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SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2020
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San Antonio Current Publisher: Michael Wagner Editor-in-Chief: Sanford Nowlin
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Food & Nightlife Editor: Lea Thompson Calendar Editor: Kelly Merka Nelson Contributing Arts Editor: Bryan Rindfuss Staff Writer: Chris Conde Digital Content Editor: Sarah Martinez Contributors: Ron Bechtol, Daniel Conrad, James Courtney, Jade Esteban Estrada, Dan R. Goddard, Lance Higdon, Steven G. Kellman, Hannah Lorence, Kiko Martinez, M. Solis, Gary Sweeney Editorial Interns: Brianna Espinoza, Trevor Flynn, Steven Hargis, Katie Hennessey
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THIS AIN’T JUST WINE COUNTRY. HOME OF THE FIRST LEGAL BOURBON DIS T IL L ERY IN T E X A S A ND 4 -T IME US MICRO WHISKEY OF THE YEAR. Garrison Brothers Distillery in the Texas Hill Country is dedicated to true Southern hospitality. When you’re here, you’ll feel the warmth of our Texas spirit, alongside the aroma of our sweet mash and the soothing hum of our copper pot-stills making more bourbon. Distillery tours are at 10, noon 2 and 4. You don’t have to take a tour to taste our bourbon. We serve bourbon flights Wednesday through Sunday from 10 to 5. Make a reservation by visiting: W W W.GARRISONBROS.COM/ TOUR
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Up Front
Parks & Rec
Activists ... 17
Top Attractions ... 69
Arts & Culture
Music
Local Retail ... 27
Live Musical Acts ... 77
Alamo City Cinema ... 33
San Antonio Songs ... 81
Power Brokers ... 11
Arts and Cultural Fetivals ... 21
Arts and Entertainment Venues ... 38
Food & Drink Best New Restaurants ... 47 Food Trucks ... 53 New Coffee Shops ... 57 Breweries and Distilleries ... 61
The Great Outdoors ... 65
Record Stores ... 73
Late Night Music Venues ... 83
Late-Night Restaurants ... 87
On the Cover The cover illustration depicting San Antonio as it would look on a vintage amusement park map was created by Orlando, Florida-based artist Anna Cruz. Art direction by Melissa McHenry.
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Welcome to City Guide 2020!
S
an Antonio’s like a giant amusement park. We’ve got fun and excitement around every corner, caloric but oh-so-delicious food to sample and folks in colorful costumes eager to show you around. Hell, there’s even a river ride running through downtown. With that in mind, we present the San Antonio Current’s latest edition of City Guide, a reference book to help you better enjoy your hometown. For newcomers, it’s a way to learn the basics — where the locals eat, go to unwind and take in our vibrant arts, music and culture. For longtime Alamo City residents, we offer options to deepen your experience, whether by trying off-the-beaten-path eateries or discovering homegrown retailers far from Loopland. To help you navigate the book, we stretched the amusement park analogy a little further to offer up Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced choices in each category. To make it easy, they’re marked like those “You must be this tall to ride” signs many of us remember from our childhoods. The Beginner selections are safe bets — an easy place for newbies to start their discovery. If you’re a decadeslong SA thrill seeker, you may want to jump ahead to the Intermediate or Advanced options. But those are just suggested guidelines. Dive deep and explore however you see fit. There’s plenty of San Antonio to experience. With City Guide in your hands, your ticket is stamped and you’re ready to ride.
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D A W N
Up front
Nelson Wolff/David Martin Davies
the San Antonio River Walk to the old Spanish Missions. He oversaw expansion of the county’s public health services through the University Health System and improvements to San Pedro Creek as both flood control and an economic generator. He’s only the second person in San Antonio history to have served as mayor and also a county judge.
Power Brokers By Travis E. Poling
L
ocal governments, countless committees and influential businesspeople make San Antonio and Bexar County tick. But the power to make money and people move to improve and expand education, transportation, energy, housing and forwardlooking economic development lies in the hands of just a few. Some call on lengthy experience at armtwisting, cajoling and making voters see their way. Others, while perhaps not new to scene are only recently finding themselves in the spotlight as they tackle some of the
Henry Cisneros/Wiki Commons
city’s toughest issues in 2020 and beyond. What follows is a list of true community power brokers, ranked from must-know figures down to some who may not yet be household names.
Beginner Nelson Wolff At 79, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has seen the major evolutions during San Antonio’s modern era from the inside. He was around when Toyota located a manufacturing plant in the city and during the extension of
COPS/Metro Alliance While a community organization rather than a person, the enduring power of the combination of Communities Organized for Public Service and Metro Alliance lies in its numbers and not being dependent upon a single leader. The numbers come from church congregations, schools and unions who first unified in 1974 to demand better drainage, streets and police protection underserved areas of the city. Henry Cisneros Cisneros spent eight years as mayor of San Antonio and later did a stint in President Bill Clinton’s cabinet as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He is chairman of two companies that invest in affordable housing projects and transportation infrastructure. Business aside, his family political roots are deep in San Antonio soil and his counsel is sought by numerous politicians. He served as a founder and first chairman of
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Paula Gold-Williams/Josh Huskin
BioMed SA and is co-chair of ConnectSA, formed to promote $1.3 billion in transportation improvements. Ron Nirenberg San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg was an outspoken councilman serving the North Side but found favor across a broad spectrum of the city when he ran for mayor. He’s continued to push his main agenda of ensuring affordable housing for the city and improving transportation infrastructure to accommodate the region’s rapid growth. Based on his narrow reelection to a second term, some voters have clearly balked at policies they deem too progressive, including the ongoing battle over mandatory sick leave for employees.
Intermediate Esperanza “Hope” Andrade The co-owner of barge operator Go Rio Cruises and a former Texas Secretary of State, Andrade served five years as chair of the VIA Metropolitan Transit board before stepping down last June. With just nine months left on her eight-year limit on the board, both the mayor and county judge recently nominated her to fill the chair vacated by former councilman Rey Saldaña. She resumes that position at a vital time. Local leaders hope to convince voters to use a one-eighthcent sales tax to pay for more bus routes and other VIA system upgrades. That would come at the cost of the tax’s current use for aquifer protection, which could make the plan a tough sell.
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Julián Castro /SA Current File
Paula Gold-Williams After stints as a financial executive in the regional operations of the former Time-Warner Cable and restaurant firm Luby’s, Gold-Williams joined city-owned utility CPS Energy in 2004 as a controller and climbed to CEO in 2016. The buck stops with her when it comes to keeping the lights on, the air conditioning running and the machines of industry juiced up. Because of this, Gold-Williams’ moves in infrastructure and reliable traditional alternative energy makes her a key player in economic development behind the scenes. She’ll also have to find a way for the utility’s power generation to operate within the limits of the city’s new Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Julián Castro Castro served as a charismatic mayor from 2009 until leaving the post to serve as secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Obama administration. He also was mentioned as a potential running mate for Hilary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign. While he didn’t get the nod from Clinton, he regained national attention with his own bid for the 2020 democratic nomination. After leaving the race, he stayed in the spotlight by stumping around the country for then-contender Elizabeth Warren, and many are keeping an eye out for his next big political move. Graham Weston As founder and former chairman and CEO of tech firm Rackspace, Weston left a legacy of creating a major high-tech employer in the city. His contributions, however, go much deeper with his moves at Weston Downtown changing the center city skyline. He also played a part in the ongoing consolidation of city offices and in UTSA’s planned expansion of its downtown presence. What’s more, he helped create a tech-friendly environment with the creation of the Geekdom business incubator.
Only through May 3, 2020 Liz Trosper (American, born 1886–1969), toothy zip (neon:ochre) (detail), 2019, UV inkjet print on canvas, 102 x 74 in., Courtesy of Barry Whistler Gallery, Photography by Liz Trosper, E. Charlton Fortune (American, 1886-1969), Feeding Chickens, Monterey, 1918, Oil on canvas, 28 x 26 inches, Crocker Art Museum, Melza and Ted Barr Collection, 2010.9, Everett Spruce (American 1908–2002), Century Plant–2, 1948, oil on Masonite, The New Orleans Museum of Art: Museum Purchase © 2019 Alice Spruce Meriwether
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Up front
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Harvey Najim Philanthropist Najim, a successful tech entrepreneur and an inductee to the San Antonio and Texas business halls of fame, retired in 2015 from Sirius Computer Solutions, the company he founded in 1980. His search for solutions, however, hasn’t stopped. He’s now a leading figure in analyzing and funding programs for homelessness, special needs children’s services, early childhood education, medical issues and abuse and neglect. Since its inception in 2006, the Najim Charitable Foundation has given more than $120 million in grants and gifts to a host of programs, mostly in Bexar and surrounding counties.
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D A W N
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H. Drew Galloway /Jade Esteban Estrada
Activists
Beginner
By Sanford Nowlin
A
ny healthy community — any healthy democracy, in fact — needs people who are willing to ask uncomfortable questions, stand up for social justice and hold elected officials accountable. Whether protesting outside city hall, organizing disenfranchised voters or creating art that packs a political message, San Antonio has a long and colorful history of folks willing to be difficult in the cause of making our city a more equitable, inclusive and transparent place. Here’s a sampling of some of our most significant activists, from must-know icons to a new generation of firebrands.
Graciela Sanchez The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center has been a focal point of San Antonio’s progressive community for more than three decades. As its director, Graciela Sanchez has been key to shaping the cultural arts and social justice organization and making sure its voice remains loud and clear. She’s played an essential role in developing programs that aid underrepresented groups and force sometimes uncomfortable discussions about colonization, racism and homophobia and their continued influence in our city. Under her watch, Esperanza has built a rich calendar of cultural programming that serves 70,000 people annually. Sanchez’s social activism is also a family affair. She credits her tireless advocacy to the examples of community involvement embodied by her mother and grandmother.
Linda Chavez-Thompson In 1995, longtime union leader ChavezThompson became the first person of color to serve in one the AFL-CIO’s top offices, winning election as executive vice president. While in that role, she also served on the boards of the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Chavez-Thompson’s efforts as a labor leader and organizer aren’t limited to national issues, however. She was a key player in the successful petition drive to force San Antonio to adopt the paid sick leave ordinance — a law still being decided in the courts. She still makes frequent appearances on local picket lines. Michelle Tremillo By mobilizing black and Latinx people in low-income and working-class communities, the Texas Organizing Project has emerged as one of the state’s most visible advocates for social and economic justice. Its San Antonio-based director, Michelle Tremillo, has been instrumental in putting the group on the front lines of major battles including San Antonio’s fight for a paid sick time ordinance and canvasing for progressive candidates such as Bernie Sanders and Jessica Cisneros in the 2020 election cycle. Since returning to her native San Antonio with a degree from Stanford, Tremillo has also worked for ACORN and helped found Public Allies San Antonio, which trains future non-profit leaders. H. Drew Galloway As executive director of MOVE Texas, H. Drew Galloway leads one of the state’s largest and most active voter registration groups — one whose aim is to give young people a louder, more resilient voice in our democracy. Galloway originally
Graciela Sanchez /Jade Esteban Estrada
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relocated to the Alamo City to work in the wine business, but he quickly became a powerful voice in local politics, registering 9,000 voters in 2016, his first year with the nonprofit, and tens of thousands since. In 2018 alone, the organization registered 30,000 new voters under the age of 30. Last year, it outstripped that number, putting 70,000 more on the rolls prior to the important 2020 election. Although nonpartisan, MOVE Texas doesn’t shy from championing progressive issues that affect the lives of young people. Among those causes are environmental protection, equality and economic justice for young workers. Robert Salcido Robert Salcido plays two important roles San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ community. He’s the statewide field coordinator for Equality Texas, one of the state’s largest civil rights groups, and he also serves as executive director for the Pride Center San Antonio. As if those vital roles weren’t enough, Salcido has served as a member of the mayor’s LGBT advisory team and in executive roles with Orgullo de San Antonio and the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce. What’s more, he’s worked to increase the number of LGBTQ+ representatives in elected office and played a key part in shaping the city’s first non-discrimination ordinance.
