statement true. But, Alonzo’s winning persona, somehow brash and vulnerable all at once, and the way it shines through in her songwriting and her performance presence, is also a part of what makes her great. Updates on new music are few and far between, though Alonzo performs fairly often and has made reference to solo and Sugar Skulls recording sessions. So, we’ll just have to wait and see and be content to catch her at the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio’s sure-to-beawesome Purple Rain Live show (March 13 at The Tobin Center).

THIRD ROOT

thirdroot.bandcamp.com Look: Third Root is the best hip-hop act in San Anto. Pure and simple. Rappers Easy Lee and Mexican Stepgrandfather (who’s also an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio) ride gritty and world music-infused beats from DJ Chicken George with a hip-hop alacrity and message-centered tenacity that puts them in a category of their own. The group’s finest work Libertad , released in late 2016, is a great distillation of Third Root’s sound, politics, and penchant for making good music at the intersection of the two. 2017 should see more live shows from the woke trio, which means more chances to witness just how powerful real hip-hop can be.

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Home to eighteen world-class restaurants, fifteen totally unique shops, the best coffee in Texas, cocktails for every season and reason, the weekly Pearl farmers market, the San Antonio Campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the unique luxury of Hotel Emma. All on the banks of the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River.

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music COURTESY

VOLCÁN

musicavolcan.com Volcán is a young, contemporary, indie orquesta Latina, comprised of thirteen members all rallying around dazzling lead singer Jose Huizar and principal songwriter Jaime Mejia. The group’s sound is kinetic as hell, combining elements of cumbia, Latin pop, jazzy big brass, Chicano rock, and indie rock for an arresting amalgamation that works far better than it seems like it might. While the group’s sizzling debut EP, Ritmo, Cultura y Amor, will delight you, our recommendation is that you catch Volcán live, when the band’s brilliance is on full display, if you’re looking to become an instant devotee.

SOMETHING FICTION

somethingfiction.bandcamp.com Experimental-electro/shamanwave act Something Fiction, led by producer/ songwriter Matt Humble, has forged a truly unique and ever-blossoming sound for itself, over the course of a few EPs and two singles. The somewhat hermetic group has been busy of late running Timewheel, the label they founded, and laying the groundwork for an exciting 2017. While details have been slow to emerge, (being cryptic is apparently part of the act’s mystical bent), Something Fiction is finishing up work on a new album, due sometime in the spring, and plans to play more live shows.

FEA

fea210.com Riot grrrl revivalist crew and Chicana power punk posse Fea, helmed by Girl in a Coma members Phanie Diaz and Jenn Alva, released its scorching debut last summer, to wide acclaim. Naturally, the group’s sound immediately caught hold in San Antonio, since the music seems to have the city in its very DNA. But the four-piece, who has already been touring nationally, has also won over fans and music critics around the country. Fea’s song “Tragedias” was even named a Top Song of 2016 by NPR. With Girl in a Coma still waiting in the wings while band leader Nina Diaz tours her rad solo album, expect more chances to catch Fea and maybe even more new music in 2017.

JUNKIE

pkram.bandcamp.com You don’t have to be stoned at all to enjoy the party-punk/grunge-pop stylings of young SA band Junkie—but we’d imagine it certainly wouldn’t hurt. The group has released quite a smattering of instantly enjoyable music in a pretty short time, culminating with 2016’s

— Piñata Protest

W/E, the band’s most fully realized effort, and there’s no indication the guys will be hitting the brakes anytime soon. In fact, Junkie has already announced plans to release a new LP, entitled FELIZ, this spring. Just try to keep up. And nevermind all that talk about how weed kills your productivity.

FILTHY

filthytx.bandcamp.com There’s a remarkable balancing act that happens in the music of noise-punk outfit Filthy, one of the best new SA bands to emerge over the last few years. While there’s an unsettling and jarring aspect to the band’s tunes, there’s also an (almost pretty and) beautifully eerie pop element to them. This balancing act makes for music that maintains a kind of taut raptness from the listener, who rightly expects that, especially in the live setting, anything could happen around the next corner. Check out 2016’s excellent, if criminally brief, Cure It EP and make it your business to follow Filthy this year.

MOCKINGBIRD EXPRESS

mockingbirdexpress.bandcamp.com Mockingbird Express is the far out, throwback psych-rock project from longtime SA musician and font of psychedelia Marc Smith. The three piece has already built up something of a buzz around itself for its unhinged and trance-inducing live shows, full to bursting with musical invention and the wild magic of improvisation. Now, with work on its debut album coming to a close, the group has slowly started to reveal what its recorded incarnation will sound like. And it is glorious, indulgent, sticky, garage psych with

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spiritual tones and vibrations culled from the eternal frequency. Be on the look out for the full record in 2017.

PIÑATA PROTEST

pinataprotestband.com A longtime local favorite, Alvaro Del Norte’s furious, accordion-anchored, Tex-Mex-Punk band Piñata Protest (PP) has slowly gained the attention of a much larger national and international audience. And, in the type of political and social climate we are living in these days, it’s easy to see why people might be thirsty for aggressive music with powerful cultural touchstones and progressive rage aplenty. The band hasn’t released any new albums since 2013’s star-making El Valiente, but, with the national spotlight on, as PP continues its tour with extreme metal favorite Brujeria, the time is certainly ripe to be hearing a lot more from Del Norte and company.

WAYNE HOLTZ

Wayneholtz.bandcamp.com Wayne Holtz is out there. And we mean that both as an expression of his truly individual and over the top sense of style and his uncanny penchant for literally seeming to be everywhere in 2016. As a social gadfly and style icon, Holtz is pure, unmatched fabulousness. As it turns out, he’s also a delightful songwriter and performer, with a sugary and doomy 1980s sound to his highdrama songs. In the live setting, Holtz offers an event and not just a show, but even on record, the songs on his 2016 debut Post-Plexi feel quite alive and of the moment, despite stylistic nods to bygone times.

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t n e v e r u o y k Boo e r e h y t r a p e or privat

409 E COMMERCE www.coyoteuglysaloon.com

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music

Dude, Who´s Playing Tonight?

A CRASH COURSE IN SA’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE

ike any big city, the live music scene here is always shifting and expanding and changing. From the Aztec Theatre morphing into a high-caliber venue that’s now booked by Live Nation’s House of Blues entertainment unit (one of, if not the biggest concert bookers in the world) to the hard rock and metal staple The White Rabbit transmuting into Paper Tiger (which books a dope roster of indie bands spanning a multitude of genres), there’s pretty much a show every week for every musical taste in SA. Established in 1999, Sam’s Burger Joint (330 E. Grayson St., www.samsburgerjoint. com), hosts the best folk and Americana while serving up some pretty damn good burgers. A brisk stroll down Grayson and you’ll find yourself on the North Saint Mary’s Strip, the closest thing SA has to a live-music and

entertainment district. First up is Hi-Tones (621 E Dewey, hitonessa.com), home to the amazing chamoy and pickle shots and host to a wide variety of bands that will be sure to get you dancing. Just up the street is The Amp Room (2407 N St. Mary’s, theamproom.com) which regularly features everything from EDM to neo soul and hard rock. You might even feel like you’re at the old Emo’s in Austin if you hop across the street to catch a show at Paper Tiger (2410 N St Mary’s, papertigersa.com) as it books some of the best hip-hop, indie rock, and post-punk you can see in town. Unless you want all of that for free, in which case visit The Mix (2423 N St Mary’s, themix-sa.com), the nevera-cover dive-y staple of SA rock, which is right across the street. Further up the Strip sits Limelight (2718 N St Mary’s, thelimelightsa.com), which

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offers an eclectic musical mix with a banging new sound system and a primo taco truck (El Regio #2) parked right next door to help soak up that Lone Star. A short walk north and you hit Squeezebox (2806 N St Mary’s St, www.facebook.com/TheSqueezebox) a charming establishment with a vibe that appeals industry folk, twenty-somethings that appreciate a good DJ set, or anyone who loves good Tejano, conjunto, cumbia or a random jam night with Santiago Jiménez (and if you don’t know who that is, try Googling “San Antonio” and “National Medal of Arts”). Barely a block away is La Botanica (2911 N St Mary’s, vivalabotanica.com), which has become a cherished safe space for LGBTQ and non-binary San Antonians to sing, dance and play (oh, and the vegan fare is top-notch). Rounding out the Strip’s north end is Faust Tavern (517 E Woodlawn, facebook.com/

music JAIME MONZON

Open for 17 years! come find out why!

9503 Console dr | 210.593.9878

— Top: Lonely Horse playing at Paper Tiger Bottom: Money Chicha playing at Squeezebox

JAIME MONZON

TheFaustTavern), a charming and tiny dive that hosts a variety of bands and DJs, with Crossroads Kitchen serving up some pretty tasty southern food on the patio. If you move west, sitting right off Ashby and Fredericksburg is K23 (704 Fredericksburg, facebook.com/K23Gallery), a DIY space that specializes in booking both stellar and weird punk, garage and psychedelic rock. Two blocks away, there’s Web House (320 Blanco, facebook.com/Web.House.SATX), which often features cutting-edge music from club to trap to vaporwave, along with Russian brews and Eastern European food. The downtown area is now home to a number of particularly solid venues, from the Aztec (104 N. St. Mary’s, theaztectheatre. com), Majestic (224 E. Houston) and Empire theaters (226 N. St. Mary’s, majesticempire.com), all of which book everything from Austin City Limits spillover bands to big-name classical, opera and country performers. And now the massive Tobin Center for

UPCOMING EVENTS:

A Night of The Cure - 2/23 Industry 11 Year Anniversary - 3/3 Depeche Mode Nite - 3/9 Anything Box Live - 4/6

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25% OFF

PURCHASE EXCLUSIONS MAY APPLY. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH SALES OR DISCOUNTS. EXPIRES 5/31/17

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6957 SAN PEDRO RD. • 210-348-6902 | 5117 FREDERICKSBURG RD. • 210-348-9401

music JULIÁN LEDEZMA

At The San Antonio Museum of Art

The Performing Arts (100 Auditorium Circle, tobincenter.org) hosts everything from prog metal acts to country pop stars. And if you’re looking for something dingier, SA’s Clockwork Orangethemed bar The Korova (107 E. Martin, thekorova.com) regularly brings in weekend-long metal, grind, and punk festivals. Then moving toward downtown’s northern edge sits Ventura (1011 Avenue B, theteneleven.com), one of the best, most un-pretentious establishments you’ll find along the SA River’s sparkling Museum Reach that often hosts some of SA’s best homegrown talent. Finally, just few blocks east of downtown is Alamo City Music Hall (1305 E. Houston St., alamocitymusichall.com) where you’ll find some of the best R&B, hip hop and even metal. Not to worry outer-Loopers! There are stellar options for anyone who wants to stay on the periphery. One of the best places to catch live music outside of Loop 410 is 502 Bar (502 Embassy Oaks, 502bar.com), which boasts one of the better sound systems in town. Also outside the Loop is Fitzgerald’s Bar (437 McCarty, Suite 101, fitzrocks.com), where you might find a local hip-hop cypher session, some local alt-rock vets, or a singer-songwriter showcase, depending on the night. If the sound of banjo and acoustic guitar is more your thing and you wanna get real far outside the Loop, check out the inimitable Floore’s Country Store (14492 Old Bandera Road, Helotes, liveatfloores.com) – or, if you wanna venture even further outside of town, ride up to New Braunfels’ iconic Gruene Hall (gruenehall.com) for some of the best touring country and Americana this region has to offer.

A tasty night of local cuisine

ART • Live music • Drinks

culinary showdown

Buy Tickets at sacurrentfLavor.com

Tasty Bites From (MORE ADDED DAILY!)

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JAZZ, TX KIMURA MING’S TINGS PARAMOUR PHARM TABLE PIRANHA KILLER SUSHI SALATA SANGRIA ON THE BURG SMOKE SWEET CHELA’S THAI TOPAZ THE BARBEQUE STATION VIDA MIA WHISKEY CAKE

Benefiting

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Mon-Fri 4pm-2am Sat-Sun 7pm-2am Happy Hour 4pm-7pm Mon-Fri

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Dmusic A W N

´This Song´s About My Girlfriend´ TAKE A CRACK AT SOME OF THESE SAN ANTONIO OPEN-MIC NIGHTS excuse to celebrate making it halfway through the work week. Wednesdays, 8pm-2am, Ventura, 1011 avenue B

JANDRO’S

COURTESY OF THE COVE

Ms. Jordan Moonz, of the soulful rock and roll group Dirty Genez, hosts this rockin’ Thursday night open mic where anything from singersongwriters to avante-garde noise artists can share their art. Thursdays, 9pm-1am, Jandros, 2623 N. St. Mary’s St. SHUTTERSTOCK

an Antonians are actually a pretty friendly bunch, and chances are that no matter how terrible you might be, we probably won’t boo you off a stage at an open mic night (unless, that is, you say something mean about The Spurs in one of your songs; don’t do that). When done well, the open mic is a safe haven for artists of varying calibers to cut their teeth in front of an audience. It’s where you learn how to play through those pre-show nerves, practice some new material or just jam out without all the pressure that can come along with a paid gig. If you’re new to town, interested in checking out some local talent on the cheap (most open mic nights are free to attend), or just wanna play some of your tunes, here’s a Sunday through Thursday listing of a few of our favorites open mics.

THE LION & ROSE

If you’re a fan of Guinness and kilts, this night is for you. Smack dab in the middle of north/ north central SA, The Black Market Club’s own Benjamin Griffith hosts a charming Sunday night open mic for pub-crawlers squeezing out the last of their weekend thrills. Sundays, 10pm, The Lion & Rose Restaurant & Pub (Park North), 842 NW Loop 410 Suite 115

RETOX BAR

If playing in front of live audience isn’t terrifying enough for you, try your hand at a few jokes as Joshua Pullin and Jacob Yarbrough host one of the longest running comedy open mic nights in San Antonio. Mondays, 930pm, Retox Bar, 1031 Patricia

THE COVE

Probably one of the longest running open mics in the city, Nico Laven hosts a Tuesday night of music that goes just right with The Cove’s amazing local beer selection and killer fish tacos. Tuesdays, 7:30pm-10:30pm, The Cove, 606 W. Cypress St.

VENTURA

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Change It Up

JAIME MONZON

— Jimmy Eat Wednesdays at Brass Monkey

CHECK OUT THESE THEME NIGHTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR PARTY ROUTINE

t’s actually not a terrible thing to have a weekly regimen, to frequent the same spots where you know you’ll find your same homies spilling whatever tea and chisme they heard about that one person who did that one thing. It’s nice. However, if you’re sick of the same, maybe it’s time to switch it up? Whether you’re down for a solid 90s dance night or some jazz and southern cooking, there’s guaranteed to be something to do every day, for free – or at the very least for pretty damn cheap. Here are some theme nights to make your weekday R&R a little more interesting.

ELECTRONIC AND CUMBIA AT LIMELIGHT DJ Nag Champa fuses together an eclectic mix of cumbia and dancehall every Sunday for a dance party you’ll want to call in to work for. Sundays, 9pm, Free for 21+, Limelight, 2718 N. St. Mary’s St

MARIOKART MONDAY AT VIVA TACOLAND This is the official day to come visit Viva TacoLand to create live art and embrace your inner video-game superstar. Mondays often include tunes by DJ Hypnotik or live bands like the Awols. Whether you’re into gaming, art, local music, or just getting your drink on, MarioKart Mondays deliver. Mondays, 9pm, free, Viva Tacoland 103 W. Grayson

HIP-HOP-N-WINGZ AT FRANKY DIABLOS Never a cover, stop by and you get free wings with every drink purchase – and you know

you were planning on drinking anyway. Mondays often include live painting by local artists like Nik Soupe and John Eric, and of course, hip-hop all night long. Mondays, 8pm, free, Franky Diablos, 1301 Roosevelt

DATE NIGHT WITH JIM CULLUM JAZZ BAND AT TUCKER’S What goes better with jazz than southern soul food? Get classy with Jim Cullum’s weekly staple at Tucker’s every Tuesday until 10pm. Tuesdays, 7pm, free, Tucker’s Kozy Korner, 1338 E Houston

THE MIX UP WITH DJ TECH-NEEK Thursdays here feature drink specials, new and classic hip hop, r&b and soul all night. For downtown, the free parking is a rare plus, too. Thursdays, 10pm, free, Groove Lounge 501 E Crockett

EVERY FIRST AND THIRD FRIDAYS AT TUCKER’S Soul Spot DJs Leonard Trujillo, Matt Vasquez, Ben Luhrman, and JJ Lopez aim to provide San Antonio with a bi-monthly dance party that celebrates soul music’s past, present and future. With selections spanning everything from Marvin Gaye to Jamiroquai, The Soul Spot keeps the modern soul dance party alive in San Antonio. First and Third Fridays, 9pm-2am, Free Tucker’s Kozy Korner, 1338 E. Houston St.

TUESDAY PUROSLAM WITH DJ DONNIE DEE AT THE KOROVA SA’s “only nationally certified poetry slam,” known for rowdy heckling and uncensored spoken word, goes down every Tuesday. In

between sets, DJ Donnie Dee spins a widevariety of jams to go along with the slams. Tuesdays, $1, 9:30pm, The Korova, 107 E. Martin St.

FUNK, OLDIES AND R&B: ALL-VINYL WITH DJ PLATA AT TUCKER’S Every Wednesday night, iconic hot spot Tucker’s hosts a classic DJ Plata set with allvinyl, proving that an aux cord doesn’t make just anybody an instant spinner. Wednesdays, Free, 21+, 8pm, Tucker’s Kozy Korner, 1338 E. Houston St.

80S AND 90S TRIBUTE AT THE BANG BANG BAR Every Thursday at The Bang Bang Bar, resident DJ AnitaBoogie serves up a totally radical dose of 80s and 90s music that will most likely bring back memories of your favorite John Hughes films. Thursdays, 10pm, Free for 21+, The Bang Bang Bar, 119 El Mio Dr

JIMMY EAT WEDNESDAYS AT BRASS MONKEY Every last Wednesday of the month, Brass Monkey hosts an angsty, emo pop-fueled night that’ll be sure have you re-living the early aughts as you dance into the early morning. Every last Wednesday, 10pm, Free, Brass Monkey, 2702 N. Saint Marys St.

QUEER Y QUE THURSDAYS AT LA BOTANICA Join DJ De La O for a night of eclectic jams served up for a gender-nonconforming crowd and latin vegan fare. Thursdays, 8pm, free, La Botanica, 2911 N. St. Mary’s St.

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Lay of the land

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JUSTIN MOORE

— Tower of the Americas

late night

late night KODY MELTON

— Rumble

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lateDnight A W N

Craft Cocktail Boom

BARS FOR WHEN YOU WANT A PROPER COCKTAIL

an Antonio’s craft cocktail game has grown exponentially in the last few years. With the San Antonio Cocktail Conference (now in its seventh year) and a slew of bar openings, you’re always close to your next shot of Fernet. Cheers!

