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1300 San Pedro Ave. | San Antonio, TX 78212 | 210-486-0125 | www.alamo.edu/sac/stulife
san antonio
CITYGUIDE PAGE 12
2012
PAGE 25
PAGE 39
contents The Clean-Tech Universe / 11 Cyber City, U.S.A. … and Military City, U.S.A. / 12 Downtown in a ‘Can’ / 15 Downtown’s Decade / 16 Re-Naturing Sprawl City / 19 Saving the West Side / 20 Muralista City / 25 Work Now / 26 Are You Ready for Some … Soccer? / 29 Yoga dose / 30 Missions For Dummies / 32 Public Art Pop Quiz / 35 Well-Curated & Accessible Art Galleries / 39 Museums and Cultural Centers / 43 Truly Independent Cinema / 46 Live Theater / 47 Essential Dining / 51 Treasure Hunting San Anto Style / 62 Otra Thrift / 65 Essential Bars & Nightclubs / 66
Publisher: Michael Wagner Editor: Greg Harman editorial Art Director: Chuck Kerr Music & Film Editor: Enrique Lopetegui Arts Editor: Scott Andrews Calendar Editor: Bryan Rindfuss Copy Editor: Veronica Salinas Web Editor: Jaime Monzon Staff Writer: Michael Barajas Contributing Writer: Antonio Cantú Contributing Photographers: Rick Cortez, Steven Gilmore, Erik Gustafson, Josh Huskin, Chuck Kerr, Bryan Rindfuss Editorial Interns: Ray Arrambide, Ashley Brune, Caitlin Goodspeed, Veronica Luna, Katy Schmader advertising Advertising Director: Lara Fischer (x105) Account Manager: Chelsea Bourque (x123) Senior Account Executives: Carlos Aguirre (x117), Mindi Overman (x119) Account Executives: Sarah Estrada (x120), Danielle Kavan (x118)
classified advertising Classified Ad Director: Jennifer Sanders (x116) Classified Account Executive: Johnny Deosdade (x114), Marian Galvan (x111) production Production Manager: Julian Cordero Production Designers: April Fairchild, Jay Reyna, Josh Trudell Production Intern: Annelie Rios San Antonio Current 915 Dallas St. San Antonio, Texas 78215 Editorial: (210) 227-0044 / Fax: (210) 227-6611 Retail: (210) 227-0044 / Fax: (210) 227-7733 Classified: (210) 227-CLAS / Fax: (210) 227-7755
Copyright 2012, San Antonio Current Co. all rights reserved. San Antonio Current Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Times-Shamrock Communications. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume liability for unsolicited manuscripts or materials, which must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope to be returned. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be sent to the address listed below.
6 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
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8 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
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Lanny and Bill Sinkin Director and Founder Solar San Antonio solarsanantonio.org
THE CLEAN-TECH UNIVERSE
Mike Burke Founder San Antonio Clean Technology Forum sacleantech.org
Transformation inside CPS Energy and growing roster of renewable outfits have city on track to ‘green’ economy
Laurence Doxey Director Office of Environmental Policy sanantonio.gov/ OEP
Andrew Trickett Executive Director San Antonio Clean Energy Incubator texasenergy.utsa. edu/SACEI
Les Shephard Director Texas Sustainable Energy Research Institute texasenergy.utsa. edu
Larry Zinn Executive Director Mission Verde Alliance
PHOTO BY ILLUSTRATION BY CHUCK KERR
E
ven as dreams of doubling the South Texas Project nuclear complex in Matagorda County derailed amid contract disputes with partners NRG Energy and Toshiba in late 2009, followed by the multi-plant meltdown at Fukushima in early 2011 that sent the world’s nuclear industry into a deep freeze, San Antonio’s City-owned utility CPS Energy had been making resilient strides in the renewable energy sector. By embracing international clean-tech guru Jeremy Rifkin’s “Four Pillars” approach to the clean-energy revolution (renewable energy, buildings that double as power plants, advanced energy storage, and distributed power networks), CPS has positioned itself in the vanguard of City-owned utilities. Aggressive efficiency programs have cut energy use by 257 megawatts; wind-harnessed energy will grow to nearly 1,100 megawatts by year’s end thanks to new contracts for coastal wind power; and solar has become a visible asset in the city’s power matrix with BlueWing’s 14-megawatt farm in Southeast SA, soon to be joined by three 10-megawatt installations from SunEdison. And, if the contracts are finalized, South Korean OCI Solar will soon set up their North American office here along with an expected 400-megawatt solar farm (placing it among the world’s largest when completed) along with a solar components manufacturing plant employing hundreds. While former CPS board member Aurora Geis and former mayor Phil Hardberger were critical to setting the course, Mayor Julián Castro and CPS CEO Doyle Beneby have helped keep it on track, welcoming a group of new companies to the city in 2011. But the key to the rapid success has been collaboration. The Office of Environmental Policy guided by Laurence Doxey has put local and federal funds to work in ways intended to spur job creation and business development. Community activist and now Solar San Antonio Executive Director Lanny Sinkin fought new nuclear before joining his dad Bill at SSA to push meltdown-free energy. Green-tech investor (and former Tesoro Petroleum CEO) Michael Burke made San Antonio Clean Technology Forum a hub of idea-sharing activity. And former Hardberger chief of staff Larry Zinn, who helped put the green agenda in place, has since helped create a nonprofit sustainability nexus known as the Mission Verde Alliance where he now serves as executive director. UTSA has become a major partner, as well, founding both a Texas Sustainable Energy Research Institute and a clean energy incubator in recent years. Interestingly, as San Antonio was pressing forward with renewables the nation’s energy portfolio was making similar progress. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, renewable energy blew past nuclear in 2011 with 6.9 quadrillion BTUs of energy versus 6.1 “quads” from our aging fleet of nukes. “I think what is unusual about San Antonio is the amount of collaboration going on. No one’s out to beat down another to say ‘I’m the leader,’” said Doxey. “If we can maintain that collaborative spirit this is going to continue to grow in ways that we may not be foreseeing at the moment. We can be opportunistic when we’re like this, because people start to approach us.” And while the natural gas play across South Texas may continue to dominate employment rosters in the short term following petroleum’s traditional boom/bust cycle (pricking water use and contamination fears along the way), as the recently announced partnership with OCI Solar suggests: the deeper, more lasting shift will continue in the development of the low-carbon course correction of clean-tech. — Greg Harman
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CITYGUIDE SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 11
CYBER CITY, U.S.A. Military roots, higher ed fueling cyber-related business ast summer, The Wall Street Journal heralded seven so-called “new industry hubs,” cities teeming with start-ups drawing entrepreneurs and investors. San Antonio made the cut, leading the pack in the booming cyber-security field. The city’s deep ties to the military have in part made it a breeding ground for new information-technology and cyber-related business. The 24th Air Force, the wing’s new cyber command fighting force, went operational at Lackland Air Force Base in late 2010. And over the past five years the city has worked hard to foster a large national security footprint. Aggressive lobbying by city and county officials coaxed the U.S. National Security Agency to build its Cryptology Center here. The massive complex now graces West Military Drive near Loop 410, a former Sony microchip plant turned hub for America’s top spy agency, reportedly employing some 1,500 workers. According to the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, the city has the second largest concentration of data centers in the country, including Microsoft’s Regional Mega Center, along with over 80 companies specializing in cyber-defense and security. Last year, when cyber-security bigwigs, contractors, and top intelligence officials gathered in San Antonio for the industry’s annual conference, Director of National Intelligence Jim Clapper spoke not only of San Antonio’s key role in the cyber-defense industry, but lauded the city for developing a “groundswell in academic circles, in colleges and universities” to keep the cyber-intelligence field flush with new talent. — Michael Barajas
L
The Cyber Innovation and Research Consortium (CIRC), sponsored by the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, formed in 2007 to link local schools and programs with a focus on cyber and cyber security. The Consortium works closely with the government, industry, and local economic development outfits. Below are some of the academic programs. For more information, visit the Chamber’s website at cybercityusa.org. UTSA Institute for Cyber Security, (210) 458-6327, ics.utsa.edu UTSA Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security, (210) 458-2119, cias.utsa.edu St. Mary’s University School of Law, Center for Terrorism Law, (210) 431-2219, stmarytx.edu/ctl Texas A&M University San Antonio Center for Information Technology and Cyber Security, (210) 784-3210, tamusa.tamus.edu/citcs
12 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, and Fort Sam Houston are now Joint Base San Antonio, the largest U.S. military installation and home to 80,000 military and civilian employees. Not to be outdone, the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston, known as the “Home of the Combat Medic,” is the largest medical education and training campus in the world, producing nearly 35,000 medical profession graduates every year.
H H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H HH H H H H H H H H H
... and Military City, U.S.A. San Antonio has gone from pioneering military flight at Brooks Field a century ago to building stateof-the-art hubs for military medicine and cyber-defense. And it’s San Antonio’s deep ties to the military that helped the city weather our recent economic tumult better than most. Officials estimate the six-year Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission process, which ended last year, brought the city thousands of jobs and over 150 construction projects while pumping $3.3 billion into the local economy — all during the worst of the recession. Meanwhile the Defense Department continues to seek congressional approval for millions in construction, renovation, and maintenance projects slated for San Antonio over the course of the next three years. Building on the sterling reputation of Brooke Army Medical Center, at the forefront of treatment for burn victims, the feds last year opened the San Antonio Military Medical Center, heralded as the future of military medicine. With its arrival, San Antonio’s now home to the Defense Department’s single largest inpatient hospital, housing the DoD’s only Level 1 trauma center anywhere on the U.S. mainland. — Michael Barajas Fort Sam Houston One of the oldest army installations, Fort Sam grew from an Alamo-based supply depot in 1845 to become the home of military medicine. It houses the new San Antonio Military Medical Center, the
Army’s Institute of Surgical Research, and the Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute. Randolph AFB Home of the 12th Flying Training Wing, including both pilot instructor training and
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combat systems training. Brooks City-Base Formerly Brooks Air Force Base, Brooks houses Human Systems Command, including the School of Aerospace Medicine and the Air
Force Center for Environmental Excellence. Lackland AFB Home to the 24th Air Force cyber command, tasked with operating and protecting the Air Force’s information technology network.
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DOWNTOWN IN A ‘CAN’
Pearl-centric loft living is on the make here’s a housing boom afoot downtown — and a river runs through it. One trendy area in the making along the northern stretch of the River Walk alone has four different projects under development. By this summer, some 1,200 units will be ready for move-in. If there is a centerpiece to the effort, the distinction surely belongs to The Can Plant, an ambitious multi-family project at the historic Pearl Brewery mixed-use development with a name harkening to its bottling past. By March, 300 lofts are expected to be completed ready for an August move-in with prices starting at $1,000 a month and 50-plus floor plans to choose from. A short drift down the river is the 12welve 2wenty1 (1221 to the rest of us) Broadway complex built by developer Ed Cross, soon to offer 307 loft apartments with riverfront views of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Nearby, two smaller projects are nearing completion. Elizabeth Fauerso, chief marketing officer at The Pearl, said the Can Plant appeals to young professionals in the 25-35 age group and emptynester baby boomers in equal measure. Surrounding amenities — plenty of restaurants; an active farmer’s market; a developing dog park; an amphitheater; and a plethora of retail offerings — coupled with proximity to downtown further add to the appeal of new development that still adheres to local history. “The Pearl community is becoming a true mixed-use development with a real distinct cultural identity,” Fauerso said. The city’s recent launch of a bike-share program has added to the area’s vaguely European feel, with the Pearl and nearby Blue Star complex now the busiest sites for pedal-sharing. Descriptive marketing narratives on the Can Plant website play up the sense of community: “Walk to the best restaurants and largest farmer’s market in San Antonio. Know the man that makes your scones. Let your dog meet her neighbors and share in the energy, creativity and diversity of a real neighborhood.” Kind of like a 21st century Norman Rockwell, no? Marketing at 1221 Broadway elicits a more urbane tone appropriating the platitude of success being the best revenge and invitingly coaxing would-be renters to “Live well at 1221 loft apartments. Revenge not required.” Ah, the loft life. Visit thecanplant.com and 1221broadway.com for more information. — Antonio Cantú
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The most recent U.S. Census data shows us why city and county leaders have become fixated on all things downtown. Unlike virtually every other major metro area, San Antonians fled the city center in droves over the past decade … and (off the visitor-focused River Walk) it shows in scarce housing, empty storefronts, and an abundance of vacant downtown office space. To turn around the urban core, a central component of Mayor Julián Castro’s SA2020 framework plan has called for a “Decade of Downtown.” While it’s a promise to shelve our tourist-centric approach to development in the hopes of drawing locals back to the city center, there are a number of plans already in the works. There’s the multi-million reconfiguration of downtown’s historic Municipal Auditorium into the new Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, promised to become the city’s crown performing-arts jewel. The city and the HemisFair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation are still mulling lofty multi-million-dollar ideas to transform the 1968 World’s Fair-era park and its surroundings. The city, county, and VIA Metro Transit have all agreed to pony up millions for a starter streetcar system connecting each corner of downtown. VIA’s sitting on its largest ever federal grant — $15 million — to build a new transit center on downtown’s west end, while its first bus rapid transit line connecting the Medical Center to downtown is set to go live sometime this year. As the thinking goes, by revamping our transit system, we can spark downtown redevelopment while scrubbing the suburbs of wilderness-eating sprawl. — Michael Barajas
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San Antonio was formerly settled by Spain in 1731 with 16 families from the Canary Islands. More than 250 years later, local politics are still controlled by an uncomfortably few families — at least according to UTSA professor Rodolfo Rosales’ book The Illusion of Inclusion.