Intermediate Barbie Hurtado Community organizer Barbie Hurtado is ubiquitous at local rallies, raising her voice for causes ranging from immigrant rights to reproductive health. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, she migrated to the United States with her mother and siblings when she was 11. She is an organizer with the San Antonio International Woman’s Day March and a reproductive justice activist with Planned Parenthood TX Votes. Beyond that, she volunteers at The Rape Crisis Center and has done organizing work for immigrant legal rights organization RAICES. As Hurtado writes in her bio, she “embraces her identity as a fat queer Xicana and understands the importance of intersectionality in her activism and organizing work.” Marlon Davis Marlon Davis emerged as one of the most powerful voices calling for the preservation of the historic Hays Street Bridge, once the key conduit between the predominantly African American East Side and the rest of the city. Davis, born and raised on the East Side, served as a frequent spokesman for the alliance as it successfully fought city hall to halt a condo project next to the structure. His outspoken advocacy suggests that the fire of larger-than-life East Side activists such as T.C. Calvert and Mario Salas may be passing to a new generation. Beyond fighting to protect the Hays Street
Bridge, Davis has played a role in deciding how to use the adjacent land and reimagine it as a place of opportunity for residents of an area long neglected by city leaders.
Advanced
Up front
Sofia Sepulveda Trans woman Sofia Sepulveda has emerged in the past few years as one of San Antonio’s most visible activists. Name a protest event, and she’s likely been there at the front of the crowd. She’s been a tireless campaigner for Bernie Sanders, a member of the San Antonio Free Speech Coalition, worked with the Texas Organizing Project and Our Revolution Texas and served as a Bexar County Democratic Party precinct chair. Amalia Ortiz At the intersection of art and activism, San Antonio-based actor, poet, playwright and activist Amalia Ortiz’s has made recent waves with The Canción Cannibal Cabaret & Other Songs. The politically charged performance piece uses reinterpretations of punk songs to weave a tale of revolution set in a post-apocalyptic near future. In the work, an anti-colonial, anti-capitalist refugee plans an intersectional feminist revolution with the aid of roving emissaries. Ortiz and her troupe have presented the piece in both highbrow arts venues and music clubs. Its text is also available in a book released by Aztlan Libre Press. During a 2015 TED Talk, the acclaimed poet compared her code-switching linguistic style to a mashup of Selena and the Sex Pistols: “a dyslexic DJ ready to bidi bidi bomb the suburbs, punk ruca style.”
Sofia Sepulveda /Jade Esteban Estrada
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Arts and Cultural Festivals
Arts And Culture
By Bryan Rindfuss
E
videnced by our famed, 10-day-long, confetti-filled Fiesta, San Antonians love to celebrate. But we also do a pretty admirable job of supporting the arts and cultures that make the Alamo City a vibrant place to live and visit. Without ignoring the crowd-pleasing favorites, our roundup of artsy fests also includes annual traditions for culture seekers of the niche variety.
Beginner Fiesta Too often summed up as San Antonio’s version of Mardi Gras, Fiesta became a San Antonio tradition with the inaugural Battle of Flowers Parade in 1891. In that first version, participants “pelted each other with blossoms” in tribute to the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. The event has expanded exponentially since then, becoming a 10-day celebration packed with multiple parades, a lavish Coronation of the Queen of the Order of the Alamo (and its spooftastic stepsister Cornyation), collectible Fiesta medals, confetti-filled cascarones, free-flowing beer and margaritas, and signature treats such as chicken on a stick. When you’re nursing that unavoidable Fiesta hangover, remember it’s all for a good cause — the citywide affair raises big bucks for a diverse assortment of local charities and scholarships. April 16-26, multiple locations, (210) 227-5191, fiestasanantonio.org. Luminaria Launched in 2008 by former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger as a local take on the illuminated nighttime arts festivals of Europe, Luminaria has venue-hopped over the years but seems to have
Texas Folklife Festival/SA Current File
found a fitting home at Hemisfair. The event springs to life in living color each November with light projections, art installations, film screenings, roving performers and indoor and outdoor stages hosting everything from live music and avant-garde theater to dance and spoken-word presentations. November, Hemisfair, 434. S. Alamo St., (210) 721-1670, luminariasa.org. Texas Folklife Festival L An Alamo City signature since 1972, the Texas Folklife Festival proudly showcases “the Lone Star State’s diversity and rich heritage” during a kid-friendly weekend encompassing global street food, eclectic vendors and multiple outdoor stages. The Folklife Festival plays host to hundreds of cultural groups, from martial artists to dance troupes, all preserving the folkways of China, Poland, Lebanon, Hawaii and beyond. June 6-7, UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., (210) 458-2300, texancultures.utsa.edu.
Intermediate Asian Festival With roots as a quaint, family affair timed with Lunar New Year, the Asian Festival has evolved into a sprawling celebration that combines martial arts demonstrations, ikebana and bonsai exhibits, festive performances by dozens of cultural organizations and a diverse spread of food vendors serving up specialties from Japan, China, the Philippines, Korea, Thailand and the Indian subcontinent. February, UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., (210) 458-2300, texancultures.utsa.edu.
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Arts And Culture
Contemporary Art Month/ Jeffrey Dell
Contemporary Art Month Founded in tandem with the pioneering local art space now known as Blue Star Contemporary, Contemporary Art Month or CAM functions as both a nonprofit and an organizing umbrella over a broad range of events occurring in March. Although it changes significantly each year based on communitywide contributions, art fans can always count on annual signatures including the CAM Kickoff Party, a closing event complete with the presentation of CAMMIE Awards and the CAM Perennial exhibition, which features local artists selected by a guest curator from outside San Antonio. March, multiple locations, contemporaryartmonth.org.
Diwali Presented by Anuja SA — a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the Sister City alliance between San Antonio and Chennai, India — Diwali uplifts the arts and culture of India. Expect a lively celebration featuring costumed dance performances, vendors offering cuisine and handicrafts and a symbolic lighting of candles set afloat on the San Antonio River. Designed to represent “the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance,” the beloved event culminates with a fireworks extravaganza that can be heard across downtown. November 7, Hemisfair, 434. S. Alamo St., anujasa.com.
Advanced San Antonio Film Festival Established in 1994, the San Antonio Film Festival (SAFILM) bills itself as “an accessible and in-
Diwali/SA Current File
clusive platform for cinema artists.” Under the direction of film buff and educator Adam Rocha, SAFILM accepts submissions from “artists at every level” and doles out more than a dozen prizes in categories ranging from Best San Antonio Filmmaker to Best High School Filmmaker. In addition to assembling a diverse program of independent features, documentaries and shorts, SAFILM emphasizes education via free workshops and pays tribute to visiting stars. Cheech Marin, Cybill Shepherd and Jackie Earl Haley were all honored at the 25th annual festival in 2019. August 4-9, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 885-5888, safilm.com. Tejano Conjunto Festival A local treasure for 39 years and counting, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Tejano Conjunto Festival preserves and
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celebrates musical genres that are embedded in the cultural fabric of San Antonio. After kicking off with community events at the historic Guadalupe Theater — including a senior’s dance and inductions into the Conjunto Hall of Fame — the fest takes over Rosedale Park with a weekend filled with food, cold beer and dancing to acts from Texas, California and sometimes even international locales. May 13-14, Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., May 15-17, Rosedale Park, 303 Dartmouth St., (210) 271-3151, guadalupeculturalarts.org.
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Arts And Culture
Fotoseptiembre Spearheaded by multidisciplinary artist, writer and composer Michael Mehl, Fotoseptiembre serves up a veritable feast of photography in all flavors, from traditional reportage to alternative fashion. A fall favorite since 1995, the festival showcases work by local, national and international photographers via exhibitions in galleries, cafes and non-traditional venues throughout San Antonio and even into the Hill Country. September, multiple locations, fotoseptiembreusa.com.
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Arts And Culture San Angel Folk Shop/Bryan Rindfuss
driver and self-taught photographer who’s happy to snap your portrait for $20. A bar stocked with beer, wine and mimosas only sweetens the deal. 108 Blue Star, (210) 2628653, brickatbluestar.com.
Intermediate
Local Retailers By Bryan Rindfuss
I
n case you hadn’t noticed, e-commerce giants have made it increasingly difficult for homegrown businesses to survive, let alone thrive — which is all the more reason to support local retailers with distinct points of view. While far from exhaustive, our selection aims to highlight independent outposts — some wildly popular, others under-appreciated — that, for the most part, are making it work outside of heavily trafficked stomping grounds like malls and Loopland shopping developments.
Beginner Feliz Modern Putting a new spin on gift shopping in the internet age is no easy task — but Ginger and Mario Diaz’s Feliz Modern comes through with flying colors. True to its name, the Olmos Park emporium is an undeniably happy, modern place to visit, delivering a kid-in-a-candy-store vibe with more than 5,000 playfully merchandized items that run the gamut from unique greeting cards and quirky housewares to enamel pins and pet-centric gifts. With a keen focus on San Antonio artists and makers, Feliz Modern is also a go-to for artist-made prints along with T-shirts and stickers from local favorite including VeryThat and BarbacoApparel. 110 W. Olmos Dr., (210) 622-8364, felizmodern.com. Fiesta on Main Established in 1994 with a mission of supporting artisans from Mexico and across Latin America, Fiesta on Main is a local institution that specializes in helping San Antonio celebrate. Billed as a place where “Mexico is closer than you think and Fiesta never ends,” the Alamo City original is a no-brainer for party supplies — from glittery garlands and hotpink cocktail napkins to handcrafted Fiesta flower crowns and piñata varieties you never even knew
existed. Beyond those, it manufactures its own papel picado, confetti and cascarones and imports a wide array of traditional Mexican apparel and decor including talavera pottery, embroidered Puebla dresses and Día de los Muertos figurines. 2025 N. Main Ave., (210) 591-8144, alamofiesta.com. Brick at Blue Star With its arrival on the scene back in 2014, Brick carved out an adaptable space capable of hosting a wide assortment of events. Concerts, fashion shows, performances, parties and lectures aside, the warehouse-like venue is easily best known for its Sunday Arts Market, which unites a rotating assortment of homegrown vendors under one roof. On any given Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m., Brick gets taken over by the likes of The Mermaid Farm (vintage duds, accessories, books and records), Congrains Designs (fashion-forward attire designed by Colombian artist Gabriela Congrains), Denise Smith McCoy (ethnic jewelry from Tibet and beyond), Inunctus (all-natural skincare), Hart and Shape Vintage (retro clothing, accessories and tchotchkes) and Anthony Garcia — a musician, UPS
Courtesy of Feliz Modern
Contact Modern / Urban Goods The strip of Hildebrand Avenue between Breeden and Beacon avenues is peppered with purveyors of antiques, vintage wares and straight-up junk. Standing out from the crowd, this complex at 610 West Hildebrand is essentially two stores in one, as it marries the like-minded tastes of Catherine Von Dohlen, who operates Contact Modern, and Debra Zeitung and Dawn Martinez, the team behind Urban Goods. While the well-preserved midcentury furniture and lighting fixtures typically don’t fall within the average budget, there’s still plenty in the realm of affordable home accents including 1960s-era curios, retro barware and smartly priced vintage vinyl. 610 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 885-7798, contactmodern.com. Good Goods A retail extension of D’Ette Cole’s successful interior design business, Good Goods brought fresh energy to Dignowity Hill for four years before relocating to its current home — a retro-fabulous Austin Highway outpost originally inhabited by the storied Whatnot Shop. Decorated in a way that showcases Cole’s unique way of repurposing salvaged items and vintage finds, the creatively merchandised store is an evolving treasure trove of approachably priced items such as printed Indian wrap dresses ($65), butterfly-winged tunics ($45) and signature Good Goods T-shirts printed with Waxahachie-based folk artist Bruce Lee Webb’s take on the cultural roots of San Antonio ($28). 1055 Austin Highway, (210) 606-7334, goodgoodstx.com. Karolina’s Antiques Even though it’s named in honor of a beloved abuelita, Karolina’s Antiques is anything but a granny’s attic stacked with dusty relics. Instead, the family-run operation brings together a colorful assortment of treasures old and new — from vintage duds and costume jewelry galore to Frida Kahlo-inspired accessories and quirky T-shirts and stickers from the distinctly San Antonio brand BarbacoApparel. 1709 Blanco Road, (210) 7319787, karolinasantiques.com.
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Apartments for lease in
Downtown San Antonio
401 Santos St. San Antonio TX 78210 • 210-212-8808 • hemisviewvillage.com
300 Labor Street SA,TX 78210 | 210-212-5256 28
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Mod Pad Milo Baughman, Finn Juhl, Hans Wegner and other icons of Midcentury Modernism are alive and well at Mod Pad, a trusted source for the timeless furnishings immortalized in films ranging from North by Northwest to The Big Lebowski, not to mention the cultish series Mad Men. Neatly organized in vignettes seemingly frozen in time, the twostory shop goes beyond designer sofas and chairs with its constantly evolving selection of lighting, art and home decor. 2615 Broadway St., (210) 831-4869, modpadmodern.com.