DOWNTOWN

Bohanan’s Bar // Whet your whistle the highbrow way at Bohanan’s, where you’ll get a firstclass view of The Majestic from your barstool and some of the best service in town. 219 E. Houston St., (210) 472-2600, bohanans.com. The Last Word // Take a few steps down from Bohanan’s and land yourself at The Last Word. Bookish types and fans of cocktails in dimly lit settings will find refuge in this downstairs bar owned by Jeret Peña. 229 E. Houston St., Suite 10, (210) 314-1285, thelastwordsa.com. Juniper Tar // Grab a cocktail named after famous, historic affairs at Juniper Tar managed by Benjamin Krick. The space is intimate, adult and fun. 244 W. Houston St., (210) 229-1833, juniper-tar.com. Haunt // The St. Anthony holds Haunt where cocktail themes veer into spooky specter territory inside a chic bar. Stop in before or after dinner at Rebelle. 300 E. Travis St., (210) 352-3172, facebook.com/hauntsa. The Esquire Tavern // If you’re hoping to soak in more San Antonio history, a visit to The Esquire Tavern is a must. Overlook the San Antonio River Walk while sipping on classic cocktails inside this historic bar that’s been nominated as a James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist twice. 155 E. Commerce St., (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com. SoHo Wine & Martini Bar // Rub elbows with tipsy tourists while sipping on fruity concoctions inside one of the city’s first cocktail joints. 214 W. Crockett St., (210) 4441000, facebook.com/sohowineandmartinibar. The Brooklynite // Aside from Downtown proper, there are plenty of area establishments

that bring the cocktail quota up. Jeret Peña’s first solo bar still packs in crowds for Tiki Tuesday and come weekends. 516 Brooklyn Ave., (210) 444-0707, thebrooklynitesa.com. Sternewirth // Visit The Pearl’s boutique Hotel Emma, and sit inside former brew tanks that have been converted into posh seating. The menu changes seasonally. 136 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-7375, thehotelemma.com. Blue Box // While at Pearl, visit Blue Box for a serious happy hour. Or head there ahead of big games for free fare and drink specials. 312 Pearl Pkwy., (210) 227-2583, blueboxbar.com. Ocho // If you need less vests and more laidback atmospheres, head to Hotel Havana’s bar for a Martinique Punch and dazzling patio. 1015 Navarro St., (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com. Paramour // If you’re hoping for better views, you can’t do better than Paramour and their barrel-aged program. Or reach for their expertly made Carajillos. 102 9th St., Suite 400, 210-340-9880, paramourbar.com. La Roca // The owners of Green Lantern bring you La Roca, a classy and laid-back bar with plenty of tequila to go around. 416 8th St., facebook.com/larocacantina. TBA // This industry-favorite bar finally scored signage. Expect chill, inexpensive and potent drinks here. 2801 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-320-1753. The Squeezebox Who knew cumbias and cocktails would blend so seamlessly? Try them both here. 2806 N. St. Mary’s St., facebook.com/thesqueezebox.

PAIRED SNACKS

Alchemy Kombucha & Culture // This patio serves as the perfect background for sipping kombucha-filled cocktails and noshing on local produce. 1123 N. Flores St., (210) 320-1168, alchemysanantonio.com. Barbaro // Wash down delicious pizzas at Barbaro with balanced cocktails and housemade sodas. 2620 McCullough Ave., 210-3202261, barbarosanantonio.com. Hot Joy // Pair Tiki-style cocktails with pan-Asian fare at Hot Joy. 1014 S. Alamo St., 210-368-9324, hotjoysa.com. Cured // Owned by James Beard Finalist Steven McHugh, this Pearl eatery is known for great charcuterie and an impressive and varied cocktail list. 306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 101, (210) 314-3929, curedatpearl.com. Botika // Peruvian and Japanese fusion is available at Pearl’s latest eatery along with sake cocktails and more. 303 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 111, (210) 670-7684, botikapearl.com. Jazz, TX // Want cocktails and next-level jazz, salsa and country music? Find it at this downstairs bar owned by Brent “Doc” Watkins. 312 Pearl Pkwy., Building 6, (210) 3329386, jazztx.com. Chisme // The St. Mary’s Strip gained an Empty Stomach Group eatery this fall with the addition of Chisme inside the former Teka Molino. The happy hour features the house marg and free chips and queso. 2403 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 530-4236.

LOOPY LIBATION

Loplanders need cocktails, too.

Rumble // Catch all the action on the St. Mary’s Strip from this bar’s patio while enjoying themed cocktails and more. 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 365-3246, rumblesa.com.

George’s Keep // Fancy a view? You’ll get one of the sprawling San Antonio landscape here, along with patio sippers. 17101 La Cantera Pkwy., (210) 310-3733, georgeskeep.com.

Stay Golden Social House // Come weekends, this bar turns into a hot-spot for 20-somethings hoping to unwind on this gravel-lined patio. 401 Pearl Pkwy.

The Green Lantern // Find this hidden bar under a bright green light bulb and use it for intimate rendezvous. 20626 Stone Oak Pkwy., Suite 101, thegreenlanternsa.com.

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late night

Breweries to Know SAN ANTONIO’S CRAFT BEER GAME IS NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT

Without dipping into Hill Country territory (where you’ll find Cibolo Creek Brewing, New Braunfels Brewing Co. and lauded 5 Stones Artisan Brewing to name a few), San Antonio proper has breweries aplenty.

ALAMO BEER CO.

The ever-expanding lineup of beers all began with an American blonde ale known as Alamo Golden Ale. The beer hall sits just under the Hays Street Bridge on the city’s east side. 202 Lamar St., (210) 872-5589.

BLUE STAR BREWERING CO.

Established in 1996, one of the OGs of San Antonio brewing has a prime view of the Mission Reach extension of the Riverwalk. Stop in for a pint of Texican Lager, made specifically for South Texas, or the spunky Southtown Sour. 1414 S. Alamo St., Suite 105, (210) 212-5506.

BRANCHLINE BREWING CO.

One of the first breweries in town to can their wares, Branchline is known for solid sessionable beers. Try the moderately hopped Evil Owl. 3633 Metro Pkwy., (210) 545-3536.

YOUR ONE STOP WESTERN WEAR SHOP.

QUALITY SERVICE VALUE

BUSTED SANDAL BREWING CO.

The Medical Center’s go-to brewery makes river drinkin’ easy with its 210 Ale. 7114 Oaklawn Drive, (210) 872-1486.

FREETAIL BREWING CO.

With its taproom and brewery off South Presa and original brew pub, Freetail is keeping most area beer drinkers happy. Try the Bexarliner series or their new side project Ghost Pixel. Multiple locations, freetailbrewing.com.

THE GRANARY ‘CUE & BREW

The Pearl returned to its brewing roots with the opening of The Granary. Try a beer flight to sample house offerings such as the coffee IPA or brown ale. 602 Avenue A, (210) 228-0124.

RANGER CREEK BREWING & DISTILLING CO.

Whiskey and a growing lineup of beers can be found here. Try them for happy hour or find their first canned offering, San Antonio Lager, across town in select stores. 4834 Whirlwind Drive, (210) 775-2099.

SOUTHERLEIGH FINE FOOD & BREWERY

Les Locke and his crew keep producing an eclectic lineup. Try the margarita gose or pick up a sixer of Texas Uncommon Ale. 136 E. Grayson St., (210) 455-5701.

WEATHERED SOULS BREWING CO.

The newest brewery on the block hits the city’s north side with an ever-changing tap list of special releases and core beers. 606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 500, (210) 313-8796.

210-736-0990 • COWTOWNBOOTS.COM

4522 Fredericksburg Rd. @ Wonderland of the Americas Mall

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lateDnight A W N

dive bars

we love

CLASSIC BARS WHERE EVERYONE WILL KNOW YOUR NAME JAIME MONZON

COBALT CLUB

It might not look like a whole lot from the outside, but Cobalt Club’s lasting legacy might be how it cares for its patrons, i.e. everyone who gets off work late, those who want to keep drinking when the sun rises in the morning. A haven for hospital employees, this straightfriendly gay dive has staying power. 2022 McCullough Ave., (210) 251-2027.

COCO BEACH

If you’re into Hurricanes and kitschy tropical décor without a hint of pretentious tiki, you’ll want to head to Coco Beach. The spot off Nakoma is decked out with palm hut and strung up marlin above the door so you can’t miss it. Once inside, the “Port Aransasfucked-South-Padre-and-this-is-theirlovechild” vibe persists. Get cozy in the indoor cabanas at your own risk. 12159 Valliant St., (210) 341-5330.

MARTY’S COCKTAILS

Practice your karaoke skills in one of the most welcoming of settings, this tiny nook of a bar that delivers wild comedy shows, great drink specials and chill vibes. This countryesque bar is filled to the gills with Texan sport memorabilia (including a painted scene out of most Spurs games with David Robinson and Timmy held in sweet embrace). And there’s free wi-fi. 603 Isom Road, (210) 341-9259.

MAKE MY DAY LOUNGE

If you’re fresh off the late shift, still going from the night before or in need of a morning fix, Make My Day Lounge might be your bar. Stop in early for a dark escape from the morning sun or head in during the evening when they host rowdy karaoke sessions. It’s a catch-all bar for anyone looking to satiate their thirst. 12144 Nacogdoches Road, 210-655-6367.

TEXAS T PUB

Neons and Lone Star in the heart of Downtown: What more do you need? Visit

— Thursty Turtle

2016’s winner of Best Dive Bar if you haven’t for cheap drink specials, peanuts, chips and puro nostalgia. 121 Broadway, (210) 271-1058.

THURSTY TURTLE

Settled in a tiny strip mall off Harry Wurzbach

is the Thursty Turtle. Only a stone’s throw away from the perpetually bustlin’ Magic Time Machine, the Turtle presents itself as the perfect respite from the office, complete with billiards, couches for kicking back and friendly regulars. 1626 NE Loop 410, 210-820-3600.

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LGBT Primary Care

PrEP Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

HIV Specialty Care

On-site Pharmacy

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lateDnight A W N

Bar Fun night out should involve a little more than just a few drinks, so if you need activities to pair with your rum and Cokes, here’s where to go.

MATT KELLEY

WHERE TO DANCE, BOWL AND GEEK OUT

DANCING

Brass Monkey // If you’re looking to dance on the St. Mary’s Strip, then the place to be is Brass Monkey. With a combination of ‘80s new wave, indie and dance music, this oddball venue knows how to pack the dance floor. 2702 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 480-4722. Bonham Exchange // The stories about the Bonham Exchange are legendary. If only the walls here could speak! From celebrity sightings, to drag performances, to sexy male dancers, the Bonham has always given its clientele a reason to come back. Today the club caters to a diverse clientele both gay and straight. Saturday nights are its busiest night when the radio station Energy 94.1 broadcasts live from the dance floor. 411 Bonham St., (210) 224-9219, bonhamexchange.com. Cowboys Dancehall // Cowboys Dancehall offers more than just a spacious dance floor. With over 70,000-square-feet, it’s one of the largest entertainment venues in the city with seven different bars, an indoor rodeo area for bull riding and cage fights, and monthly concerts featuring some of the biggest DJs and biggest names in country music. Thursdays are ladies’ nights, when women 21 and up get in free. 3030 NE Loop 410, (210) 646-9378, cowboysdancehall.com. Industry Nightclub // If you’re feeling nostalgic, then Industry Nightclub is the place for you. Here, the DJs play a mix of ‘80s, ‘90s and “y2k.” The crowd here tends to be 30 plus and the dance floor gets packed. Many come for the “freestyle” music the club has become known for. The décor here could use a little updating, but who’s really paying attention when you’re here to dance, right? Doors open at 9 p.m., so get here early to avoid the lack of parking outside. 8021 Pinebrook Drive, (210) 374-2765.

GEEKS WHO DRINK

Serious drinking nerds will want to find the nearest bar where you can flex your knowledge of pop culture, history, politics and

— Bonham Exchange

obscure music while enjoying a few brews. MONDAY • Quarry Hofbrau and Beer Garden // 7310 Jones Maltsberger, (210) 2908066, 8pm Southtown 101 // 101 Pereida St., (210) 263-9880, 7pm TUESDAY • Claude Hopper’s // 19178 Blanco Road, (210) 479-5445, 8pm Halcyon // 1414 S. Alamo St., (210) 277-7045, 8pm The Hangar //, 8203 Broadway, (210) 824-2700, 8pm The Mix// 2423 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 735-1313, 8pm WEDNESDAY • Mad Pecker Brewing Co // 6025 Tezel Road, Suite 122, (210) 562-3059, 8pm The Lion and Rose Pub // 8211 Agora Pkwy., Suite 112, (210) 547-3000, 8pm The Lion and Rose Pub // 842 NW Loop 410, Suite 115, (210) 798-4154, 8pm THURSDAY • Southtown 101 // 101 Pereida St., (210) 263-9880, 7pm SATURDAY • The Ringer Pub // 2826 Thousand Oaks, (210) 530-1319, 9pm

lanes, craft beer on tap and a full menu of local fare. 17619 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 102, (210) 920-1102. Bowlero // The fun doesn’t stop at Bowlero where arcade games meet a full bar, ropes course, lounge, and 48 lanes. 13307 San Pedro Ave., (210) 496-3811. Top Golf // Visit them for high-altitude swinging (of golf clubs), great bites and solid drinks. 5539 NW Loop 1604 W., (210) 202-2694. Slackers // Arcade games of yesteryear, Wii games and Spurs games can all be enjoyed at Slackers off Rector or latest location off Nacogdoches. The frozen drinks aren’t to be missed. Multiple locations, slackerssa.com.

KARAOKE

Whether it’s “Don’t Stop Believing” or “Bad Romance,” you can get your American Idol on at these singer-friendly joints. Dad’s // 2615 Mossrock, (210) 267-5703 Sir Winston’s Pub //2522 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 829-5933

BAR GAMES

Show off your competitive spirit with a friendly game of golf, arcade games, Bowl & Barrel // Bowling doesn’t have to be a plebian affair. Reservations are a must at this boutique bowling alley with manicured

Thirsty Camel // 5307 McCullough Ave., (210) 780-0669 Little Woodrow’s // Multiple locations, littlewoodrows.com

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lateDnight A W N

Late Night snacks OR WHERE TO SOBER UP AFTER A NIGHT OUT

Used to be that local denizens of the dark had limited late-night feeding options: Mi Tierra pairing enchiladas and mariachis, and Earl Abel’s mating insomniacs to fried chicken. Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery still soldiers on. But a new breed of night owls has emerged, encouraged in part by upscale bars intent on serving more than pickled eggs and beef jerky. Here are more than a few and their late kitchen hours. 218 Produce Row, (210) 2251262, mitierracafe.com.

COURTESY OF WHATABURGER

MI TIERRA RESTAURANT & BAKERY

— Whataburger

CROSSROADS SOUTHERN KITCHEN You order at the patio window outside Faust Tavern, then head inside for a cheap beer or a well-made Old Fashioned as you wait for the likes of smoked-fried mushrooms, Not Texas chili or a fried chicken “sammich.” Chow down Tuesday-Sunday ’til 2 a.m. 517 E. Woodlawn Ave., (210) 257-0628, facebook. com/crossroadkitchen.

THE ESQUIRE TAVERN

Esquire’s kitchen is open seriously late on weekends for tacos con papas, hearty pozole rojo, bison burgers and fancy chicken and dumplings. We couldn’t do a 16-ounce Texas Wagyu after midnight, but maybe you can. The kitchen stays open through 1 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. 155 E. Commerce St., (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com.

TACOS EL REGIO NO. 2

Liberty’s late menu is served from 10 p.m. onward and includes popular faves such as pear and stilton salad, steak tartare, a buildyour-own pizza, pot roast and, of course, the enduring classic, Virginia Green’s chocolate cake. Take in a pie through midnight. 1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com.

Located right next to nightclub Hardbodies, Tacos El Regio is ideally situated in walking distance from all of the bars along the St. Mary’s Strip. This taco truck opens at dusk to specifically cater to the area’s late-night crowds, and features some of the best green salsa in San Antone (Yelp users heartily agree). The tortas are humungous; the tacos are bursting with spice and flavor, but the elote … Oh, the elote. You will be dreaming about it long after that first bite. 2726 N. St. Mary’s St.

ZINC BISTRO & WINE BAR

TAQUITOS WEST AVE.

LIBERTY BAR

The “crack burger” for sure. Then consider calamari worth the calories, Gulf blue crabcakes, Texas lamb pappardelle or the ancho crusted short rib sandwich. Molten chocolate cake with cajeta will provide a useful, if brief, sugar jolt. Eat great late until 2 a.m. nightly. 207 N. Presa St., (210) 224-2900, zincwine.com.

At Taquitos West Ave., authenticity is everything. Taquitos’ diversified options for meat and spice, alongside their bona fide Mexican drinks and desserts elicit tastes and sentiments of home, or your home away from home if you lack Latin American descent. The entire joint is set up outside, so it’s perfect for

a little late night adventure, regardless of if you have any sobering up to do. All for under $10, the experience is unbeatable. 2818 West Ave., (210) 525-9888.

WHATABURGER

Forget the golden arches, Whataburger is most San Antonians’ go-to for satisfying those late night cravings. Multiple locations, whataburger.com.

JIM’S RESTAURANTS

Since 1947, Jim’s has been filling bellies and bringing families together on most mornings with its authentic diner atmosphere and service. But when it’s late and you’ve got a hankering for a stack, short or small, Jim’s got you. Several area locations are open 24 hours a day to help you score tasty breakfast favorites or their signature tortilla soup any time. Multiple locations, jimsrestaurants.com.

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A W N Lay of theD land SHUTTERSTOCK

How to get there A RUNDOWN OF SAN ANTONIO’S TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

RIDESHARE IS HERE TO STAY

Do you Uber or Lyft a lot when you visit other cities? Would you be less likely to visit — or maybe even move to — a city if those services weren’t an option? During San Antonio’s recent Rideshare Wars, city officials were desperately afraid they’d lose the kind of person who might answer yes to either of those questions. No more: Last year, the city gave in and dropped its attempt to impose more regulations than the rideshare companies said they could tolerate — namely, a fingerprintbased background check for drivers. In 2015, the companies actually left town, as they have in other Texas cities that have pushed regulations that go beyond what the companies want. But the people want their Uber. And after a lot of public pressure for the city to find a way to bring rideshare back, SA officials struck an agreement for a “pilot program,” in which Uber and Lyft drivers who hadn’t been screened by the city could still pick up San Antonio passengers — so long as the platforms offered a “service,” which few drivers even really knew about, showing you if your driver had a fingerprint-based official background check (the idea being passengers could “choose” for themselves). Last year, City Council made it official, updating the city’s rideshare ordinance to make such driver background checks “voluntary.” So Uber your heart out. Lyft away, San Antonio.