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ollowing 2002’s demolition of the Westside’s famed 73-year-old La Gloria dance hall, Westsiders came to the unsettling conclusion that they were watching their history and culture disappear. “People even now tell stories about that place,” said Susana Segura, a worker with the Westside Preservation Alliance that fought and failed to save La Gloria. “Grandmas talk about how they used to dance on the roof. It was a heartbreaking event for a lot of people in the community.” Following a long-running, this-time-successful, battle to save another Westside institution, 1950s-era conjunto club Lerma’s — Westside neighbors and activists began to take stock of what else was still standing. Assisted by the city’s Office of Historic Preservation, they embarked on a survey last year to identify and protect historic structures before they’re demolished or found beyond repair. “It was an unprecedented thing,” said local historian Antonia Castañeda. “We’re starting to say what was important to us, pinpointing our own cultural treasures. … We’re saving the history of this working-class community, a community that’s often been marginalized and dispossessed.” High poverty and low education levels (recent analysis by
F
the Westside Development Corporation shows that of the 107,000 people living in the 15-square mile area, 54 percent don’t hold a high school diploma) have made the preservation fight touchy. In the most recent battle to save a crumbling 1920s-era Casa Maldonado, preservation arguments were put up against promises of economic development and employment opportunities by building owners Avenida Guadalupe Association, which wanted to demo the building. But efforts to save Westside history, Castañeda says, are not against progress, but ensuring that urban development works in tandem with historic preservation. The Westside Preservation Alliance is working with local historians, professors, and college students to research the history of Westside buildings, while reps with the Westside Development Corporation sit in on meetings to find common ground between Westside land owners, business owners, and conservationists. “It can be a huge challenge, but you can’t just
say, ‘Development is all that matters,’ or, ‘Only preservation matters,’” WDC executive director Ray Flores told the Current last year. The goal is to identify and preserve what little the Westside still has left. Much of the Guadalupe Street corridor, which quickly developed as a Mexican-American hub when immigrants flooded the area around the time of the 1910 Mexican Revolution, has been razed over the past half century. The City and Westside preservationists have sought to research and catalog everything from historic churches, like the brick and clay-tile Mexican Christian Church built in 1924, to the Victorian-style homes and tiny “shotgun houses” that still line the narrow side streets. Laying out a list of dozens of Westside properties to consider for landmark designation, Elizabeth Porterfield, an architectural historian with the city, told the Westside preservation group in a recent meeting to look for not just architectural significance, but also historic and cultural importance in the buildings that are still standing. “The idea is to empower the community to keep documenting and recording and preserving,” she said. — Michael Barajas
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For more information: Westside Preservation Alliance, (210) 228-0201, esperanzacenter.org San Antonio Conservation Society, (210) 224-6163, saconservation.org City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, (210) 215-9274, sanantonio.gov/ historic
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20 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
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MURALISTA CITY
Intricate and vivid murals dot the West Side landscape, a sign of the city’s strong Chicano mural tradition. San Anto Cultural Arts, created in 1993 as a community resource for artistic and spiritual growth, now runs the Community Mural/Public Art Program (CMP), identifying and preserving existing murals while gathering youth and artists in the community to keep creating more. The group says it creates three to five murals a year.
The mural was created in 1998 to confront neighborhood violence. A group of artists revised and rededicated the mural in 2011.
Tradicion Y Cultura
Educacion
2121 Guadalupe Created in 2001 by muralists Ruth Buentello, Oscar Flores, Damien Hernandez, Victor Mena, Melody Price, Carla Valdez, Chris Munoz, and Alex Rubio, the mural aims to put lowrider culture in a positive light.
2121 Guadalupe San Anto Cultural Arts’ first mural, created in 1994 by Cruz Ortiz, addresses gang warfare plaguing the Westside community.
Comprando y Prestando
MURAL PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BARAJAS
▲ End Barrio Warfare 1401 S Brazos
corner of Guadalupe and San Jacinto Created in 1996 by Mary Helen Herrera, the work highlights the community Aztec cultural roots.
Breaking the Cycle 626 San Fernando Created by Mary Agnes Rodriguez in 2002, meant to confront domestic violence in the neighborhood.
COURTESY PHOTO TACOS BY ERIK GUSTAFSON
For mural tours or to learn more about CMP, contact program director Ruth Buentello at (210) 226-7466, or email ruth@sananto.org
HENRY’S BACK IN THE DAY
Deep-fried corn tortillas — so-called “puffy” tacos — are believed to have been invented in San Antonio by Henry Lopez of Henry’s Puffy Tacos fame. Other local culinary inventions include chili con carne and Fritos corn chips — oh, and a balloon expandable stent for clogged arteries.
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SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 25
WORK NOW
Years before they enchanted kids and stoned adults with cult classics like Sigmund and the Sea Monsters and Land of the Lost, the wildly imaginative sibling duo Sid and Marty Krofft opened Kaleidoscope at the international expo HemisFair ’68 in San Antonio. Luther the Dragon (a menacing monster who’d been turned into a wimpy blue dragon by a witch) was a breakout star.
The recession — and the resulting glut of unemployed people with advanced degrees — has evoked much hand-wringing over the need for skilled workers. Once looked down on the postIndustrial Revolution Information Age, blue-collar trades have regained their luster among those on the job hunt. The inability of companies to find sufficient staff to mine the vast Eagle Ford shale’s oil and gas fields, for instance, is just one example. Presciently, the Alamo Area Academies within the Alamo Colleges system has been quietly churning out an impressive number of graduates for years who are ready to enter the workplace. Its Aerospace Academy has become a reliable worker conduit for defense contractors Boeing and Lockheed Martin at Port San Antonio with dozens of graduates securing good-paying jobs. The program also readies students intent on embarking on health professions, information technology, and manufacturing, the latter yielding a steady stream of workers for the reawakening Toyota plant on the city’s South Side. Eager to hire academy students, employers provide paid internships and offer tuition reimbursement. Graduates of the two-year program earn a Level I Certificate of Completion with their high school diploma. Sophomore and junior students from all independent school districts, charter schools and private high schools in Bexar County are eligible to apply. Statistics are impressive: To date, 637 graduates — or 96 percent — continued on to higher education and/or obtained jobs in their fields. Students with the graduating classes of 2010 and 2011 received more than $1 million in scholarships. “What the nation needs is a skilled workforce, and the Alamo Area Academies is producing college-proven and career-ready talent,” said Director Gene Bowman. In light of the program’s success, it’s hard to argue with his logic. Alamo Area Academies, 312 Clarence Tinker Dr, Bldg 210, (210) 485-0811, alamo.edu/academies. — Antonio Cantú
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PHOTO COURTESY INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES
Alamo Area Academies is a reliable conduit to aerospace, manufacturing jobs
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PHOTOS BY ERIK GUSTAFSON
The Crocketeers make some noise for the Scorpions.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME … SOCCER? 2012: Year of the San Antonio Scorpions
Drought may still be gripping South Texas, but the heavens have finally parted for futball. San Antonio welcomes the SA Scorpions this year, the newest expansion team in the professional (and growing) second-division North American Soccer League (the remains of the Pelé-led league of the ’70s and ’80s), formed with eight teams from the USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The Scorpions makes it debut April 7 visiting the Atlanta Silverbacks, with the first home game April 15 against the Puerto Rico Islanders. The team is the brainchild of local philanthropist Gordon Hartman, who in 2010 opened Morgan’s Wonderland, a 25-acre wheelchair-accessible park with more than 25 rides, playscapes, and attractions specifically designed for handicapped children. All profits from the SA Scorpions benefit the park. Fans designed the team logo and selected the official jersey (black with horizontal thin white stripes) from among three models by Nike (the Scorpions are the only U.S. pro soccer team Nike sponsors). These fans will add an extra flavor to the Scorpions season, having organized themselves into three fan bases: the Crocketteers, Bexar County Casuals, and Alamo City Ultras, modeled after Italian tifosi and the raucous English crowds. So expect the stands at Scorpions games to look and sound closer to the Premiere League than the NFL. The team itself is coached by Tim Hankinson, who has a winning record in Major League Soccer, and who has also coached in Brazil and India. The star of the team is also its most veteran: former star of Monterrey’s Tigres (Mexico’s current champs) Javier Saavedra. At 38, the right midfielder is not only still in great shape but he’ll be helping coach the Scorpions’ reserve team. “Even though this is second division, I was attracted by the whole project,” said Saavedra. “The Scorpions have an infrastructure few first division teams have.” The rest of the lineup is a combination of youth and experience, the result of extensive JAVIER tryouts in Texas, Maryland, and AriSAAVEDRA zona. While the bulk of the 24-player final roster comes from the USA, the team also includes players from Mexico, Honduras, Netherlands, Brazil, England, and Canada. For its first season, the Scorpions will play at the 11,000-seat Heroes Stadium (across from Morgan’s Wonderland), but the goal is to develop an 18,000seat stadium (with initial 6,400-seat capacity) by 2013. — Enrique Lopetegui For more information, see sanantonioscorpions.com.
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SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 29
ARE YOU
READY? PRO FOOTBALL IS HERE Opening game
March 10
Yoga dose Whether you use yoga to attain enlightenment or simply to be able to tie your shoelaces, San Antonio offers shalas and mandirs for all tastes and needs. The Synergy Studio Offers hatha yoga, Nia (which blends yoga, martial arts, dance, tai chi, and aikido), yoga teacher training, vinyasa (flow style), pilates, and more. 300 E Grayson, (210) 824-4225 thesynergystudio.com Yoga Shala Ashtanga yoga lessons by disciples of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India, but also some kundalini and vinyasa, plus some free community classes for beginners. 18585 Sigma Rd, Ste 105, (210) 496-9900 yogashalasa.com Yoga in Motion Vinyasa classes, all levels. 8055 West Ave, Ste 108, (210) 979-YOGA (9642), yogainmotionsa.com
al amOdOme
Nydia’s Yoga Therapy A combination of physical therapy and yoga for all ages and levels. 4680 Lockhill Selma, Ste B, (210) 7641616, nidyasyogatherapy.com San Antonio Yoga Yoga classes by different teachers, and some of these classes are free. 185281 16 N Hwy (Bandera Hwy), Helotes, (210) 6953239, sanantonioyoga.com Ashrama 5 Bhakti yoga center run by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Kirtan, japa meditation, free vegetarian feasts, and lectures on Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. 6772 Oxford Trace, (210) 420-1182, krishna-sa.com
G NOTE: DOIN NOT YOGA MAY GIVE YOU AN SPIDER-M UT IT’S POWERS (BSHOT). WORTH A
Get tickets now 210-399-3533 | SATALONS.COM
Completed in 1928, the 21-story Milam Building downtown was the first air-conditioned, high-rise office tower in the United States. How the cool air may have affected any would-be Stock Market Crash jumpers the next year, we don’t know.
30 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
12-1057 SA Current City Guide Ad_02.23.indd 1
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COURTESY PHOTOS
Established in 1729 by King Philip V of Spain, San Pedro Park is the second oldest city park in the United States — second only to Boston Common. And it’s pleasantly free of Redcoats.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Fri. March 16th at 6pm SxSW is in Austin this weekend, but the real fun is at The Friendly Spot. Join us for Friendly Spot BFF
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The first bridge to span the San Antonio River, connecting the town’s military garrison with the mission, was built in 1736 at the site of today’s Commerce Street bridge.
MISsION óN CONCEPCI
MISSIONS FOR DUMMIES
P
oor Alamo Plaza. It looks more like a boulevard these days; its park with the Cenotaph commemorating the Battle of the Alamo in 1836 could be mistaken for a big median. More’s the pity, many of the tourists who stop briefly to snap pictures of the old church nearby have no idea they are looking at the remains of Mission San Antonio de Valero, built in 1724 as an outpost for Franciscan missionary efforts. Where once the compound’s west wall stood, shops selling T-shirts jostle next to the hawker shouting enticements to passersby at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure. Between 1718, when the first Mission San Antonio was established in a provisional wood structure west of San Pedro Springs, and 1731, when the first civilian colonists arrived from the Canary Islands, five missions were established by the Franciscans and the Spanish Crown along the San Antonio River. They were not churches, but church-based communities of 85-300 souls, housing Franciscan missionaries, Spanish troops, and American Indian converts within stone walls, with workshops and granaries inside.
32 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
Mission San Antonio was secularized in 1793. Ten years later, Spanish troops from San José y Santiago del Alamo de Parras were garrisoned in the abandoned mission, and the military quarters took on their name. Eventually the other missions would be shut down too, their lands and cattle turned over to the remaining Indians, the churches handed over to local priests. There’s not much left of the original Mission San Antonio — even the famous facade and distinctive top of the Alamo church are 1900s add-ons — but a trip south to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park gives a better glimpse of life in New Spain during its 18thcentury heyday. The first stop south of the Alamo on the Mission Trail is Mission Concepción. To reach it, drive south on St. Mary’s to Mission Road, or strike out south by foot along the San Antonio River. The new Mission Reach section of the River Walk also includes a bike path that currently reaches the first two missions (see “Re-naturing Alamo City,” page 25). It can be picked up at the Blue Star Arts Complex.
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MISsION ESPADA
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BARAJAS AND SCOTT ANDREWS
MISsION SAN JOSÉ
MISsION SAN JUAN NO CAPISTRA
Concepción, more formally known as Mission Nuestra Señora de la ALAMO Purísima Concepción de Acuña, was transferred to the environs of Bejar from its original site on the French frontier near Louisiana in 1731; the stone church was finally dedicated in 1755 and is the oldest unrestored church in America. Its outer walls are only partially intact, but bits of fresco murals can be seen inside. Like the other missions in the park, its church is an active Catholic parish, still in use for regular services, weddings, and baptisms. In its time, the floors of the church were dirt; now covered with stone, the chamber under the vaulted dome provides an astounding echo. The next stop south is Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, known as Mission San José. Established in 1720, it was called the “Queen of the Missions,” with over 350 residents during its zenith. To protect against Comanche and Apache
the church and its ornate front adorned with elaborate stone carvings of the saints back to their original glory. The next is Mission San Juan Capistrano, also relocated from East Texas in 1731. The stone church, with its distinctive three-bell tower and triary, was built after construction of a larger church was abandoned. The church is closed during renovations this year, but nearby you can visit the San Juan Acequia: the mission’s irrigation system flows again since the first stage of restoration was completed in 2011. The southernmost mission is Mission San Francisco de la Espada. Founded in 1690 in East Texas as San Francisco de los Tejas, it was brought to San Antonio after floods, fires, and French encroachments. By the PHOT0 BY SALLY SCOTT mid-1700s, the mission included many raids, a wall lined with dwellings for Indian conenterprises, including brickmaking, verts was constructed, while clergy were housed a blacksmith, and three looms. The secularizain a convento. The massive church was completed tion process began in 1794, with the surviving 15 in 1782. Spurred by interest from the San Antonio families receiving the mission lands. A Comanche Conservation Society, the entire compound was raid in 1826 and a kitchen fire destroyed most of restored with federal assistance in the 1930s. the buildings, but the chapel survived and many The church was rededicated in 1937. During the people stayed. Even today, you might pass one of last year, further restorations using the latest their descendents in the surrounding neighborconservation science have brought the interior of hoods. — Scott Andrews
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SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 33
PUBLIC ART POP QUIZ
An estimated 450 works of public art are encouraging tourists and locals to look at San Antonio in a different light. Gracing locales both familiar and unexpected, these innovative projects are reason enough to grab a map and rediscover the Alamo City and its thriving visual art scene. For a handy map of local public art, visit Public Art San Antonio (publicartsa.com) and click on “PASA Map” under “Projects.”
Test your knowledge of public art by matching the artists to their works — no cheating!
by Bryan Rindfuss
Mary’s at Travis)
If you follow the trails of Terrazzo tile shoeprints throughout the St. Mary’s Street Garage (fabricated by the Venice Art Terrazzo Company), you may end up looking like a drunken sailor, but you’ll probably still remember where you parked your car. Look for flip flops, cowboy boots, Mary Janes, sneakers, high heels, and wing tips on your way down from the sixth floor.