Arts And Culture
(210) 962-5560 | 1103A S Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78210
AARON LEE REAL ESTATE GROUP Contact Modern and Urban Goods/Bryan Rindfuss
Moss Designer Consignment A 1,700-square-foot offshoot of Masha Poloskova’s Austin mainstay that invites fashionistas to “shop over 3,000 closets under one roof,” Moss specializes in gently used designer womenswear and accessories from such high-end brands as Prada, Givenchy, Gucci, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford and many more. 5013 Broadway St., (210) 468-5565, mossconsignment.com. No. 9 Laredo native David Garcia made a name for himself in San Antonio with his award-winning floral design company Statue of Design only to expand his scope with No. 9, a boutique operation that puts a chic, alternative spin on the outmoded flower shops of yesteryear. Built around an unpretentious format that invites shoppers to select a unique vase — including artist-made styles commissioned by the shop — to be filled with a seasonal bouquet, No. 9 spins truly unusual magic. And at affordable prices starting at $50. What’s more, it offers a unique assortment of clever cards, artsy books, locally made candies and craft sodas, not to mention one of the city’s best chocolate counters — which old-schoolers may recognize as a vestige of bygone Monte Vista landmark On Main Off Main. 1701 Blanco Road, (210) 232-4471, no9floralandgifts.com. Period Modern With 8,000 square feet to explore, Period Modern makes for a fascinating browse, even if vintage furniture isn’t your thing. Filled with and Midcentury and Danish modern treasures spanning from the ’50s to the ’70s — from Eames and Knoll chairs to locally designed Beaumont Mood pendant lights — the retro goldmine occasionally transforms into one of the city’s most unusual music venues. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for upcoming events. 4347 McCullough Ave., (210) 902-1217, periodmodern.com.
“ T O P 10 0 L AT I N O R E A LT O R S ” “ T O P 110 T R E PA C ” “ I F I C A N T G E T YO U I N T O A H OM E N O O N E C A N ” I O F F E R M A N Y P R O G R A M S TO H E L P : •SELLERS AND BUYERS •0 D OW N P R O G R A M S •MOVE FORWARD PROGRAMS TO SELL AND BUY • L E AS E B U Y O U T P R O G R A M S • C R E D I T R E PA I R P R O G R A M S F O R LOW C R E D I T C L I E N TS
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The Shops at Broadway News Surrounding a former adult bookstore, Broadway News serves up one of the city’s hippest retail environments. Anchored by Mexico City native Mario Guajardo’s distinctly American clothing company Richter Goods and reinforced by an assortment of mobile vendors stationed in the parking lot, the compound might be the only place in town where you can get a caffeine fix (Mila Coffee), a haircut and beard trim with a complimentary beer or whiskey in an Airstream (Traveler Barber Shop), locally produced leather wares (Bexar Goods Co.), vintage apparel (via Grey Moon or the Red Cat), Instagram-ready houseplants (Tillage) and snacks ranging from tacos to churros. 2202 Broadway St.
Arts And Culture
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Advanced Papa Jim’s Botánica Loosely framed as a “new-age store, religious supply and old-time occult shop,” Papa Jim’s takes the concept of the quaint botánica to supermarket proportions with aisles filled with potions, herbs, talismans, spell kits, incense, tarot cards, figurines, instructional books, voodoo dolls and candles promising to “stop gossip,” “bring gay love” and plenty in between. A longtime South Side landmark, the enigmatic emporium caters to followers of myriad belief systems — Buddha and La Santa Muerte coexist on neighboring shelves. It even crafts a line of oils alleged to contain the blood of doves, dragons, bats and black cats. Other tinctures promise to bestow the power to command your man, “fix” your boss and even “raise the dead.” Conveniently, there’s also a handy spell-breaker oil ($1.99 for a half-ounce bottle). 5630 S. Flores St., (210) 922-6665, papajimsbotanica.com. San Angel Folk Art For the curious browser, a visit to Hank Lee’s San Angel Folk Art can be as much of a learning experience as a shopping excursion. Opened in the Blue Star Arts Complex back in 1989, the eclectic gallery and shop lives up to its namesake Mexico City suburb with Mexican folk art and handicrafts but distinguishes itself with an intriguing array of work created by outsider and self-taught artists from across the U.S., Latin America, Europe and Africa. Take the time to slow down and read the stories of these masters of the craft, though. They’ll give you a deeper understanding of the work you’re seeing — much of which is produced in conjunction with San Angel’s subsidy program. And no visit to the shop is complete without a spin through the rack of guayaberas Lee has custom made in Mexico from truly one-of-a-kind fabrics. 110 Blue Star, (210) 226-6688, sanangelfolkart.com.
It’s that time of the year again to showcase your most creative pictures of our San Antonio River Basin! With the warmer temperatures, native plants are in bloom, the pollinators are pollinating, and wildlife is on the move. It’s a great time to get out and enjoy the San Antonio River Basin’s natural treasures! This year’s special category is the Goliad Paddling Trail and Branch River Park in Goliad County to honor the 20th Anniversary of Canoe Trail Goliad. Images can be taken anywhere along the San Antonio River in Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad counties.
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RiverClicks.org Fiesta on Main/SA Current File
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D A W N
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Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure/Warner Bros.
Miss Congeniality/Warner Bros.
Alamo City Cinema By Kiko Martinez
I
f you’ve reenacted that shared Riverwalk moment between Jennifer Lopez and Jon Seda in Selena on the same bridge where the scene was shot, consider yourself a puro San Antonio cinephile. That said, if Selena is the only film you know that was shot here in the Alamo City, you may want to expand your horizons. Start with this list of movies that were at least partially made in San Antonio. Some are obvious choices for mainstream audiences and others are lesser-known productions for cult-film aficionados.
Beginner Selena You can’t get through an entire month in Countdown City without the 1997 biopic on late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla screening somewhere in town. Ask any lifelong San Antonian and they’ll probably swear to you that they were in the Alamodome stands during the scene where Jennifer Lopez performs in front of thousands of people. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure The two San Antonio scenes in this movie combine for a mere 20 seconds, but the 1985 dark comedy by then-unknown filmmaker Tim Burton about a man-child looking for his stolen bicycle will forever be linked to the Alamo City. Back in 2016, actor Paul Reuben’s told the Current about their day shooting in San Antonio: “Nobody knew who any of us were … [but] they treated us like we were special.” Miss Congeniality Who can forget Sandra Bullock dressed up like she was going to Oktoberfest while playing the theme song from Doctor Zhivago in front of the historic Alamo? As undercover FBI agent Gracie Hart, Bullock gets a total makeover and becomes a contestant in a beauty pageant so she can stop a terrorist from bombing the event in this 2000 flick. Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls Alrighty then! This isn’t one of comedian Jim Carrey’s best movies. Even so, this nominee for the 1996 Razzie Award for Worst
Viva Max/Commonwealth United Entertainment
Sequel earned Carrey a cool $15 million for reprising his role as a rubber-faced pet detective. It would be fun to see Carrey return to San Antonio to round out the trilogy, but the life expectancy of a capuchin monkey is only about 20 years, so there’s a good chance Ace would be without his loyal sidekick for the return visit. Spy Kids Directed by San Antonio’s own Robert Rodriguez, the film follows a family of spies on a mission to stop a children’s TV show host-turned-villain from replacing all the kids in the world with androids. Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams was also partially shot in San Antonio, but Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over and Spy Kids: All the Time in the World were not.
Intermediate Viva Max! The 1969 madcap comedy stars two-time Oscar winner Peter Ustinov (Spartacus) as Maximilian Rodrigues De
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The Sugarland Express/Universal Pictures
pilot. The film is directed by Oscar winner Victor Fleming (Gone with the Wind) and stars two-time Oscar-winner Spencer Tracy (Boys Town) and five-time Oscarnominee Irene Dunne (Cimarron). Santos, a general in the Mexican Army who leads his men over the border into Texas to “re-occupy” the Alamo. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas protested the film, so some scenes had to be shot at other locations, including Hollywood and Rome. The Getaway Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Peckinpah (The Wild Bunch) from a script by screenwriter Walter Hill (Aliens), the 1972 action movie stars Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw as a married couple who flee to Mexico after they’re forced to rob a Texas bank. Oscar-winning actor Ben Johnson (The Last Picture Show) plays corrupt San Antonio businessman Jack Beynon. Honeysuckle Rose In this 1980 film, Texas icon Willie Nelson stars as Buck Bonham, a country singer caught in a love triangle with his wife and the daughter of one of his bandmates. Nelson was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “On the Road Again.” It lost to the title song in Fame. The Sugarland Express The year before shooting Jaws, three-time Oscar winner Steven Spielberg made his first theatrical film, a little crime drama starring Oscar-winner Goldie Hawn (Cactus Flower). In The Sugarland Express, Hawn plays Lou Jean, a wife who attempts to
The Getaway/National General Pictures
reunite her family by helping her husband break out of prison so they can prevent their son from being placed with foster parents. Wings The South Korean film Parasite just won the Best Picture Oscar at the 92nd annual awards show, but who won the very first? Why, that would be the 1927 war drama Wings, starring Charles “Buddy” Rogers, Richard Arlen and Clara Bow. The film tells the story of a pair of World War I fighter pilots who fall in love with the same woman.
Advanced Race with the Devil The 1975 action-horror flick stars Peter Fonda and Warren Oates as owners of a motorcycle dealership in San Antonio who witness a Satanic ritual sacrifice while on vacation with their wives in Colorado. Astute listeners can hear longtime AM radio talk show host Ricci Ware’s voice over the radio as the protagonists navigate local traffic. A Guy Named Joe A World War II pilot is guided through battle with the help of an unlikely source — his guardian angel, who was also a
The Dungeon of Harrow The 1962 low-budget horror film tells the story of a shipwreck survivor who washes up on the shores near a castle that inhabits an evil count and his insane family. The Dungeon of Harrow is directed by Pat Boyette, who was born and raised in San Antonio and also worked as a radio journalist with WOAI-AM, a news anchor and a comic book creator.
Battle Creek Brawl This 1980 martial arts film was Jackie Chan’s first attempt to break into American movies. He stars as Jerry Kwan, a young martial artist who enters a street-fighting competition. In his memoir, Chan said the film was a box office failure because he wasn’t given the freedom to do more of the crazy choreography that’s been the hallmark of his career. Wrong is Right America is on the brink of World War III in this satirical 1982 thriller, which stars Sean Connery as a TV news reporter caught in the middle of a terrorist plot and a government conspiracy. Although neither a critical nor box office success at the time, some now say the movie predicted a handful of events that unfolded in the early 2000s. In one scene, for example, bombs are found hanging on an antenna of the World Trade Center. How eerie is that?
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Arts and Entertainment Venues By Kiko Martinez
T
here are plenty of places in San Antonio that deliver toptier entertainment — from stage productions to stand-up comedy and beyond. Here is a look at some of the city’s major venues and some hidden gems.
Beginner Tobin Center for the Performing Arts There are 1,750 seats from which patrons can enjoy the array of theater, comedy, music, film, dance and speaking events that take place yearlong at this world-class performing arts venue perched on the River Walk’s extended Museum Reach. Some of the incredible events scheduled for the first part of 2020 in the Tobin’s H-E-B Performance Hall include An Evening with Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist; performances by the San Antonio Symphony; concerts by the Monkees and the Beach Boys; and a national tour stop of the hit reality TV show The Masked Singer. 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org
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Courtesy of Aztec Theater
Majestic Theatre San Antonio’s oldest and largest theater for performances offers yet another landmark to explore when spending time downtown. Given its extravagant architectural details, including a diorama of a Southwestern city along the upper walls of the theater itself, it comes as little surprise the building was named a historic state and national landmark in the early 1990s. What’s more, the 2,200-seat venue last year celebrated its 90th anniversary. Its 91st year will include a mix of theater performances, concerts and other events. That includes stage productions of Aladdin, Rent and Factory; music by the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Temptations and the Four Tops; and comedy shows from Ali Wong and Tim Allen. 224 E Houston St., (210) 226-5700, majesticempire.com. Empire Theatre Nuzzled right up against its big brother, the Majestic, is the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, which used to host vaudeville shows and silent film screenings in the late 19th century. Closing in 1978 and reopening a decade later, the Empire has become a place for many musi-
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Arts And Culture shout out in the popular 2003 travel book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Its elaborate sculptural homages to pre-Columbian art and architecture make for a memorable concert experience. The Aztec’s 2020 calendar includes a long and diverse list of musicians who will be performing for SA fans, among them Ivy Queen, Lyfe Jennings, Ally Brooke, Collective Soul Woodlawn Theatre/Siggi Ragnar and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. AT&T Center While sports fans know the AT&T Center as the home of the fivetime champion San Antonio Spurs, plenty of things also happen in the East Side venue besides professional hoops. This April will be the last chance to see the San Antonio Rampage play hockey in the building, however. The team was recently sold and will pack up and move to Las Vegas after this season. Although there will be some sad goodbyes at the AT&T Center, San Antonians will also say hello to a number of events, including tour stops by TobyMac, Jimmy Buffett, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, Harry Styles and the Deftones. 1 AT&T Center Parkway, (210) 444-5000, attcenter.com.