PEDAL POWER

Believe it or not, San Antonio is actually pretty kind to two-wheeled travelers. No, we don’t have the reputation of being the most bikeable city in Texas (go try Austin’s hills and see if you agree with the assessment), but if you work and reside in or near the downtown area, the streets are pretty bike-friendly with plenty of dedicated and share lanes, and are relatively safe. Some people down here actually make pedal-power a primary mode of transportation. Similarly, the downtown area’s not a bad starting point for locals or visitors looking for a good, scenic ride — with easy access to trails along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River or the newly-finished Apache and San Pedro Creekway, which you can ride into the heart of the West Side. And the City of San Antonio continues to update and refine the bicycle master plan leaders passed in 2011 – in fact, last year officials rolled much of it into their long-term planning document for the city, dubbed SA Tomorrow. All of which goes to say, expect opportunities and infrastructure for cyclists to grow. One good way to explore and gauge your street-riding comfort level is a social ride, and San Antonio has plenty of them. A good entry point is the SATX Social Ride Facebook group, which regularly posts and promotes rides of all kinds – from leisurely weekend strolls to evening workouts or even training rides.

THE PUBLIC OPTION

Let’s be honest: San Antonio’s public transit options are lackluster, even compared to other Texas cities. Maybe it’s because tax hawks freak every time an elected official so much as whispers about commuter rail here, or perhaps it’s the measly half-cent sales tax that funds VIA’s operations (compared to most other Texas cities that get at least an entire cent). The thing is, moving forward, San Antonio can’t just be all about cars. That is, if you believe the numbers and hate gridlock traffic. At the city’s current pace of growth, some experts estimate that by 2040, as much as half of San Antonio roadways will face serious traffic congestion, which would make average commuter times increase by 75 percent. Ever driven in Houston? Think Houston. At least most city leaders here seem to agree that better public transit can and should be one solution to the oncoming gridlock. And in recent years, VIA really has done all it can, including adding more routes and buses in all sectors of the city, increasing high-frequency services to major thoroughfares, and even adding dedicated routes for the Missions and the city’s cultural and historical institutions. Basically, even while some on City Council push for transportation reform and a VIA overhaul, they say the city’s public transportation agency is still doing about as good a job as it can given the circumstances. And because of that, even if you can’t or don’t want to use VIA every day, there are still plenty of ways to take it for a test ride. Chances are you’ll find ways to keep using it.

sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 13

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Lay of the land COURTESY OF REIMAGINE THE ALAMO C

Re−remembering the

Alamo T

he last thing the Alamo wants is to be forgotten. But with a past so complex — a blend of battles, burial grounds, buried treasure, and tall tales — it’s understandably hard to stay up to speed on its present and future. Just because the 18th Century mission is a historic relic doesn’t mean it’s cemented in time. The Alamo has continued to grow and adapt to educate, inspire and charm tourists and locals alike. Here’s what you need to know about its more recent past — and beyond. For more than one hundred years, the Alamo mission was controlled by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, a historical association formed to “perpetuate the memory of the founding families of the Republic of Texas.” But tensions between the organization and government officials strained over the years — sparked by officer elections, poor restoration, and unnecessary spending — ended in a state takeover not unlike the Alamo’s historic battle.

THE BRIGHT FUTURE OF A HISTORIC LANDMARK

In 2011, the Texas General Land Office took control of the shrine in hopes of restoring the fragile 200-year-old chapel and neighboring barracks. DRT officials transitioned out of management positions, leaving just a few members behind to manage the DRT library (which ultimately closed last year). Then, in 2015, the Alamo, along with the city’s four other historic Spanish colonial missions, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (a Texas first). Perhaps coincidentally, the city and state began expediting its efforts to restore the delicate chapel and grounds — and tasked the Alamo Management Committee, a group of private and public sector officials, to fund and oversee a new restoration plan for the very old grounds. Thus, the first draft of the sweeping Alamo master plan was presented to San Antonio City Council in December 2016. The hired planners based all recommendations off of one simple goal: for the Alamo to be just as revered as other

14 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

historic U.S. battlefields, like Gettysburg or Valley Forge. That meant shutting off part of the neighboring Alamo St. from traffic, getting rid of the touristy museums and shops lining Alamo St. and blocking the entire street in front of the mission off from traffic. No more sidewalk vendors, animated protests, or holiday decorations in front of the iconic chapel, either. Instead, the storefront and street — an area originally included in the mission grounds — would be filled in with memorial gardens, educational material, and plaques to commemorate the many Americans (native and otherwise) who lost their lives on the site. The plan, only 60 percent unveiled to the public, is expected to include a museum to present artifacts found in and around the mission itself — including an odd wealth of items collected by musician and Alamoenthusiast, Phil Collins. Along with redesign, the committee has prioritized giving the site an expert excavation. Under the DRT’s eye, bright

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SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM of ART 200 West Jones Avenue • samuseum.org • sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 15

Lay of the land PHOTOS COURTESY OF REIMAGINE THE ALAMO

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tourist shops and cemented streets popped up on top of the historic front-half of the Alamo grounds (the chapel originally sat in the center of the compound). Just last year, researchers with the Center for Archaeological Research with the University of Texas at San Antonio were given the green light to start digging around these areas, in hopes of finding, at the very least, remnants of the original outer wall. Now joined by a private archeology firm, site archeologists have remained zip-lipped about their findings thus far, but they predicted uncovering fragments of Native American pottery, battle tools, burial grounds, or other forgotten artifacts up to 10,000 years old. Who knows — they might even find a basement. Of course, the seven-year master plan has hit a few financial roadblocks. Asking for a kick-start of some $100 million state and city funds, it doesn’t come as a surprise — but leaders are counting on public and private donors to come out of the woodwork. “While some progress has been made over the last couple of years, the Alamo remains in a state of severe disrepair,” said state representative and House Speaker Joe Straus in a February interview with the San Antonio Express-News. “These state resources, along with local and private funds, will help transform the Alamo into the destination that it should be.” Regardless of its timeframe, the groundwork has been laid to guarantee that the future of the Alamo is just as memorable as its past.

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TX LAWMEN

18 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

JAIME MONZON

A W N Lay of theD land

Honoring Dr. King THE LARGEST MLK MARCH IN THE COUNTRY TAKES PLACE RIGHT HERE IN SA

ith approximately 300,000 people in attendance each year, San Antonio’s Martin Luther King Jr. march has been called the largest in the nation honoring the slain civil rights leader — a recognition that certainly makes the city proud. The signature event, which is organized each year by the city’s all-volunteer MLK, Jr. Commission, was first held on January 19, 1987 and started with the help of the Rev. Dr. Raymond A. Callies, Sr. Callies, who was a community leader and a 30-year employee of the San Antonio Independent School District, began leading

processions honoring Dr. King’s legacy soon after his death in April 1968, and was the first recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Achievement Award. The day of the march, which takes place on San Antonio’s Eastside, begins with an early worship ceremony and concludes with a commemorative program, featuring a keynote address, where folks gather in celebration with food, music and presentations. In addition to the march, the MLK Commission holds meetings and events throughout the year and administers the Martin Luther King Jr., Scholarship Program, giving thousands of dollars each year to local

high school students to help fund a portion of their college tuition. This past year, the march’s 30th anniversary, events included a jazz performance, a pictorial history art exhibition and the annual Gospel Choir Extravaganza. The theme, “King’s Legacy For Peace is Justice For All,” rang through the streets as thousands crossed over the Martin Luther King, Jr., Freedom Bridge. Signs with “Black Lives Matter” and Dr. King quotes were seen throughout the three-mile march. And come next January, the massive crowd will again gather as San Antonio honors the legacy and fight for civil rights.

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DAIVD S. HOLLOWAY

Lay of the land — Jane Goodall was a past lecturer

Get Schooled WHY TRINITY UNIVERSITY’S LECTURE SERIES IS WORTH THE VISIT

ith more than 10 universities and colleges in San Antonio, you can take advantage of the range of guest speakers and lecturers who come through town. But, above anyone else, it seems Trinity University has mastered the art of the lecture series. Drawing in names like Jane Goodall, journalist Bob Woodward and retired NASA astronaut Capt. Scott Kelly, Trinity’s variety of lectures and events bring renowned speakers to the college campus, usually inviting the rest of San Antonio to join in on the experience. Through the years, the university’s series and programs have included the Darwin Day Lecture, an annual lecture to celebrate the life and scholarship of Charles Darwin; the Distinguished Lecture Series, which has played host to influential leaders and activists like Elie Wiesel and Desmond Tutu; and the Stieren Arts Enrichment Series, a string of lectures revolving around the fields of art, music, drama, literature, history and communication. Hosting presentations on a fairly regular basis, you can always expect to find someone interesting speaking at the school. Whether you visit the Laurie Auditorium on a whim or plan it out months in advance, attending a Trinity University lecture should be on everyone’s bucket list. 20 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

ENROLL NOW! 5 COLLEGES. 6 INSTITUTES. COUNTLESS PATHWAYS.

THE ALAMO INSTITUTES. Health & Biosciences Creative & Communication Arts Business & Entrepreneurship Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics Public Service Science & Technology Want college to make sense for your situation? Enroll in any of our five independently accredited colleges. Instead of just offering countless courses, each college can give you access to six new institutes designed to guide you down the most direct pathway to any future you want. Each institute represents a concentration of disciplines, offers competitive programs in your favorite fields, and helps you transfer to a university or start your career ASAP. Simply talk to an advisor at any of our colleges or visit alamo.edu.

alamo.edu sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 21

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22 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

caricaturewine.com

Lay of the land

Get served

A BASIC GUIDE TO CITY SERVICES FOR NEWBIES AND FIRST-TIMERS

CPS ENERGY

Get those lights turned on. This City-owned utility will hook you up with electricity and gas. (800) 773-3077, cpsenergy.com

SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEM (SAWS) … And get your shower on, while you’re at it. SAWS is your ticket to water and sewer services.(210) 704-SAWS (7297), saws.org

RECYCLING

Don’t Mess With San Antonio; recycle y’all. SA offers recycling bins for all your reusable household items. (210) 2076428, sarecycles.org

ANIMAL CARE SERVICES

Adopt, license or find your pet. ACS also offers free to low cost spay or neutering for your furry friend. (210) 2074738, sanantonio.gov/animalcare

INTERNET/CABLE /PHONE PROVIDERS We know you can’t live without internet, and since they typically come in bundles with phone and cable these days, call any of the providers for your one stop shop. Comcast // (866) 774-3128, comcast.com Grande Communications // (210) 320-4600, mygrande.com Time Warner // (210) 244-0500, timewarnercable.com AT&T // (800) 288-2020, att.com And call 3-1-1 for all your city-related concerns, from potholes to stray dogs.

People Power REGARDLESS OF YOUR AGE OR POLITICAL PERSUASION, THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS TO GET ACTIVE, STAY IN INVOLVED AND FLEX YOUR RIGHTS. Bexar County Democratic Party // (210) 255-8420, bexardemocrats.org

stonewallsanantonio.org

Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio //

MOVE San Antonio // (210) 3960845, movesanantonio.org

Bexar County Young Tejano Democrats // facebook.com/ Bexar County Republican Party exarcountyyoungtejanodemocrats // (210) 824-9445, bexargop.org San Antonio Progressive Alliance // facebook.com/ Bexar County Green Party // saprogress bexargreens.org

Leave the keys. Bring the camera. 11

VIVA culture connects you with museums, parks, theaters, art galleries and the zoo.

VIVA missions takes you to the historic San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site.

301

VIVA centro travels through the heart of downtown from Centro Plaza to Sunset Station.

UNLIMITED RIDES ALL DAY PASSES AVAILABLE ON THE BUS

VIAinfo.net/VIVA sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 23

2017 calendar

— San Japan

SUMMER

COCKTAIL

Previous years of the San Antonio Current’s signature Cocktail party have subscribed to the Gatsby model of decadence, featuring top-shelf drinks at the gorgeous McNay. With the 80s-themed party held at The DoSeum last year, the attitude felt closer to Willy Wonka — if the chocolate-manufacturer built a factory dedicated to booze instead of cocoa. This year’s ’90s-themed bash includes snacks from dozens of San Antonio’s best restaurants and cocktail samples from its most creative bars and bartenders. With scrunchies and tube socks in place, boogie on the dance floor and explore the interactive kids’ museum’s engineering, Spy Academy and light and sound exhibits. Just try not to get too excited by the elaborate ball pit-style Rube Goldberg machine. $45, July 28, The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, cocktail.sacurrent.com.

buy a ticket to the Tejano Conjunto Festival. That’s not a dig — the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s annual event showcases the finest of San Anto and South Texas’ musical heritage, the stuff that was here before your trendy neighbors moved in and will remain long after they’re gone. The festival always hits the sweet spot of festival lineups, providing a perfect balance of young innovators and classic headliners to fill the bill. Founder Juan Tejeda will take an advisory role this year as new executive director Christina Ballí brings her experience in Latino arts programming to the project. Now in its 36th year, expect the May celebration to deliver the baddest and boldest sounds from the accordion and bajo sexto. To borrow from Augie Meyers, their corazón is real. Prices vary, May 24-28, Guadalupe Theater (1301 Guadalupe St.) & Rosedale Park (422 Dartmouth St.), guadalupeculturalarts.org.

PRIDE FESTIVAL

SAN JAPAN

A week after the nation celebrates the anniversary of marriage equality, San Antonio’s Pride Festival hits the streets with the Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and Parade. With events all day Saturday, Crockett Park turns into a booming block party. The just-north-ofdowntown park hosts the High Heel Race and Rainbow Dash fun run as well as vendors, face painting and more. At 9 p.m., the festival goes mobile, routing toward the Main Strip bars. With a day’s drinking under the belt, the parade tends to be the most fun, rowdy and proud moment of the evening, when a costume becomes armor and San Anto feels like the LGBT hub it was meant to be. $10 donation (parade free), July, Crockett Park, pridesanantonio.org.

TEJANO CONJUNTO FESTIVAL

If you’re ever worried that San Antonio is changing too quickly, 24 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

The flight alone from San Antonio to Tokyo costs somewhere in the ballpark of $1500 — in other words, a deal breaker for the average nipponophile. Luckily, every September, San Japan offers a deep dive into anime and Japanese culture for those who aren’t looking to travel farther than Downtown SA. Last year, almost 20,000 nerds descended upon the festival, dressed in various levels of commitment to their cosplay. For the 2017 Robots and Androids-themed event, San Japan welcomes voice actors Max Mittelman, Ray Chase, Robbie Daymond and a load of other unannounced guests involved in anime, horror and video games. Japanese band All Off will also appear and likely perform some of their anime-themed songs. A tip for significant others: If you go with and don’t act like a buzzkill the whole time, you will be rewarded. $20-$175, September 1-3, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St., san-japan.org.

LINDA ROMERO

Calendar

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS FOR WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL IN SA

2017 calendar D A W N

JAIME MONZON

FOTOSEPTIEMBRE You’d be hard-pressed to find wall space in September that isn’t filled with photographs, and you can blame Michael Mehl for that. The local artist and curator started Fotoseptiembre USA back in 1995 with a small offering of exhibits and conferences. Since then, the festival has drawn international interest in its exhibitions of photography and photography-based art forms around San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. Expect the curation to be vast (and the content blushworthy), with mid-career and internationally renowned artists showing alongside local students and hobbyists. The well-rounded 2016 program included group exhibits like “Kick It Old School,” which limited process to traditional and non-digital, and “Caras III,” which focused on the face as the initial brand we come to associate the substance of a person with their form. Previous standouts run the gamut from a Graciela Iturbide retrospective to the Ansel Adams showcase “Distance and Detail.” Free with few exceptions, September, fotoseptiembreusa.com.

FALL

LUMINARIA With a successful 2016 in an Eastside footprint from Dignowity Park to the Carver, Luminaria’s perserverance through torrential downpours in 2015 and local discontent in 2014 paid off. New murals at the Nolan Street underpass are just part of the evidence that Luminaria is meeting its mission to light up San Antonio as an unparalleled city of art. Established in 2008, the night-time festival crafts a gallery out of the cityscape, cramming murals, live music, projections, film screenings, theater and dance into a corridor of the Alamo City. Previous artists include Iker Muro, Chris Sauter, Gary Garay and Spot Barnett, among others. Free with few exceptions, October, luminariasa.org.

SAN ANTONIO BEER FESTIVAL If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of craft ales, then the one-day San Antonio Beer Festival is your must-attend event this fall. With over 400 beers on tap from nearly 125 breweries around the world, the festival is jampacked with unique casks, one-of-a-kind collaborations, and your favorite porters, stouts, pilsners, ales, wheats, belgians, ciders, and lagers to name a few. Hosted in Dignowity and Lockwood parks, the festival also offers live music, games, a wine garden, food trucks, local vendors and more. Visitors receive sampling cards upon entry to try the unbelievable assortment of libations. Snag a VIP pass for early entry, access to a catered VIP zone and a branded swag bag. But you’ll want to call your sitter for this one — all guests must be 21+, rain or shine. Prices vary, October, sanantoniobeerfestival.com.

— Luminaria

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2017 calendar

The recently extended parade route allows more space for eager spectators to claim their seats along the River Walk to enjoy the Christmas lights and lavish floats with friends and family. The H-E-B Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony makes the evening more special, so everyone’s holiday spirit should be at full gleam. Dinner packages are available up and down the River Walk for reserved seats, eats and drinks while you watch. We’ll have to wait for the announcement of the 2017 Grand Marshal, but previous hosts have included author Sandra Cisneros, former San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro and the Spurs Silver and Black Give Back. Last year, you could text vote for your favorite float covered in “tinsel and merriment” to match the theme. You won’t get nearly as much holiday spirit watching from TV at home, so get out there for this day-after-Thanksgiving tradition. Prices vary, November 25, thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

WINTER

DIWALI The San Antonio Festival of Lights will celebrate its ninth year at La Villita with entertainment, a fireworks display, craft vendors and Indian cuisine. In the past, a number of restaurants attended, including Pavani Express, Café Bahar, Biryani Pot and Amaa’s Kitchen. This year, an estimated 15,000 patrons from around the state of Texas can enjoy Indian dancing and Bollywood Zumba, an arts market, fashion show and more. This free event celebrates the ancient Hindu festival that signifies “the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, hope over despair.” Sounds like a good set of principles to live by, if you ask us. Plus, if you’ve never tried chicken tikka dosa, you don’t know what happiness is. Free, November, La Villita, 418 Villita St., diwalisa.com.

SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO Making its debut in 1950, the rodeo has become one of the go-to events in the Alamo City, with more than two million visitors annually. Whether you’re a traditional dusty cowboy or just there for the fried snickers, there’s always an impressive lineup of entertainers and attractions for everyone to enjoy. The most recent rodeo included performances from varied musicians such as Willie Nelson, Little Big Town and Fifth Harmony. For families, attractions range from a petting zoo to a Texas Wildlife Expo to a BMX stunt show and more. And don’t forget the carnival and various guilty-pleasure, fair-food options. The rodeo is much more than ropin’ and ridin’, although there’s plenty of that, too. Prices vary, February, AT&T Center (One AT&T Center Pkwy.) & Freeman Coliseum (3201 E. Houston St.), sarodeo.com.

SAN ANTONIO COCKTAIL CONFERENCE Shake things up with this popular conference that was referred to by Paste Magazine as “the future of cocktails.” Going on its seventh year, SACC features the best bartenders and cocktail aficionados joining forces to lead a series of libation-themed seminars, tastings and, yes, many, many cocktail parties. In the past, this multi-event conference has included an Ultimate Bartender Championship, Scotch-paired dinners, a Friendly Beer Break and the Stroll on Houston Street in the downtown area. If you’re a down-home beer drinker, SACC probably won’t be your style unless you want to get a little more adventurous, sip some fancy craft drinks and maybe attend a class on the complexities of Blanche Armagnac. Prices vary, January, downtown, sanantoniococktailconference.com. 26 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

— Diwali

MURALI SUBRAMANIAM

FORD HOLIDAY RIVER PARADE

2017 calendar D A W N

JAIME MONZON

SPRING — San Antonio Book Festival

ALAMO CITY COMIC CON

Get out your spandex, swords and face paint, because San Antonio is home to one of the largest and fastest-growing comic and pop-culture conventions in the country. During this three-day celebration of all things comic, participants have the opportunity to mingle with their favorite celebrities, purchase art and collectibles, and attend panels covering a wide variety of subjects. This year’s celebrity guest stars include Napoleon Dynamite himself, Jon Heder, Carl Weathers, Lucha Underground wrestler Rey Mysterio, famed Marvel and DC comic artists/writers Tim Sale and Neil Adams and more to be announced. Oh, and did we mention there’s a costume contest? $30-$250, May 26-28, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St., alamocitycomiccon.com.

CONTEMPORARY ART MONTH

For the past three decades, Contemporary Art Month (CAM) has provided San Anto with a yearly, month-long opportunity to feast on some of the best contemporary art from our city and far beyond. CAM’s main objectives — to foster community among SA artists and provide a larger audience for up-and-coming talent — make it one of the primary drivers of this city’s thriving artistic identity. The CAM Perrenial exhibition invites a curator from a partner city to visit San Antonio artists’ studios and make selections for a show. This year, the Southwest School of Art partners with CAM for the Perennial show curated by Chris Ingalls of Miami. CAMx will also pair an artist-run space from SA with one from Miami for each to mount a show in the other’s gallery. Keep an eye on the CAM website for the spectacular kickoff party at Blue Star Contemporary and a plethora of art events and exhibitions. Free with few exceptions, March, locations vary, contemporaryartmonth.com.

SAN ANTONIO BOOK FESTIVAL

Hosted at San Antonio’s Central Library and the Southwest School of Art, the relatively young San Antonio Book Festival is a daylong “celebration of ideas, books, libraries and literary culture.” Now in

its fifth year, the bibliophilic fest has found itself a beacon of cultural and social luminance in SA. You can wander through the exhibition stalls talking with local booksellers and authors, look at their wares and stop by a food truck for some brain fuel. Last year’s stacked slate of happenings included over 80 acclaimed regional and national authors, featured readings, panel discussions, book signings, events for children and teens and much more. Free, April 8, San Antonio Central Library, 600 Soledad St., saplf.org/festival.

FIESTA

You know you live in a badass place when once a year, everything halts as the city engages for more than a week in an event simply dubbed Fiesta (literally: “Party”). This year’s Fiesta, which marks the 126th anniversary of the citywide shindig, promises to cram even more confetti, food, booze, flair and fun into its 10 days than ever. Everybody is in on it, with events from Night in Old San Antonio and Cornyation to The Fiesta Pooch Parade and Battle of the Flowers Parade and Band Festival. Amid all the ravishing revelry and myriad multicultural celebrations, it’s important to remember that the proceeds from Fiesta help keep our city strong. A party with a purpose? Bring it on. Prices vary, April 20-30, locations vary, fiesta-sa.org.

CULINARIA FESTIVAL WEEK

As San Antonio continues blossoming into one of the finest places in the world to live and/or visit, it seems like festivals fill up every single day on the calendar. This, of course, is a wonderful problem to have. Certainly the most delectable festival offering in town is Culinaria Festival Week. Presented by Culinaria, “an independent, not-for-profit organization, committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination, while fostering community growth,” the festival is chock-full of opportunities to try new foods and drinks and experience the cutting edge of the SA culinary scene. Check the website for the varied event listings like Bubbles and Pearls, Burgers, BBQ and Beer, Tex-Mex and Tequila, and the Grand Tasting. Prices vary, May 18-21, locations vary, culinariasa.org. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 27

food & drink

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CASEY HOWELL

— The Cookhouse

food & Ddrink A W N

Restaurant listings CAN’T-MISS EATERIES TO VISIT FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPERIENCE

COURTESY OF LIBERTY BAR

— Liberty Bar

ALTERNATIVE

Earth Burger This veggie stand means fast food without the guilt and they even have kale salad as a side option. 818 NW Loop 410, (210) 524-1086. Green Vegetarian Cuisine One of the first vegetarian eateries in SA by way of chef Mike Behrend delivers tasty takes on American classics. Multiple locations, eatatgreen.com. La Botanica The Strip gained a vegan eatery with plant-based tacos, empanadas, and some of the tastiest faux ceviches around. 2911 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 716-0702. Senor Veggie Chef Jose Cruz introduced new

flavors to Southtown with jackfruit carnitas, falafel plates and Azteca bowls. 620 S. Presa St., (210) 228-0073. Vegeria A buffet brunch of all vegan fare should be enticing enough, but if it’s not, order the quinoa nachos for safe measures. 1422 Nogalitos St., (210) 465-9233.

AMERICAN

Big Bob’s Chargrilled to perfection and loaded with fresh toppings, the burgers don’t get much better than at Bob’s. 447 W Hildebrand Ave., (210) 734-2627. Chris Madrid’s Test your appetite with a Macho-sized Cheddar Cheezy burger from

this institution that’s satisfied eaters since 1977. 1900 Blanco Road, (210) 735-3552. The Cookhouse This New Orleans kitchen will gain a sister eatery this spring with the opening of NOLA Brunch & Beignets. 720 E. Mistletoe Ave., (210) 320-8211. Liberty Bar A storied building, a varied menu of contemporary classics, you’ll find them all at Liberty Bar, along with a badass bloody mary to boot. 1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187. Pugels Need a quick, but satisfying meal? Try the bacon-wrapped SA Dog, topped with glazed bleu cheese sauce and bacon bits. 3502 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 467-5062.

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food & Ddrink A W N JAIME MONZON

ASIAN

Golden Wok The dumpling carts are only available weekends and you’ll have to battle a crowd for a table, but a visit is worth the wait. 8822 Wurzbach Road, (210) 615-8282. Kimura Our city’s first noodle shop maintains a happy clientele with oodles of noodles, local ingredients and spot-on flavors. 152 E. Pecan St., Suite 102, (210) 444-0702. Kungfu Noodle The hand-pulled noodles are key here. Try the lamb variety and prepare for some heat. 6733 Bandera Road, (210) 451-5586. Ming’s Noodle Bar This tiny boxcar has big flavors and a strong early following. Grab one of the 12 seats and slurp away. 5249 McCullough Ave., (210) 570-6318. Sichuan House Authentic Chinese straight from the Sichuan region. Try the fish eggplant or varied clay pots. 3505 Wurzbach Road, Suite 102, (210) 509-9999.

BARBECUE

2M Smokehouse & Catering Pitmaster Esaul Ramos is wowing eaters with drool-enducing brisket, great sausages and more. Line up

early! 2731 S. WW White Road, (210) 885-9352.

magnoliapancakehaus.com.

Big Bib Rib tips and sweet potato casserole are key to having a good time at this north side joint. 104 Lanark Drive, (210) 654-8400.

Pancake Joe’s The breakfast gods smiled down on this tiny eatery known for its massive breakfast menu and great prices. Multiple locations, (210) 785-9007.

King’s Hwy. Pitmaster Emo Soliz is known for his brisket tortas and hearty brunches. 1012 N. Flores St., (210) 277-7174.

Panchos & Gringos You’ll want to nosh on the jumbo breakfast tacos or the fresh-cooked omelets at this east side spot. 900 Nolan St., (210) 227-6700.

Two Brothers BBQ Market The brisket is a must, but so are the jalapeño poppers and banana pudding at this Jason Dady-owned spot. 12656 West Ave., (210) 496-0222.

Snooze, A.M. The Denver-based chain moved into the Alamo City with an opening this March. Pancake flights all around! 255 E. Base Road, Suite 160, (210) 937-1063.

Smoke Shack BBQ Juicy turkey, insane sandwiches and serious flavors are what’s in store at this Alamo Heights fave. 3714 Broadway St., (210) 957-1430.

BREAKFAST

DINER/DELIS

Guenther House Breakfast on the river with biscuits made from locally milled flour? Don’t mind if we do. 205 E Guenther St, (210) 2271061. Magnolia Pancake Haus Chef Robert Fleming and co. are known for their fresh stacks of pancakes, perfect waffles and loaded omelets. Multiple locations,

Max & Louie’s Finally a place for great matzo ball soup and East Coast-style diner fare. Mazel tov, San Antonio. 226 W. Bitters Road, (210) 483-7600. Olmos Pharmacy One of the last soda fountains in the city can be found here along with a full breakfast and lunch menu. 3902 McCullough Ave., (210) 822-1188. Earl Abel’s Visit this Alamo Heights institution that’s filled bellies with fresh pies

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food & Ddrink A W N LIZ WARBURTON

— Botika

and fried chicken since 1933. 1201 Austin Hwy. Suite 175, (210) 822-3358. WD Deli A perfect spot for a quick lunch, WD is known for its hearty sammies and luscious soups. 3123 Broadway, (210) 828-2322. Schilo’s Delicatessen This 100-year-old deli keeps diners happy with split pea soup, fresh breads and ice-cold root beer. 424 E. Commerce St., (210) 223-6692.

FOOD TRUCK PARKS

Alamo Street Eat Bar A downtown refuge from the hustle and bustle. Stop in for a quick bite and a beer. 609 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-2469. The Block The UTSA area’s go-to spot for global fare in a family- and dog-friendly spot. 14530 Roadrunner Way, (210) 690-3333. The Point Park & Eats The kids will love the playground, parents will love the stocked craft beer bar. 24188 Boerne Stage Road, (210) 251-3380. The Rose Bush The rotating lineup includes cheesesteaks, flautas, pasta and more, and it’s BYOB. 2301 San Pedro Ave., (210) 621-8908. Toni Jo’s Food Truck Park Take a break from city life and enjoy a night at this far-off park. 18620 Bandera Road, (210) 695-8727.

GLOBAL

Botika Chef Geronimo Lopez and co. are

wowing with sushi platters and Peruvian fusion plates inside the former Arcade Midtown Kitchen. 303 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 111, (210) 670-7684. Café Bahar Indian and Pakistani cuisine using halal meats. The space is plain, the spicing anything but. 10227 Ironside Drive, (210) 558-8289.

Nogalitos St., (210) 616-2198. Tre Trattoria Chef Jason Dady’s take on Italian fare includes dreamy antipasto, and some of the freshest pasta around. 4003 Broadway, (210) 805-0333. Il Sogno Osteria The pizza happy hour means discounts on pies! 200 E. Grayson St., Suite 100, (210) 223-3900.

Jerusalem Grill Our favorite spot for falafel and gyro, you’ll want to get to either location for when the craving strikes. Multiple locations, jerusalemgrill.net. India Oven All the naan you can get your hands on, and tandoori dishes you’ll love. 1031 Patricia St., (210) 366-1030. The Bin We can’t get enough of this Spanish tapas joint where the tortilla Espanola is just as good as the smoked octopus and the gin and tonics won’t stop flowing. 511 E. Grayson St., (210) 994-8099.

MEXICAN/TEX-MEX

Los Barrios Puffy tacos are a can’t-miss at this San Anto fave. Visit sister eateries Viola’s Ventanas and La Hacienda de los Barrios for more. 4223 Blanco Road, (210) 732-6017. Mi Tierra Make this your 24-hour stop for all things cheesy and regretful. Visit for pan dulce and a bite of SA history. 218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262. Mirasol Sister eatery Soluna, features a familiar menu of Mexican favorites such as the fresh guacamole and enchiladas de crema cilantro. Multiple locations, calvillosmexicanfood.com.

ITALIAN

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana Napoletanocertified pizzas, creamy burratas and a serious wine list await! 6989 Blanco Road, (210) 979-6565. Fratello’s Casual lunch means meaty sandwiches and heaping bowls of pastas. 2503 Broadway, (210) 444-0277. Il Forno Chef Michael Sohocki turned his attention to pizza with this laid-back, hyperlocal pizza joint with hand-built oven. 122

Rosario’s Chile en puerco, fish tacos, and pozole aren’t musts, but so is most of the menu, so go nuts. Multiple locations, rosariossa.com. Paloma Blanca This Alamo Heights favorite scores with its enchiladas verdes, puntas de puerco and strong margaritas. 5800 Broadway, Suite 300, (210) 822-6151.

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BBQ + SOUTHERN KITCHEN

3714 Broadway • 11 am -9 pm • 210.957.1430 | SmokeShackSA.com

106 PERSHING AVE (BEHIND THE SMOKE SHACK) | PigPenSA.com

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food & drink DAVID RANGEL

— Rebelle

MODERN

Cured Chef Steve McHugh brings charcuterie boards and local flavors to the forefront. Don’t miss their awesome brunch and happy hour. 306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 101, (210) 314-3929. Mixtli Progressive Mexican dishes crafted by Diego Galicia and Rico Torres explore regions of Mexico 45 days at a time. 5251 McCullough Ave., (210) 338-0746. The Granary ‘Cue & Brew The barbecue boards are delicious, but chef Tim Rattray shines at dinner time with gastronomic smokelaced wonders. 602 Avenue A, (210) 228-0124. Rebelle After receiving accolades from Texas Monthly, The San Antonio Express-News and yours truly, Rebelle keeps making guests happy with fun flavors, playful dishes and serious technique. 300 E. Travis St., (210) 352-3171. Bliss A former gas station, this restaurant’s menu shows of some of San Antonio’s best flavors under the direction of chef Mark Bliss. 926 S. Presa St., (210) 225-2547.

SEAFOOD

El Bucanero With a third location on the way, it’s safe to assume San Antonio loves Sinaloa-style seafood. Multiple locations, bucanerosanantonio.com. Las Islas Marias No, really. San Anto loves ceviche. Especially when it’s used to top frosty Mexican beers. 522 SW Military Drive, (210) 922-7777. Sea Island To have a true SA experience, you’ll want to head to Sea Island for a stuffed-shrimp plate during Lent. Good luck. Multiple locations, shrimphouse.com. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 35

Family Owned Since 1986 Pizza by the slic e! Buy 1 Pizza Get 1 Pizza Free with Pickup Regular menu prices only, applies to pizza only, & pick up only

Open L ate hours: Sun - Wed 10:30a - 1:30a | Thurs - Sat 10:30a - 2:30a

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7247 Bandera Rd SATX 78238 | 6531 FM 78 Ste.102 SATX 78244

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

food & drink COURTESY

— Chama Gaucha

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery Shrimp boils, crawfish boils, loaded burgers and oysters on the half-shell inside the former San Antonio Brewing Company’s brewhouse. 136 E. Grayson St., Suite 120, (210) 455-5701. Wildfish Seafood Grille A north side refuge for those looking escape for the evening, this eatery nails both surf and turf. 1834 N. Loop 1604 W., (210) 493-1600.

CRAFT SANGRIA, MARGARITAS AND BEER PAIRED WITH SLIDERS, TACOS AND SALADS

LOCALLY SOURCED • CRAFTED WITH LOVE

STEAKHOUSE

Barn Door Open since 1953 the Barn Door Steakhouse & Meat Market also serves chicken, seafood, quail and many other specialties. 8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-0116. Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood Enjoy the magic of downtown while tackling a prime steak or sipping on a craft cocktail. 219 E. Houston St., (210) 472-2600. Chama Gaucha All. The. Meats. And a pretty legit salad bar! Make sure to pack the Tums. 18318 Sonterra Pl., (210) 564-9400. J-Prime Steakhouse The happy hour is a hit with locals who love quality and a good bargain. 1401 N. Loop 1604 W., (210) 764-1604. Myron’s Prime Steakhouse With locations in New Braunfels and San Antonio, this steakhouse is all about the service. Multiple locations, myronsprime.com.

SUSHI

Godai Sushi Bar Goro Pitchford has a legion of followers who subscribe to his unique style of sushi making. 11203 West Ave., (210) 348-6781. Niki’s Tokyo Inn Don’t judge a book by its cover, what Niki’s lacks in digs, it makes up for in excellent sushi and Japanese fare. 819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471. Koi Kawa We’ll say it: Koi Kawa has one of the best chirashi bowls in town. 4051 Broadway, (210) 805-8111. Sushihana This Castle Hills fave is known for its amazing happy hour, extensive sake list and legitimately delicious sushi. 1810 NW Military Hwy., (210) 340-7808. Yellowfish Sushi The Japa-Mex fusion served here means you’re in for spicy sashimi ceviches, “tacos” or hand rolls and a few sushiritos. Multiple locations, yellowfishsushi.com.

M-TH 11A-10P I F-SA 11A-12A I SUN CLOSED (210) 744-1448 | 5115 Fredericksburg Rd. sangriaontheburg.com sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 37

The Most Appreciated lunch from the land of tequila + mariachi

ORDER TO GO | 623 URBAN LOOP, SA, TX 78204 |210-800-3487

hours: Tue-sun: 11am-4pm • closed Mondays

RO-HOPORKANDBREAD.COM

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coming soon!

JOSH HUSKIN

food & Ddrink A W N — Bakery Lorraine

Bakeries We Love WHERE TO GET YOUR FILL OF CAKES AND CROISSANTS

BAKERY LORRAINE

The must-visit stop on every pastry lover’s bucket list, Bakery Lorraine (with locations inside The DoSeum, in The Pearl and in the Medical Center) offers custom orders along with their famous macarons, delicious tarts and drool-worthy cinnamon rolls. Stop in for a savory breakfast or lunch, and be sure to save room for dessert. Multiple locations, bakerylorraine.com.