Name: Chris Sauter Occupation: Visual artist, adjunct art instructor at St. Philip’s College, Southwest School of Art, and Trinity, co-assistant director of Luminaria Favorite public art project: Bill FitzGibbons’ “Light Channels” beneath underpasses of IH37 at both Houston and Commerce Streets
PHOTOS BY BRYAN RINDFUSS
D
(210) 207-2704, mysapl.org
These two outdoor sculptures are designed to resemble geological core samples excavated from the grounds of Mission Library: fossils of cretaceous animals, arrowheads, pottery shards, a horseshoe, and a brick lie beneath pull tabs and bottle caps from the present day and film reels and a projector marking the 2007 closure of Mission Drive-In, the site’s former tenant.
Name: Katie Pell Occupation: Visual artist, drawing and sculpture lecturer at UTSA Favorite public art project: “I love all the Carlos Cortés faux bois pieces, but I have to say the Peter Zubiate ‘tree benches’ at Parman Library.”
C
Title: Untitled, 2011 Location: Lackland Terrace Park,
7902 Westshire, (210) 207-7275
One of three public artworks created in collaboration with Seattle-based design firm GrindLine Skateparks (the other two being at Nani Falcone Park and Rosedale Park), the skull adorning this massive bowl was rendered in concrete dyes and features a chipped tooth in honor of Sage Bolyard, who worked on the project.
Name: Gary Sweeney Occupation: Visual artist and United Airlines “ramp rat” (baggage handler) Favorite public art project: Angel Rodríguez-Diaz’s steel “Luminaria” obelisk in the roundabout at the corner of Blanco and Fulton in Beacon Hill
Match the artists to detail shots of their favorite public art projects.
F
E
Sweeney: A, E
BONUS ROUND
B
Title: “Core Samples”, 2011 Location: Mission Library, 3134 Roosevelt,
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Answers: Sauter: B, D Pell: C, F
A
Title: “Walk this Way”, 2002 Location: St. Mary’s Street Garage (N St.
SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 35
2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS DOG DAYS March 24, 25 August 4, 5 December 1, 2 FAMILY FLASHLIGHT NIGHTS March 9, November 9 ART IN THE GARDEN EXHIBIT March 23 (opening) VIVA BOTANICA & PLANT SALE April 21 FLOWERS & FIREWORKS April 22 (members only) STARLIGHT MOVIES IN THE GARDEN May 4, May 11 September 21, September 28 KUMAMOTO EN FEST May 5 SAWS GARDEN JAZZ PARTY & PLANT SALE May 6 SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK - OTHELLO May 30 – June 2 CONCERTS UNDER THE STARS June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28 DINOSAUR STAMPEDE EXHIBIT September 1 – December 2 GARDENS BY MOONLIGHT October 13 BOOTANICA & PLANT SALE October 28
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38 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
2808 Thousand Oaks @ Jones Maltsberger (Behind Jack in the Box )
210.491.4414
12710 IH-10 WEST STE. 127 (IH-10 & DEZAVALA BEHIND IHOP)
210.390.1849
INSIDE
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“Creating Community through the Arts”
March & April Special Events March 24, 5:30-8:30 pm:
April 19, 7 pm:
“Fantastic Voyage,” new fiberworks by Lucia LaVilla-Havelin
Book launch & poetry reading by Roberto Bonazzi & reading by Jim LaVilla-Havelin
Open Fridays & Saturdays, 1-4 pm or by appointment 2803 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 210.383.9723 www.bihlhausarts.org “Wonder” by Kelly O’Connor (David Shelton Gallery)
visual art
WELL-CURATED & ACCESSIBLE ART GALLERIES AnArte Gallery
Established and emerging artists presented in monthly exhibitions, including well-known SA artists Bettie Ward, Laura Mijangos, Bryson Brooks, and Holly Hein.7959 Broadway Ste 404, (210) 826-5674, anartegallery09.com
Bihl Haus Arts
Smart and stylish contemporary art from Texas, done with a strictly-pro attitude and delivery. Well-known names include Joey Fauerso, Kelly O’Connor, and Vincent Valdez; over 20 artists working in diverse media. 1115 S Alamo, (210) 787-0260, davidsheltongallery.com
This community-oriented gallery is managed by local docents, and is sited in an historic Hill Country stone residence in the Deco District, featuring local artists, theater, poetry readings, and lectures. 2803 Fredericksburg, (210) 383-9723, bihlhausarts.org
Fl!ght
Bismarck Studios
Joan Grona Gallery
cactus bra SPACE
Lawrence Markey
Premiere Northside gallery, offering solo and group shows by invited and gallery artists, including Billy L. Keen, Daniela Sacramento, and Ansen Seale. 930 Proton Ste 202, (210) 314-774,bismarckartgallery.com
COURTESY PHOTO
David Shelton Gallery
Oldest artist-run alternative space in SA, managed by Leigh Anne Lester and Jayne Lawrence since 1995 as a nonprofit escape from artstore hype. 106C Blue Star, (210) 226-6688, cactusbraspace.com
Justin Parr’s gallery in the 1906 Flores complex is part experimental art space, part community art shop and co-op, and all fun. Home of “Keep San Antonio Lame” T-shirts. 1906 S Flores, (210) 872-2586, turnitoff.tv
Local, national, and international mid-career and emerging artists working in styles ranging from quirky representation to abstract art. 112 Blue Star, (210) 225-6334, joangronagallery.com
Offering works by international contemporary artists including James Castle, Sol Lewitt, and Robert Smithson. Publications by Lawrence Markey include exhibition catalogues, posters, continued on page 40
MAKE ART HAPPEN
445 North Main Avenue San Antonio TX 78205-1441 210.212.4900 www.artpace.org blog.artpace.org
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SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 39
RAIT” “LAND PORT ERDRICH N RE LO by LLITE (USTA SATE ) SPACE
ET OUT “I CAN’TAG I’M INTO OF WH T by ” U YO WITH BY WHITFIELD BARNA Z) (SALA DIA continued from page 39
and books featuring Wayne Thiebaud, Lawrence Weiner, and others. 311 Sixth St, (210) 228-9966, lawrencemarkey.com
Gallery Nord
Contemporary art exhibitions presenting new works monthly in a range of media by local, national, and international artists, along with gallery lectures and concerts. 2009 NW Military, (210) 348-0088, gallerynord.com
Sala Diaz
Parchman Stremmel Gallery
Fine art dealers and advisors, featuring contemporary American and Latin American artists, such as Charles Arnoldi, Edith Carrington, and Gary Sweeney. 110 W Olmos, (210) 824-8990, psgart.com
REM Gallery
Bi-monthly shows of emerging and established artists take place in a circa-1900 manse, emphasis on painting and photography. 219 E Park, (210) 224-1227, remgallery.com
Unit B (Gallery)
Combination gallery and project space, home to site-specific installations and affordable art by out-of-town and local artists with an experimental bent. 500 Stieren, (312) 375-1871, unitbgallery.com
UTSA Satellite Space
Mostly-local art shows organized by Alex Rubio provide exhibition opportunities for student and emerging artists on their way to fame and glory. 110 E Lachapelle, (210) 793-8899, rgallerytx.net
This formidable little gallery at the Blue Star mounts shows by acknowledged contemporary artists and art collectives from across the nation, along with thesis work by UTSA art grad students. 115 Blue Star, (210) 212-7146, art.utsa.edu/satspacegallery
Breakfast Is An Experience, At Our Haus.
Magnolia Pancake Haus 606 Emabassy Oak Suite 100 • 496-0828 MagnoliaPancakeHaus.coM 40 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
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COURTESY PHOTOS
R Gallery
Under the guidance of Hills Snyder, this art duplex combines an artist residency program with exhibition space to produce conceptually oriented experiments with an emphasis on interaction and provocation. 517 Stieren, (210) 852-4492, saladiazart.org
ONLY RESTAURANT ON THE RIVER OPEN 24 HOURS ~ 7 DAYS A WEEK
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Seating avaliable for parties of 10 or more Party and meeting rooms avaliable - kangorig@sbcglobal.net 528 River Walk between Crockett and Commerce Streets • www.originalmexican.com • 210-224-9951
42 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
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Get Say-She-Ate-ed @ SA’s Premiere food truck
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SAN ANTONIO’S
Graham Fagen, ‘Our Shared, Common, Private Space’ at Artpace
FIRST VEGAN RESTAURANT
MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL CENTERS
Artpace
Artpace is known throughout the art world for its International Artist-in-Residency program, which brings Texan, out-of-state, and international artists together to live and make art in SA. The intriguing results are always experimental, as the artists have only two months to create an exhibition, but the synergy that buzzes in this converted Hudson car dealership is the real deal. Founded by the late artist-philanthropist Linda Pace, this nonprofit isn’t strictly high art, as kid-friendly parties like October’s Chalk it Up street painting fest and potluck community dinners attest. 445 N Main, (210) 212-4900, artpace.org
Blue Star Contemporary Art Center Formed 26 years ago by SA artists, the Blue Star is the center of the First Friday art party and a curatorial force, presenting high-powered contemporary art by local talent, backed-up by national and international shows. Its MOSAIC after-school program brings studio experience to high school youth and art to the community and, starting this year, a new international program will send SA artists out of the country as cultural ambassadors. 116 Blue Star, (210) 227-6960, bluestarart.org
Carver Community Cultural Center
Located just east of downtown, for over 75 years the Carver has been an historical center of the city’s African-American culture, presenting community outreach and educational programs, including the Carver School of Visual and Performing Arts for children and the Carver Master Classes for advanced students, along with music, dance, and theater performances by local and internationally renowned artists. 226 N Hackberry, (210) 207-7211, thecarver.org
COURTESY PHOTO
Centro Cultural Aztlán
Founded in 1977 as an expression of the Chicano Movement, Centro Cultural Aztlán takes its name from the mythical home of the seven tribes of the Nahua people, famed in story as the founders of Tenochtitlan, present-day Mexico City. The Deco District community center presents exhibitions by local artists in the gallery, and a calendar of events, including the an-
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nual Low Rider Festival and Día de los Muertos Festival. 1800 Fredericksburg, Ste 103, (210) 432-1896, centroculturalaztlan.50megs.com
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
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Located in the heart of the Westside, the Guadalupe is a community-based organization with a mission to preserve and promote the arts and culture of the Chicano, Latino, and Native American peoples. Classes in dance, theater, poetry, music, visual, and media arts are offered to children and adults; the center presents changing art exhibitions and many events and festivals, including the annual San Antonio CineFestival, the Tejano Conjunto Festival, and a season of plays and dance by resident companies. 1300 Guadalupe, (210) 271-3151, guadalupeculturalarts.org
8407 Broadway, #1 (Inside the Viva Bookstore) 210-826-4223 • www.myvegeria.com Live
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Institute of Texan Cultures
With permanent exhibitions representing 26 ethnic and cultural groups who have impacted the state, including Czechs, Austrians, Jews, Italians, and Germans, the ITC, run by the University of Texas at San Antonio, proves that the story of Tejas isn’t just cowboys and Indians, Latinos and Anglos. Touring exhibitions, publications, art shows, and a library including over 3 million images are part of this research and educational facility that hosts events like the Texas Folklife Festival each year. 801 E César Chávez Cir, (210) 458-2300, texancultures.com
Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum
Founded in 1950, the McNay is the oldest modern art museum in Texas, and arguably the most beautiful museum in SA. The 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival home of its namesake arts patron and the Jean-Paul Viguier-designed addition sit atop 23 rolling acres in Alamo Heights. Modern masterpieces by the greats, from Gauguin to Matisse and Cassatt, are joined by contemporary works by Calder, Judd, and de Kooning, changing exhibitions, an art research library, and the Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts, one of the top collections of its kind in the U.S. 6000 N New Braunfels, (210) 824-5368, mcnayart.org continued on page 44
210.822.9533 • 145 E. HILDEBRAND & McCULLOUGH sacurrent.com
SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 43
Museo Alameda
The
Gourmet Cupcake Shop
Delectable Delights Baked Fresh Daily 210-694-0255
11255 Huebner Road, Ste. 110 IH-10 & Huebner Rd.
@ The Strand Shopping Center
Wednesday-Saturday 11:30am to 5:00pm (or until sold out)
continued from page 43
Museo Alameda
Chartered to “tell the story of the Latino experience in America through art, history, and culture,” Museo Alameda opened in 2007 as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Recent exhibitions include “Revolution & Renaissance: Mexico & San Antonio 1910-2010,” and “PreHispanic Art in Western Mexico.” The Museo also presents lectures, book signings, and an ongoing film series. 101 S Santa Rosa, (210) 299-4300, thealameda.org
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Covering 33 acres, the Botanical Garden is home to changing displays of flowers in the formal and display gardens. The Lucile Halsell Conservatory hosts plants from desert to rainforest climates while the Texas Native Trail represents plant environments from the Hill Country, the East Texas Piney Woods, and South Texas. Adding more colors to the foliage is Art in the Garden, ongoing sculpture exhibitions curated by the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center. 555 Funston, (210) 207-3250, sabot.org
San Antonio Children’s Museum
The SA Children’s Museum provides three floors of more than 20 interactive exhibits for toddlers and grade-schoolers; favorites include Leonardo’s Lab with weekly science activities, the Children’s Art Pavilion (supplies included), a kid-powered elevator, story hour, and Runway #9, a flight-training experience for future pilots. 305 E Houston, (210) 212-4453, sakids.org
San Antonio Museum of Art
SAMA is San Antonio’s encyclopedic museum, spanning cultures ‘round the globe from Ancient Egypt to New Guinea, with especially strong collections from Asia and Latin America. Modern
and contemporary art is well-represented, too, and among the pieces of blue-chip art are ever-increasing numbers of works by local artists. Changing exhibitions chosen from select traveling shows are organized in-house by accomplished curators. 200 W Jones, (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org
Southwest School of Art
Every city needs a kick-ass art school to establish urban cred. The SW School makes the grade with flying colors. Located on the historic grounds of the 19th-century Ursuline Academy and Convent, the school provides training in disciplines ranging from the usual painting and sculpture, to glass, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and digital media. The student and faculty shows are stunning, while shows by visiting artists set the bar to international standards. 300 Augusta & 1201 Navarro, (210) 224-1848, swschool.org
Witte Museum
Sure, the Witte stole Native American bones back in the day, but everyone was doing it. It was called archaeology. The 21st-century version of the Texophile museum sticks to less-controversial cadavers, such as mummies and the wildly popular dinosaur exhibit. With science and environment exhibitions, this is a great museum for kids, and the H-E-B Science Treehouse provides a climbing wall and high-wire bicycle rides for hands- (and feet-) on fun. 3801 Broadway, (210) 357-1863, wittemuseum.org
USEUM WITTE M TOPS A R E IC R T
GourmetCupcakeShop.com
44 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
COURTESY PHOTOS
Special Orders Welcome sacurrent.com
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“REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE” AT SLAB CINEMA SEPTEMBER 21
TRULY INDEPENDENT CINEMA Alamo City’s fanciest museum offers one-time-only artsy film screenings on a biweekly basis. Free for museum members. Check website for details. 6000 N New Braunfels, (210) 824.5368, mcnayart.org
Santikos Bijou
“The Bijou” is probably the most prestigious and best loved movie theater in town, at least for serious movie lovers. The few foreign films and the many English-language arthouse favorites that come to SA are shown here, and every Thursday there’s free movie night for the first 200 attendees. Bonus: you can eat and drink, “and I don’t mean just like in no paper cup; I’m talking about a glass of beer.” And wine. And tequila. 4522 Fredericksburg, (210) 734-4552, santikos.com/ bijou.html
Slab Cinema
A mix of immortal classics and popular, mainstream films, Slab Cinema is a unique outdoor night at the movies, where films are projected at dusk on a huge inflatable screen. The free movies are shown at the Botanical Garden, HemisFair Park, The Friendly Spot, Main Plaza, Sunset Station, and a growing list of new locations. Heck, you can even rent the whole thing for your own event. Check their website for future screenings. Free, dusk, (210) 212.9373, slabcinema.com
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Tardes de Cine
La Casa Argentina, Casa de España, el Ateneo de San Antonio, Amigos de Chile, and Instituto Cultural de México host free monthly screenings of films from Argentina, México, Chile, and Spain at the Sala Durango of UTSA Downtown campus and at the Instituto Cultural de México. Expect smart discussion and refreshments afterward. Free, UTSA, 501 César E. Chávez Instituto Cultural de México, 600 HemisFair Park, casadeespanasanantonio.org
Thursday Night Films at King Court’s Frankfurter Express
No room for crap at this small, intimate movie spot located at a hot dog restaurant with plenty of delicious veggie options. Art films, cult gems, documentaries, dramas, comedies, foreign, musicals. Anything goes here, as long as it involves great film. Free, 8pm, 111 Kings Court, (210) 737-7774, frankfurterexpress.com
TPR Cinema Tuesdays
Texas Public Radio’s summer Cinema Tuesdays series can’t show a bad movie. It’s biologically impossible for these organizers. From foreign films to the best American classics (old and new), silent and talkies, this is the series in town, with only one flaw: it should be there all year long. Santikos Bijou, 4522 Fredericksburg, (210) 734-4552, tpr.org/cinema
COURTESY PHOTO
McNay Art Museum
PROUDLY SERVING OUR MILITARY SINCE 1974!