Intermediate Woodlawn Theatre Known for its art deco design, the historic theater produces six main-stage productions annually and holds open auditions for San Antonio-based actors. It was named the Best Community Theater for five consecutive years by Current readers, from 2014 to 2018. The Broadway-style musicals scheduled for this year include On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, Cinderella, Ragtime, Jekyll & Hyde and Holiday Inn. 1920 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 267-8388, woodlawntheatre.org.
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cians, actors, comedians and other entertainers to share their craft with San Antonio audiences in a more intimate setting. This year, the Empire will welcome the likes of Elvis Presley impersonator Dean Z; the Entre Nos Live Tour featuring a roster of talented Latino comedians; and the musical Ella Enchanted by the Magik Theatre. 226 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 226-5700, majesticempire.com. Aztec Theatre Built in 1927, the historic Aztec Theatre has become one of the top multi-purpose event centers in San Antonio. Like both the Majestic and Empire, it’s in the National Register of Historic Places. It even got a
LOL Comedy Club After the Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter closed its doors in 2018 after 25 years of yuks, Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club became the only bar-sized venue in San Antonio booking big-name standup acts. This year, the club will host comics including D.L. Hughley, Tom Segura, Damon Wayans, Jay Pharoah and Michael Rapaport. 618 Northwest Loop 410, (210) 541-8805, improvtx.com. Public Theater of San Antonio The Public Theater, known as the Playhouse San Antonio until its 2018 rebranding, is located in San Pedro Springs Park north of downtown. Along with its theatrical productions, the venue offers acting workshops and community classes. This year’s season will include the plays Admissions, Bright Star, Lonely Planet and Amélie, among others. 800 W. Ashby Place, (210) 733-7258, thepublicsa.org.
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Blind Tiger/Jaime Monzon
Carver Cultural Community Center Celebrating diverse cultures through artistic presentations with emphasis on African and African American heritage, the CCCC has seen iconic black entertainers grace its stage over the years, including Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Under the city’s management since 1977, the Carver continues to flourish. This year, it will welcome postmodern cabaret singer Cecile McLorin Salvant, jazz pianist Christian Sands and New Orleans-based ensemble the Soul Rebels. 226 N Hackberry St., (210) 207-7211, thecarver.org. Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Through dance, theater, visual arts and film, the GCAC has been a mainstay in the local Latino community for decades. The center’s gallery is a vital hub for visual arts, and its theater hosts events featuring the GCAC’s own dance company. Plus, it’s home to CineFestival, the longestrunning Latino film festival in the U.S. This year, the stage will be set for the dance company’s 2020 season of Celebrando Tradiciones, along with other events like Holiday Saxophones and La Pastorela Folklorica. 1301 Guadalupe St., (210) 271-3151, guadalupeculturalarts.org.
Advanced Blind Tiger Comedy Club Located in the basement of the Magic Time Machine restaurant, the intimate, New York City-style club is a local fave of comedy fans, not to mention the comedians themselves. On occasion, big-name standups performing at LOL will even make unscheduled Blind Tiger appearances. Imagine sitting five feet away from Hannibal Buress performing a surprise show at midnight. 902 NE Interstate Loop 410, (210) 828-1470, blindtigercomedyclub.com. Slab Cinema This free, outdoor movie screening series has been going strong for nearly two decades. Slab Cinema events take place at multiple venues, including the Mission Marquee Plaza, Travis Park, Blossom Park, Hot Wells Ruins and other locations. Last year, Slab Cinema screened everything from Coco to Creepshow. Various locations, slabcinema.com. Jump Start Theatre This theater, founded in 1985, focuses on original stage productions. This year, perfor-
mances will include Model Talks by Pamela Dean Kenny, I’ll Remember for You by Lisa Suarez and Tejana Rasquacha by Marisela Barrera. 710 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 227-5867, jump-start.org. Overtime Theater Branded as “theater for the people,” the Overtime gives playwrights in San Antonio and surrounding areas room to show off their talent. That’s all part of its mission to be “San Antonio’s answer to off-off Broadway Theater.” This year’s schedule includes William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and an improv comedy series on Saturday nights. 5409 Bandera Road, Suite 205, (210) 557-7562, theovertimetheater.org. The Vex The Sheldon Vexler Theatre is a black box theater known for its experimental works. To make visitors’ “VEXperience” even better, the venue is working on physical upgrades, including new theater seating. On the schedule for its 21st season is Watson: The Last Great Tale of the Legendary Sherlock Holmes. 12500 NW Military Highway #275, (210) 302-6835, vexler.org.
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Ice cold beer Craft cocktails Happy hour Live music Monday 1/2 Priced Pizza Naughty bingo Wednesday’s Shrimp Boil Friday’s Late night drinks trivia & games Sunday brunch Buffet coopers cluckers Extended Happy Hour open at 11am, 7 days a week
a
Ice House In Texas
16080 SAN PEDRO AVE | (210) 462-1894 | Lucycoopers.com
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Courtesy of Full Belly Café + Bar
New Restaurants
Provencale and Julia’s Cassoulet, which combines lamb, Mexican chorizo and duck confit served in a cannellini bean stew. 1725 Blanco Road, (210) 476-5404, juliasonblanco.com.
By Lea Thompson
S
an Antonio is a city unlike any other, simultaneously embracing its rich culture and history while looking forward. That applies to its culinary scene as well, where it’s easy to find chefs innovating while paying homage to the past. These 10 new San Antonio restaurants serve as a great reminder of the Alamo City’s strength as a culinary destination.
Beginner Julia’s Bistro At Julia’s, Chef de Cuisine Zack McKinney whips up French classics with a San Antonio flair. The escargot toast is reason enough to visit, but plenty of other plates also warrant a return — among them, the cured salmon tostada, braised lamb shank
Full Belly Café + Bar This Stone Oak spot is raising the bar for all-day diners with a globally inspired menu that spans breakfast, lunch and dinner. Full Belly offers original cocktails, freshly made pastries and chef-driven dishes including over-the-top souffle pancakes, cheesy patty melts and Spanish burnt cheesecake. 427 N Loop 1604 W., Suite 202, (210) 2365374, fullbellysa.com.
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WE LIKE GOOD FOOD
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Maverick Whiskey Located inside the historic Lockwood Bank building, this new restaurant has hit its stride with dishes such as the smoked beef rib, chicken fried honey quail and the delectable street corn chowder. Arrive early to enjoy Maverick’s brewery and distillery tours, complete with samples of its beers and spirits. 115 Broadway St., (210) 447-7010, maverickwhiskey.com.
Intermediate
Los Azulejos Restaurante Bar A newcomer to Castle Hills, Los Azulejos delivers modern Mexican cuisine that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Standout dishes include the huachinango al guajillo, a roasted red snapper fillet surrounded by vegetables and guajillo chiles. Those looking for simpler fare are likely to embrace the house hamburgesa, topped with chorizo and ham. 2267 NW Military Highway, Suite 101, (210) 281-4500, facebook.com/losazulejosrestaurantebar.
The Magpie Tucked inside the East Side’s Hackberry Market, The Magpie brings chef Jungsuk “Sue” Kim’s Korean heritage and international culinary background to an ever-changing menu. Count on the restaurant for thoughtful wine options to pair with signature dishes including crisp and delightful Korean pancakes, lamb skewers and galbi jjim, or braised baby back pork ribs. 1602 E. Houston St., Suite 106, (210) 389-1584, magpie.us.
Europa Restaurant & Bar This ambitious restaurant takes diners on a continent-hopping culinary tour with plates including fresh Italian burrata, German schnitzel, Spanish mussels and Norwegian cod. End the meal with sharable desserts such as tiramisu, affogato and — in a nod to a non-European favorite — New York-style cheesecake. 8811 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 558-3323, europarestaurantandbar.com.
Dim Sum Oriental Cuisine Dim Sum’s Cantonese-inspired menu offers hundreds of dishes, but your best
Courtesy of Europa Restaurant & Bar
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bet is to indulge in the restaurant’s namesake small plates among a group of friends. Once you’ve gotten your fill of ha gow shrimp dumplings, fried taro puffs and steamed beef tripe, move on to heartier dishes including the salty fish and chicken fried rice or the pork and shrimp-loaded homestyle rice noodles. 2313 NW Military Highway, Suite 125, (210) 340-0690. Evolution Contemporary Mexican Cuisine A vibrant addition to Olmos Park, Evo has already been recognized by Texas diners and critics as a place worth celebrating. Chef Arturo Fernandez reimagines classic Mexican flavors in elevated plates like the pulpo al pastor, lamb with rich adobo mole and an evolving 10-course tasting menu. 218 E Olmos Dr., (210)-236-8752, evolutioncuisine.com
Advanced Tlahco Mexican Restaurant An inviting taqueria by day, and a relaxed yet robust eatery by night, Tlahco has quickly established itself as one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Antonio. And when we say “Mexican” we mean that — don’t come expecting Tex-Mex. Bring your favorite wine and pair it with the house steak tacos or the parillada al carbon with fresh flour and corn tortillas. End the evening with an order of café and conchas with cream. 6702 San Pedro Ave., (210) 455-0135, facebook. com/tlahcoSA Marla Restaurant This Laredo-based eatery recently opened its first location in the Alamo City, bringing breakfast and lunch favorites to accommodate many tastes and diets. The Mexican chilaquiles, vegan pozole and gluten-free waffles and pancakes stacked with fresh fruit all merit exploring. In coming months, expect to see the restaurant roll out more vegan offerings and expand its hours to include dinner service. 510 Enrique M. Barrera Parkway #101, (210) 462-9504.
(SUKEBAN) SUSHI + CHAMPAGNE BAR SUKEBANSUSHI.COM 210.562.3231 1420 S ALAMO ST #101 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78210 AT THE BLUE STAR ARTS COMPLEX
Courtesy of Tlahco Mexican Restaurant
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hand with Chinese dishes including crispy egg rolls, chicken lo mein and generous shrimp fried rice. Multiple locations, (210) 6308281, facebook. com/VietnameseCuisineTruck.
Food Trucks By Lea Thompson
I
f you needed further proof of San Antonio’s love for food, look no further than its ever-expanding food truck scene. While the city once lagged some of its neighbors due to its cumbersome zoning rules, local entrepreneurs are helping us catch up. SA is now home to dozens of food trucks serving up flavorful, inventive and convenient eats that can be enjoyed anytime, al fresco.
Beginner Pho-U A regular sighting in downtown San Antonio, Pho-U offers its signature bowls of steaming Vietnamese noodle soup with a choice of meatballs or brisket. The truck’s staff also have a deft
Waffle Station Food Truck These aren’t your basic breakfast waffles. The newly opened Waffle Station Food Truck’s homemade versions create a fluffy foundation for overthe-top Nashville hot chicken and Buffalo chicken sandwiches. If you’re feeling generous, the truck also offers sweet Courtesy of Waffle Station Food Truck crepes and waffle fries that can be shared with the table. 7038 UTSA Blvd., (979) 383-4681, wafflestationtx.com. Smack’s Chicken Shack This is one case where the chicken sandwiches live up to the hype. Chef Keenen Hendricks launched his business with sweet, spicy and filling menu items including the Nashville hot chicken and peachy jalapeño sandwich, the PB&J chicken sandwich and loaded cheesy fries. Multiple locations, instagram.com/ smackschickenshack.
Intermediate Yai’s Mobile Kitchen Located just outside Still Golden Social House, Yai’s late night food truck menu includes authentic Thai dishes that make a great foil for cocktails and beer. Sample the hearty boat noodles, sweet and savory panang curry, crunchy Thai fried chicken wings and pork dumplings. All are bound to hit the spot. 1900 Broadway St., (210) 3653246, instagram.com/yaismobilekitchen.