BAKLOVAH BAKERY

The latest member of the Pasha Mediterranean Grill restaurant family, Baklovah Bakery specializes in cookies, cakes and flavors from across the Mediterranean, including, of course, plenty of baklava. 9329 Wurzbach Road, Suite 104, (210) 982-3231, baklovah.com.

BEDOY’S BAKERY

This panaderia has been baking homemade pastries since 1961 and is a staple in San Antonio’s mid-town. Check out the bakery’s “pan de muerto” during Dia de los Muertos, or stop in for Rosca de Reyes in January. 803 W. Hildebrand Ave. (210) 736-2253, bedoysbakery. com.

BIRD BAKERY

LA BOULANGERIE

You can guarantee that anything from this family-owned French bakery, a sister location to Saveurs 209, will be made from scratch and will be absolutely delicious. Stop by for classic baguettes and more. 207 Broadway, (210) 6393165, facebook.com/laboulangeriesa.

BREAD BOX

Stop in for a savory quiche for breakfast, a toasty sandwich for lunch or a tasty treat anytime of the day. Alamo Height’s Bird Bakery, opened by Elizabeth Chambers and husband Armie Hammer in 2012, is your one-stop-shop for pies, cookies, brownies, and everything else your sweet tooth desires. 5912 Broadway, (210) 804-2473, birdbakery.com.

The Bread Box is a carb-lover’s paradise. Go for the specialty sandwich, quiche or burger, and stay for the dessert. 555 W. Bitters Road, Suite 115, (210) 277-8612, thebreadboxsa.com.

BROADWAY DAILY BREAD

On the daily menu, you can find fresh whole honey wheat, old fashioned white

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Thank you!

Open 7 Days a Week

For voting for us!

Authentic Thai Cuisine

226 W Bitters Rd #124 • (210) 545-3354 • saebthainoodlesa.com 40 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

food & drink

Family Owned & Operated and Birdman bread; however, Broadway Daily offers other daily offerings, which can all be found on their menu. The sour cream pecan muffin is a must. 5001 Broadway, (210) 822-1621, broadwaydailybread.net.

COMMONWEALTH COFFEEHOUSE & BAKERY

A staple in San Antonio, CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bakery offers authentic French pastries made from scratch daily, Cuvee coffee and crepes for brunch every Saturday in a quaint space and chicken-filled patio. 118 Davis Court, (210) 560-2955, commonwealthcoffeehouse.com.

HOT DOGS

CAKE ART

If you’re shopping around for a custom cake, Cake Art will leave you happy with your order. From baby showers to wedding groom cakes to cupcake towers, they can do it all. 18402 U.S. 281 Access Road, (210) 277-0308, cakeartsa.com.

CINDERELLA BAKERY

Cinderella Bakery, a San Anto institution since opening in 1960, has cakes, muffins, biscuits, donuts, and tamales for all occasions. 1261 Saltillo St., Suite A (210) 433-1797, cinderellabakerysa.com.

LOS COCOS BAKERY

Traditional Mexican pastries, barbacoa on fresh tortillas and cheap treats. What more could you ask for from this West Avenue favorite. 3309 West Ave., (210) 349-3373.

FAST CHICAGO BAGEL & DELI 10981 WURZBACH #132 SATX

CUPPENCAKE

Brown Coffee serves as the perfect bean pairing for the elaborate cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies and cakes made fresh at this Dominion Ridge Shopping Center bakery. 22211 I-10 W., Suite 1111, (210) 892-3010, cuppencake.com.

DELICE CHOCOLATIER & PATISSERIE

If cakes, macarons and pastries are your jam, then Delice Chocolatier & Patisserie, owned by Susana Mijares who competed in Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship is the place for you. 946 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 145, (210) 545-2200, delicechocolatier.com.

EL FOLKLOR BAKERY

Conchas, empanadas, tres leches and all your other favorites can be found here. 2604 S. Hackberry St., (210) 532-3767.

HEARTHSTONE BAKERY

At this Olmos Park bakery, you’ll find French pastries, soups, sandwiches, paninis and plenty more. Burn off those calories at neighboring Anytime Fitness. 4212 McCullough Ave., (210) 8265667, hearthstonebakerycafe.com.

LILY’S COOKIES

Lily’s Cookies doesn’t just create cute-themed cookies, they create art. For all your wedding, baby, seasonal and Texas-themed treats, Lily’s is the best bakery in town. 2716 McCullough Ave. (210) 8320886, lilyscookies.com.

The Strand at Huebner Oaks | 11255 Huebner Rd | SA, TX 78240 210.641.5222 | brindlesicecream.com

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food & drink LULU’S BAKERY & CAFE

Find a 3-pound cinnamon roll here. 918 N. Main Ave., (210) 2229422, lulusbakeryandcafe.com.

MALINALLI BAKERY & BISTRO

This family-owned establishment offers savory eats like the chorizo and egg torta, as well as Mexican coffee, sourced from Cuetzalan, Mexico, hand-rolled croissants and seasonal treats. 2211 NW Military Hwy., Suite 131, (210) 209-3463, malinalli.us.

NADLER’S BAKERY, DELICATESSEN AND CATERING Whether you’re looking for simple sweets, a custom cake or an elaborate holiday dinner, Nadler’s Bakery & Deli has got you covered. 1621 Babcock Road, (210) 340-1021, nadlers.com.

LA PANADERIA

The bread cultura at La Panaderia extends from its tasty croissants to its traditional pan dulce. A new downtown location should open sometime this spring. 8305 Broadway, (210) 375-6746, lapanaderia.com.

PANIFICO BAKE SHOP

For traditional Mexican pastries, custom cakes and crowd-please pan dulces, look no further than Panifico Bake Shop. 602 NW 24th St., (210) 434-9290, panifico.com.

RISE BAKERY

This north side bakery and espresso bar offers a variety of house-made breads, baked goods, sweets, sandwiches and delicious burgers. 923 N. Loop 1604 E. Suite 101, (210) 764-4000, risebakeryandcoffee.com.

ROMELIA’S

Offering cookies, muffins, danishes, cupakes and more, Romelia’s is a little slice of heaven located in The Strand. 11255 Huebner Road, (210) 437-1073, facebook.com/romeliasbakery.

SAVOUREUX PATISSERIE

This bakery and coffee shop keeps a stock of bahn mi, French pastries and 30 flavors of fresh smoothies and tea. 602 NW Loop 410, Suite 126, (210) 541-9689, facebook.com/sav.patisserie.

SAWEET CUPCAKES

Whether you’re in the mood for a banana split, tres leches, Boston cream or just a good old fashioned vanilla cupcake, Saweet Cupcakes has got you covered. 16652 San Pedro Ave., (210) 2150121, saweetcupcakes.com.

SOL Y LUNA BAKERY

This family-owned and operated bakery uses the high quality ingredients to bring you bread pudding, cupcakes, croissants and more. 4421 De Zavala Road, (210) 492-5777, facebook.com/ solylunabakingco.

TWIN SISTERS BAKERY AND CAFE

This local quirky cafe serves up brunch and American fare, as well as pastries, beer and wine. 6322 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 822-0761, twinsistersbakeryandcafe.com. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 43

Breathe I Nourish I Connect

606 W Cypress St 210.227.2683 thecove.us

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

food & Ddrink A W N

coffee culture SHOPS THAT GIVE STARBUCKS A RUN FOR THEIR MONEY

JOSH HUSKIN

ASPEN’S BREW

A buzzing local favorite that is quick, cheap and fresh, Aspen Brewery offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy your cup of joe and free wi-fi. Complement your morning bagel with a flavorful cold brew iced coffee for only $5. 11255 Huebner Road, Suite 100, (210) 5615551, aspensbrewcoffee.com.

BARRIO BARISTA

Part-community center, part-café and partjava emporium, this self-proclaimed coffee house is bringing San Antonio Coffee Roasters’ beans to the West Side. Owned by father and son team Gilbert De Hoyos (Jr. and Sr.), the former meat market is a haven for poetry nights, barbacoa grilled cheese sandwiches and Mexican American studies. Don’t miss the horchata iced latte. 3735 Culebra Road, (210) 519-5403, barriobarista.coffee.

BROWN COFFEE

Calling all coffee snobs: Walk into Brown Coffee Co. (either their roasting operation on Kings Hwy., second shop at 1800 Broadway or the latest location inside Methodist Stone Oak Hospital) and you will immediately understand that this place is serious about its beans. The minimalist design is sleek and clean, providing few distractions from the main point of focus. What’s even more minimalistic than the décor is the actual coffee menu itself. Brown’s knowledgeable baristas craft coffee and espresso beverages from their in-house roasted beans. Walk in a coffee novice and leave a neophyte connoisseur. Multiple locations browncoffeeco.com

CANDLELIGHT COFFEE HOUSE

Looking for a little romance? Not ready for your perfect date night to come to an end? Pop into Candlelight with your honey for post-dinner espresso and pie. Located in an old house with soft lighting, plenty of comfy corners and mismatched old furniture, Candlelight packs just enough quirky touches

— Rosella Coffee Co.

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food & Ddrink A W N AMANDA RODRIGUEZ

— Local Coffee

to make you feel right at home. 3011 N. Saint Mary’s St., (210) 738-0099, candlelightsa.com.

Kolaches. 1320 E. Houston St., (210) 667-4347, estatecoffeecompany.com.

COMMONWEALTH COFFEE

HALCYON

Tucked right off Broadway, Commonwealth Coffee has quite the homey feel — probably because the building is a recent convert from an Alamo Heights bungalow. With King Louis and crooner standards on the stereo, a delightful shaded patio and iced coffee served in Mason jars, Commonwealth favors the cute without ever going overboard. France is an inspiration, with a pâtisserie and Francophile lunch menu. But fear not, they know they’re in SA — they serve breakfast tacos until 11 a.m. 118 Davis Ct. (210) 560-2955, commonwealthcoffeehouse.com.

CUPPENCAKE

The Dominion Ridge Shopping Center holds one of the cutest coffee shops around. Filled with natural light, and most importantly a full espresso menu, Cuppencake also boasts fresh-baked breads and cakes. 22211 W. I-10, Suite 111, (210) 892-3010, cuppencake.com.

ESTATE COFFEE CO.

The east side’s Dignowity Hill area lays claim to one of the best shops in town when it comes to great coffee. Try one of the coffee cocktails using house-roasted beans or specialty lattes, flavored with spices from Oak & Salt Quality Goods. Come weekends, you’ll find house-made donuts on the menu and pastries from neighboring Dignowity

Located in the Blue Star District, Halcyon features a hip, industrial loft-style interior adorned with local art and modern décor. With plenty of tables to work and lounge areas to hang, Halcyon functions as a study space during the day. This café transforms into a hopping bar scene come 10 p.m. with full bar and spiked espresso beverages. 1414 S. Alamo St., Suite 101 (210) 277-7045, halcyonsouthtown.com.

HINEE GOURMET COFFEE

Opened in 2011, this wee shop is in on the joke: “Funny Name, Serious Coffee — No Butt’s About It” just so happens to be its slogan. The neighborhood joint in Helotes packs in the wild flavors and Frapp like creations along with paninis, soups and baked goods. 11881 Bandera Road, Suite 107, Helotes, (210) 695-2000, hineegourmetcoffee.com.

INDY COFFEE CO.

SA’s first mobile espresso provider moved away from its semi-permanent parking spot at Huebner and Vance Jackson and into a space of its own that caters to discerning college taste buds. Order one of everything and admire their little cactus mascot by the register, and make sure to order one of their cereal milk lattes or catch one of their surprise brunches. 7114 UTSA Blvd., Suite 103, (210) 233-9203, indycoffeeco.com.

LA TAZA COFFEE HOUSE

There is no place better to enjoy a nice cup of coffee than at home, but La Taza Coffee House sure comes close. The coffeehouse comes complete with puzzles, paintings of horses, and, of course, plenty of coffee — all brewed from local Kiva Coffee Roasters in Fair Oaks Ranch. 15060 San Pedro Ave., (210) 494-8292, lataza.biz

LOCAL COFFEE

A “local” favorite and winner of the San Antonio Current’s “Best of SA” coffee category for several years in a row, Local Coffee is serious about its craft. With several locations around the city (one even inside a former Starbucks), San Antonians have made Local their favorite go-to café — for good reason. Multiple locations, localcoffeesa.com.

MILA COFFEE

Big flavors are coming out of this tiny truck that’s parked next to Richter Goods in the Broadway News parking lot. Try the horchata cold brew or vanilla latte made using Mexican vanilla beans. 2202 Broadway, (210) 929-3678, facebook.com/milacoffeesat.

MILDFIRE COFFEE ROASTERS

This little-shop-that-could opened in 2005 as one of two joints in town roasting its own beans. Now, 10 years and two locations later, Mildfire is still kicking and thriving. Stop by the original location or the newest one by the Medical Center for pour overs and more. Multiple locations, mildfirecoffee.com.

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NOW SERVING AT TWO LOCATIONS!

BROOK’S CITY BASE: 2619 SE MILITARY, SUITE 111 & 1423 MCCULLOUGH AVE. | 210.226.7556 | WWW.ARMADILLOBURGER.COM

Medical Center 2414 Babcock Rd San Antonio, TX 78229

(210) 255-1863

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food & drink OLMOS PERK

Something about Olmos Perk just seems to promote productivity. The classy but relaxed atmosphere encourages work and socialization. Students get a 15 percent discount, which makes Olmos Perk a perfect study destination to bring a group or go solo. Claim your territory at one of the modern but comfortable couches or plant yourself in one of the four individual study cubicles, complete with cozy chairs, power outlets and spacious desks — a studier’s holy grail. You’ll finish that essay in no time. 5223 McCullough Ave., (210) 858-2956, olmosperk.com.

PARAMOUR COFFEE

If you need a place to escape from reality, get swept away by the morning views at Paramour, which serves as a coffee shop during the day. Lattes are just that much prettier when you’re that high up. Service starts at 7 a.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m. weekends. 102 9th St., Suite 400, (210) 307-8740, paramourbar.com.

PRESS COFFEE

O n e L v e from our fo amily to yours

HAPPY HOU R | GREAT M USIC | CHILL VIBES

This petite (600 square foot) coffeehouse is located within biking distance from San Antonio College. Press almost gives you a sense of being in a friend’s house — a very posh and clean friend’s house. Imagine if they served coffee at Anthropologie and you’ll get the picture. Sit at one of its handful of tables with the latest Current while sipping on your Buddha’s Brew Kombucha chai tea (provided on tap) and you’ll forget you ever left home. 606 W. French Pl., (210) 758-5513, presscoffeesa.com.

REVOLUCION CAFÉ + JUICE

This shop boasts a unique flair, providing customers with a cafe experience in the bright and pristine environment of a juice bar. The coffee offerings reflect Revolucion’s health focus with options ranging from honey lavender lattes to matcha green teas to vegan and gluten-free drink and snack options. Take advantage of the grab-and-go convenience of stocked refrigerators full of freshpressed juices. Come in for a latte and pick up your favorite juice to go. Namaste. 7959 Broadway, (210) 701-0725, revolucioncoffee.com.

ROSELLA COFFEE CO.

2026 AUSTIN HIGHWAY | 210-590-0515

, eers s B + 0 30 S h ot J e l l og a r i tas Mar -Go To

Rosella’s two-story loft has plenty of space for you and your friends to hang out, meet up or work on group projects. If you get carried away into the afternoon talking or working, you’ll find that Rosella transitions into a fun evening spot, offering wine and an extensive selection of Texas craft beer. Who knows, you might get a little extra brilliance from whatever you choose to sip on. Look for their new location opening later this year in the Rand Building. 203 E. Jones Ave., (210) 277-8574, rosellacoffee.com.

SIP

The chef Andrew Weissman-owned coffee shop packs in delicious breakfast sandwiches, juices, salads and pastries, but they focus on keeping the downtown area caffeinated — and they’re directly across a Starbucks to boot. Try the nitro Cuvee on tap. 160 E. Houston St., facebook.com/sipbrewbar.

THEORY COFFEE COMPANY

Manned solely by a man with beard enough for two, Mark Vollmer’s coffee trailer offers quality coffee and pastries to cappucino-craving commuters at 410 and Nacogdoches. Grip an iced latte (there’s house-made almond milk for vegans, too) and

1 8 8 6 6 S to n e Oa k P k w y # 1 0 5 • P h o n e : ( 2 1 0) 5 9 5 -3 9 3 2 w w w . e s k i m o h u t. c o m @EskimoHutSanAntonio

/EskimoHutSanAntonio

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1503 N. Main Ave.

(210) 223-7727

1500 N. Main Ave.

NIGHTCLUB

A San Antonio Tradition since 1949

San Antonio’s #1 Dance Club

THE STRIP TheStripSA.com

Sports Bar Pizza Backroom Bar 1420 N. Main Ave.

“SA’s Premier LGBT Destination” 50 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

An Olde Time Gay-rish Pub! 1416 N. Main Ave.

- San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

food & drink admire one of the classic muscle cars that frequently stop by. 2347 Nacogdoches Road, (512) 507-3025, facebook.com/theorycoffee.

THE WANDER’N CALF ESPRESSO BAR & BAKERY

Situated just off Boerne’s Main Street, The Wander’N Calf shares retail space with boutique bakery Sugar Belle’s Bake Shop. Run by South Florida transplant Wendy Riggott, the menu boasts a host of well-curated sips, including 100 percent Ethiopian Yirgacheffe cold-brew coffee and the most legit Cubano this side of Miami. 128 W. Blanco Road, Suite 9, Boerne, (830) 331-9156,wanderncalf.com.

WHITE ELEPHANT COFFEE CO.

The latest micro-roaster to hit Southtown comes via Jose Carlos de Colina, a Rio Grande Valley transplant. Pick up the usual latte or a bag of beans for your own brewing pleasure. 1415 S. Presa St., Suite 107, (210) 465-9478, wecoffeecompany.com

Breakfast Taco Specials 99¢ EACH

owner of Rosella Coffee Co

ASK AN EXPERT

What’s your favorite part of owning a coffee shop in San Antonio? There are so many things! But one of my favorite things is seeing the shop on a weekday morning, full of people having meetings, catching up with friends or just enjoying a cup of coffee. To somehow play a small role in somebody’s day, whether as a comfortable and relaxing meeting place or just an escape, is a very humbling accomplishment. How have you seen the coffee scene grow or change When I moved back to San Antonio in 2007, I could probably count on one hand the number of independent coffee shops that I even knew existed. In the last five years, and even the three since we opened, it has really blossomed into a great community that has raised the bar considerably for coffee in San Antonio. There have been several independent shops pop up or expand and many of them are doing exciting things with specialty drinks and a variety of beans from either their own roasters or others across Texas and the US.