SMOKING PATIO FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
EVERY TUESDAY - PICK YOUR LIQUOR
$2.50 Everything
Renee Garvens and Tim Waggoner in AtticRep’s 2011 production of Fifty Words.
LIVE THEATER AtticRep
Since it began in 2005, the professional theater company in residence at Trinity University has engaged the community with new and acclaimed works by established and emerging playwrights, such as Edward Albee, Rachel Axler, Jasmina Reza, Harold Pinter, and Sam Shepard, in smart productions that are consistently honed, often to brilliance. One Trinity, (210) 999-8524, atticrep.org
Cameo Theatre
Built in 1940 on the Eastside, the Cameo offers the light comedies and dinner theater, with interactive murder-mysteries that bring a dollop of song, a soupçon of wit, and a bowl of intrigue to the table. You (the audience) become entwined in the plot as suspects and detectives while the crime is solved before the last course is finished. 1123 E Commerce, (210) 212-5454, cameocenter.com
Classic Theatre of San Antonio
Based at the Sterling Houston Theatre at JumpStart, this professional theater company is dedicated to presenting “popular classics and lost masterpieces” to a growing audience, offering engaging fare from masters like Shakespeare, Arthur Miller, Federico García Lorca, and local dramatist Gregg Barrios, among others. 108 Blue Star, (210) 589-8450, classictheatre.org
Josephine Theatre
Community theater off the St. Mary’s Strip, with a twist: off-Broadway shows like Ain’t Misbehavin’ join local productions of popular classics and visiting musical entertainers throughout the highly eclectic season. 339 W Josephine, (210) 734-4646, josephinetheatre.org
Jump-Start
PHOTO BY SIGGI RAGNAR
Since 1985, the Jump-Start Performance Company has created, produced, or hosted over 500 original works by local and international talent. Housing the Sterling Houston Theatre, Jump-Start also presents educational programs to the community, such as Historias y Cuentos (Stories and Tales) a long-term collaboration with 10 local, urban public elementary schools. 108 Blue Star, (210) 227-5867, jump-start.org
The Charline McCombs Empire Theatre and the Majestic Theatre
The Empire Theatre opened in 1913 designed as an Italian palazzo with ornate carvings covered in 23K gold. When it opened as a movie and vaudeville house in 1929, the Majestic was the second-largest theater in the country, and
(Excludes Super Premiums)
$2 Domestics Mon-Wed 5p-8p $1.75 Wells & $2 Domestics During All NFL & Spurs Games
one of the most ornate theaters ever built. Both eventually fell into ruin, but were purchased by the City of San Antonio and restored. Since 1989, the Majestic has been home to the San Antonio Symphony and presents mega-musicals such as Cats and Phantom of the Opera. Reopened as the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre in 1998, it now hosts small music performances and children’s theater. Majestic, 224 E Houston, Empire, 226 N St. Mary’s, (210) 226-2121, magesticempire.com
338 VALLEY HI DR. 673-5117 NOON - 2AM EVERYDAY
KARAOKE
Magik Theatre
EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY!
Located in HemisFair Park, the Magik Theatre offers a full-season of youth-oriented plays, workshops in schools, and the Magik Theatre Acting and Creativity Academy for children. 420 S Alamo, (210) 227-2751, magiktheatre.org
Overtime Theater
Known for producing original plays by local actors and crew year-round, the Overtime emphasizes works by Texan playwrights, and is home to the River City Actors Studio, a theater workshop. 1414 S Alamo Ste 103, (210) 557-7562, theovertimetheater.org
Serving San Antonio since 1972
Sheldon Vexler Theatre
Known as “The Vex,” the beloved community theater at the Barshop Jewish Community Center presents thought-provoking productions by local artists, focusing on classic works by American playwrights such as Thornton Wilder, Alfred Uhry, and Arthur Miller. 12500 NW Military, (210) 302-6835, vexler.org
Woodlawn Theatre
The Woodlawn opened in 1946 as a movie house; now, it is the Deco District home to musical theater, recently performing well-known titles such as Rent, Miss Saigon, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. New productions are always on the lookout for local talent, which is encouraged by the Youth Musical Theatre Workshops held regularly onsite. 1920 Fredericksburg, (210) 738-1117, woodlawntheatre.com
NON-SMOKERS! OUTSIDE PATIO FOR ALL OF OUR
SMOKERS!
San Pedro Playhouse
The Greek-Revival style San Pedro Playhouse opened in 1930 as home to community performers, eventually becoming known as the San Antonio Little Theater. Now owned by the City, The Playhouse is the longest running live theater in SA, presenting mostly family-centered fare on the main stage, and occasionally, more socially critical theater in the small Cellar Theatre. 800 W Ashby, (210) 733-7258, sanpedroplayhouse.com
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11am to 2am Everyday SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 47
50 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
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ESSENTIAL Dining AMERICANA/ NEW AMERICAN Bruce Auden’s menu includes such Southwest-continental dishes as chicken-fried oysters with squid-ink linguini and pancetta, and grilled Texas quail, all of which can be paired to appropriate wines by the glass from Biga’s ample list. 203 S St. Mary’s, (210) 225-0722, biga.com
A contemporary gem on the Southtown corridor, the Feast here is for all of the senses. The modern and glamorous décor set the scene for cocktails and a new twist on familiar classics, like Monterey Jack macaroni and cheese, lettuce-wrapped barbacoa, and Montasio cheese crisps. 1024 S Alamo, (210) 354-1024, feastsa.com
Boardwalk on Bulverde
Guenther House
Food trucks are the hottest trend in eating since sliced bread, and Boardwalk on Bulverde is ground-zero for the movement. Beer, wine, and food of all varieties are served out of funky trailers alongside such varied entertainment as movies and football at this ambling oasis of food trucks and good fun. 14732 Bulverde Rd, (210) 402-2829, boardwalkonbulverde.com
Drew’s American Grill
PHOTO BY VERONICA LUNA
Feast
Biga on the Banks
Wood-fired, New York-style pizza, and real Big Apple corned beef and pastrami done with Texas hospitality and charm. Bread made from scratch and imported mustard and pickles give every detail a glow. Large selection of wines by the glass and craft cocktails, to boot. 18740 Stone Oak Pkwy, (210) 483-7600, drewsamericangrill.com
The lunch menu doesn’t really inspire, but breakfast is an all-day event: perfect biscuits, stacks of pancakes dripping in syrup, and waffles topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream are made more enjoyable by the cool green dining room’s handsome mosaic floors and exotic light fixtures. 205 E Guenther, (210) 227-1061, guentherhouse.com
Las Canarias
Chef John Brand has stepped up the service and menu at Las Canarias, and the New American menu (featuring Scottish king salmon and beef tenderloin) in this River Walk setting makes for a romantic dinner or escapist lunch. The Omni La Mansion del Rio Hotel, 112 College, (210) 518-1000, omnihotels.com
Still hungry? Find even more dining options at sacurrent.com/ restaurants
DREW’s AN AMERIC GRILL
Liberty Bar at the Convent
Some vestige of the old beloved Liberty has migrated to the painstakingly restored wooden windows and beautiful new bar in the remade nunnery, and just as importantly the food is unscathed, from the hefty bread and creative appetizers to the lightly charred quail in piquant green mole and Virginia Green’s famous chocolate cake. 1111 S Alamo, (210) 227-1187, liberty-bar.com
Mac & Ernie’s Roadside Eatery
Naylene Dillingham-Stolzer’s wholly inventive pan-Texican fare is well worth the Hill Country drive. Try the Fry-fecta — one lamb chop, one quail, and one filet — chicken-fried with bacon-jalapeño gravy. BYO wine for a $5 corkage fee. Cash or check only. 11804 FM 470, Tarpley, (830) 562-3727, macandernies.com
Madhatters Tea House and Café
”Best of SA” 2008 winner for Sunday Brunch, Madhatters woos early risers and late hangover-nursers with bottomless mimosas and smoked salmon eggs benedict on the weekends. Enjoy homey sandwiches and desserts all week long in the Alice-in-
Wonderland-like Southtown house. 320 Beauregard, (210) 212-4832, madhatterstea.com
Magnolia Pancake Haus
Magnolia’s is a morning tradition for many a San Antonian. Food is prepared from scratch, start to finish, from the batters to the syrup. Here you will discover breakfast with character, like the Sarkis-inspired omelette, the German puffed pancake, and corned beef hash. 606 Embassy Oaks, Ste 100, (210) 496-0828, magnoliapancakehaus.com
Restaurant Gwendolyn
Chef Michael Sohocki has pledged that Gwendolyn (named after his grandmother, an Oklahoma pig farmer) will serve only products available within a 150-mile radius of SA. The menu rotates daily, delighting with such expertly prepared dishes as tagliatelle with pork belly and smoked rabbit with creamy polenta and braised purple kale. Calling ahead is advised, and the kitchen happily accommodates vegetarians as well as other special needs.152 E Pecan, Ste 100, (210) 222-1849, restaurantgwendolyn.com continued on page 52
San Antonio’s premier vegetarian restaurant CLOSED SATURDAYS
ALON SHOPPING CENTER
10003 NW Military Suite 2115 (Corner of Wurzbach and NW Military) Sun - Fri 11am - 9pm • 210.233.1249
greensanantonio.com
DOWNTOWN
1017 N. Flores • Sun - Fri 8am - 9pm 210.320.5865
sacurrent.com
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Silo 1604
JAPANESE GARDEN RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR
A handsomely presented plate of shrimp adorned with tasso ham pepper sauce and served over andouille white cheddar grits is a favored dish, as are the signature chicken-fried oysters at this stunning North Loop restaurant and bar. 434 N Loop 1604 W, (210) 4838989, siloelevatedcuisine.com
Adelante
This Alamo Heights staple proves that healthy Tex-Mex can still be tasty with tofu enchiladas, brown rice, refried beans, and sweet-potato fries served in a gallery-like setting. 21 Brees, (210) 822-7681
Boudro’s
SAN ANTONIO’S OLDEST AUTHENTIC FULL MENU JAPANESE RESTAURANT
A Current readers’ favorite for River Walk dining and for its renowned guacamole, made fresh tableside with plenty of spice and citrus, Boudro’s makes braving the downtown tourists fun, and the Tex-Mex bistro fare is gastronomically rewarding, too. 421 E Commerce, (210) 224-8484, boudros.com
“OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK - SINCE 1970”
615-7553
Cascabel Mexican Patio
YEARS
1970-2011
▲The Esquire Tavern
9030 WURZBACH RD. FUJIYAJAPANESEGARDEN.COM
This comfortably hip lounge is redefining River Walk nightlife with its excellent, hand-crafted cocktails, quirky menu of tavern and bar eats, and the coolest atmosphere in town. This is the place for covert rendezvous or a midday lunch that takes you beyond city limits into a whole different world of taste. 155 E Commerce, (210) 222-2521, esquiretavern-sa.com
The Grill at Leon Springs
L ’Etoile is dead; long live Thierry Burkle’s new star, which serves updated, casual continental fare (with Asian accents) in a classy country kitchen. 24116 W IH-10, (210) 698-8797, leonspringsgrill.com
The Monterey
This Southtown gem turns comfort food classics into fine-dining treats. Po-Boys, crispy pig’s foot, and grilled cheese sandwiches never tasted like this in Gram’s kitchen. 1127 S St. Mary’s, (210) 745-2581, themontereysa.com
The Sandbar
The new incarnation of Sandbar at the Pearl is bigger and somewhat fancier, taking advantage of a full kitchen to produce hot plates characterized by sophisticated sauces and accompaniments, but its strengths are still the fresh fish in any form and its way with lobster, from rolls to the velvety bisque. Top-notch wine and beer, too. 200 E Grayson, Ste 117, (210) 212-2221, sandbarsa.com
The Station Café
Everything is made from scratch at this Southtown gem, which recently moved into much larger digs next door. Try the habanero turkey sandwich or Southwestern pizza, and top it off with a slice of coconut cream pie. 108 King William, (210) 444-2200, thestationsa.com
W.D. Deli
W.D. Deli makes flavor-packed, over-stuffed sandwiches (accounting for its 2011 Best Deli win in the “Current’s Readers’ Poll”), Caesar, chef, and other assorted salads, and a selection of soups that rotate daily. Cookies and cakes distinguish W.D. Deli. 3123 Broadway, (210) 828-2322, wddeli.com
sacurrent.com
A sleeper star on Texas Monthly’s 2010 list of “The 50 Best Mexican Restaurants in the Lone Star State,” Cascabel offers an intriguing alternative to taqueria fare by doing justice to recipes from southern Mexico and adding charming touches like silver napkin rings and complimentary sopa de fideo. Don’t miss the tender, spicy cochinita pibil or the hangovercuring chilaquiles. 1000 S St. Mary’s, (210) 212-6456
La Gloria
Sure, the dishes aren’t precisely what you’d get south of the border, but they mostly survive their transplant from Mexico coast to San Antonio River still succulent and flavorful. The bubbling molcajete dishes are rich and satisfying, and the ceviches fresh and tangy. Enjoy a house margarita on the ice-house’s airy patio, and don’t skip the camarones agua chile or the coconut flan. 100 E Grayson, (210) 267-9040, lagloriaicehouse.com
La Hacienda de los Barrios
At this northern outpost of the also outstanding Los Barrios, sample such time-tested standbys as the cabrito en salsa and the cortadillo zuazua style, a semi-stew of tenderloin. For dessert, consider an empanada filled with guava paste and cream cheese. 18747 Redland, (210) 497-8000, lhdlb.com
Mariscos El Bucanero
Your fish-phobic friends can get a top-notch asada plate (with enough for two), but this is a fresh-seafood lover’s paradise, from the spicy camarones aguachile to the whole fried fish with a guppy-size price tag. Plus: best fried shrimp in town. 2818 S WW White, (210) 333-0909
Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine
Paloma Blanca’s elegant menu offers traditional and updated versions of Mexican favorites, with standouts including pollo asado, tacos al pastor, and shrimp fajitas. Choose from a variety of margaritas to complement your meal and don’t miss out on the signature pastel de tres leches for dessert. 5800 Broadway Ste 300, (210) 8226151, palomablanca.net
Rosario’s Restaurant y Cantina
Lisa Wong brought bright lights, big city to the cantina concept and forged a Tex-Mex empire in Southtown that’s still frequented by locals even as it becomes increasingly renowned among the travel and dining set. A three-category “Best of SA” ’09 juggernaut: Best Salsa, Best Mole, Tangiest Michelada. 910 S Alamo, (210) 2231806, rosariossa.com
PHOTO BY JOSH HUSKIN
41
52 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
MEXICAN/ TEX-MEX
LA GLORIA potent sangria for bigger kids make The Friendly Spot your go-to for laid back lounging. 943 S Alamo St, (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com
Urban Taco
Possibly the only place in town you can ditch the tortilla in favor of a crisp lettuce wrap, Urban Taco puts a modern spin on Mexican dining with small but flavorful tacos made with fresh ingredients, including tasty red snapper, seared ahi tuna, and chilerubbed pork. 290 E Basse, Ste 105, (210) 332-5149, urban-taco.com
STEAKS/BARBECUE
Augie’s Barbed Wire Smoke House
Taco Haven
PHOTO BY IMELDA VERGARA
A Southtown staple for more than 30 years, Taco Haven’s Food Network Magazine-approved menu has expanded to include burgers alongside infamous tacos such as the Torres Special: refrieds, bacon, and guacamole. 1032 S Presa, (210) 533-2171, tacohavenpresa.com
Taco Taco
In 2007, Taco Taco joined such worldrenowned restaurants as Peter Luger Steakhouse and Wolfgang Puck’s CUT on Bon Appétit and Food Network’s collaborative list of “Top American
Restaurants,” earning the title of Best Tacos in America. In a city where breakfast tacos can be found on nearly every corner, the ones served at Taco Taco stand out as a handsdown favorite. 145 E Hildebrand, (210) 822-9533, tacotacosa.com
The Friendly Spot
Bring your dog, your bike, and your crew to enjoy a selection of 180 cold brews, 25 unique drafts, and interior Mexican street food till late served outdoors at the downtown ice house. A playground for the kids and
Slow, low cooking in an iron pit has produced the authentic taste of Texas style at 2011 “Best of SA” winner Augie’s. Brisket, sausage, and even foot-long hot dogs are served alongside an excellent beer garden and tree house. 3709 N St. Mary’s, (210) 735-0088, augiesbs.com
The Barn Door
Historic and charming, the Barn Door is a San Antonio institution. Although recent additions (including a wine room and a wi-fi-equipped patio) have brought the place up to date, the classics haven’t changed — Southern-style steaks and seafood, nostalgic décor, and Texas hospitality.