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Your Favorite Neighborhood Bar,
! e n p O o w N
1 1 6 0 E C o mme r ce S t, S an Antonio, TX 7 8 2 05 O pe n D ai ly 'T ' T i l 2 am • H aapp py Ho ur A ll Day S u n + Mo n , 4 - 8 P M Tues - Sat
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Bull Gogi Boys Korean Food Expect fun, flavorful Korean-inspired dishes such as the truck’s best-selling bulgogi bowl. The dish is makes use of a longtime family recipe and is filled with thinly sliced marinated beef, steamed rice, fresh kimchi, spinach and steamed rice. Also, don’t pass up the Korean-style street tacos and loaded bulgogi fries. 14530 Roadrunner Way, (719) 964-4500, facebook. com/bullgogiboys. Krab Kingz San Antonio This food truck allows you to build your own Cajun-style plate with flavorful, well-seasoned snow crab and shrimp. Yes, there’s spice and butter to go around, but don’t forget to take your meal to the next level by adding delicious sausage, corn, potatoes and egg. 2301 San Pedro Ave., (254) 338-6116, facebook. com/KrabKingzSanAntonio.
Advanced Carnitas Don Raúl The original Carnitas Don Raúl restaurant found international acclaim after being featured on the Netflix series Taco Chronicles. Good thing you’ll find the same Michoacán-style carnitas at its San Antonio outpost. The family-run food truck offers flavorful, authentic carnitas, tortas, quesadillas and fresh salsas well worth the wait. 2202 Broadway St., (210) 427-3202, carnitasdonraul.com. Wild Barley Kitchen Co. College friends Holland Lawrence and Marc Fogelsong launched their food truck business with a 35-year-old sourdough starter, a custom brick oven and a dream. Together, the duo serves some of the best Montreal-style bagels in the city, with creative, woodfired sourdough pizzas and sandwiches to boot. Multiple locations, instagram. com/wildbarleykitchenco.
Courtesy of Carnitas Don Raúl
Naco Mexican Eatery Follow this food truck for one of the best Sunday brunches in the city. Owners Francisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez take their time to prepare Mexican brisket, fresh flour and corn tortillas and roasted salsas in-house. The eatery offers incredible tacos, tortas and brunch sandwiches that can be customized for carnivores and veggie-lovers alike. (210) 996-1033, nacomexicaneatery.com Courtesy of Krab Kingz San Antonio
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New Coffee Shops By Lea Thompson
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offee is everywhere, but sometimes you need more than a basic brew to fuel your day. Fortunately, San Antonio is filled with coffee houses that will provide the perfect place to study, people-watch or grab a quality cup of java. And we’re undergoing a coffee renaissance, with new shops seeming to pop up weekly. From artisan coffee roasts to pour-overs and lattes, here are five new coffeeshops that are worth a visit.
Local Coffee/SACurrent File
Beginner
Courtesy of Poetic Republic Coffee Co
Kapej Gallery Formerly a medical office, this friendly downtown space has transformed into a spot for coffee, food and art. Kapej Gallery is the perfect place to spend a rainy day, with a cafecito in hand and a savory breakfast kolache, bean and cheese tacos or a house pizza nearby. 415 Camden St., (210) 838-8681, facebook.com/coffegalleryatcamden.
Intermediate Poetic Republic Coffee Co. After a year of working with coffee in Bologna, Italy, Brenda Leal was inspired to open up a shop of her own. At Southtown’s Poetic Republic, you can browse and shop for used books or stop by Leal’s counter for craft coffee, tea and pastries from the nearby La Boulangerie. 2330 S. Presa St., poeticrepubliccoffee.com. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 57
IN SAN ANTONIO!
full service bar HOURS: Mon-Sat 11a-10p | Sun 12p-9p
thelacrawfish.com 5 san antonio locations to serve you! 58
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!
Courtesy of Café Azteca
Lola Coffee Bar One of the newest additions to downtown San Antonio, Lola is all about offering a curated brewing experience. Choose from a selection of caffeinated pour-overs, organic tea and vegan sweets. Enjoy a glass of wine and a front-row view of the city or listen to Lola’s ever-evolving music playlist. 711 Navarro St Suite 103, (210) 541-4101, lolasanantonio.com.
Advanced
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Café Azteca This Eastside San Antonio shop offers classic Mexican coffee specialties including homemade iced horchata, café de olla and champurrado. Pull up a chair and watch owner Tyler Ybarra at work, as he pours his coffee-making heritage into every cup. 1409 E Commerce St., (210) 354-7721. Coffeecionado Coffeecionado boasts some of the best coffee in the city, offering lattes, cappuccinos, CBD-infused cold brew and seasonal drinks. Owner Patricia Butler-Aguilar celebrates Colombian coffee with flavorful, single-origin cups, thoughtful blends and educational roasting classes in-house. If you’re short on time, grab a bag of their coffee to go and brew your own for the home or office. 502 W. Mitchell St., (210) 560-4669, coffeecionado.coffee.
bringing the heat
Courtesy of Kapej Gallery
with flamin’ hot goodies and more!
2118 N PANAM EXPY, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78208 | 210 - 231 - 0042
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7363 W LOOP 1604 N | 2323 N. ST MARY’S ST | 9334 POTRANCO RD 60
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Breweries and Distilleries By Lea Thompson
G
one are the days when Bud Light and Shiner seemed like San Antonio’s only drinking options. Thanks to a decade-long boom in craft breweries and distilleries, the city’s now awash in locally produced specialty beers and spirits ranging from Texas-style whiskey to apricot brandy. No matter your level of drinking expertise — beginner, intermediate or advanced — this list will direct you to local breweries and distilleries that open their doors to the public.
Beginner Busted Sandal Brewing Company This veteran-owned brewery opened in 2013, offering sustainable brews made with local ingredients and offering variety of styles including Mexican lagers, light ales, balanced IPAs and chocolatey porters. Its offerings can be enjoyed alone or paired with food from the kitchen. Bring a friend or your favorite furry pal for an impromptu tour or sample the Ultimate Chancla Flight, which includes nine house beers. Busted Sandal also now has a Helotes satellite as well. 7114 Oaklawn Dr., (210) 872-1486, bustedsandalbrewing.com. Alamo Beer Co. No trip to San Antonio’s near East Side is complete without a stop at Alamo Beer Co. The landmark brewery, located next to Hays Street Bridge, began with a golden ale in 2014, and has since grown to include pilsners, lagers and ales. Enjoy some of its widely available products plus an array of seasonal beers at its beer hall. And don’t forget the bites, live music and weekly tours. 202 Lamar St., (210) 872-5589, alamobeer.com. Freetail Beer Co. Don’t be fooled by its strip mall exterior, Freetail is home to a modern production
Courtesy of Freetail Beer Co.
brewery with a serious selection of eats and drinks. Stop by the taproom on South Presa for free Saturday tours or visit its far North Side brewpub for a selection of wood-fired pizzas and savory sandwiches to go with its array of specialty suds. 4035 N. Loop 1604 #105, 210-625-6000, freetailbrewing.com. Blue Star Brewing Co. Housed in the Blue Star Arts Complex, this friendly Southtown brewpub offers 10 organic brews, all made in house. Its heart-ofSouthtown location makes it an ideal place
to meet friends before or after checking out galleries, taking in a live music show or refueling after a bike ride on Mission Trail. 1414 S. Alamo St., Suite 105, 210-2125506, bluestarbrewing.com
Intermediate Künstler Brewing Head Brewer Vera Deckard has reinvigorated Old World beer styles with refreshing, creative flavors and ingredients. Look to Künstler for unique, hand-crafted ales,
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YOUR HOMETOWN
SPICE STORE SINCE 1985.
SOUTH TEXAS SPICE CO. Retail - Institutional - Specialty Blends 8oz. - 300lbs. or more
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ciders, IPAs and even barrel-aged brews that can be sipped, shared or taken to-go. Künstler’s kitchen brings German and Texas culinary influences together with charcuterie and weekly specials including the lobster roll in a pretzel bun on Tuesdays and the house schnitzel served Wednesdays. 302 E. LaChapelle, (210) 688-4519, kuenstlerbrewing.com. Roadmap Brewing Former teacher Dustin Baker turned his home brewing hobby into a second career when he opened Roadmap Brewing in 2018. Since then, Baker has stayed busy creating brews like the Wake Up Call, a coffeecentric stout, Blackberry Squeeze, a kettle sour, and the crushable, balanced pilsner aptly named “Alright, Alright, Alright”. Though there’s no kitchen, the brewery often hosts a variety of local food trucks to pair with your drink of choice. 723 N. Alamo St., (210) 254-9962, roadmapbrewing.com Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery When Head Brewer Les Locke arrived at Southerleigh in 2014, he helped usher in a new era of beer at the historic Pearl Brewery. You can sit at the bar to sample brews like the ever-evolving Darwinian IPA or the Sunshine in a Dust Storm, a citrusy and balanced sour. To get a better view of the brewing process, simply look up, as brewers mix and tap beers on the second floor. 136 E. Grayson St., Suite 120, (210) 455-5701, southerleigh.com. Weathered Souls Brewing Co. You can’t get much closer to the brewing process at Weathered Souls without becoming a brewer yourself. Visit the taproom for a wide variety of beer styles including hoppy pale ales such as the Hopty Dance, light lagers including Duel in the Sun and dark, silky stouts like the BA Chocolate Bon Bon. Weathered Souls serves up brews, bites and community all in one place. 606 Embassy Oaks, Suite 500, (210) 313-8796, weatheredsouls.beer.
Advanced Dorćol Distilling + Brewing Co. Owners Boyan Kalusevic and Chris Mobley brought rakia, a Serbian, apricotbased brandy, to Southtown in 2013. Located in the growing Lone Star Arts district, Dorcol has become a community hub for local art events and thoughtfully crafted cocktails where its rakia is the star. The beloved spot is also home to HighWheel Beerworks, whose offerings include the Betty, a crisp
Roadmap Brewing/ Jess Elizarraras
Kölsch, the hoppy HighWheel 56 and an ever-changing selection of small-batch options. 1902 S. Flores St., (210) 229-0607, dorcolspirits.com. Maverick Whiskey Distillery & Brewery You’ll find the standard order — a beer with a shot chaser — at almost any bar in Texas, but at Maverick, the combo becomes a special imbibing experience. Named for Texas revolutionary Samuel Maverick, the downtown drinking establishment offers a rare, firsthand look at craft brewing and distilling with weekly tours and tastrestaurant.115 Broadings. Also consider a visit to its full-service restaurant way St., (210) 447-7010, maverickwhiskey.com. Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling The North San Antonio brewstillery has been serving up craft beers and award-winning Texas whiskies since 2010. Ranger Creek’s special tours include a detailed look behind the scenes at both its beer and whiskey operations. A tasting room allows visitors to sample its wares, including seasonal and smallbatch options not available through retailers. 4834 Whirlwind Dr., Suite 102, (210) 339-2282, drinkrangercreek.com. Back Unturned Brewing Co. Back Unturned splashed onto the local beer scene in late 2019, bringing funky and easy-to-drink suds to downtown San Antonio. Owner and head brewer Ricardo Garcia has made every aspect of the beermaking process transparent and accessible, from barrel to the glass. The growing lineup includes the Redhead in the Hay, a crisp, berry-forward saison, and the smoky Rio de Leche stout, while the kitchen slings fresh pizzas. 516 Brooklyn Ave., (210) 2570022, backunturned.com. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 63
OPEN FOR BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER DAILY 7AM-9PM 999 E BASSE RD, #193
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Brackenridge Park /Justin Moore
The Great Outdoors By Kelly Merka Nelson
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visit to the park can mean a lot of things, beyond fresh air and interaction with nature. Whether your idea of fun is a playground, a brisk hike or a rugged camping trip, San Antonio has outdoor attractions suitable for everyone from out-of-towners to intrepid local adventurers.