Monday- Friday, 5am- 10am Bacon & Egg Bean & Cheese Chorizo & Egg Chorizo & Potato Potato & Egg Potato Rancheros 2218 Broadway SA,TX 78215 | 210.224.5540 | carmelitassa.com

ngry for more? u H SACurrent.com visit

What other places would you recommend people visit when they come/move to San Antonio? Oh man, there are really too many to name. If you’re talking coffee, I tell everyone to give every place a visit. While it’s all coffee, it’s all unique. You have to do the Alamo at least once. And I always look for the museums when I go to a new city. SA’s museum scene, like the food, continues to get better. The Witte’s expanding, the Briscoe is unique and SAMA and the McNay are great. For food, I kind of approach pizza the same way I do coffee. Try them all! Il Forno has done some great things in a little space, Florio’s is a great slice but don’t forget the margherita from Il Sogno at dinner (It’s $6 at 6 pm, $7 at 7pm).

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SUSHI • COCKTAILS • RAMEN • YAKITORI • HAPPY HOURS

Asian Street food is about more than just Asian cuisine. It’s an experience, knowledge and we hope you learn something fresh and delight in a feeling that you have stepped out of San Antonio and put yourself in the busiest street food district in Asia.

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food & Ddrink A W N

riverwalk eats WHERE TO NOSH ALONG THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER — The Luxury

FILE

f you’re heading to The Majestic or Tobin for a show, or want to take advantage of Downtown Tuesday’s free parking (in cityowned lots), take a seat along the lauded Riverwalk and its extensions for a bite.

ACENAR

If you’re a fan of Rosario’s, you’ll love the flavors and plates available at this Lisa Wongowned eatery that overlooks the San Antonio Riverwalk and has a great view of downtown’s high-rise buildings. Stop by for some of San Antonio’s favorite plates including the entomatadas, chiles rellenos or carne de puerco. 146 E. Houston St., (210) 222-2362.

BELLA ON THE RIVER

Or if you’re looking for Mediterranean fare, decadent desserts and a cozy atmosphere, you should visit Bella on the River. The space oozes romance and features dishes such as eggplant Josephine and braised short ribs. 106 Riverwalk St., (210) 404-2355.

BIGA ON THE BANKS

Chef Bruce Auden’s storied history in our fair city culminates with an elegant menu you can enjoy right off the river. The James Beard finalist known for pioneering Southwestern cuisine is as relevant as ever with his New American menu and worldly wine list. 203 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 225-0722.

LA GLORIA

A hometown favorite, chef Johnny Hernandez owns La Gloria (two locations), The Fruteria off South Flores and El Machito with two more concepts coming in 2017. But his first restaurant, where you can chow down on street tacos while throwing back a few frozen margs, is a Museum Reach favorite. 100 E. Grayson St., (210) 267-9040.

THE LUXURY

Need a more relaxed environment? Swing the night away at The Luxury, owned by chef Andrew Weissman. Share loaded sandwiches or dig into that lengthy wine and beer list as you watch ducks and tourists go by on the river. Don’t miss the fries. 103 E. Jones Ave., (210) 354-2274. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 53

parks & rec

PARKS & REC JUSTIN MOOORE

— San Pedro Springs

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parksD & Arec W N

PARK CITY

GET OUTSIDE WITHOUT LEAVING THE CITY LIMITS GABBY MATA

— Yanaguana Garden at Hemspfair Park

an Antonio has no shortage of green spaces. From secluded wildlife habitats to pristine picnic spots to tiny railroad rides, the Alamo City’s parks can provide a refreshing break from the sun, an all-ages educational experience, or a place to let your pups run free.

SAN PEDRO SPRINGS

San Pedro Springs is the second oldest public park in the country — and, of course, the oldest park in San Antonio. The natural spring-fed pond, once the center of a Payaya Indian village, now serves as a shallow and refreshing swimming pool for the Tobin Hill neighborhood. Not wanting to swim? Visit the neighboring tennis courts, skateboard park, library, or theatre. 1315 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212

JAPANESE TEA GARDENS

Sure, this isn’t a traditional park, but the tea gardens offer just as much outdoor splendor than the city’s other grassy spots. The tea gardens invite visitors with peaceful paths winding through calm ponds and delicate greenery. Bring a book to read over a cup of tea or under a pagoda. 3853 N St Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212

BRACKENRIDGE PARK

Built on top of a limestone quarry in the late 1800s, the 343-acre Brackenridge Park is now home to the San Antonio Zoo, a tiny train, golf course, playgrounds, gardens, fishing spots, birdwatching, and a wild vaiety of scenic picnic spots. Pedal along the San Antonio River (which begins just north of the park), set up an all-day picnic, or set the kids

loose in the expansive playground. 3853 N St Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN The botanical garden manages to fit all of Texas’ diverse ecosystems (and beyond) into a mere 33 acres. From the East Texas piney woods to Southwest deserts, visitors can take in all of the state’s wild and beautiful plant life. And it’s not just easy on the eyes. The garden’s Watersaver Trail, Herb Garden, Biblical Garden and others all offer educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. 555 Funston Pl., San Antonio, TX 78209

PHIL HARDBERGER PARK

Named after a recent San Antonio mayor, Phil Hardberger Park has set the bar exceptionally

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Only 90 minutes from San Antonio | 512.222.6680 56 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

parks & rec GABBY MATA

— Phil Hardberge Park

high for the city’s public parks. Tucked within the Shavano Park neighborhood, this urban green space is home to meandering paved trails, BBQ spots, native wildlife, a colorful playground, and an extremely popular dog park. 13203 Blanco Rd., San Antonio, TX 78216

PEARSALL PARK

This brand-new city park has just about everything you could ask for: A disc golf course, expansive dog park, delightful public sculptures, a “fitness challenge zone,” skate park, playground, dozens of picnic areas, and a splash pool for kids. I know, it’s a lot. Visit the Southwest San Antonio park (right next to Lackland Air Force Base) and choose your own adventure. 4700 Old Pearsall Rd., San Antonio, TX 78242

YANAGUANA GARDEN

Visit Yanaguana garden on a sunny day, and you’ll find friends playing ping-pong on the permanent outside tables, kids tangled in the massive playground’s web system, and families sharing popsicles under the shady trellis arches. With mosaic benches straight from Barcelona sidewalks and a hands-on water park for inventive kids, it’s hard to avoid this central San Antonio spot. 434 S Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205

SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS

Okay, so maybe the city’s most historic landmarks are more than just a casual “park,” but don’t let their professional facade trick you: These missions are meant for enjoying. Many of the city’s five missions are accompanied by a playground and picnic area, ideal for families looking for both a history lesson and playdate. Wander along Mission San Juan Capistrano’s ancient outer wall, or sit by the San Antonio River as Mission Concepción’s bells ring for Sunday mass.

CHRIS PARK

This small private park, created in memory of its founder’s son, opens its gates to the public from Tuesday to Sunday. While only one acre, there’s plenty of space for an afternoon picnic, sustained silent reading, or a peaceful, zen-like stroll. 111 Camp St., San Antonio, TX 78204 sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 57

12234 Nacogdoches Rd at Thousand Oaks

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58 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

parks & rec JUSTIN MOORE

— Guadalupe River State Park

Get out TRAILS AND WATERING HOLES OUTSIDE OF SA

Though there are plenty of adventures to be had within city limits, San Antonio’s surrounding area has ample room for roaming. Nearby watering holes, rivers, caves and trails are abundant with several options for those looking for a quick escape from the city life, so grab your hiking shoes or your bathing suits and start exploring.

IF IT HAPPENED ON TEXAS LAND, WATER OR SKY, YOU CAN EXPERIENCE IT AT THE NEW WITTE. Explore Texas Deep Time — millions, thousands and hundreds of years — with hands-on exhibits, dinosaurs found right here in Texas and an amazing collection of Texas artifacts. The New Witte offers engaging opportunities for all ages.

ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA

For a hike that comes with both a challenge and an incredible view, Enchanted Rock is a must. The natural area is located an hour and a half outside of town and boasts 11 miles of hiking trails. Rock climbers can also get their kicks and four legged friends are welcome.

Be the first to explore everything Texas, and so much more!

GUADALUPE RIVER STATE PARK

The park comprises 13 miles of hiking trails, as well as a few paths designated for horseback riding. About an hour outside of San Antonio, Guadalupe River State Park is ideal for a day trip, though campers are welcome. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit! The park provides access to four miles of river.

JACOB’S WELL NATURAL AREA

Located just over an hour northwest of San Antonio, Jacob’s Well is a great destination for summer days and is one of our favorite sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 59 8885_NewWitteSoMuchMoreAd3.8125x10.25.indd 1

2/16/17 3:49 PM

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parks & rec FILE

— Pedernales Falls State Park

A boutique winery that provides hand crafted wines made on the premises. Relax with a glass or a bottle and a delicious snack tray and enjoy the intimate atmosphere.

places to cool off on a hot afternoon. Be sure to book your spot in advance — the watering hole is by reservation only.

14359 Old Bandera Rd #6 | Old Town Helotes, 78023 | 210.878.4759

KRAUSE SPRINGS

The swimming hole is situated a little over 100 miles away from San Antonio, or just over two hours, but there’s no doubt that the drive is well worth it. This shaded area in Spicewood is privately owned by the Krause Family and is listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites. And if you’re looking for something longer than a day-trip, campers and RVs are welcome.

KICKAPOO CAVERN STATE PARK

Kickapoo Cavern is best known as a solid place for bat flight viewing (yes, that’s a thing), and visitors are also invited to tour the park’s caves for $10 a head by reservation. The park is almost three hours away, but campsites with water and electricity, as well as picnic spots are available.

PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK

Pedernales Falls is a quick getaway spot — about 90 minutes outside of SA — that offers trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. During the summer months, visitors can swim and paddle around in the Pedernales River.

LOST MAPLES STATE NATURAL AREA

A little less than two hours away, Lost Maples should be on everyone’s list to visit during the fall, when leaves are turning and the air is finally cooling down. The state natural area has a steep and rugged terrain (perfect for hikers looking for a challenge), with over 10 miles to explore. Though you can take a day-trip to the park from San Antonio, we recommend you camp out and soak in Lost Maples’ excellent spots for stargazing.

Pete’s Place Spirits & More | 14743 Old Bandera Rd | 210.474.6116 Bandera Road Cafe | 12540 Bandera Rd #303 | 210.372.0056

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(210) 224-2200 www.delarivalaw.com 400 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, Texas 78232

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contact Us: 210.223.3131 X260 | events@sanantonioyouth.org purchase tickets at chipsnsalsafiesta.com 62 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

parks & rec SHUTTERSTOCK

Unleash the Hounds A GUIDE TO SA’S OFF-LEASH DOG PARKS

hile there are plenty of places to spend quality time with your four-legged pals in SA (check out bringfido. com for the most up-to-date pet-friendly restaurant and bar listings), there’s nothing quite like letting the pooches off-leash to run off their wild side. Luckily, San Antonio’s got several off-leash parks where you can let Fido roam:

MADISON SQUARE PARK

If you live or find yourself around downtown with the pup, this is the perfect little park for a midday romp with plenty of trees for shade on a hot day. 400 Lexington

MCALLISTER PARK

There’s 1.5 acres of fenced-in land near the Starcrest entrance of this popular Northside park, complete with exercise equipment, a picnic area, benches and a walking trail. 13102 Jones-Maltsberger

PANTHER SPRINGS PARK

This hangout on the far Northside has a combined area for big and small dogs – so make sure your pooch is cool hanging with differently-sized pals. 22635 Wilderness Oak

A FA M I LY P L A C E T O

EAT! SHOP! PLAY! CELEBRATE!

PEARSALL PARK

This fenced-in park (actually the city’s first-ever dog park) is now part of the new, revamped jewel of the Southwest Side, compete with “agility equipment” for dogs, benches and fountains. 4700 Old Pearsall

PHIL HARDBERGER PARK

Not only is Hardberger Park the Northside’s most stunning green space, the split-in-half park also features two separate dog parks on its east and west ends – both of which have separate areas for small and big dogs. East, 13203 Blanco; West, 8400 NW Military

SLICK PARK

This one is basically San Antonio’s dog-park heaven, with separate areas for large and small dogs that abut the nearby river. There are also benches, picnic tables, a fountain for people and pets, and a special doggie shower for the mud-prone pooches. 7400 Highway 151

PICAPICAPLAZA.COM | 910 SE MILITARY SA, TX 78214 210-927-7422 | CALL US FOR LEASING SPECIALS!

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parksD & Arec W N JUSTIN MOORE

— Mission Reach

Take a Hike! WHERE TO WANDER IN SAN ANTONIO

urrounded by the rolling Hill Country and a long reach of grasslands, San Antonio is the perfect launching pad for an eclectic variety of hikes. Whether you’re seeking quiet bird-watching or strenuous climbs, these trails will get you on the right foot.

FRIEDRICH WILDERNESS PARK

Located at the southern tip of the Hill Country, Friedrich Park blends rocky outcrops with flat, forested trails. Although you can’t bring your pets on this hike, you may be able to see one of the two endangered songbirds who call this 600-acre natural area home. 21395 Milsa Dr., San Antonio, TX 78256

MISSION REACH

Wanting a more natural river walk? Look no further than the newly-completed Mission Reach, 8 miles of paved trail along the revitalized San Antonio River ecosystem. This scenic path comes with thoughtful art installations, peaceful resting areas, and easy access to four of the city’s historic

missions. Begin at Mission Concepción and head south (but there are many access points along the winding trail). 807 Mission Rd., San Antonio, TX 78210

EISENHOWER PARK

This San Antonio favorite offers the best of both trails: Paved, flat paths for an afternoon stroll and natural, rocky paths for a hiker’s workout. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. 19399 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio, TX 78257

O.P. SCHNABEL PARK

Part of the Leon Spring greenway system, Schnabel Park pairs natural, unchallenging trails with athletic fields, playgrounds, and BBQ pits, making it hard not to spend the entire day there. Come at dusk, and you’re sure to see some wildlife rustling along the path. 9606 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78250

MCALLISTER PARK

McAllister Park is the gateway to some 25 miles of trails along the upper Salado Creek Greenway.

It’s easy to get (intentionally) lost in the park’s forest trails or along the wooden boardwalk through the region’s natural wetlands. Be sure to take your pup to the neighboring dog park — there’s trails there, too! 13102 Jones Maltsberger Rd., San Antonio, TX 78247

MEDINA RIVER NATURAL AREA

Come for the waterfall views, stay for the native plants and wildlife. Medina River is known for it’s uncrowded trails (of varying inclines) winding along the small, peaceful river. Stop and catch a fish in the stream or take a closer look at the wildflowers blooming along its banks. 15890 Hwy 16, San Antonio, TX 78073

GOVERNMENT CANYON NATURAL AREA

San Antonio’s own state park offers 40 miles of trails (great for hiking and mountain biking) winding through grassy plains and rocky hills with breathtaking views. Don’t miss the recentlydiscovered 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks running through a dried creekbed! 12861 Galm Rd., San Antonio, TX 78254

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parksD & Arec W N

Cycle City A

A FEW LEISURELY STARTER RIDES TO ENJOY THIS AMAZINGLY BIKEABLE CITY FILE

ll that buzz about urban redevelopment, the Decade of Downtown and reviving San Antonio’s urban core usually skips over a key selling point: The area is ridiculously bikeable. Biking is (and hopefully, will remain) the hands-down best way to move in and around San Antonio, so expect more of us who live, work or play down here to travel to and from work, run errands, or head out at night on two feet-powered wheels. While navigating the traffic far outside the city center remains risky, the streets in and around downtown sport ever-increasing bike and share lanes. So ride defensively and often (and with a helmet, we’re obliged to say). Because even if you wind up dirty, sweaty, and smelling like the receiving end of a VIA bus tailpipe at the end of it, touring SA’s city center is truly best on bike.

— Mission Reach Bike Trails

EAST SIDE

The revived Hays Street Bridge is not only the best perch from which to view downtown’s urban landscape, but it’s also become a mecca of sorts for SA cyclists. Closed in 1982 and slated for demolition by 1994, preservationists helped save Hays and re-open it in 2010, and now the bridge connects downtown to the city’s booming east side. The bridge is also the prime kick-off point for a leisurely afternoon ride around the eastern edge of downtown. You can fill/booze up at the nearby Big Hops Growler Station, Burleson Yard Beer Garden, or Alamo Brewery (which is right underneath the bridge) or pack a bag to eat and booze it up on the deck. From Hays, you can cross the bridge east and explore the fastchanging Dignowity Hill neighborhood before heading south on Palmetto to peruse a handful fascinating east side cemeteries. Heading west on Commerce will loop you right back around into downtown proper.

PEARL/MUSEUM REACH

The Pearl, within biking distance of virtually anywhere downtown, is a good start for any weekend ride. You can grab breakfast or java ahead of a morning ride (Bakery Lorraine or Local Coffee), do lunch before or after a long stroll (Cured or The Granary ‘Cue & Brew for meat eaters, Green for the veggie-lovers) or a simple midday snack break (uh, ceviche at La Gloria, please). From the Pearl, hop a block over to Josephine Street to catch the Museum Reach bike path,

where, after winding through a golf course, you’ll be spit right out at the south end of Brackenridge Park. Grab a book from the nearby Half Price Books and find a spot to read in serene Brackenridge before biking back downtown.

the newly expanded Mission Reach. Take the path down for miles along the river, or detour at any of the marked stops to see all the Spanish Colonial Missions — all, that is, except the Mission de San Antonio de Valero.

CRITICAL MASS

WEST SIDE

We call this the “bomb-ass public art ride.” One preferred route, starting from downtown, is to head west on Martin Street (probably best during the day, since you’ll be biking past the Bexar County jail and the Haven for Hope homeless shelter), before heading south on Colorado until you hit the inimitable Guadalupe Street corridor, where the venerable west side institution San Anto Cultural Arts has commissioned and catalogued dozens of murals on the sides of apartments, schools, and local businesses. Contact San Anto Cultural Arts for a list of locations, or see if you can hook up with one of the organization’s Saturday morning mural bike tours.