8400 N New Braunfels, (210) 8240116, barndoorrestaurant.com
Bohanan’s
Fine steaks and seafood are served in high style at this tony establishment in the heart of downtown. When you’re looking for the best eating in the city, Bohanan’s offers unrivaled dining and elegance. Flaming desserts made in front of your eyes will wow even the most jaded connoisseur. 219 E Houston, (210) 472-2600, bohanans.com
Bun ’N’ Barrel
For ambience and taste, this is the closest to a real Texas barbecue experience in San Antonio. The pork ribs are really tasty, the brisket a solid B+, and the poppy-seed rolls with the sliced barbecue sandwich rock. 1150 Austin Hwy, (210) 828-2829, bunnbarrel.com
Little Red Barn
In a state renowned for all things beef, it’s no small feat to operate the largest steakhouse in Texas since 1963. This family-owned joint has a retro appeal that would draw the likes of both Dolly Parton and indie filmmakers alike. Forget the hype, and go for a tried-and true-classic like this quintessential Texas roadhouse. 1836 S Hackberry, (210) 532-4235, littleredbarnsteakhouse.com
Little Rhein Steakhouse
With one of the best positions on the River Walk, Little Rhein could coast on its location laurels, but its dependable menu of prime steaks and chops is a perennial crowd pleaser, and the award-winning wine selection is among the best in the city. In good weather, pick the patio. 231 S Alamo, (210) 225-2111, littlerheinsteakhouse.com
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q
This wildly popular, Leon Springs-born chain wasn’t part of the Current’s 2007 survey, but our readers voted it in themselves, naming Rudy’s Best Barbecue in 2008. Multiple locations, rudys.com
The Barbecue Station
Ranching and motoring memorabilia are the backdrop for moist, slightly fatty, and smoky brisket, and a bottomless bucket of savory pinto beans. The meat doesn’t need the sauce, but it’s a good thin, tart-sweet, and tangy variety (it wouldn’t hurt the peppery sausage, though). Even the pecan pie, mass-produced though it may be, contains a generous layer of nuts. 1610 NE Loop 410, (210) 824-9191, barbecuestation.com
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Two Bros. BBQ Market
Chef Jason Dady and sibling Jake try their hands at the Texas triple lutz and pretty much land it with oak-fired smoke pits, a great dry rub, and a genius take on chicken thighs. The blueberry cobbler gets a standing ovation. Kidfriendly with outdoor seating. 12656 West Ave, (210) 496-0222, twobrosbbqmarket.com
ITALIAN
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
Their wood-burning oven produces pies that are authentically, officially Neapolitan, with a crisp and savory crust topped with fresh, milky mozzarella (made onsite) melting into the sweet and tart sauce. A perpetual “Best of SA” favorite, Dough also boasts one of the city’s most intriguing wine lists. 6989 Blanco, (210) 979-6565, doughpizzeria.com
Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria
Thanks to a water-modification system, this Brooklyn-based pizza franchise delivers a unique thin crust that’s hard to find outside greater NYC. Three sauce options (red, white, and pesto) and 20 toppings mean there’s no fear of a pizza Nazi disapproving of your nonauthentic tastes. 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, (210) 690-4949, grimaldispizzeria.com
Il Sogno Osteria
Andrew Weissman’s take on casual “four-star” Italian dining combines sophisticated décor and presentation with hearty dishes straight from the boot. The wild boar with pasta and the oven-roasted chicken with truffled mashed potatoes are but two examples of the treats in store. Don’t skip the antipasti bar, either, and ask for recommendations from the regional wine list. 200 E Grayson, (210) 223-3900
PHOTO BY ERIK GUSTAFSON
Little Italy
This small, down-to-earth restaurant has everything you’d expect from an authentic, family-owned Italian joint, right down to the red-and-white-checkered tablecloths. The menu offers typical Italian fare, but the servers push the pizza, which you can watch the chef spin and bake through a giant open window that connects the front dining room to the kitchen. Word has it this is where the Lady first macked on the Tramp. Viva Italia! 824 Afterglow, (210) 349-2060
Paesanos
TOST BISTRO BAR
Joe Cosniac’s original Lincoln Heights heir serves the signature breaded, garlicky Shrimp Paesano, a meaty eggplant parmigiana, and if the devotees are to be believed, one of the best steaks in town. “2009 Best of SA Readers’ Poll” winner for Best Italian. 555 E Basse, (210) 828-5191, paesanos.com
Tré Trattoria
Jason Dady’s penultimate outing — rustic, plentiful Italian served parkside on Broadway — succeeds with authentic salumi, gnocchi, and cast-iron griddled pizzas. 4003 Broadway, (210) 805-0333, tretrattoria.com
EUROPEAN
Bistro Vatel
Damien Watel’s cozy and unpretentious signature restaurant is the place to get your French game and cassoulet fixes, but don’t skip the pistacchiograpefruit tart when it’s on the menu. The chefproprietor claims descent from the master steward François Vatel and takes his legacy seriously. 218 E Olmos, (210) 828-3141, bistrovatel.com
Frederick’s
A younger audience has keyed into this dowdy but disciplined Franco-Asian fusion restaurant in the shadow of fusty Dijon Plaza. Snails take on a new tone in a casserole with lusty sausage, white beans, and tomato, while foie gras is frankly fantastic seared and served with a Cognac and butter sauce. 7701 Broadway, (210) 828-9050, frederickssa.com
La Frite Belgian Bistro
This Southtown homage to European café life feels and tastes authentic, from the succulent moules and crispy frites to the pleasantly crowded row of sidewalk seating and a topnotch list of Belgian beers. 728 S Alamo, (210) 224-7555, lafritesa.com
Tost Bistro Bar
Jean-Francois Poujol gets his game right at this sophisticated contemporary-dining restaurant. The accompaniments are adventurous with a rustic foundation, and the wine list (like the menu) is short but well edited. Retreat to the full bar for a perfect French 75 after dinner if the lounge music isn’t to your liking. 14415 Blanco, (210) 408-2670, tostbistro.com continued on page 57
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Chicago Bagel& Deli
CAFE
TOP 10 REASONS TO CHOOSE CHICAGO BAGEL &DELI 10.Family owned & OPERATED 9. Fast friendly customer service. 8. All bagel doughs are mixed and made fresh on premises 7. Our BAGELS are BOILED and placed on boards before they are turned onto the hearth stone. 6. YES,....BOILED then baked 5. We have Hebrew national deli meats and serve the Vienna beef Chicago style hot dog 4. Serious,..fresh cut deli meat sandwiches made to order with one of our home-style sides 3. We are the oldest and longest running bagel shop in San Antonio....since 1994. Same baker too! 2. The DELI part means meats, cheeses, and pretty much anything we have by the LB. 1. And the number one reason is.... IF YOUR BAGEL IS NOT BOILED IT’S JUST A ROLL WITH A FREAKIN HOLE! NOT A BAGEL!
STORE HOURS
WEEKDAYS: 6am-3pm SAT: 7am-3pm SUN: 7am-2pm
SO YOU’VE TRIED THE REST, NOW COME CHEW ON THIS......BAGEL
Serving San Antonio for 43 Years! 1969-2012 Mon-Sat: 5:30AM-3PM Sun: 7AM-3PM 521 E. Woodlawn at St. Mary ’s
737.8646
DON’T FORGET TO LIKE US ON
Family Owned and Operated since 1994 making us the oldest bagel shop is SAN ANTONIO
facebook.com/ elmilagrito
10918 WURZBACH, STE 132 S.A., TX 78230
210-921-2745
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEk
? S B I R S T N WHO WA bbSmOkEhOuSE.cOm 56 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
2627 PLEASANTON RD. SAN ANTONIO, TX sacurrent.com
NIKI’S TOKYO INN
ASIAN
Yaya’s Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Goro’s Sushi
While some places pride their sushi on tradition, Goro’s celebrates variety and innovation with flair. Order a starter while you study the menu — the dizzying list of maki options takes some time to absorb. On our visit, three of Goro’s sushi masters crafted artful rolls using the same ingredients — and all three looked entirely different. 2619 Mossrock, (210) 349-8117, gorossushisa.com
This Olmos Park addition to SA’s Thai pantheon stands out by virtue of its Panang curry with New York strip, the Hit and Run fried duck, and fresh, well-seasoned apps like the lemongrass-packed fish cakes and the crisp, carefully fried spring rolls. 5305 McCullough, (210) 399-1454, yayasthai.com
Ilsong Garden
Long skewers of lamb and chicken beckon, but try the Syrian-style kibbeh instead, with sides of both hummus and baba ghanoush. Though the portions are uncommonly small — and perhaps overpriced — the cost of going without such delicacies would be higher still. 3259 Wurzbach, (210) 680-8400, jerusalemgrill.net
PHOTO BY CHUCK KERR
This family-owned Korean café is the perfect date-night destination. Elegant table settings and soft music fade to the background as you taste the authentic dishes of Korean and Asian provenance. Homemade kimchi and the best bulgogi you’ve ever had make Ilsong Garden the ultimate Korean dining choice in the city. 6905 Blanco, (210) 366-4508, ilsonggarden.com
Niki’s Tokyo Inn
A hidden gem of Japanese food emerges from an exterior that says “go away.” The fish is among the freshest in town and the presentation is elegant and free of gimmick
GLOBAL
Jerusalem Grill
and cream cheese. Take your purist friends and sushi novices who are really in it for the raw. Delectable whole fried fish makes a good closer. Our critic suggests you just put yourself in the chef’s hands. 819 W Hildebrand, (210) 736-5471
Adventurers who dare rub lips with a little “soft tendon” in their bath of noodle soup (found under “fortifying combos” on the menu) will be rewarded with a tongue tingle worth remembering. 300 W Bitters, (210) 499-5572
Pho Cong Ly
Pho Sure
Save yourself any floundering with Chinese mainstays like lemon chicken and move straight into the lemongrass or pho dishes.
This cozy spot offers the taste sensations of a variety of Asian cultures. Sushi, in addition to the ever-popular pho, is fantastic, as are the Thai and
Vietnamese noodle dishes and savory entrees. Convenient for students and downtown residents, Pho Sure also offers delivery. 741 W Ashby, (210) 733-8473, pho-sure.com
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
Sawasdee gets almost everything right. And the attention to detail in their sauces makes the place a vegetarian heaven. 6407 Blanco, (210) 979-9110, sawasdeesa.com
Moroccan Bites
Family and fresh are the essence of Moroccan Bites. Fresh bread and mint tea will bring you to your knees, but skip the soups and go for the chicken or lamb tagine. 5714 Evers, (210) 706-9700, moroccanbitescuisine.com continued on page 58
w o N o Pati en!!! Op
210.226.7556
1423 McCullough Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212 sacurrent.com
SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 57
STILL OINKING AFTER 91 YEARS
Mary Ann’s Pig Stand World’s First Drive-In 3
ca ‘7 nn - cir
Mary A
Mary Ann’s
pig stand
1508 Broadway 7a-11p Sun-Thur • 7a-2a fri-sat • maryannspigstand.com • 210-222-9923
Great Food!