Beginner Brackenridge Park Centrally located and adjacent to family-friendly attractions including the Witte Museum, San Antonio Zoo and recently relocated Kiddie Park, Brackenridge Park has major draw. With amenities including paved trails, softball fields and multiple pavilions, not to mention a gently meandering segment of the San Antonio River flowing through it, there are plenty of ways to spend quality time outdoors, from picnicking to jogging, and even fishing. The park also includes the gorgeous Japanese Tea Garden — a picturesque enclave converted from a rock quarry with winding walkways, koi ponds and lush foliage along
with a pavilion and the Jingu House café — and the Sunken Garden Theater, an open-air performance venue that can accommodate up to 4,800 people. 3700 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec. Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair Located on the historic grounds of the HemisFair ’68 Exhibition, Yanaguana Garden is the first major milestone in the city’s plan to eventually open three parks on the Hemisfair property. The colorful, kid-friendly destination in the heart of downtown features a playground and splash pad, plus tons of games including foosball and giant chess and checkers. Art is integrated throughout Yanaguana Garden, both in the form of interactive and climbable installations and Instagrammable murals. 434 S. Alamo St., (210) 709-4750, hemisfair.org. San Pedro Springs Park Anyone who’s spent a bare minimum of time in the city has heard of San Pedro Springs. The historic park — one of the oldest public spaces in the nation — is a welcome place of respite for tourists and locals alike. The jewel in the park’s crown is a spring-fed pool originally built in 1922 and reopened in 2000 after a late-’90s restoration. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon soaking in cool waters under the shade of Cypress trees — if you don’t mind sharing the space with the summer crowds, that is. 2200 N. Flores St., (210) 732-5992, sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec. Pearsall Park The sheer amount of stuff to do at Pearsall Park makes it a must-visit stop for anyone looking for outdoor fun. In the Family Fun Zone, kids and adults alike can enjoy two splash pads, a pair of basketball courts, a reinforced lawn for play in the grass and both the city’s largest skate park and largest playground. Gym rats looking to escape the drudgery of the
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separate areas for large and small canines. 13102 JonesMaltsberger Road, (210) 732-5992, sanantonio.gov/ ParksAndRec.
Advanced
Confluence Park/SA Current File
treadmill can shake things up in the Fitness Challenge Zone, where they can clock their sprints with 40-yard sprint timer, fly through the air on a zip line, get gymnastic on traveling rings or keep the course on several 5K walking and running routes. Oh, and did we mention that there’s an 18-hole disc golf course? 5102 Old Pearsall Road, (210) 732-5992, sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec.
Intermediate Confluence Park Confluence Park welcomes visitors to the Mission Reach with award-winning and environmentally conscious architectural design. Confluence is all about the river ecosystem: the arches of its trademark concrete pavilion capture rainwater as part of a sitewide water catchment system, the park’s facilities are energy neutral and the landscaping features native plants. The park serves as a gateway to the eight-mile stretch of the River Walk’s Mission Reach, along which people can walk, run or bike. Confluence also features the city’s only Texas Parks and Wildlife-designated Inland Paddling Trail, with built-in kayak chutes for aquatic adventurers to experience the river in a whole new way. 310 W. Mitchell St., (210) 224-2694, sariverfound.org/confluence-park. Phil Hardberger Park We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: if you’ve got a pup, Phil Hardberger Park is the place to go. Classified as a natural area, the park preserves San Antonio’s outdoor beauty without sacrificing any amenities. For many, though, the main attraction is Hardberger’s two massive dog parks, each more than an acre in size and featuring separate areas for large and small pooches. The east park has a two-story doghouse in the small dog area, while aspiring trainers can make use of the agility equipment in the west park. 13203 Blanco Road (East Entrance), 8400 NW Military Highway (West Entrance), (210) 207-3284, sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec.
Friedrich Wilderness Park Friedrich Wilderness Park has a lot of rules: no fires, smoking, pets or any wheeled modes of transportation are allowed. But, that’s for good reason: the outdoor space is home to two federally listed endangered species of birds, the Black-capped Vireo and the Golden-cheeked Warbler. The opportunity to see one — or more! — of these rare birds makes a hike through the pedestrian-only park well worth it, not to mention the chance to enjoy a pristine example of South Texas’ natural landscape. 21395 Milsa Drive, sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec. Medina River Natural Area Birdwatchers can also enjoy the over 500-acre Medina River Natural Area, which is home to the Green Kingfisher and Painted Bunting, among other species. The large natural area park on the South Side is a great place to camp, hike and bike, and fishing is permitted at certain river access points with a valid license. Just don’t plan on jumping in — visitors are not allowed to swim or boat. 15890 Highway 16 South, sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec. Government Canyon An expansive state natural area on in Northwest San Antonio, Government Canyon is certainly advanced. While there are plenty of trails suitable for beginner and intermediate hikers, it’s not unheard of for visitors to bite off more than they can chew and require an assist from a helpful Park Ranger. That said, the park is a mecca for experienced outdoorspeople, with rewarding vistas, over 40 miles of trails, plenty of camping and even a set of nearly 110 million-yearold dinosaur tracks to visit. 12861 Galm Road, (210) 688-9055, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/government-canyon.
McAllister Park McAllister Park’s whopping 976 acres make it worth the trek outside of Loop 410 — or inside 1604, for those in the burbs. The park has several trails for hiking, running and biking, including the six-mile Blue Loop, as well as a fitness station near the entrance. Pet owners can take advantage of a 1.5-acre dog park, but be forewarned — there are no Phil Hardberger Park /SA Current File
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Top Attractions By Kelly Merka Nelson
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elieve it or not, there’s vastly more to San Antonio than tour the Alamo and stroll the River Walk. While the city’s most popular attractions are certainly worth braving the crowds for a visit, there are plenty of other options suitable both for tourists looking to cram their visits with engaging activities and locals looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Beginner The Alamo While the Alamo is outsized in cultural memory, visitors to the historic battleground often remark that it looks smaller than they thought it would be. That’s not helped by the skyscrapers and shopping mall that surround the downtown landmark. However, that’s no cause to dismiss the significance of the site of the 1836 battle that became the rallying cry for the Texas Revolution. The historic Mission is currently in the midst of a controversial redesign, so visitors should expect to see evidence of construction — and maybe even protests. 300 Alamo Plaza, (210) 225-1391, thealamo.org. River Walk The historic River Walk’s expansion to encompass a 15-mile stretch of the San Antonio River has made it a hotspot for visitors and locals alike. The tourist-centric downtown stretch is augmented by the Museum Reach to the north, which winds
Sea World/SA Current File
past the San Antonio Museum of Art and up to the Pearl Brewery with several public art installations to enjoy along the way. The Mission Reach to the south is an eight mile stretch of the river with a convenient entry point at Confluence Park (310 W. Mitchell St.). That newest expansion is augmented with access to four of San Antonio’s historic Missions: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada. 849 E. Commerce St., thesanantonioriverwalk.com. Tower of the Americas From Seattle’s Space Needle to Dallas’ Reunion Tower, people love a downtown spire. Built for San Antonio’s HemisFair ’68, the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas is the best way to get a bird’seye view of downtown, either from the observation deck or while dining in the Chart House Restaurant. Little known fact: the Tower of the Americas once doubled for the Space Needle in TV pilot intended to resurrect the ‘80s talking car show Knight Rider. 739 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. (210) 223-3101, toweroftheamericas.com. SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas Marine theme park SeaWorld has long drawn tourists eager to see aquatic mammals and enjoy amusement park rides all in one place. Though the park has not completely removed animal shows from its attractions after negative press following the 2013 documentary Blackfish, it has stopped breeding orcas and refocused its programming on educational content (10500 Sea World Dr., (210) 520-4732, seaworld.com/san-antonio). Adventure-seekers who balk at SeaWorld’s animal rights track record can opt to enjoy the rollercoasters, water slides and even a Texas-sized and shaped wave pool at Six Flags Fiesta Texas instead (17000 IH-10 West, (210) 697-5050, sixflags.com/fiestatexas). sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 69
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San Antonio Botanical Garden Cursed with a black thumb? The experienced employees of the San Antonio Botanical Garden may be able to help out — or at least do the work for you. The expansive property features areas showcasing different varieties of Texan plant life from the Hill Country to East Texas, with a spectacular blooming of Texan wildflowers each spring. The garden also features a conservatory with multiple greenhouses filled with plants from around the world, and the tranquil Kumamoto En Japanese Garden. 555 Funston Place, (210) 536-1400, sabot.org.
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Intermediate Museums San Antonio’s major museums offer something for everyone, from tourists seeking a bit of culture to families looking for interactive, educational fun for the kids. Art aficionados of all sorts can find plenty to enjoy at the San Antonio Museum of Art (200 W. Jones Ave.), the McNay Art Museum (6000 6000 N. New Braunfels .) and the Briscoe Museum Ave.) of Western Art (210 210 W. Market St., briscoemuseum.org), ), and anyone looking for something a bit more cutting edge can get their fill of contemporary art at Artpace (445 N. Main Ave., artpace.org) or Blue Star Contemporary (116 Blue Star, bluestartcontemporary.org). While neither is technically a museum, they make great additions to any tour involving SA’s visual arts scene. Those seeking kid-friendly fare would do well to check out the DoSeum (2800 Broadway St., thedoseum.org) or the Witte Museum (3801 Broadway St., wittemuseum.org). San Antonio Zoo Going to the San Antonio Zoo isn’t a trip to see lonely animals pacing in cages. The zoo’s commitment to education and conservation includes upgraded habitats for its resident animals, as well as captive breeding programs for endangered animals that recently resulted in the first ever successful hatching Texas blind salamanders in captivity. Whether it’s simply a walk amongst the natural-looking landscapes or participating in a behind-the-scenes experience with rhinos or hippos, the zoo has plenty of options for visitors to enjoy. The kid-friendly destination also got a major upgrade last year, when the beloved mini-theme park Kiddie Park moved from its original location at the intersection of Broadway and Mulberry to be situated next door. 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 734-7184, sazoo.org.
Pearl Brewery Whether it’s great food, boutique shopping, fancy drinks or a luxurious stay at the award-winning Hotel Emma, this downtown destination has it covered. Located in the redeveloped Pearl Brewery, the complex also plays host to plenty of live music and special events, including an extremely popular weekend farmer’s market featuring local vendors slinging everything from organic veggies to handmade goats’ milk soap. Appropriately, craft beer is also available in the impressive Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery, located in Pearl’s former brewhouse. 303 Pearl Parkway, (210) 212-7260, atpearl.com.
Advanced First Friday and Second Saturday Art Walks On any given day, there’s plenty to do in Southtown, the just-southof-downtown arts district. But things really light up on the first two weekends of each month. Every First Friday, South Alamo and the Blue Star Arts Complex fill with vendors and food trucks, and area galleries open new exhibitions. Must-stops include Presa House Gallery ((725 S. Presa St.), FL!GHT Gallery (112R Blue Star) and the Upstairs Studios at Blue Star ((1420 S. Alamo St.). For Second Saturday the festivities move to Flores Street, where Freight Gallery (1913 S. Flores St. St.), the 1906 S. Flores Art Complex (1906 S. Flores St. St.), Dorcol Distillery (1902 S. Flores St.) and more get in on the action. Ruby City San Antonio added a new jewel to its crown last fall when Ruby City officially opened to the public. The contemporary arts center is the posthumous legacy of artist, philanthropist and Artpace founder Linda Pace, who gave London architect David Adjaye an illustration of a “ruby city” that appeared to her in a dream and made him promise to make it a reality. Ruby City has already attracted international attention both for its architecture and world-class art collection. Combined with its free admission, it’s a must-visit for anyone in San Antonio and a worthy itinerary addition for out-of-town visitors. 150 Camp St., (210) 227-8400, rubycity.org. Centro de Artes The city-run museum on downtown’s Historic Market Square is “dedicated to telling the story of the Latino experience with a focus on South Texas through local and regional art.” This spring, the twostory space is home to an exhibition on each floor: “XicanX: New Visions,” a group show featuring work by 34 contemporary artists that “expands upon how Latinx artwork can be established across ideological borders” and “Los Maestros: Early Explorers of Chicano Identity,” which showcases three members of San Antonio’s first Chicano arts collective, Con Safo: Jesse Almazán, José Esquivel and Rudy Treviño. 101 S. Santa Rosa Ave., (210) 206-ARTS, getcreativesanantonio.com/City-Exhibits/Centro-de-Artes. sacurrent.com • San Antonio City Guide • CURRENT 71
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Music carries a decent amount of Chicano soul. 700 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 971-8044. CD Exchange With four locations across San Antonio, it’s not hard to track down a CD Exchange. The outlets offer new music in addition to serving as a high-turnover swap spot for vinyl, tapes and DVDs as well as the advertised CDs. Expect a selection spanning multiple genres, and keep checking in because the stock changes quickly. Multiple locations, cdexchange-sa.com.
Intermediate
Record Stores By Chris Conde
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inyl has been back for a while now, and there’s no shortage of retailers in San Antonio offering to put the latest hot releases in your hands — or to let you scour their crates looking for obscurities, rarities and highly collectable nuggets. Here’s a listing of places where you can bulk up your vinyl collection or even start a new one: first, the shops with broad appeal, then smaller stores that cater to specific genres.