SOUTHTOWN / MISSION REACH

So much has grown up around Southtown/ King William in recent years, that roaming the area is almost self-explanatory. But in case you need help, here are some staples that are always stocked with really, really good beer: the Filling Station Tap Room, The Friendly Spot, or the Blue Star Brewery. From Blue Star, you can head straight out onto

Bike downtown on any given night of the week, and chances are you’ll find some social ride gathered outside of a cool, old building – like the San Fernando Cathedral at Main Plaza, a common meet-up spot. And on the last Friday of every month at 9 p.m., you’ll see hundreds of cyclists all over town converged on the doorstep of the Alamo before they ride out into the city. When well attended, the ride resembles a true Critical Mass-like event – although people here hate calling it that for some reason, likely because, much like San Antonio itself, it’s probably one of the nicest, cheeriest, least-aggressive mass rides out there. Each month, the route is undetermined (or at least unannounced), so come prepared for what could be a long ride. Also, the crew takes several pit stops in parks or parking lots along the way, so BYOB. And if you’re into social rides, one good way to keep on top of the packed, ever-changing calendar of bike meet-ups is to check in with local bike shops such as Bottom Bracket Bicycle Shop (1802 S. Flores St., facebook.com/ bottombracketbicycleshop) that regularly host and promote them.

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parks & rec COURTESY OF MBS YOGA

— MBS Yoga

Ohhhhhmmmm UNWIND WITH YOGA CLASSES ALL AROUND THE ALAMO CITY

rying to figure out work-life balance? Need to shape up your practice or just nail tree pose? There are plenty of studios to enjoy a yoga sweat session across town.

MBS YOGA

Whether you’re starting your practice or just need to work on your hand stands, there’s something for every level here. The Southtown studio features Ashtanga fundamentals, barre, gentle yoga, Hatha flow and heated Vinyasa among others. There’s even a happy hour BYOB donation-based class on Fridays. Rates start at $15 for drop-ins, $55 for a five-pack and $85 for a 10-pack. 1115 S. Alamo St., (210) 412-0398, mbs-yoga.com.

MOBILE OM

Prefer yoga without bounds? Try a class with Mobile Om, where instructors lead classes throughout all parts of the city including the Hays Street Bride, and local breweries such as Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling and Freetail Brewing Company. The home base in Southtown features a great view of the city and the Tower of the Americas. Rates start at $15 for drop-ins, $65 for a five-pack and $120 for a 10-pack. 1114 S. St. Mary’s St., Suite 210, (210) 8160936, mobileomtx.com.

SYNERGY STUDIO

Synergy Studio offers 6:45 a.m. Nia, a barefoot technique that combines modern and jazz dance, aerobics, martial arts, yoga and body integration therapy. Rates start at $15 for drop-ins, $56 for a four-class card, $104 for an eight-class card and $240 for a 20-class card. 300 E. Grayson St., (210) 824-4225, thesynergystudio.com.

THE UNION

Turn up the heat and check out the hot yoga classes offered at all three Union locations (Huebner Strand, Alamo Heights, Hollywood Park). The online schedule allows you to check out space availability. Rates start at $20 for drop-ins, $139 for a 10-class card and $159 for a one-month unlimited membership. Multiple locations, theunionsa.com. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 69

arts & culture

— McNay Art Museum

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SIGGI RAGNAR

Arts & cultUre

D A W N arts & culture

Arts & Culture FROM STATELY MUSEUMS AND GRASSROOTS GALLERIES TO INDIE FILM SCREENINGS AND ODDBALL ATTRACTIONS, SAN ANTONIO’S GOT IT ALL

Gallery Talks and the Native Film Series (February-April) make for ideal outings for first-time visitors. 210 W. Market St., (210) 2994499, briscoemuseum.org. McNay Art Museum // Beyond the attractions one might expect from Texas’ first modern art museum — including traveling and site-specific exhibitions such as “Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland, 1861-2008,” “Telling Tales: Contemporary Narrative Photography” and the highly anticipated retrospective “Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too,” opening September 2017 — the McNay draws all walks and ages with a variety of special programs and maintains an open-gate policy for picnicking on the picturesque grounds surrounding

ESSENTIAL MUSEUMS

Briscoe Western Art Museum // Often overlooked or misunderstood, the handsome Briscoe dedicates itself to “the preservation of the art, history and culture of the American West.” Housing a wide range of art and artifacts spanning five centuries (“from the Spanish conquest to the present day”), the museum counts Pancho Villa’s saddle (c. 1890-1910) and Santa Anna’s sword (1852) among its historical highlights. Making the most of a prime location along the River Walk, the collection spills out into the McNutt Sculpture Garden, a serene courtyard dotted with bronze works created by Westerninspired artists including Kent Ullberg, R.V. Greeves, Sandy Scott and Enrique “Kiko” Guerra. Typically hosted during the museum’s weekly free hours (4-9 p.m. Tuesdays), cultural programs like the monthly 210|West

Marion Koogler McNay’s former residence, a 24-room Spanish Colonial Revival mansion. Although it offers free admission every Thursday from 4-9 p.m., the McNay takes things to the next level during monthly Second Thursday celebrations combining gallery tours, live music, food trucks and cold brews in a super-relaxed atmosphere. And for the cinephiles, the museum hosts regular screenings that complement exhibitions, not to mention classic revivals, foreign flicks and art-house fare in conjunction with its excellent Get Reel Film Series. 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-5368, mcnayart.org. San Antonio Museum of Art // Partnered with the Witte under the umbrella of the San Antonio Museum Association from 1925 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

ucky for residents and visitors alike, San Antonio is blessed with a truly creative spirit that accommodates myriad genres, disciplines and formats. While we’re not without old-school reverence or stale conservatism, those with an open mind and fine-tuned sense of aesthetics will likely pick up on the Alamo City’s love of rasquache — a once-derogatory Chicano term that’s evolved to describe the practice of making the most of available (found, repurposed, you name it) resources and materials. Championed by more than a few of the city’s most beloved creative talents, this DIY sensibility is woven into the fabric of San Antonio and can be found anywhere from grassroots galleries and pop-up film screenings to eccentric attractions and artfully curated junk shops. On the pages that follow, we highlight an assortment of mainstays and newcomers helping define San Antonio’s eclectic cultural landscape.

Essentials

— “Of Country and Culture: The Lam Collection of Contemporary Australian Aboriginal Art”

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D A W N arts & culture BRYAN RINDFUSS

— The DoSeum

Sarah Castillo, director at Lady Base Gallery, assistant registrar at Texas A&M University-San Antonio

ASK AN EXPERT Which local galleries do you feel do the best job of representing San Antonio’s art scene? Presa House, Clamp Light Artist Studios & Gallery, Lady Base Gallery, FL!GHT Gallery, Galería Guadalupe, the Movement Gallery, Pan Dulce Gallery, Hello Studio and the Second Saturday Art Walk in Southtown The Arts District. Who or what do you consider to be your latest local discovery? I can’t take any credit in discovering these artists, but they can easily take my breath away: Audrya Flores, Fabian Alejandro Diaz, Lisette Chavez, Regina Roman, Michael Martinez, Suzy Gonzalez, Sarah Fox, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Megan Solis, Wayne E. Holtz and Pink Leche. What would you like to see change within San Antonio’s art scene? More women and LGBT representation in the arts. More fiscal sponsorship for our homegrown, local artists. Local art galleries: change up your artist rosters! A city-sponsored art gallery with artist studios — affordable rent to sponsor an artists’ hub, along with a wellmaintained and organized gallery space — it’s a tall order, but the artists of this city deserve it.

to 1994, the San Antonio Museum of Art came into its own back in 1981 following a multimillion-dollar renovation of its historic digs in the former Lone Star Brewery. In addition to a robust collection that covers pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, contemporary art and Latin American folk art, SAMA welcomes traveling exhibitions (“28 Chinese” and “Rodin: The Human Experience” stand out among recent highlights) and hosts a wide assortment of engaging programs — from weekly art talks and “Sketching in the Galleries” sessions to film screenings and monthly Art Parties presented in partnership with KRTU. While a major renovation project will leave SAMA looking a bit rough around the edges for most of 2017, the show must go on — starting with “Of Country and Culture: The Lam Collection of Contemporary Australian Aboriginal Art” (February-May). Pro-tip: Take advantage of free general admission from 4-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m.-noon on Sundays. 200 W. Jones St., (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org. The DoSeum // Since opening its doors back in June 2015, The DoSeum, the new incarnation of the San Antonio Children’s Museum, with its cutting-edge technology and focus on learning-through-doing, has wowed, engaged and educated visitors of all ages. Sure, it’s a wonderful place to take

the kiddos — a place where they can burn as much energy exercising their brains as their feet — but it’s also a place where mom or dad can enjoy a rejuvenating lift in their own curiosity and wonder at the world we inhabit. The stunning facility, designed by local architects at Lake Flato to meet rigorous standards of sustainability and green building, features six distinct and permanent interactive centers for play/learning: The Big Outdoors, Little Town, Sensations Studio, Explore (a geography and culture exhibit), Innovation Station, Spy Academy and Imagine It! (a story creation center). Fusing elements often thought of as opposites, The DoSeum’s exhibits and programs meld cultural education with arts education and a deep STEM focus with a push for creative and critical thinking. 2800 Broadway, (210) 2124453, thedoseum.org. Witte Museum // With a rich history that dates back to the 1920s, the beloved Witte Museum celebrates the Lone Star State via traveling exhibitions, signature programs and permanent collections encompassing natural, regional, world and military history, anthropology and early Texas art. Growing in leaps and bounds since the 2004 appointment of Marise McDermott as president and CEO, the museum is in the midst of a major transformation promising “170 thousand

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arts & culture ARTPACE

— Rachel Maclean

BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY

represents an array of emerging and established artists, including such local notables as Kathy Sosa, Steven Daluz and Victoria Suescum. Displaying works in varied media but often hovering in the realm of painting, the gallery typically opens monthly exhibitions with festive receptions complete with wine, cocktails and live music. 7959 Broadway, Suite 404, (210) 826-5674, anartegallery09.com. — Julia Barbosa Landois

square feet of renovation and expansion.” Scheduled for completion this spring, the “New Witte” comprises a Dinosaur Hall, a People of the Pecos Gallery, an Acequia Garden and other facilities where guests can experience Texas through three distinct windows of time — “millions of years ago … thousands of years ago … and hundreds of years ago when legendary chili queens, cattle kings, cowboys and vaqueros filled this wild and vivid land.” 3801 Broadway, (210) 3571900, wittemuseum.org.

ESSENTIAL GALLERIES

AnArte // Beyond the downtown bubble, Ana Montoya’s Alamo Heights gallery AnArte

Artpace // Within the confines of a former Hudson automobile dealership, anything is possible, and that’s the way Linda Pace wanted it. Pace opened the doors to Artpace with the intent to nurture artists’ “freedom to dream,” and engage locals with an innovative, international art world; her space was to be a playground of possibility for all parties. Even though Pace passed away in 2007, her legacy lives on through this unparalleled institution that annually hosts three trios of resident artists (one Texas-based, one national and one international) as well as varied group and solo exhibitions in the Hudson Showroom and newly branded Main Space. 445 N. Main Ave., (210) 212-4900, artpace.org. Blue Star Contemporary // A shining example of making lemonade from life’s

lemons, Blue Star Contemporary rose from the ashes of a group exhibition the San Antonio Museum of Art canceled back in 1986. Both the anchor of the Blue Star Arts Complex and a symbol of the independent spirit of San Antonio’s art scene, BSC and its innovative programming extend beyond gallery walls via a Berlin residency and collaborations with the San Antonio Botanical Garden, Trinity University and the San Antonio International Airport. Freshly reopened after an exterior facelift that gave its spare, industrial digs a sleek new entrance, the pioneering art space is thriving under the direction of Mary Heathcott and rightfully celebrating 30 years of championing local artists. 116 Blue Star, (210) 227-6960, bluestarart.org. Cinnabar // Since opening its doors in September 2013 with an exhibition of large-scale nudes by Wimberley-based photographer George Kraus, Cinnabar has established itself as a gallery to watch, picking up approving nods from Artforum and Garden & Gun while building an eclectic roster of local, regional, national and international artists and collaborators. Founded by jeweler Susan Oliver Heard and named after a deep red (and poisonous)

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FL!GHT GALLERY

arts & culture

— Ángel Rodríguez-Díaz

mineral, Cinnabar scored the title of Best Gallery in our 2014 readers’ poll and continues to mount high-quality exhibitions that often put an unexpected spin on universal themes. 1420 S. Alamo St., Suite 147, (210) 557-6073, cinnabarart.com. FL!GHT // Making its earliest marks on the scene by launching “viral T-shirt and sticker campaigns” from a DIY space in the Blue Star Art Silos, gallery owner Justin Parr and his “senior creative co-conspirator” Ed Saavedra’s FL!GHT Gallery helped establish Second Saturday in the South Flores/Lone Star corridor before returning to the Blue Star Arts Complex in 2014. Blurring lines between young and old, high and low, reverent and irreverent, the influential, artist-run mainstay has admirably championed myriad aspects of San Antonio’s artistic landscape, ranging from sprawling group shows to solo exhibitions for the likes of James Cobb and Ángel RodríguezDíaz. 134 Blue Star, (210) 872-2586, facebook.com/flightsa. Galería Guadalupe // But one of the creative arms of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, Galería Guadalupe upholds the Westside nonprofit’s mission to promote and preserve Latino and Chicano arts and culture via quarterly shows, gallery talks and the signature program Artist Lab — a Surdna Foundationsupported fellowship that provides selected artists with business development skills and exhibition opportunities. Come holiday season, Galería Guadalupe plays host to Hecho a Mano, an annual favorite that showcases handcrafted wares by an eclectic assortment of local artists. 723 S. Brazos St., (210) 271-3151, guadalupeculturalarts.org. Gravelmouth Gallery // Opened in 2011 by muralist and contemporary artist David “Shek” Vega, Gravelmouth stands out as a street-smart leader among the cluster of galleries that light up Second Saturday celebrations in the 1906 South Flores arts complex. One half of the sought-after mural duo Los Otros (the other being Nik Soupé), Vega made big waves in 2016 as curator of Mexic-Arte Museum’s “Amexican@” — the 21st edition of the Austin-based institution’s Young Latino Artists (YLA) exhibition series. Encompassing traditional painting, installations, photography and digital media, the show accentuated Gravelmouth’s practice of championing street art and other nontraditional forms of creative expression. 1906 S. Flores St., gravelmouthgallery.com.

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PRESA HOUSE GALLERY

arts & culture — Jenn Alva

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Hello Studio // Whereas some artist-run spaces stick to a strictly San Antonio-based roster, Amada Claire Miller and Justin Korver’s Hello Studio thoughtfully shakes things up with exhibitions showcasing “emerging visual artists in and around Texas.” Since upgrading to a larger Blue Star space in the the Upstairs Studios, the gallery has branched out by introducing a residency program that provides selected artists with studio and exhibition space. 1420 S. Alamo St., Building B, Suite 203, hellostudiosa.com. Lawrence Markey // Among the more refined art-viewing experiences one can find in these parts, Lawrence Markey operated in New York City for 25 years before relocating to San Antonio back in 2005. Anything but splashy or provocative, exhibitions here often invite viewers to stop and ponder pensive works on paper created by the likes of Fred Sandback, James Castle, Suzan Frecon and Robert Moskowitz. 200 E. Grayson St., (210) 228-9966, lawrencemarkey.com.

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Presa House Gallery // Despite an unassuming facade one could easily mistake for a private residence (built in 1910), Presa House Gallery packs a well-executed punch with monthly offerings that run the gamut from themed group shows to solo exhibitions for emerging and mid-career artists. Headed by “a collective group of artists” that includes local movers and shakers Rigoberto Luna and Jenelle Esparza, the gallery has swiftly established itself as a First Friday spot to watch via group exhibitions like 2016’s timely “Border Wave” and the Rolando Briseño showcase “Sex, Race, Science.” 725 S. Presa St., (210) 445-6997, facebook.com/presahouse. Provenance Gallery // Run by artist/art historian Stephanie Torres, Provenance Gallery really knocked it out of the park last year with exhibition after exhibition that showcased some truly exciting artists from San Antonio and beyond. Although a fairly new addition to the creative hub that is

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RUIZ-HEALY ART

arts & culture

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1906 South Flores, the artist-run space has proven itself as a destination worth seeking out. 1906 S. Flores St., (210) 216-8362, artandprovenance.blogspot.com. REM Gallery // Slightly off the beaten path, Dana Read and Lawrence Leissner’s REM bills itself as “a contemporary art gallery dedicated to promoting the careers of emerging and established Texas artists.” Despite its quaint, homey exterior, the gallery takes a serious approach to exhibitions, typically opening shows the first Saturday of the month and offering a mid-reception the following month. Encompassing photography, encaustics, paintings, drawings and mixed media, REM’s 2017 programming highlights works by artists Kari Englehardt, Carra Garza, John Mattson, Meredith Dean, Julie Shipp and Jason Stout. 219 E. Park Ave., (210) 224-1227, remgallery.com. Ruiz-Healy Art // Incorporated in 2004 as a by-appointmentonly outfit and opened to the public in 2013 in the heart of Olmos Park, Patricia Ruiz-Healy’s gallery represents both local and international artists while emphasizing “a Latin American, borderland, and Texas discourse.” One of three Texas members of the esteemed International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFPDA), the gallery actively participates in art fairs in Houston, Dallas, Miami and New York. Beloved for shows that combine local and foreign talent with regional themes and big-city aesthetics, Ruiz-Healy Art showcases legends and emerging artists alike and also acts as the exclusive representative of the estate of late local hero Chuck Ramirez. 201-A E. Olmos Drive, (210) 804-2219, ruizhealyart.com.

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SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART

arts & culture

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Southwest School of Art // Following its foundation as a nonprofit in 1965 and relocation to the historic Ursuline Convent and Academy in 1971, the Southwest Craft Center (known as the Southwest School of Art since 2010) expanded its campus by taking over a Sears Automotive Center in 1998 and rolled out an “intimate, intensive college degree program” in 2014. Now designated as the Lone Star State’s first and only independent art college, the SSA hosts regular exhibitions of contemporary works by regional, national and international artists (as well as faculty and students) in the Navarro Campus’ museum-like Russell Hill Rogers Galleries and San Antonio Express-News Photography Gallery as well as the quaint Ursuline Hall Gallery across the way on the historic Ursuline Campus. 300 Augusta St., (210) 224-1848, swschool.org. Terminal 136 // Launched in 1993 and formerly known as Satellite Space, UTSA’s off-campus gallery Terminal 136 has earned a reputation for exhibiting challenging work rendered in every medium imaginable. While it often opens windows onto the future of San Antonio’s contemporary art scene by showcasing graduate students’ MFA thesis exhibitions, the First Friday mainstay also hosts shows by faculty members and contemporary artists from Texas and beyond. 136 Blue Star, (210) 458-4391, art.utsa.edu/terminal-136. Other spots to keep on your radar // Bihl Haus Arts (bihlhausarts.org); Centro Cultural Aztlan ( facebook.com/ centroculturalaztlan); Centro de Artes (getcreativesanantonio. com); Clamp Light Artist Studios & Gallery (clamplightsa.com); Dock Space Gallery (dockspacegallery.com); French & Michigan ( frenchandmichigan.com); Freight Gallery & Studios ( facebook. com/freightsatx); Gallery E.V.A. ( facebook.com/galeriaeva); High Wire Arts (highwirearts.com); Hunt Gallery (huntgallery. net); La Printería ( facebook.com/laprinteriasa); Mantle Art Space (mantleartspace.com); Pan Dulce Gallery ( facebook. com/pandulcegallery); Parchman Stremmel (psgart.com); R Space ( facebook.com/rubiospace); SAY Sí (saysi.org); SPACE (lindapacefoundation.org/space.php); Studio 111: Daniela Riojas Multimedia Arts (danielariojas.com); Studio One Zero Three ( facebook.com/studioonezero3); The Lullwood Group ( facebook. com/thelullwoodgroup).