11888 Starcrest Phone 496-7092 Charlie-Browns.com
Daily Drink Specials! Karaoke Trivia Live Music
continued from page 57
Mina and Dimi’s Greek House
Traditional Greek fare served with a side of warm hospitality. Although the pita is perfectly soft and savory, the flavorful gyro can stand on its own, perhaps accompanied by flaky spanakopita or a tangy Greek salad. Avoid the lunch rush, but if you can’t, go for Friday’s popular buffet. 7159 W Hwy 90, (210) 674-3464, agreekhouse.com
Ocho
Handsome, well-oiled bar with aspirational lunch and dinner fare, including the Havana Cubano torta and shrimp and crab campechana. Special touches sometimes exceed the kitchen’s reach, but much to rave about. 1015 Navarro, (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com
MINA AND DI MI’S GREEK HO USE to local, organic eats. 1017 N Flores, (210) 3205865, greensanantonio.com
Pavani Express Vegetarian Café
The all-veggie, vegan-friendly food is worth waiting for. We recommend the delicious saffron lemon rice, a big puri (fried, tortilla-like puffed-up bread), navratam korma (mixed vegetables), paneer (homemade cheese), and pakoras (fritters). Most menu items are under $10, but you’ll need to combine plates for a real Indian dinner. 5755 Evers, (210) 680-3134, pavaniexpresscafe.com
The Cove
Recognized by Texas Monthly for its burgers, which also come in a tasty meatless version, the Cove has become a veggie haven under the Pasha Mediterranean Grill hand of Lisa Asvestas. Justly famous for its This brightly arranged Middle fish tacos, the Food Network-approved Still hungry? Eastern oasis dishes some of the Cove stands a step above the rest Find even more best falafel this city has to offer. based on its commitment to sustaindining options at While friendly to the meat eaters able food sources. Live music, a sacurrent.com/ among us, kudos to Pasha for its thoughtful beer and wine selection, restaurants generous offering of vegetarian an outdoor playground, and an plates — including standards like onsite car wash and laundromat make baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and the the Cove a favorite among progressive restaurant’s signature seasoned potatoes. 9339 multi-taskers. 606 W Cypress, (210) 227-2683, Wurzbach, (210) 561-5858, gopasha.com thecove.us A welcome setting for a variety of Turkish foods — including excellent Doner kebab, mixed grill, chicken tava, baklava, and sütlaç (rice pudding) — with affordable lunch prices. 3720 NW Loop 410, (210) 736-2887, turquoisegrill.com
6565 BABCOCK RD (AT DE ZAVALA) STE. #19 San Antonio, TX 78249 210.384.2974 | 210.854.4771 suckithookah@hotmail.com
58 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
VEGETARIAN AND VEG-FRIENDLY Green Vegetarian Cuisine
Macrobiotic, vegan, vegetarian, and kosher tastes are well served at this family-owned, homegrown vegetarian café. Toothsome baked goods and savory breakfast, lunch, and dinner options abound. A walk through the front yard garden will convince you of Green’s dedication
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Vegeria
Spanish pronunciation please. Ve-her-eeh-a. It makes a difference. As does this stellar start-up by David Lee Trevino and Fred Anthony Garza delivering (to our knowledge) the only all-vegan restaurant experience in the city. The menu’s gone through some revisions since we were there, but we got more than expected in the cup of posole soup, where sliced red cabbage and tostadas on the side made for great addons. And a plate of flautas, multi-grain tortillas filled with potato and peas and pan-fried, were better than average fare, especially with a dab of the provided decent guacamole or roasted salsa. 8407 Broadway, Ste 1, (210) 826-4223, myvegeria.com
PHOTO BY ERIK GUSTAFSON
Turquoise Grill
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SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 59
- Visit the Coyote Ugly Souvenir Shop - We have Food! Kitchen Open Sun.-Thur. 11-10p Fri.-Sat. 11-1a - Upstairs bar w/DJ Vic mixing it up! - Book your event or private party here
2 CLUBS IN ON E PLACE SOMETHING FO R EVERYONE!
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(NOON-8 ON SUNDAY) $2.75 wells $2. domestic cans, pints, & bottles $2.50 dos xx bottles $3. jagermeister DAILY SPECIALS: MON - $3.75 Frozen Jack & Coke TUES - $3.75 Espolon Purple Geckos WED - $1.50 Domestic Pints THURS - $3.75 Shot Board FRI - $3.75 Frozen Margaritas SAT - $3.75 Starf*ckers SUN - $3.75 Shot Board $3 JAGER & $4 JAGER BOMBS EVERYDAY
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SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 61
shopping
TREASURE HUNTING SAN ANTO STYLE SA's most exciting shopping destinations are about as far away from the mall as you can get.
Mod Pad
Photos and text by Bryan Rindfuss
Under a year old, Mod Pad offers what its name suggests — home furnishings worthy of everyone from Barbarella to the Brady Bunch. Covering two floors connected by a spiral staircase, Mod Pad doubles as a design resource by presenting furniture and home accents as they would be displayed in a home — making it a favorite among decorators and interior designers. On Mondays and Tuesdays, co-owners Michael Kelley and Kei Kishaba deliver on their motto — “Leave the picking to us” — by closing up shop and scouring the Midwest for mid-century finds designed by the likes of Adrian Pearsall and Milo Baughman. 2615 Broadway, (210) 831-4869, mod-pad.com. Hours: 11am-7pm Wed-Sat, noon-6pm Sun.
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Alamo Antique Mall
Expect to find anything and everything in the nooks and crannies of Tonie and Juan Cortez’s Alamo Antique Mall, a treasure-hunter’s goldmine with three floors of curiosities charmingly arranged by upwards of 30 vendors. Housed in a bomb-shelter-equipped building from 1886, the picker’s paradise preserves and sells the past in the form of everything from coins and military collectibles to vintage clothes and magazines. While the place is brimming with covetable items, Will Day’s Alamo Records (serving the downtown area for 21 years and counting) stands out with a jaw-dropping collection he estimates at around 80,000 albums — Tejano, doo-wop, classic country, you name it, many of which are still wrapped in the original plastic. Another area of interest is the “Rustic Room,” a weathered homage to the Wild West with an abundance of beer-related ephemera. Allegedly, the mall’s resident ghost (who’s reportedly even appeared to lawyers and doctors) feels most at home in its ranch-inspired confines. While it’s unlikely there’s another $900 “Battle of the Alamo” sword to be nabbed here and resold for $75,000, surprises lurk around every corner ― including the cover of the very first issue of the Current, laminated and up for grabs at a reasonable $12. 125 Broadway, (210) 224-4354. Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun.
Fiesta on Main
For many, the idea of throwing a party without first stocking up on supplies at cheery Fiesta on Main is out of the question. But beyond the plastic plates and cups in every color of the rainbow, and streamers to suit every occasion from Fiesta to el Día de los Muertos, lies a wealth of goodies culled from Oaxaca, Guanajuato, and Mexico City, all at spree-inducing prices. Hand embroidered guayaberas ($15-$30) and Mexican dresses ($14.95-$32), sugar skulls, folk-art figurines, Talavera tiles and kitchenware, hand-painted tin ornaments, and lawn ornaments galore are but a few of the giftable items that have kept Fiesta on Main a one-stop shopping destination for locals and visitors alike for nearly two decades. 2025 N Main, (210) 738-1188, alamofiesta.com. Hours: 9:30am-5:30pm Mon-Sat.
San Angel Folk Art
Taking its name from the San Angel suburb of Mexico City, Hank Lee’s San Angel Folk Art gallery specializes in “folk, outsider, visionary, and vernacular art,” and represents 30-plus artists from Mexico, Latin America, the United States, Europe, and Africa. One of the more fascinating aspects of the gallery, which is modeled after a Victorian curiosity shop and has been doing business in the Blue Star Arts Complex for 23 years now, is that its many intriguing vignettes juxtapose works by Rome Prize-winners, Venice Biennale contributors, and unknowns such as Dr. Teresa Allen, an outsider artist who lives under the Commerce Street bridge. While works by Allen can be had for a mere $20, a wood carving by New Mexico-based santero Nicholas Herrera (such as “Pernando” which depicts Jesus being arrested for not having his papers in order) can set a shopper back more than $4,000. Hand-made in Veracruz in unexpected fabrics, San Angel’s whimsical line of guayaberas ($115-$125) is reason enough to stop in for a spell. 110 Blue Star, (210) 226-6688, sanangelfolkart. com, sanangelclothing.com. Hours: 11am-6pm daily. continued on page 64
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continued from page 63
Oz
Situated in the historic shadow of the Gilmore Pharmacy (built in 1938 and now doing business as the Olmos Bharmacy), Oz lays out an eclectic yellow-brick road paved in ’50s- and ’60s-era treasures that spill out of the tiny shop into the parking lot. Among the items you’re likely to score here are well-preserved vintage light fixtures and kitchenware, smartly priced Herman Miller furniture, German steamer trunks, and local artwork collected by co-owners Adrian Herrera and Camilla Ochoa assisted by local scouts versed in the tradition of buying and selling. 207 E Hildebrand, (210) 782-7667, oz-modern.com. Hours: 10:30am5:30pm Tue-Sat.
sloan/hall
This top-notch emporium with a sister store in Houston is a go-to source for unique gifts for the guy or gal who seems to have everything. Here, locally produced items such as jewelry by LeeAnn Jones, embellished greeting cards by Estelle Blankenship, and all-natural products from the Capistrano Soap Company’s Acequia Bath and Body Collection ($16-$24), share the immaculately curated shelves with artsy coffee-table books and high-end fragrances from the likes of Comme des Garçons and Blood Concept (an Italian unisex variety based on blood types, $160). A move to the storied Austin Highway Mobil Station last summer inspired owners Marcus Sloan and Shannon Hall to start carrying antiques, and now that the historic location’s doors have reopened, Sloan says about three people per week stop by just to see what’s underneath one of the few surviving neon Mobil Pegasus signs. 5424 Broadway, (210) 828-7738, sloanhall.com. Hours: 10am-6:30pm, Mon-Fri, 10am-5:30pm Sat.
RetroMex
“I’m known for my Mexican stuff, but I really like to mix it up,” says RetroMex owner Pilar Correa Davis, a colorful character it seems pretty safe to say could only exist in San Antonio. By “stuff,” Davis means hand-painted skirts, religious icons, vintage pottery (both decorative and functional), figurines, curios, and dolls — including an antique variety made from compost. Not surprisingly, such quintessential San Antonians as Franco Mondini-Ruiz, Sandra Cisneros, and David Zamora Casas are fans of her eclectic sense of style, which translates into a fascinating mélange of moderately priced items. In this almost hidden shop, browsing can quickly turn into a memorable visit with someone who’s done the hunting for you. 724 W Hildebrand, (210) 736-4080. Hours: Noon-4pm Wed-Sun.
Papa Jim’s Botanica
When you’re in desperate need of “Jinx Removing” floor wash, “Help Fix Credit” bath salts, or “Get Out of Jail” incense, head for Papa Jim’s Botanica, a superstore that caters to a wide range of believers. Neighbor to Papa Jim’s Tropical Fish (which also sells birds and reptiles), the botanica draws all walks of life with its extensive selection of candles, herbs, books in English and Spanish (including ones about spell-casting, voodoo, Santeria, and the tarot), talismans and charms, plus oils, aerosol sprays, and “fast action perfumes” promising assistance with everything from dominating your mate (or enemy) to bingo success and peace in the home. Prices range from just under $2 for incense to about $1,600 for a life-size statue of Santisima Muerte with miscellaneous items such as bad-luck-reversing snake rattles ringing in at $14.97. 5630 S Flores, (210) 922-6665, papajimsbotanica.com. Hours: 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5:30pm Sat.
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Yeya’s Antiques & Oddities
One of the newest additions to SA’s unique shopping scene is Yeya’s, an indoor-outdoor compound literally overflowing with cement lawn furniture, carnival salvage, random signage, historic photographs (including one of JFK visiting SA in 1963), vintage lockers, Mexican silver jewelry, and a multitude of other surprises. At Yeya’s (which borrows its name from owner Mario Cooreman’s better half’s nickname), imperfectly “organized chaos” brings fun back to the art of digging and budding regulars describe the near Eastside hunting ground as “antique shop meets Ozzy Osbourne.” Could it be the carefully preserved selection of taxidermied bats ($65-$85)? 1423 E Commerce, (210) 8275555, yeyasantiques.com. Hours: 10am-5:30pm Tue-Fri, 10am-3:30pm Sat-Sun, “by chance or by appointment” on Mondays.
OWNER MONTAGE UEVARA SHELBY G
WHERE COFFEE IS DONE RIGHT
OTRA THRIFT
With all the thrift shops and pulgas popping up across the nation, you’d never know clothes could ever go out of style. Montage (formerly RG Vintage) on Grayson likens their art of thrift to harvesting wine, producing — or rather reselling — the best crops of past decades. The Family Thrift Center on Bandera fulfills every necessity, with clothes, toys, and even gently-used assorted gifts — nobody has to know where you got it from! However, it’s the Boysville Thrift Store on West Olmos that’s a hard act to follow. Their mission includes providing clothes and college scholarships for underprivileged and orphaned children. Texas Thrift Store 6776 Ingram, (210) 521-3336, armsofhope.org
Montage 432 W Grayson,
(210) 324-0157, montagevintage.com
Goodwill 406 W Commerce,
(210) 924-8581, goodwillsa.org Family Thrift Store 811 Bandera, (210) 431-3700, familythriftcenter.com Boysville Thrift Store 307 W Olmos, (210) 826-2195, boysvilletexas.org
Coffee house culture has been slow to arrive in San Antonio, and shops serving respectable roasts are still hard to come by in a town where breakfast tacos enjoy a starring role. Even otherwise decent cafes and restaurants still frequently try to skate by with cheap industrial robusta blends. But things have been changing these last few years, and we now boast a handful of non-chain shops offering tolerable-to-impressive java, sweet bites, and that indispensable (free!) wi-fi. Many offer cozy couches for extended study times, too. The Foundry 2720 McCullough Ave, (210) 785-8208, thefoundry-sa.org
PARTY CENTRAL: BACHELORETTE, GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT, BIRTHDAYS, ETC.
Enter the World of Ladies Only Sensual Exercises and Fitness
Candlelight Coffeehouse
Pole Fitness:
3011 N St. Mary’s, (210) 738-0099, candlelightsa.com Local Coffee 700 E Sonterra Blvd, Ste 1113, (210) 530-8740, localcoffeesa.com Sip 160 E Houston, (210) 222-0149, sipsanantonio.com Olmos Perk 5223 McCullough Ave, (210) 858-2956, olmosperk.com
12 Levels...Beginners to Master
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Guadalupe Street Coffee
“Art of the Strip” with Madame X Cheetara’s Video Vixen Wild Workout ATL Booty Clap Workout with Cheetara Zumba with Nicole Pole Tease with Pandora Fabulous Flexibility with Claudia AND SO MUCH MORE!