Beginner Hogwild Records Known for its extensive metal and punk collection, Hogwild has been a go-to spot for many San Antonians looking for new releases and rare vinyl. A wide selection of t-shirts, stickers and patches also allows fans to proclaim their fan allegiances. Little known fact: owner Dave Risher started Hogwild as a stall at a local flea market. 1824 N Main Ave, (210) 733-5354. Friends of Sound What punk and metal are to Hogwild, hip-hop is to Friends of Sound. Located on a quaint corner in the redeveloping Beacon Hill neighborhood, Friends of Sound boasts an incredible collection of rap in all its different varieties, not to mention samplings from any genre you can imagine. Added bonus: the shop also
Southtown Vinyl If Friends of Sound’s got us covered for hip-hop and Hogwild has the metal, then Southtown Vinyl is the Alamo City’s dance music and electronica outpost. As the name Courtesy of Friends of Sound suggests, the shop is located in the artsy Southtown district. Expect an extensive collection of dance singles ready for any club DJ or home enthusiast. 1010 S. Flores St., Suite120, (210) 231-0512, southtown-vinyl.myshopify.com. Crazy Rhythms San Antonio’s newest record store, Crazy Rhythms is a used vinyl haven nestled into an unassuming business park just north of Brackenridge Park. From rare sealed Madonna releases to black metal demos and used hiphop CDs, the twin brothers and longtime collectors who run this small shop probably have something you just can’t live without. 3617 Broadway St., Suite 402, (210) 998-2700. Robot Monster Although primarily known as a musical instrument shop, a vinyl bonanza is lies in wait among Robot Monster’s banjos, electric guitars, basses and array of weird pop-culture collectibles. Punk, metal, new wave and other stripes of underground rock are the specialty here. Much in the store’s collection is rare and collectible, so don’t freak at the big numbers on some price tags. 517 E. Woodlawn Ave., (210) 320-1710.
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1 epic day | 125+ breweries | 450+ Beers
SATURDAY
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early bird priced
Tickets on sale now at
sanantoniobeerfestival.com
benefiting
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Music
muddle mint leaves with lime juice, simple syrup & spirits
1 oz fresh lime juice 1 oz simple syrup 1 oz texas prickly pear spirit mint 2 leaves
add ice & shake
1.5 oz fevertree ginger beer
Courtesy of Flip Side Records
pour in a copper mug & top with ginger beer
Come by and taste one, of our refreshing cocktails or make one at home! All of our cocktail recipes are listed on our website.
hillcountrytxdistillers.com 723 Front Street, Comfort, TX (830) 995-2924
Advanced
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Janie’s Record Shop This West Side fixture was opened in 1985 by Juanita Gonzales, aka Janie, and remains a hub for Tejano, conjunto and Norteño music. If you’re looking to explore Tex-Mex tunes, this is a great place to start. Don’t be surprised to find some pop classics mixed in as well. 1012 Bandera Road, (210) 735-2070, janiesrecordshop.com. Flip Side Records Catering to San Antonio’s South Side, Flip Side Records was run by the Clarisa Peña until hear death in January. The store, open since 1972, survived the digital music revolution and has stayed open thanks to an eclectic array of rock releases, T-shirts and music paraphernalia. 840 SW Military Dr., (210) 923-7811. Imagine Books & Records Part bookstore, record shop and indie music venue, Imagine Books & Records serves Northwest San Antonio but makes a worthy trip for music fans who reside outside the suburbs. Its welcoming environment and willingness to book new talent has made it a prime spot for discovering up-and-coming San Antonio musicians. 8373 Culebra Road, Suite 107, (210) 2397380, imaginebookstexas.com.
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LILA DOWNS
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Music
Live Musical Acts By Chris Conde
S
an Antonio’s music history is vibrant and diverse, from the conjunto and Chicano soul bands that helped forge our indigenous genres to the wild metal scene of the ‘80s to the blues and jazz that flourished on the East Side. But don’t get the impression the city’s musical history is all in the past. We boast an ever-evolving kaleidoscope of musical talent including this sampling of artists who simply must be experienced live.
Beginner Fea Riot grrrl rockers Fea provided an opportunity for Girl in a Coma bassist Jenn Alva and drummer Phanie Diaz to explore their punk rock roots. Given that pedigree and the
Josh Huskin
members’ extensive stage experience, it’s little surprise their live shows pack the same heavy punch and charged energy as their sound. blackheart.com/fea Nothing More Combining echoey post-hardcore guitars with powerful and melodic vocals, Nothing More has harnessed a huge sound. Appropriately, it’s constructed an epic stage show to go along with it — one that’s drawn comparisons to Nine Inch Nails. Making use of enormous stage props, the band puts on performances that are hard to forget. Since Nothing More doesn’t perform frequently in its hometown, best jump on tickets fast. nothingmore.net Bitforce Many folks just aren’t ready for the spectacle of a Bitforce show. The band takes the stage in glowing outfits that appear influenced by the video game Mortal Kombat and exude a manic energy while they play. As if the visual element isn’t wild enough, the music is unlike any other act in town, consisting — get this — of metal-tinged covers of songs from video game titles including The Legend of Zelda, Sonic the Hedgehog and Street Fighter Super (Nintendo) impresFighter. sive. bitforceband.com
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11TH ANNUAL
Open Weekends: Feb 29 - April 19, 2020
& Fri, March 20 For Spring Break
10 AM To Dusk Rain Or Shine | No Pets -Camping Available-
Location
1883 Old Hwy 20 Mcdade, Tx 78650
35 Miles East Of Austin -Or2 Hrs Northeast Of San Antonio
Entertainment
Join Robin Hood & Lady Marian as they host full contact jousting, falconry, swordplay, archery, juggling, comedy, theater & more. Medieval England comes to life in Central Texas.
Artisans + Merchants We host a grand selection of hand-crafted goods in Central Texas. We offer demonstrations like glass blowing, blacksmithing, pottery spinning, leather armor making, weaving, jewelry & art creation, & others.
Song + Dance
You'll find minstrels, bards, storytellers, magicians, jugglers, & all types of performers strolling our lanes & playing on our stages. If you're lucky, you may spot a faery or two!
Food + Drink
From trenchers weighty with tasty fare to tankards overflowing with foamy mead, there's plenty to eat and drink at Sherwood Forest Faire. You'll discover medieval treats & delicacies.
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Music and arty outfits, loops musical sequences onstage while delivering energetic performances. Pink Leche member Jessica Mosqueda frequently performs wearing a huge, adorned calavera that takes up half of her body. facebook.com/pinklechemusic
Courtesy of Pink Leche
Santiago Jiménez Jr. If you’ve never seen someone shred on accordion, hometown hero Santiago Jimenez Jr.’s got you covered. His father, Santiago Jiménez Sr., was a conjunto music pioneer and his brother Flaco is also one of the undisputed heavyweights of the genre. Santiago’s career hasn’t included as many swerves into the mainstream as his brother’s, but the authenticity of his approach is a key selling point. Laid back and nonchalant while he plays, Jiménez operates his instrument with a grace and dexterity honed through decades in the game.
Advanced House of Lepore Influenced by elements of the early-’90s Harlem ballroom scene, San Antonio’s House of Lepore brings an exciting take on club culture to the stage. The group’s show incorporates vogueing, rapping and burlesque while a DJ spins original club compositions. House of Lepore shows are loud and lively and designed to be a safe haven for self-expression for LGBTQ+ individuals. instagram.com/houseoflepore
Intermediate
Jaime Monzon
Carlton Zeus Most rappers these days are only joined onstage by a DJ, maybe a hype man if we’re lucky. The end result? The shows can be boring to watch, even when the music is good. Brownsville transplant emcee Carlton Zeus kicks things up by bringing a kickass full band to every show. Expect the kind of jumping energy only multiple live percussionists can bring. carltonzeus.com
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Pink Leche Pink Leche brings a larger-than-life sound to every show, turning even club dates into something fitting for music festival stage. The ensemble, always dressed in loud
Pinko Pinko’s music combines elements of straightup rock with post-hardcore and noise rock. As could be expected, the earsplitting ensemble’s shows are riotous, chaotic and abrasive, but its musicianship and craft shine through, showing there’s a method to the madness. pinkosanantonio.bandcamp.com Mutant If you thought the challenging clamor of industrial music died sometime in the ’80s, Mutant begs to differ. The act uses vintage synths and drum machines to create slamming, mechanistic hellscapes. Often-shirtless frontman Joseph Anger crawls across the floor, belting out life-is-pain screams. Not everyone’s cup of hemlock, but some of us just need to imbibe. mvtant.bandcamp.com
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San Antonio Songs
Music
By Chris Conde
W
hen it comes to recorded music, San Antonio artists have released some real bangers over the years. Some well known, some kinda underground. We pulled from the Alamo City’s wide spectrum of genres and rustled up a collection of songs that help define our unique musical culture and outlook. Warning: when artists play some of these songs live, local audiences are likely to turn up the party in a way newcomers aren’t used to.
Beginner Texas Tornadoes “Hey Baby, Que Paso?” (1990) The originally version of this tune was penned and performed by former Sir Douglas Quintet member Augie Meyers and released on his own Super Beet records. It became a regional jukebox hit. But it was the rerecording of the song Meyers did with the supergroup Texas Tornadoes that introduced the infectious polkadriven tune to a national audience. Meyers told the Current a decade ago that the song arose from a quarrel with an old girlfriend. “She said, ‘Man, why do you play that Mexican music? I don’t like it.’ I said, ‘There’s the door, sweetheart.’ So, she left. I didn’t hear from her for a couple of weeks, and I wrote: ‘Hey baby, que paso? I thought I was your only vato.’ About six months later, she called me and said all her friends loved that record. She said, ‘I’d sure like to get a copy.’ I said, ‘Yeah, you can buy it at Wal-Mart.’” Girl in a Coma “Say” (2007) Touring with the likes of Morrissey and signing to Joan Jett’s Blackheart label are just two of the accolades this all-female powerhouse trio secured during its 12-year run. The group’s brand of rock ’n’ roll drew on influences ranking from punk and the riot grrrl scene to the Mexican music some members grew up around, making for a definitively SA sound. Girl in a Coma broke up in 2018 after frontwoman Nina Diaz’s solo career took off and bassist Jenn Alva and drummer Phanie Diaz
Courtesy of Demitasse
started putting more energy into their band Fea. Good thing this tune from GIC’s debut, Both Before I’m Gone, serves as a lasting showcase for its passion, grit and catchy songwriting. Butthole Surfers “Pepper” (1996) No, “Pepper” isn’t the weirdest song in the San Antonio-birthed Butthole Surfers’ recorded legacy. But it was the one that won the band fans outside of the rock underground and proved there was an international hunger for South Texas psychedelia and weirdness. This song landed on soundtrack to the 1990s cinematic version of Romeo and Juliet soundtrack and became a surprise hit. The Holes remain one of the biggest rock acts to come out of San Antonio.
Intermediate Bubble Puppy “Hot Smoke & Sassafras” (1969) Late ’60s act Bubble Puppy’s “Hot Smoke & Sasafrass” has been frequently anthologized on albums collecting the best garage rock and psychedelia from that era. And with good reason: this song absolutely slaps. It’s hard to argue with the fiery guitar work, big hooks and clean vocal harmonies. After opening for The Who in ’68, the band became a part of the Texas psych movement alongside other groundbreaking acts including the 13th Floor Elevators and Moving Sidewalks. The Krayolas “All I Do Is Try” (1978) Regional phenomenon the Krayolas became a regional powerhouse in the late ’70s and early ’80s thanks to an amalgam of Tex-Mex rock ’n’ roll with ’60s garage pop. The A side of the band’s debut single “All I do is Try” is a perfect example of its compelling vintage-pop sound. Demitasse “Comfy Coffins” (2014) A side project of SA indie-rock mainstay Buttercup, Demitasse harnesses the somber feel of
acts like Elliott Smith for a sound that’s acoustic, minimal and sad as can be. “Comfy Coffins” is probably the best example of the band’s chamber pop sound, and who wouldn’t want to take a nice long nap inside a comfortable casket?
Advanced Lydia Mendoza “Mal Hombre” (1934) Reportedly, the oldest existing audio recording from any San Antonio artist, Lydia Mendoza’s “Mal Hombre” (Bad Man) captures the raw emotion of the singer, who would eventually be lauded for having one of the most amazing voices in conjunto music. Robert Johnson “Cross Road Blues” (1936) Recorded in a room of the Gunter Hotel in downtown San Antonio, famed bluesman Robert Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues” was eventually inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame half a century later to acknowledge its place in recording history. The song’s been recorded more times than we can count and pops up in the live set of just about any selfrespecting bar blues band. Two short years after making the recording, Johnson died at the young of 27. To this day, his death is shrouded in mystery. No one’s sure where he’s buried or can confirm his cause of death. Sunny Ozuna “Should I Take You Home” (1969) One of the pioneers of San Antonio’s indigenous Chicano Soul movement, Sunny Ozuna of Sunny and the Sunliners was the first Mexican American to appear on American Bandstand. That exposure came early in his career — he was in high school, in fact. “Should I take You Home” was one of the best songs the outfit recorded, and Ozuna continues to perform live shows to this day.