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arts & culture

Take the Stage ESSENTIAL THEATER COMPANIES & PERFORMING ARTS VENUES

Since 1992, ARTS San Antonio has brought the finest performances from around the world to various venues around town. But the artistic impact doesn’t end at the close of the performance; the organization also works to coordinate education and outreach opportunities for community engagement with visiting artists. Save the date for the organization’s upcoming spectacles BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet (March 3 at Laurie Auditorium), Scrap Arts Music’s Found Percussion of Tomorrow (March 25 at the Majestic) and Che Malambo (April 20 at the Empire). 418 10th St., (210) 226-2891, artssa.org.

— Scrap Arts Music

ARTS SAN ANTONIO

ATTICREP

CARVER COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER For over 75 years, the Carver Community Cultural Center has welcomed groundbreaking performers like Esperanza Spalding, Dianne Reeves and Poncho Sanchez into its cultural hub on the city’s Eastside. This year brings dance performances in the form of The Clothesline Muse (March 4) and Ronald K. Brown’s company Evidence (May 20) as well as concerts featuring Betty Lavette (April 8), Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro-Latin Jazz Octet (May 5) and The Suffers (June 3). Through challenging performances, community outreach and education, the Carver seeks to celebrate diversity with an emphasis on African American heritage with its namesake George Washington Carver’s words always in mind: “Start where you are

CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

— The Clothesline Muse

CARVER COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER

Originally housed in Trinity University’s Attic Theatre, AtticRep found a new home for its esoteric, challenging dramas when it became one of the 10 resident companies at the Tobin back in 2014. There’s no such thing as an easy night with these guys; with a mission to “challenge the creative imagination of our community,” expect to leave the theater thinking. 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, facebook.com/atticrep.

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We are proud to announce the release of San Antonio Lager, their newest year round IN CANS! Join Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling at their brewery for a kick off party to include games, live music, food trucks, and special tappings on February 25th from 4-9pm for the first look at their newest addition, San Antonio Lager. Brewed in San Antonio, for San Antonio. Visit DrinkRangerCreek.com for a full list of events, brews and tours.

4834 Whirlwind Dr. 210.775.2099

CURRENT â&#x20AC;˘ San Antonio City Guide â&#x20AC;˘ sacurrent.com

THE SHELDON VEXLER THEATRE

D A W N arts & culture — The Diary of Anne Frank

writer, director, teatrista

ASK AN EXPERT

What’s your preferred genre of theater and where do you most enjoy watching it in San Antonio? I like plays with music, but do not like musicals. I like to be entertained at the theater, but do not like most comedies … I prefer teatro – theater made with conciencia, contemporary theater that speaks through the Latino community — but we do not have a theatrical home for a full-season of teatro. You have to follow it around town. The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is San Antonio’s epicenter of Latinx artistic expression. You can fi nd teatro here, but not as frequently as I’d like. Jump-Start Performance Co. has a tradition of theatrical inclusion, with seasonal offerings of teatro. with what you have. Make something of it. Never be satisfied.” 226 N. Hackberry, (210) 207-7211, thecarver.org.

CHARLINE MCCOMBS EMPIRE THEATRE Once a vaudeville hall, the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre also enjoyed a stint as a B-movie theater before it was shuttered back in 1978. Redeveloped alongside the Majestic back in the ’90s, thanks to funds raised by the Las Casas Foundation, the intimate theater now hosts comedians, concerts, local performances and private events in its flexible seating space. 226 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com.

CLASSIC THEATRE OF SAN ANTONIO Do you like your plays to stick to the dramatic canon? If so, The Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s productions of popular classics and forgotten masterpieces is the space where you can let your theater geek flag fly. Performances typically include a complimentary champagne reception on opening night and a “Community Talk Back” near the end of the run. The company’s

ninth season wraps up with productions of Shakespeare’s The Tempest (February 17-March 12) and William Inge’s Bus Stop (May 5-28). 1924 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 589-8450, classictheatre.org.

ROXIE THEATRE

Risen from the ashes of the wacky and unpredictable Cameo Theatre, recently established Roxie sees performer, director and producer Jonathan Pennington rebooting his Off Broadway sensibilities in an intimate space previously inhabited by an ultra lounge. Host to nostalgic revues (The Rat Pack Lounge) and cult classics (The Rocky Horror Show) alike, Roxie’s forthcoming engagements include the Elvis-inspired musical comedy All Shook Up (February 18-March 19) and Texas Light Opera’s take on Edgar Allan Poe’s Nevermore (April 6-15). 7460 Callaghan Road, Suite 333, (210) 3609180, roxietheatrecompany.com.

SHELDON VEXLER THEATRE

Formed in 1999 and housed on the campus of the Barshop Jewish Community Center, the Sheldon Vexler Theatre (aka the Vex) stages both award-winning plays and lesser-known works produced by a cast and crew comprised

When it comes to local theater actors and directors, who do you consider the major players? You hear about a play with Lisa Suarez? It’s gonna make you feel something deep. Janie Sauceda and La Mera Ruby Nelda Perez? Nombre, shut up, you’re gonna experience something special. Anna De Luna as The AIDS Lady will school you while entertaining you. Jesus Alonzo has a play I cannot wait to see on stage. Nicolas Valdez is puro San Anto corazón, on stage and off. Azul Barrientos, best known for her rich vocals and monthly performances at the Esperanza, is a teatro musical director like none other. What changes or improvements would you like to see within San Antonio’s theater scene? Is a permanent brick and mortar home for San Antonio teatro necessary? That is like asking: what should come fi rst: the San Antonio MFA theater program or the San Antonio equity theater? We can run around chasing the answer, or we can show up, do the work and support original, engaging, and relevant theater.

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arts & culture THE MAJESTIC THEATRE

— Matilda

of local volunteers. Riffing on its unpretentious black-box format, the Vex invites theater fans to “think inside the box” while taking in dramas, musicals and comedies. The theater’s 18th season culminates with Peter and the Starcatcher (May 4-June 4), which rewinds to tell the back story of Peter Pan. 12500 NW Military Hwy., (210) 302-6835, vexler.org.

THE MAJESTIC THEATRE

From Loretta Lynn to Morrissey, The Majestic Theatre has hosted some of the biggest names in music. This former movie theater turned National Historic Landmark is now home to the Broadway in San Antonio series, presenting the hottest touring productions of New York’s award-winning shows. Highlights from the 2017 season include Rent (March 3-5), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (March 14-19), Finding Neverland (May 2-7) and Matilda: The Musical (June 6-11). 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com.

THE PLAYHOUSE

If your preference errs on the conventional side, The Playhouse offers quality live theater that seeks to “reveal the truth in the human experience.” And thousands of thespians have attempted to do just that since its founding way back in 1912 as the San Antonio Little Theatre. Today, The Playhouse hosts two stages: the Russell Hill Rogers Theater for larger musicals and the Cellar Theater for intimate dramas, comedies and experimental works. Under the guidance of award-winning set designer, director and performer George Green, the revered institution is in the midst of a performance season that includes productions of The Secret Garden (February 10-March 12), Disgraced (March 17-April 9), Urinetown: The Musical (May 5-May 28), Crimes of the Heart (June 2-25) and Hairspray (July 7-August 6). 800 W. Ashby Pl., (210) 7337258, theplayhousesa.org. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 89

arts & culture WOODLAWN THEATRE

— Pippin

TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

With a revolving door of touring acts and three distinct spaces to house them, the state-of-the-art Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is the place to enjoy anything from Dolly Parton to Hedwig and the Angry Inch. And with 10 companies in residence, including Opera San Antonio, Ballet San Antonio and the San Antonio Symphony, the stage is sure to sizzle with some of the best local talent the city has to offer. 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org.

WOODLAWN THEATRE

Seguin Knights of Columbus 2017 SHOW DATES

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90 CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

Promising quality fun for the whole family, the historic Woodlawn Theatre routinely delivers toe-tapping musicals that will leave you singing in the shower for days. Currently under the artistic direction of Chris Rodriguez, the Deco District gem is set to unveil productions of Pippin (February 10-March 12), Sister Act (April 7-May 7), Shrek: The Musical (June 30-July 30), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (August 25-September 17), Little Shop of Horrors (October 13-November 5) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (November 24-December 23). And for trivia buffs: originally a movie theater designed by architect John Eberson (of Majestic fame), the Woodlawn welcomed John Wayne for the world premiere of The Alamo back in 1960. 1920 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 267-8388, woodlawntheatre.org.

OTHER SPOTS TO KEEP ON YOUR RADAR

Jump-Start Performance Co. (jump-start.org); Teatro Audaz (teatroaudaz.com); The Josephine Theater (josephinetheatre. org); The Magik Theatre (magiktheatre.org); The Overtime Theater (theovertimetheater.org); Performing Arts San Antonio (performingartssa.org); The Company Theatre (thecompanytheatre. org); The Harlequin (myjbsa-fss-mwr.com).

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Onsite & Mobile Adoption!

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arts & culture SIGGI RAGNAR

— Central Library

GIVING PETS S MORE REASON TO WAG

Get Lit

WHERE TO GET YOUR LITERARY KICKS IN SAN ANTONIO 9440 Dietz Elkhorn Rd Boerne TX, 78015 830.981.2273 wagmorepetresort.com

CHEEVER BOOKS

When it comes to quality used and vintage books, Cheever is hands-down the place to go. Get lost in the Broadway shop’s collection of rare finds and work your way through bookshelves that are packed with one-of-a-kind books. Whether you’re stopping in for a specific title or are just there to browse, you won’t be disappointed by this local gem. (210) 824-2665, 3613 Broadway.

GEMINI INK

Offering a wide range of programs for writers who want to take their storytelling to the next level, Gemini Ink focuses on craft ing the space and lessons to do so. From themed writing and master poetry nights to mentorship programs and conferences, Gemini Ink is dedicated to elevating writers to be able to produce their best stories while fi nding confidence in their work along the way. In addition to writing lessons, the organization keeps a packed calendar of events year-round, bringing authors, poets and literary figures to San Antonio. (210) 734-9673, 1111 Navarro St.

IMAGINE BOOKS AND RECORDS

Imagine Books and Records is a bastion of DIY coolness in a part of town that’s not typically known for being hip. Yet, situated on the northwest side of town, Imagine has, since opening back in 2011, become a place for folks, especially writers, musicians and artists, to hone their craft s, share of themselves and hang out. (210) 236-7668, 8373 Culebra Road.

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On the fi ft h floor of Central Library you’ll fi nd a catalog of literature, poetry, cookbooks and several other nonfiction reads that celebrate all aspects of Latino culture, heritage and contemporary life. With Latinos making up 60 percent of San Antonio’s population, Central Library’s Latino collection is a cultural deep dive into the roots of the city and consists of books

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sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 93

At The San Antonio Museum of Art

A tasty night of local cuisine

ART • Live music • Drinks

culinary showdown

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CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

arts & culture

Gemini Ink, Our Lady of the Lake

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

ASK AN EXPERT

Is there a book out there you feel truly expresses the spirit of San Antonio? John Phillip Santos’ memoir, Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation, which was a finalist for the National Book Award, captures the history and magic of San Antonio’s Mexican-American culture. Our nation is a story of immigration, and this one typifies our culturally rich city. What’s your favorite public place in town to read (or write)? Denman Estate Park, which is near my home, is 13 acres of trees and picnic tables, a half-acre walking trail, a pond with ducks, and the Korean Pavilion of Gwangju. Tucked off Fredericksburg Road, few people visit, leaving readers and writers a serene place to meditate and work. Who are some of your favorite San Antonio authors? Some of my favorites (my full list is way too long) are John Phillip Santos, Barbara Ras, Sheila Black, Naomi Shihab Nye, Jan Jarboe Russell, Andrew Porter, Jenny Browne, Bryce Milligan, Robert Flynn, Wendy Barker, Jay Brandon, Norma Elia Canú, David Liss, and colleagues Yvette Benavides, Octavio Quintanilla, and Antoinette Winstead; and those we’ve lost: Margaret Cousins, Sterling Houston, Claude Stanush, Jacques Barzun, and Tomás Rivera.

(written in both English and Spanish) that explore a wide range of topics. (210) 207-2500, 600 Soledad St.

SAN ANTONIO BOOK FESTIVAL

Now in its fi ft h year, the San Antonio Book Festival brings everything literary to the heart of the Alamo City. Hosted in partnership with the Texas Book Festival, Central Library and the Southwest School of Art, the day-long fest features nonstop workshops, readings and talks by regional and local authors and multiple chances to fangirl out. This year’s festival is slated to take place on April 8 at Central Library and will feature over 80 authors in attendance. 600 Soledad St., saplf.org/festival.

SEND RESUME TO SAMARKETING@SACURRENT.COM

HUNGRY FOR MORE? v i s i t S A C u r r e n t. c o m

THE TWIG BOOK SHOP

Tucked away in its own corner of Pearl Brewery, The Twig has everything you need to fi ll your home library. From children’s picture stories to regional recipe books, indie fi nds and hyperlocal history texts, you’ll fi nd yourself browsing through the store’s bookshelves for far too long (not that that’s necessarily a bad thing). The book shop also hosts author appearances, readings and children’s story times on a regular basis. Voted as the Best Bookstore in San Antonio for the past four years, The Twig is a literary treasure not to be missed. (210) 826-6411, 306 Pearl Pkwy., Suite 106. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 95

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CURRENT • San Antonio City Guide • sacurrent.com

Blanco Rd

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arts & culture JULIE ROMANO

— A still from Ixcanul, featured in Cinefestival 2017

FRIDAY APR 7 For the Cinephiles FILM FESTIVALS & POP-UP SCREENINGS

s city leaders work hard with the local fi lm community to lure more movie and television projects into San Antonio with new and att ractive incentives, other cinema aficionados are doing their part by bringing mainstream, independent and local fi lms to screens across the Alamo City. If you’re in the 210 and have a hankering for a good movie, you’ll be hard-pressed not to fi nd an organization or group hosting a special screening somewhere in town. If you enjoy fi lm festivals, the list of local ones continues to grow and includes long-standing events like CineFestival (cinefestival.org), the oldest Latino fi lm festival in the nation, in February and the San Antonio Film Festival in July (safi lm.com). Other festivals include the Alamo City Film Festival, an offshoot of the ever-growing Alamo City Comic Con (alamocityfi lmfestival.com); the Jewish Film Festival presented by the Barshop Jewish Community Center (jccsanantonio.org); the Josiah Media Festival hosted by URBAN-15 for fi lmmakers 21 and under (josiahmediafestival.com); and the Manhattan Short Film Festival, a global fi lm festival (also hosted by URBAN-15) that takes place in over 40 U.S. cities, including San Antonio (manhattanshort.com). Newer festivals hoping to make a name for themselves are the San Antonio Feminist Film Festival (safeministfi lmfestival. net); QFest, San Antonio’s LGBT International Film Festival (pridesanantonio.org); the San Antonio Horrific Film Festival (horrificfi lmfest.com); the New Urbanism Film Festival, a mini version of the one in Los Angeles (newurbanismfi lmfestival. com); and the Christian Worldview Film Festival (christianworldviewfi lmfestival.com). Local fi lms take center stage at two fi lm competitions during

YOUNG THE GIANT DE LA SOUL BOOK OF LOVE GENERATIONALS

SATURDAY APR 8 BASTILLE THE NAKED AND FAMOUS MINUS THE BEAR CARLA MORRISON SMALL BLACK HONEY HONEY #maverickmusicfestival maverickmusicfestival.com sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 97

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arts & culture the year: the 48-Hour Film Project, an event that challenges groups of directors, actors and writers to make a movie in two days and then screen it for an audience (48hourfi lm.com); and the San Antonio Neighborhood Film Project featuring fi lmmakers making movies about specific areas of the city (neighborhoodfi lmproject.com). For fi lm series, look no further than Slab Cinema, which holds outdoor family screenings across the city at venues like Mission Marquee Plaza, Travis Park and Hemisfair Park (slabcinema.com); take in foreign, classic and art-house favorites during the Get Reel Film Series at the McNay (mcnayart.org); learn about diverse Native voices by attending the Native Film Series at the Briscoe Western Art Museum (briscoemuseum.org); the summer wouldn’t be the same without Texas Public Radio’s Cinema Tuesdays at the Santikos Bijou (tpr.org); also, see what a few local fi lm critics are curating for their two monthly fi lm series: Cinema on the Rocks at Edwards Ridge Distillery every second Wednesday of the month and CineSnob Presents screenings at the Alamo Draft house every fourth Monday (cinesnob.net).

come for the guns stay, for the experience.

Slab Cinema

ASK AN EXPERT

16111 San Pedro Ste. 103 SA TX 78232 210-490-GUNS | alamoshooting.com

What are some of your favorite films that have ties to San Antonio? Our favorite fi lms with San Antonio ties are Breaking Away, starring a young Jackie Earle Haley; Evenhand, shot at the original Pig Stand and guest starring local actor and poet Eduardo Garza; El Mariachi by Robert Rodriguez; The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada starring and directed by local fixture Tommy Lee Jones; and the cult horror film Psycho Beach Party, starring Thomas Gibson. Other films that we like and were shot in San Antonio include Selena, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, The Getaway, Cloak & Dagger and the 1927 classic Wings. Who do you consider to be the movers and shakers of San Antonio’s film scene? The San Antonio Film Festival and CineFestival help put San Antonio on the international fi lm scene map. We’ve also been really impressed with the work showcased by the San Antonio Film Society, a local resource that provides an outlet for SA’s current fi lmmakers. SAY Sí’s Media Arts program is doing an amazing job at cultivating SA’s future fi lmmakers, and veteran actor Jesse Borrego stands out to us as a prominent figure in the San Antonio fi lm and art scene. What are some of your dream locations for pop-up screenings? Our preference is to show movies on sides of buildings — a few that come to mind are the Texas Masonic Lodge in King William, the Pioneer Flour Mill and the parking lots at Hermann Sons and the Kress Building downtown. We’d also like to do more pop-ups at the Hays Street Bridge, and an outdoor series along the Mission Trail.

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