1320 Guadalupe, (210) 212-6508, guadalupestreetcoffee.com
IAMA Coffee House and Music Academy 1627 Broadway,
(210) 669-4277, iamacoffeehouse.com
books
Lit life
Whether you’re out to be transported by a new author, checking off items from a school reading list, or simply looking for something better to do than hitting up the mall, these local bookstores are sure to satisfy the needs of even the shrewdest literati. Cozy up with the old standards, new stars, or obscure pathfinders. Or skip the pulp entirely to catch some live poetry readings across the city.
PULP
PHOTO BY BRYAN RINDFUSS
The Twig Book Shop, 200 E Grayson, Ste 124, (210) 826-6411, thetwig.indiebound.com Nine Lives Books, 4907 NW Loop 410, Ste 102, (210) 647-5656, ninelivesbooks.com Cheever Books, 3613 Broadway, (210) 824-2665 Books-A-Million, 5347 W Loop 1604 N, Ste 134, (210) 507-0246, booksamillion.com Book Cellar (SA Central Library), 600 Soledad, (210) 227-9519, mysapl.org Antiquarian Book Mart, 3127 Broadway, (210) 828-4885, alibris.com
PASSION
Gemini Ink, Free, 7pm every First Friday of the month, 513 S Presa, (210) 734-9673, geminiink.org Puro SLAM!, $2,10pm Tue, On the Half Shell, 202 Navarro, (210) 222-2171, puroslam.8k.com Jazz Poets of SA, Free, 8pm Mon (7pm writer’s workshop), G.I.G., 2803 N St. Mary’s,
facebook.com/JazzPoetsofSA Sun Poet’s Society, Free, 7pm Tue, Barnes & Noble-San Pedro Crossing, 321 NW Loop 410, Ste 104, (210) 325-8122, facebook.com/sunpoetssociety
FRIEND US
Soft Sensuous Moves
San Antonio’s Only Premiere Pole Fitness Studio
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SOFTSENSUOUSMOVES.COM SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 65
BAR AMERICA
ESSENTIAL Bars & Nightclubs Imagine a Cee-Lo song with more humidity and you have Area 31. So dress up, dance hard, and arrive before things start picking up at 11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; otherwise you’ll have to park in the dirt and bribe the doorman. 4553 W Loop 1604, Ste 1229, (210) 867-2732, areathirty-one.com
▲502 Bar
This new live music venue is quickly winning praise from bands and concertgoers alike with some of the best acoustics in town, an impressive beer menu, and nightly drink specials. Best use: Anytime live music is onstage; typically no cover during the week, while weekend covers stay under $10. 502 Embassy Oaks, Ste 138, (210) 257-8125, 502bar.com
Alibis
Alibis is the downtown happy-hour haunt for locals and the official meetup spot for Sunset Station concertgoers. Don’t be surprised if you hear house music emanating from this old house: DJ Josh Stone’s laid-back, dance-optional “Deluxe Fridays” are one of our favorite ways to start the weekend. 1141 E Commerce, (210) 225-5552
Bar 601
The view from the observation deck of the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas is inspiring and ought to be on the agenda if you’re wooing anyone. The altitude is reflected in drink prices, and the elevator queue may initially dampen the mood, but the sleek interior of the lounge bodes well and Chart House on the lower level still revolves slowly over the San Antonio skyline. Tower of the Americas, 601 HemisFair Park, (210) 223-3101, toweroftheamericas.com
Bar America
The word “Bedlam” is posted above the doorway, and while chaos hasn’t broken out in Bar America for a while, its smoky barfly beauty is punctuated every blue moon by a diminutive brawl. This unpretentious landmark’s charms include cheap, cold cerveza
(you can even grab a six-pack to go) and the Best Jukebox in SA (according to readers like you) pumping out a steady stream of Saytown’s truest stories. 723 S Alamo, myspace.com/ bar_america
Beethoven Maennerchor Halle und Garten
Still thirsty? Find even more drinking options at sacurrent.com/ bars
502 BY RICK CORTEZ, BAR AMERICA BY MICHAEL BARAJAS
Area 31
The Southtown spot of choice for live music on First Fridays, the Beethoven is a charming window into SA’s German beer-guzzling past. In quintessential German-American-social-club style, the place feels like Milwaukee circa 1950. An array of German beers and wines are served by the barkeep along with domestic and non-German imports. 422 Pereida, (210) 2221521, beethovenmaennerchor.com
Bermuda Triangle
Similar to the actual Bermuda Triangle, people seem to mysteriously disappear inside San Antonio’s premiere lesbian bar. But according to their answering machine, BT’s “is not responsible for lost or stolen girlfriends.” A few things to consider (regardless of orientation): On weekend nights (and especially during their legendary foam parties) women move through the line more quickly than men, and owner Jill Gapinski can
spot a “guy-creep” from a mile away. 10127 Coachlight, (210) 342-2276, bermudatrianglesa.com
Boneshakers Bicycle Pub
This new Southside beer-and-art bar is inspired in part by the new Mission Reach hike-and-bike trail — the best way to access it for organized rides, crafty brews, and eclectic live music
Best shop in Southwest Texas
parties with an intriguing balance of locals and out-of-towners. Flats fixed on site (sometimes as late as 2 a.m.), live jazz on Mondays, and $2 pint night Tuesdays with DJ Plata are but a few reasons to pay Boneshakers a visit. 116 W Mitchell, (210) 269-5119, boneshakersonline.com continued on page 69
large shisha variety premium glass gallery exclusive smoke wear custom glass pipes
Vaporizers - Detox - Hookah
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8804 Huebner @ Babcock
210.233.8844
WE PROUDLY SELL AMERICAN MADE GLASS ONLY NO IMPORTS! 66 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
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THE MINDS EYE TATTOO & PIERCING
121 Alamo Plaza 210-220-1076
68 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
8503 Broadway St. Suite 107 • 210.824.0188 www.mindseyetattoos.com
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The Bubble Room
Heat
Arguably SA’s chicest gay dance club, Heat boasts weekly drag shows, amateur nights, theme parties with touring trannies and DJs, and some of the most up-to-date dance music in town. The ultra-modern back bar is perfect for lounging with a cocktail and watching the circus of twinks, trannies, and gym rats pretending not to notice one another. As with most flaming watering holes, Heat puts hetero bars and their patrons to shame with unbeatable drink specials and chiseled physiques. 1500 N Main, (210) 227-2600, heatsa.com
HAPPY HOUR 4 - 9pm
Catering to the 30-and-up crowd, this effervescent lady-centric lounge boasts a wide selection of champagne by the glass, off-thebeaten-path wines, sake cocktails, and even beer for non-believers (hey, it’s got bubbles, too). It’s perfect for private parties, guilty, girly pleasures, and unwinding with the gals after a long day at the office. 1846 N Loop 1604 W, (210) 479-9463, thebubbleroomsa.com
of a former residential hotel dating to 1914, re-imagined in 2010 by hotelier Liz Lambert. Speakeasy glamour, impossibly dim lighting, vintage furnishings, and a thoughtful bar menu make this the bat cave of choice for hip downtowners, tourists, and anyone wishing to disappear into one of SA’s dark corners. 1015 Navarro, (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com
OPEN SUNDAYS!
In the ’80s, the storied BX played host to legendary divas like Bette Midler and Tina Turner as well as punks and new-wavers like the B-52s, the Ramones, and Debbie Harry. These days, former Current covergirl Alayna Marquez emcees Talented Thursdays (with $100 for first place and $50 for second) while Fridays heat up with male dancers, three DJs on three dance floors, $1 wells and $3 domestics all night, and competitive ass shaking (both male and female) at midnight. A perpetual “Best of SA” winner, the Bonham cleaned up in 2010: Best Nightclub, Best Gay Bar, and Best Dance Floor. 411 Bonham, (210) 271-3811, bonhamexchange.net
Carmens de la Calle Café
Carmens has the romantic, casual feel of a well-worn European haunt, emphasis awarded to Spain. It’s a great Friday-night date destination; so indulge your craving for homemade sangria while taking in hot jazz and flamenco dance shows. 720 E Mistletoe, (210) 737-8272, carmensdelacalle.com Parties like “Too Mucking Fuch Saturdays” and top-notch live talent from the hottest part of the Western Hemisphere make this slick Latin disco sizzle on weekends. If you’re not VIP or in for bottle service, you’ll stand while waiting for the show to start, but acts like Julieta Venegas, Zoé, Plastilina Mosh — not to mention the likes of world-class DJs ATB, Steve Aoki, and Benny Benassi — are generally worth the wait. 13307 San Pedro, (210) 403-2582, club-rio.net
Copa Wine Bar
PHOTO BY BRYAN RINDFUSS
Expect to see music lovers of varying ages drawn in by Jack’s laid-back appeal, nononsense cocktails, pint night Tuesdays, and live performances by such quality local acts as Girl in a Coma, Pop Pistol, and Blowing Trees, not to mention Austin-based bands and an occasional wild card (like the all-male Lady Gaga tribute band Rad Bromance). 3030 Thousand Oaks, (210) 494-2309, jacksbarsa.com continued on page 70
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EVERY TUESDAY IS
Jack’s Bar
$2.50
Easily the most cinematic hideout in Saytown, the Havana Bar sits snugly in the basement
SA’s first hotel-style rooftop lounge is an official must-see for partyers under 30. You might have to wait in line on a weekend night, but there’s never a cover and the place honestly looks best before the crowd arrives. Luxe outdoor furnishings give IVY a slick South Beach vibe, while drink prices fortunately remain within this time zone. 4553 N Loop 1604 W, (210) 393-0511, vip-bottles.com
PINT NIGHT!
Havana Bar
IVY Rooftop
(Across from USAA)
A sophisticated speakeasy-inspired establishment, the Green Lantern combines the best of cocktail culture with the frisson of Capone-era cellar hideouts. Knowledgeable bartenders shake up custom concoctions and potent classics like Between the Sheets, Sazeracs, and French 75s (not to mention infusions made onsite), making the Prohibition-themed bar one of our favorite reasons to fly north. 20626 Stone Oak, Ste 101, (210) 497-3722
While Industry’s main room pumps out a seamless, genre-spanning mix of party music spun by Best of SA winner DJ Eddie Lopez, the club’s slightly more intimate Traxx Bar toasts the ’80s with new-wave tunes and retro-themed shots with names like Purple Rain, Pretty in Pink, Thriller, and Like a Virgin. 8021 Pinebrook, (210) 366-3229, feelgoodfridays.com
210.451.7857
The Green Lantern
The Industry
9809 Fredericksburg Rd #2
Wine cellar meets unpretentious rec room with gourmet snacks and cleverly named flights at Copa (“If they want to drink Merlot, we’re *@#$^% drinking Merlot!” and “Holy Merde, These French Red Blends Are Good!” are but two options), the Best Wine Bar in SA, according to voters in our 2010 poll. Half-priced pizzettes (including globally inspired options like El Gyro and Tikka Masala) and 25 percent off beer and wine (excluding flights) make Copa’s happy hour (3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday) one of our personal favorites. 19141 Stone Oak, (210) 495-2672, thecopawinebar.com
A new (bright blue) live music venue on the St. Mary’s Strip, Hi-Tones ushers in a fresh scene that’s unfussy, unfancy, and totally fun. The bar plans to cater to every genre from hip-hop and folk to cumbia and indie rock (and everything in between). With cheap drinks and specialty shots to boot, this new bar on the block is becoming a fast favorite. 621 E Dewey, (210) 573-6220
Fun, BEAUTIFUL staff!
Club Rio
▲Hi-Tones
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The Bonham Exchange
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SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 69
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The Korova
High-octane live music attracts a mixed alternative crowd on certain nights, but it was a DJ spinning vintage New Order that officially made us Korova fans. Dollar wells get thrown back on ’Lectro Club Thursdays and DJs Detra and Madmax spin everything from deathrock to synthpop during Friday’s post-punk dance party Dark Entries. For a true taste of the underground scene, hang downstairs, where we were (accidentally) stomped on by a bootclad mosher. 107 E Martin, (210) 995-7229, facebook.com/thekorova
TEXAS T PUB OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
La Tuna
Watch the SPURS Games Here & Enjoy Great Drink Specials, Pool tables and Darts
Beer bottlecaps crunch under your feet beneath the city’s best tree canopy. Such is the atmosphere at La Tuna, a Southtown fixture where bikers and artists peacefully coexist over cheap beers in the shadow of one of SA’s coolest industrial backdrops. Now easing back into operation post decimating fire at next door’s Pedicab. 100 Probandt, (210) 212-5727, latunagrill.com
Limelight Music + Drinks
ALL DRAFTS $2.50 $2 domestics | $2.50 wells
121 Broadway • (210)271-1058
“Living in the Limelight” may not be the “universal dream” that Rush’s Geddy Lee claims it is, but it’s practically modus operandi for a lot of downtown scenesters. Themed nights — like Limelight’s five-years-strong dance party, Velcro Underground — pack the place on weeknights, while Fridays and Saturdays offer some of the best local and regional acts San Antonio can muster. 2718 N St. Mary’s, (210) 735-7775, thelimelightsa.com
Luna Fine Music Club
This sophisticated jazz club with a spotless record attracts hipsters of all ages (and a little bit of everything else) for local and touring acts like Brownout! With live music WednesdaySaturday (including free Latin vibes from Border Palace on Wednesdays and neo soul and R&B with Soul Prodigy every First Friday), Luna is one of the chicest date-night destinations in the city. 6740 San Pedro, (210) 804-2433, lunalive.com
The Martini Club
With décor inspired by an old Vegas lounge, Martini’s is one of San Antonio’s best-kept secrets. Owner Wayne Harper, a reported master of musical styles, impresses his patrons with lively performances every Friday and Saturday night (beginning at 9:30 p.m.), while live jam sessions (8 p.m.-midnight on Mondays) and karaoke (from 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday) attract a colorful array of garden-variety lounge lizards. 8507 McCullough, (210) 344-4747, wayneharpersmartiniclub.com
The Menger Hotel Bar
Rich history and a stuffed moose head with a discerning stare sum up the ambience at The Menger Hotel Bar, where locals and tourists gather for drinks. Prices are a little steep, but an opportunity to mingle with Teddy Roosevelt’s restless spirit mere steps from the Alamo is priceless. 204 Alamo Plaza, (210) 223-4361, mengerhotel.com
The Mine Shaft Saloon
Formerly a prop closet for the adjoining costume-happy restaurant the Magic Time Machine, the expanded Mine Shaft Saloon is probably the only place in town you’ll see Snow White rolling silverware while Captain Jack
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▲The Mix
Linger too long on the St. Mary’s Strip and the crowd will probably push you into the Mix whether you were planning to go or not. This mainstay often ends up the de-facto place to be when you have no particular place to be, but free shows by high-caliber local bands make it a destination spot on the weekends. When an established act’s on the bill, check your claustrophobia at the door and BYO shoehorn. 2423 N St. Mary’s, (210) 735-1313, myspace. com/themixnightclub
M.K. Davis
Pour some out for dearly departed M.K. Davis, who pioneered a cooling system for his 32-ounce schooners guaranteed to whet the whistles of near-Westsiders, even in the heat of summer. The saloon-type bar connects with the restaurant, meaning plenty of homecookin’ to soak up nine different draught beers. 1302 N Flores, (210) 223-1208
Mon Ami Lounge
The small watering hole behind Mon Thai is a perfectly casual, grown-up spot for bohemians and business types to sip something more inventive than a martini: say, a potent Kanzler, a Mad Men-inspired Don Draper, or an awardwinning Aperol-based Miradora. Whether you’re on your own or with a date, Mon Ami is the perfect spot for an old-school nightcap poured by someone versed in the art of mixology. 4901 Broadway, Ste 110, (210) 822-3253
Moses Rose’s Hideout
Follow Moses to this downtown bar unafraid to poke at Alamo traditions, loosen its tie, and indulge in good food, cold beer, and too-loud music. The Hideout does both “bar” and “grill” pretty well, but the atmosphere careens wildly depending on who’s onstage. 518 E Houston, (210) 775-1808
Nightrocker Live
This club, brought to you by SA’s veteran livemusic promoter of the same name, is like a high-voltage living room with strong drinks and an unpretentious vibe. Get a taste of Austin’s music scene without the drive, behold the Micro Wrestling Federation in the parking lot, or check out artwork by emerging talent in the Midnight Gallery. 605 San Pedro, (210) 265-3573, nightrockerlive.net continued on page 72
PHOTO BY CHUCK KERR
Monday-Saturday 8am-2am Sunday Noon-2am
70 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
Sparrow practices his accent. Tastefully furnished with ’80s detritus, the cozy bar attracts a gregarious post-work crowd for live music on Tuesdays (with $2 Lone Star and Ziegenbock pints), Fridays (with $3 Dos Equis pints and Stoli Flavors), and Saturdays (with $8.50 Dos Equis pitchers), plus karaoke from 9 p.m. on Sundays. 902 NE Loop 410, (210) 828-1470, magictimemachine.com/cocktail_lounge
LIVE ART | LIVE MUSIC | BAR
The Place Where Locals Come to Party!