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Music Venues By Lance Higdon
B
eing one of the biggest cities in the Lone Star State and all, San Antonio boasts a massive population with a massive demand for live music. Some of the avenues to concerts are obvious, both visually — hard to miss the Alamodome when you’re cruising down Interstate 37, right? — and commercially — Becky G, ZZ Top and Brad Paisley all made recent stops at the Freeman Coliseum for this year’s rodeo. Not to mention, the AT&T Center continues to up its concert game, pulling in shows from a dozen of 2019’s top-drawing concert tours. Scratch the surface, though, and you’ll find multiple strata of venues that range from slightly sub-Rodeo to totally off the dial. If you find yourself footloose and itching for fresh sounds one of these nights, we offer our humble guide to Saytown’s less-heralded — but no less awesome — venues.
Beginner Aztec Theatre Built in 1926, the Aztec Theatre began its life as a cinema. Now, it operates as a full-time music and performance spot, though you can still marvel at the pre-Columbian temple decor and massive chandelier. Nineties grungers Candlebox and Soul Collective have made recent stops, but so have established Latin artists including Los Lobos and reina de reggaton Ivy Queen. And the Aztec stays up on contemporary acts too, as evidence by its recent bookings for Memphis’ trap kingpin Young Dolph and Alabama Shake’s chanteuse Brittany Howard. 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. Majestic Theatre With a 1929 dedication date, the Majestic Theatre is a shade younger than the Aztec, but with its Mission-style interior decoration and soaring ceiling, it’s no less stunning. The Majestic is a favored venue for orchestral concerts such as
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the San Antonio Symphony’s live performance of the score to Back to the Future and for touring musicals including Come From Away and Rent. You can also catch more dressed-down acts as well, like recent guest Ben Folds, who had no trouble fitting his baby grand on this stage. 224 E. Houston St., (210) 226-3333, majesticempire.com. Tobin Center Named after one of San Antonio’s most noted arts patrons, the Tobin is located right off the Riverwalk and prominently features what in older days might have been called High Art. Many, if not all, of the city’s classical music ensembles are frequent guests in the five-story H-E-B Performance Hall, performing repertoire ranging from Beethoven to Ravel. However, it’s also played host to pop and rock performers as diverse as Alice Cooper and Kraftwerk. In the more intimate Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater, you can sit with 299 fellow listeners for intimate performances by the likes of jazz pianist George Winston. 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 2238624, tobincenter.org.
Intermediate Limelight For some folks, the Limelight is the jewel in the crown of the St. Mary’s Strip. It’s a quintessential college-radio-playlist-music venue, though it boasts an above-average PA and similarly aboveaverage cocktail menu. Limelight’s calendar covers the spread of local and touring independent acts; stop in on any given night and you’re liable to catch a touring sludge-metal band, a Saytown MC or an eclectic indie rock ensemble. 2719 N. St Mary’s St., thelimelightsa.com. Paper Tiger To a certain generation of scene kid, this venue will always be the White Rabbit, which occupied the building for nearly two decades. However, we’re edging up on the fiveyear anniversary of its relaunch as Paper Tiger, and in that time, the club has won copious loyal
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followers of its own. Booked by talent agencies Margin Walker and Twin Productions, Paper Tiger hosts many of the larger punk, metal, rap and indie-pop acts that tour through SA in its main hall. The smaller side room hosts hardcore punk, experimental electronics and other niche genres. 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. Sam’s Burger Joint Sam’s Burger Joint sits a stone’s throw away from the Pearl, and as its name implies, it’s a fine place to munch a burger, sip a beer and take in a show. The calendar goes heavy on Americana and blues, including local and regional acts in addition to national powerhouses. Recent visitors have included outlaw singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle and Houston picker Cory Morrow. 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com samsburgerjoint.com. Gruene Hall Gruene Hall is the Lone Star State ur-dancehall — in other words, the oldest of its kind. Texans have been scooting boots across its wooden floor since the 19th century, downing beer by the bottle and Dr Pepper by the can. It’s no exaggeration to say that every country artist who’s worth mentioning has played here — Waylon, Willie and the boys (and girls) have all tipped their hats to the history this place holds in its walls. walls.1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall.com gruenehall.com.
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slackersbars.com
V O T E D B E S T SPORTS BAR & BAR GAMES
4 LOCATIONS SERVING SAN ANTONIO MEDICAL CENTER
ST MARY’S
NORTHSTAR
NACOGDOCHES
7959 Fredricksburg Rd #131 • 2809 N St Mary's St • 126 W Rector St • 12234 Nacogdoches Rd 84
open 7 days a week! Mon-Fri 2pm-2am • sat-sun 1pm-2am
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Advanced Hi-Tones This little joint at the far end of the St. Mary’s Strip humbly bills itself as “a San Antonio bar,” and guey, they ain’t lyin’. Hi-Tones is home to the chamoy shot and the pickle shot, and the stage is a favored destination for hip-hop heads, rowdy punks and assorted other lovers of underground sounds. Even when there isn’t a live band, it’s easy to find a crowd bopping along to cumbia on Hi-Tones’ cozy dancefloor. 621 E. Dewey Place, (210) 785-8777, hitonessa.com.
Nightlife
Imagine Books & Records True to the name, this West Side family-run shop sells both books and records. Beyond that, it’s grown into one of the most reliable DIY booking spots in town. There’s a beautiful catch-all quality to the concerts at Imagine — bills can encompass teenage emocore, pedal-abusing noise acts and block-rockin’ beats. Part of the appeal is its location in the farflung burbs, which enables Northside musicians and fans a closerto-home alternative to the St. Mary’s Strip cluster. 8373 Culebra Road, (210) 239-7380, imaginebookstexas.com. Ventura Some in San Antonio simply know Ventura as the location of a tragic outburst of violence that left two dead and five injured during a concert. But that shouldn’t be what marks this venerable underground venue. The club, under one moniker or another, has hosted quality local and touring acts for over a decade. It is a home base to numerous San Antonio bands and artists, providing an intimate black-box venue for the heaviest metal to the most delicate indie-pop. Do yourself and our music scene a favor and pay them a visit. 1011 Avenue B, (210) 802-6940, venturasatx.com. Luna Luna brings an upscale listening-lounge vibe to an unexpected spot on San Pedro Avenue. Neither the music, which skews toward jazz, soul and R&B, nor the drinks disappoint. While the vibe tends to be mellow, it’s not just sit-down-and-listen music at Luna: salsa and other danceable genres also features heavily on the calendar. 6740 San Pedro Ave., lunalive.com.
HOURS
MON-SUN 4PM-2AM
LATE NIGHT MENU | DAILY HAPPY HOUR
LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY
210.369.9192 | FRANCISBOGSIDE.COM | 803 S ST. STREET |
Your Favorite Neighborhood Bar,
Now Open!
502 Bar Some may scoff at the idea that quality indie-rock is available anywhere outside Loop 410. But a trip to 502 Bar just may prove that theory wrong. Situated in an unassuming suite of Embassy Oaks Shopping Center, 502 has the oomph in its PA for post-rock acts such as Bright Like The Sun or soul-shakin’ indie rockers Fishermen — and, if you’re the imbibing kind, it has one of the better-appointed craft beer menus found at an indie venue. 502 Embassy Oaks, (210) 257-8125, 502bar.com.
1 1 6 0 E C o m m e r c e S t , S a n A n t o n i o , TX 78205 Open D aily ''Til Til 2 am • Happy Hour All D ay Sun + M on, 4 -8 PM Tue s-Sat
Paper Tiger/Ismael Rodriguez
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Late Night Restaurants
Facebook/ Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery
By Lea Thompson
W
hether you’re gearing up for a late night out or looking to unwind after an evening of adventures, getting a square meal should be part of the plan. These open-late San Antonio restaurants offer a sampling of savory eats and tempting treats without forcing you to resort to the drive-thru.
Beginner Mi Tierra Café & Bakery If you haven’t been to Mi Tierra at midnight, have you even lived in San Antonio? The bright, glittering restaurant is always filled with classic Tex-Mex plates, mariachi music and pan dulce. While much of the city shuts down overnight, Mi Tierra remains a lively spot 24/7. 218 Produce Row, (210) 2251262, mitierracafe.com.
Facebook/ Lulus Bakery and Cafe
Luther’s Café For more than 60 years, Luther’s has been bringing people together over tacos, stacked cheeseburgers and milkshakes. Stop by the midtown restaurant for late night karaoke, LGBTQ-friendly shows or simply to refuel after a busy night. On Fridays and Saturdays, the eatery remains open until 3 a.m. 1503 N. Main Ave., (210) 9514088, lutherscafe.com. Lulu’s Bakery & Café Though Lulu’s is best-known for its three-pound cinnamon roll, the Southern-style diner offers a menu chock full of comfort food including chicken fried steak, omelets, mac and cheese and wings. The best part? Lulu’s is open around the clock. 918 N. Main Ave., (210) 222-9422, lulusbakeryandcafe.com.
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Jim’s Restaurants A late-night dining icon in San Antonio, this diner chain has several locations that stay open 24 hours, but Google first to make sure the one you’re heading to is among them. Regardless of the address, you’ll find a menu with homestyle breakfast plates, lunch and dinner options like burgers and sandwiches, not to mention an assortment of cakes and pies. Multiple locations, jimsrestaurants.com.
Nightlife
Cullum’s Attagirl Head off those late-night munchies with an order of Nashville hot chicken wings or pimento cheese sandwiches, both of which pair nicely with the house fries and selection from its many craft beers taps. Attagirl’s, located off the North St. Mary’s strip, keeps the good times rolling until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 726 E. Mistletoe Ave., (210) 4374263, facebook.com/cullumsattagirl. Taqueria Datapoint It’s always a good time for tacos. Fortunately, both Taqueria Datapoint locations stay open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. That means you can load up on as many gorditas as your heart desires — and your stomach can hold. Don’t forget the mini taquitos, with al pastor, carne asada and tripas among your filling options. Multiple locations.
Facebook/ The Dogfather
Pizza Party Follow Pizza Party’s bright orange exterior to discover oversized, cheese-filled possibilities. The small eatery serves cheese, pepperoni and veggie pizza by the slice, as well as a rotating special from chef John Philpot of Southtown pan-Asian restaurant Hot Joy. On Fridays and Saturdays, the party runs from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. 2334 N. St. Mary’s, pizzapartysa.com. The DogFather The DogFather is all about hot dogs and serves up a surprisingly diverse array. Specialties include The Brat — a bratwurst loaded with spicy mustard, horseradish crema and house-pickled sauerkraut — and elote-style dogs topped with crunchy Takis, lime and queso fresco. The eatery stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. 6211 San Pedro Ave., (210) 481-4272, facebook.com/thedogfathersa.
Advanced The Dakota East Side Ice House This neighborhood bar stays open until midnight, serving ice cold craft beers and hot plates including a rich and hearty macaroni and cheese with a potato chip crust along with tavern-style standbys such as nachos or pizza. If you’re looking to make it extra Facebook/Callums Attagirl
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decadent, top off your mac with brisket, sausage, pretzel chicken or pulled pork. 433 S. Hackberry St., (210) 3756009, thedakotasa.com. Francis Bogside Whether or not you choose to imbibe, it’s never too late for a basket of crispy fried chicken wings or Bavarian pretzels served with mustard and cheese sauce. This modern Irish pub keeps the kitchen open until 1:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday. 803 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 369-9192, francisbogside.com Erik’s Tacos This popular food truckturned-restaurant is perfect for classic Mexican and TexMex specialties. Cabrito tacos, gorditas and enchiladas are all solid bets. At night, the eatery transforms into a destination with food, music and raspas and often stays open until 4 a.m. 12715 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 590-0994, erickstacos.business.site Liberty Bar If you happen to find yourself in the Southtown area, it might be a good idea to hit up this iconic pink restaurant’s late-night happy hour that runs 10 p.m. to midnight. Despite the name, Liberty Bar’s fare is not standard bar food. Everything from pastas, salads to a build-your-own pizza option let fresh, regional ingredients sing. Be sure to save room for dessert. 1111 S. Alamo St., (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com. Courtesy of the Liberty Bar
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