Downtown San Antonio’s True Neighborhood Bar
SUNDAY
$3.50 XX Pints, $4 All Tequila
MONDAY
$3.00 Domestic Pints $4 All Vodka
TUESDAY
FRIDAY-SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC
METAL MONDAYS THE HOTTEST METAL BANDS HIT THE STAGE
TUESDAY TATTOO LADIES
OPEN BAR 8-9PM FOR THE LADIES 1/2 PRICE DRINKS AFTER
$3.50 Shiner Bock & Blue Moon $4 All Whiskey & Bourbon
THURSDAY NIGHT
STAND UP & ROCK COMEDY & LIVE MUSIC
FOR UP TO DATE SHOWS FIND US ON
WEDNESDAY $4 U Call It
605 SAN PEDRO (210) 265-3573 NIGHTROCKERLIVE.NET
THURSDAY
$2.50 Wells and Domestic Bottles
FRIDAY & SATURDAY Shot Specials Ask Bartender For Details
NEVER A COVER 21 & UP
Like Us On Facebook for BIG NEWS Coming to Leapin Lizard!
ON DIRECT TV ALL GAMES ON 8 DIFFERENT SCREENS!
(210) 271-9494
302 E. Commerce (between presa & navarro) sacurrent.com
SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 71
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The Olmos Bharmacy
The Ten Eleven
Raffles Restaurant and Bar
The Ticket
The Acoustic Medicine Music Series has breathed new life into this charming restaurant and music venue situated in the historic Gilmore Pharmacy. Here everything from Celtic and jazz to blues and Americana gets served along with half-priced bottles of wine on Mondays (during the Small World Jazz Jam) and $4 micheladas during the SA Blue Cats’ Friday residency. 3902 McCullough, (210) 822-1188, olmosbharmacy.com It’s dinner jackets and predatory-animal prints on the lido deck of the Pacific Princess at this perpetual Best of SA winner for Best Old Man Bar. Such a designation would be an insult to many establishments, but here it’s more of a warning. A recent hop across Loop 410 to a larger space hasn’t changed Raffles’ tune: this is party central for mature audiences (and their sometimes much younger significant others) only, overseen by former Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Gair Allie Jr. 1039 NE Loop 410, (210) 826-7118, rafflesrestaurantandbar.com
Saluté international Bar
With a pink exterior and neon lights, Saluté — without a doubt the most fascinating time capsule on the St. Mary’s strip — beckons. While its impeccably dressed patron saint, Esteban “Steve” Jordan (aka “El Parche”) rests in peace, the music venue he championed marches on. Live bands (including that of Jordan’s protégé Juanito Castillo) and DJs (such as Sexto Sol’s Plata, who invites you to BYOVinyl on Thursday nights) provide for a genre-blurring soundtrack you’ll only hear at Saluté. 2801 N St. Mary’s, (210) 732-5307
Sam’s Burger Joint
A top-notch sound system is but one of the features that render Sam’s SA’s premiere venue for Americana, blues, soul, swing, and rockabilly. By day, burgers (including a locally created veggie option) and beer get served up no-nonsense style. But at night, Sam’s is all about music and booze and can easily accommodate well-behaved seated shows and packed ragers alike. 330 E Grayson, (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com
SoHo Wine & Martini Bar
With a firm hold on Best Cocktails in SA (2011), SoHo puts a lot of thought into what they serve and how they serve it. The bar’s clubby atmosphere is helped along by deep red walls, stylish furniture, the former bank’s original 19th-century safe (doubling as an above-ground wine cellar), and a horseshoe bar that encourages long, conversation-rich happy hours (4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, with an encore from 9-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday). 214 W Crockett, (210) 444-1000, sohomartinibar.com
Sparky’s Pub
210.222.9722 420 E. HOUSTON STREET TICKETSPORTSPUB.COM
72 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
Ye olde tyme Gayrish pub your creepy uncle warned you about has finally materialized, replete with historic community photos (don’t leave without blowing an air kiss to the dearly departed goddess, Tandi Andrews), cocktails served in pint glasses, and a back patio straight out of West Hollywood. Winner of Best Gay Bar in our 2011 poll, Sparky’s is also the most straight-friendly gay bar in town. 1416 N Main, (210) 320-5111, sparkyspub.com
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This cozy, all-ages venue usually hosts shows of the various fist-swinging varieties: hardcore, punk, and other assorted noisemakers. But it’s also well equipped to host national touring acts like the Thermals, Awesome Color, and Japanther. Escape the sweat fumes on the back porch and enjoy the nearly vacant, small-town-Texas view of the San Antonio River while it lasts. 1011 Avenue B, (210) 320-9080, theteneleven.com This friendly sports bar in the heart of downtown keeps tourists, river rats, and locals happy with a fleet of hi-def screens and enthusiastically pro bartenders. The late-night menu (food till 2 a.m.!) includes six different pizzas and wings of the dry-varnish, super-tasty, and spicy variety — excellent with the wide range of beers and full-bar cocktails. 420 E Houston, (210) 222-9722, ticketsportspub.com
Tucker’s Kozy Korner
Remodeled but not reinvented, Tucker’s maintains a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone movie set. Established in 1948, the place claims to be the oldest African-American bar in the state. Their doors, however, are open to everyone. A recent addition to the weekly lineup is the return of Tuesday Night Jazz with Jim Cullum and Friends (7-10 p.m), and Jim’s son Chris can be found slinging gourmet burgers in his Airstream van as Cullum’s Attaboy. 1338 E Houston, (210) 320-2192, tuckerskozykorner.com
VFW Post 76
This Victorian-style mansion on the San Antonio River is the oldest VFW post in Texas — a quietly awesome architectural study that houses ghosts, regulars, and anyone wise enough to know a bucket of beer and a park bench are viable answers to many of life’s smaller problems. 10 10th, (210) 223-4581, vfwpost76.org
The White Rabbit
The Jefferson Airplane song of the same name might fool you into thinking this place is a hippie joint, but usually what you’ll find waiting down this rabbit hole is a big old-fashioned mosh pit. Bands compete on the indoor and outdoor stages to see whose music is louder and more violent, so odds are you won’t even hear what that damn dormouse said. But most of the pitting is admirably polite, and the pizza place next door is an out should all the shoving give you an urge to feed your head. 2410 N St. Mary’s, (210) 737-2221, sawhiterabbit.com
Zinc Champagne & Wine Bar
When the dinner shift winds down, servers from all over SA descend upon Zinc to unwind with good company in stylish surroundings. Aside from boasting SA’s finest late-night food-andwine menu, Zinc does “downtown” better than anywhere else (without trying too hard), and the patio in summer is one of the area’s bestkept secrets. 207 N Presa, (210) 224-2900, zincwine.com
Zombies
This neighborhood hangout for the rock and metal set hosts live music by some of the most creatively named bands around on weekends (Power Crime Pussy, Dick Delicious, and the Tasty Testicles, etc.) and encourages all to “Eat Flesh” on Meat and Metal Mondays. 4202 Thousand Oaks, (210) 281-8306, zombiesliveinsa.com
Tuesdays -No Cover Velcro Underground Wednesdays - No Cover Open Mic w/Kelly Miller or Comedy w/Avery Moore & Friends Thursdays-No Cover Live @ The Limelight Fridays & Saturdays Live Music EverydaySpecials $2 lone star and pabst tallboys
UPCOMING SHOWS SAT MAR 10
FRI MAR 23
FRI MAR 16
FRI APR 6
Squid Row
Input & Broken
Toy Soldiers & We Leave at Midnight
Love Affairs w/LeDoom + Special Guests
SAT MAR 17
SAT APR 7
SATX Music Showcase Pop Pistol, Ritmo Machine, Zazuca Poderosa
Lonely Hunter + Pillow Talk
SAT APR 14 Soul Sensation
SATURDAY MARCH 3
ROCK AND ROLL OVER - KISS TRIBUTE ALYSON CHAYNS - ALICE IN CHAINS TRIBUTE Reecluse TBD • FREE-21&Up Till 9PM $10-21 & Up • $20-Under 21 Doors @ 7pm • frontgatetickets.com
FRIDAY MARCH 16
MICHAEL SCHENKER FEATURING ROBIN MCAULEY Bone/Devil May Care/Black Thunder/Sound & Shape FREE-21&Up Till 9PM • ADV$15-21 & Up $20-Under 21 • Doors @ 7pm Advance tickets at All HEB Stores (Ask For Catalina Tickets/Event Name) and Flipside Records
SATURDAY MARCH 17
IN THE GREEN ROOM 3RD ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY BLOCK PARTY! ADEMA/ All Sides Equal/ Eden Burning/Excathedral FREE-21 & UP • $20-Under 21 • Doors @ 7p
SATURDAY MARCH 17
3RD ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY BLOCK PARTY! ORGY/One-Eyed Doll/ Bozo Porno Circus/Minister Fiend FREE-21 & UP • $20-Under 21 • Doors @ 7p
SATURDAY MARCH 24
MINDCRIME - A TRIBUTE TO QUEENSRYCHE Evil Eyes (Dio Tribute) TBD • Doors @ 8pm
THURSDAY, APRIL 5
THE GREEN ROOM @ Backstage Live BATTERY (METALLICA TRIBUTE) OPENING ACTS TBD FREE-21&Up Till 9PM | $10-21 & Up | $20-Under 21 | Doors @ 7pm http://www.frontgatetickets.com
backstagelivesa.com
1305 E. Houston 74 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
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CLUB LINE: 210.224.2749
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SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012 75
FULL BAR • FREE WIFI • POOL • DARTS • POKER • HDTV • PROJECTORS
GO GO YOUR
SPURS
SUNDAY FREE POOL MONDAY POKER, FREE POOL & $2 PINTS TUESDAY LADIES AND POKER NIGHT $2 PINTS WEDNESDAY KAKAOKE $2 ALMOST ANYTHING MILITARY NIGHT FREE POOL FOR MILITARY THURSDAY POKER NIGHT FRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT SATURDAY KARAOKE NIGHT
HQ
CHECK OUT OUR NEW, HUGE, SMOKER-FRIENDLY PATIO, WITH BIG SCREEN TV’S, SO YOU DON’T MISS THE ACTION!
Healthy Women & Men Ages 21-54... ...that drink beer, wine, or mixed drinks are needed for participation in research studies.
For more information, Please contact Dina at (210) 567-2752
1305 S.W. LOOP 410 SUITE 208 • (210) 674-0627 • WWW.LEGENDSSA.COM
76 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
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• Participants will be compensated for their time and travel. • Volunteers should drink 1 to 4 days each week. • Participation will last from 7:30am to about 7:30pm for 6 to 8 weekdays across a two week period. • Participants may also be invited to participate in weekly visits that last for 30 minutes to 1 hour over 16 weeks. • Volunteers must be height/weight proportionate.
FEELING DEPRESSED? LOST INTEREST IN ACTIVITIES? DECREASED CONCENTRATION?
FEELING SAD?
TIRED ALL THE TIME? TROUBLE SLEEPING OR SLEEPING TOO MUCH? APPETITE CHANGES? These symptoms may be caused by depression. Dr. Harry Croft is conducting research studies for people experiencing depression. Please call the Croft Group Research Center to see if you may qualify. There is no cost to participate.
8038 Wurzbach Rd, Ste. 570 210.692.1222 ext 103 croftmd@swbell.net drcroft.com
Volunteers Needed for Diabetes Study
Please help us help those coping with rare, chronic, genetic dieases. New donors can receive $60 today and $120 this week! Ask about our Specialty Programs! Must be 18 years or older, have a valid I.D. along with proof od SS# and local residency. Walk-ins Welcome
If you are: • 18-75 years old • Are diagnosed with Type 2 Mellitus in past 2 years • Diet Controlled or taking Metformin alone You may qualify to participate in a study to test a novel combination of anti-diabetic drugs on glucose control. If you participate, you will receive: • Physical exam • Medications for up to 3 years • Glucose Meter • Blood work • Compensation for your time
Biotest Plasma Center 711 Broadway St. • 210-224-1749
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT
ONLINE! BIOTESTPLASMA.COM 78 SAN ANTONIO CITY GUIDE 2012
For more information, contact: 210.358.7200 Principal Investigator: Ralph DeFronzo, MD Department of Medicine, Diabetes Division, UTHSCSA Study to be conducted at the Texas Diabetes Institute sacurrent.com
CALL THE DUDE,
LOSE THE CUFFS
420dude.com DWIdude.com
The Law office of
Jamie Balagia, P.C.
313 S. Main • Across from Courthouse.